Newswise High interest rates persisted throughout 2023, with an increasing number of Americans now believing that inflation is the new normal. With the holiday season now upon us, many consumers are also cutting back on gift spending with 42 percentof shoppers telling Bankrate.com that they expect to buy fewer items this year, and 41 percent planning to seek out more coupons, discounts, or sales.

As the New Year approaches, will Americans continue to simply survive, or will consumer spending tell a more optimistic story?

Wenyao Hu, Ph.D., CFA, assistant professor at New York Institute of Technologys School of Management, shares his predictions.

In response to inflation, the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate since the beginning of this year, but forecasts, including those from Goldman Sachs, suggest a possible decrease in rates by the year 2024 if inflation subsides, says Hu. This anticipated shift aims to prevent economic slowdowns, echoing the strategic rate cuts of 2019 amidst stable unemployment and inflation rates.

Hu notes that, as higher interest rates are expected to cease in 2024, investors should consider exploring alternative investment opportunities beyond quasi-safe assets.

Diversifying into dynamic, growth-oriented strategies may become essential to adapt to these changing economic conditions and maintain portfolio resilience in the face of shifting monetary policies, he says.

According to Hu, 2024 will also be an interesting year to watch Gen Z spending and saving trends.

Gen Z is leading a soft saving trend, prioritizing quality of life and present experiences over traditional savings, he says. This means they're more likely to spend money on things that bring immediate happiness and are open to investing in causes that reflect their values.

For members of Gen Z, as well as others, theres a good chance this means prioritizing spending on entertainment.

The post-COVID era is witnessing a surge in the concert economy, exemplified by the success of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. This trend demonstrates a strong consumer appetite for in-person entertainment experiences, significantly boosting local economies, said Hu, adding that Swifts tour has had a remarkable economic impact, with each show grossing around $13 million and generating substantial consumer spending.

This phenomenon is not just limited to ticket sales but also extends to related spending on travel, accommodation, dining, and retail, which significantly benefits local businesses, says Hu.

Savvy investors could also have potential opportunities to capitalize on the concert economy. Hu notes that individuals can profit from the concert economy trend by investing in businesses related to the entertainment and events industry, such as companies involved in event management, ticketing platforms, hospitality, and transportation services that benefit from increased consumer spending around major events. Additionally, investing in stocks or funds related to the entertainment sector can be a strategic way to leverage this growing trend.

Hu is available for interview/comment. Contact [emailprotected].

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Expert Forecasts 2024 Personal Finance and Spending Trends - Newswise

As the Commanders get ready for their rematch with the Giants, Howell is first in yards (2,783) and completion (264) as well as tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (17). According to the Commanders' public relations department, Howell is the only quarterback in NFL history to have thrown for over 2,900 passing yards, rush for over 200 yards and have a 65% completion rate within their first 11 career games.

As a result, the national media is starting to pick up his performances. Howell isn't paying attention to that, either.

"It really doesn't change anything for me," Howell said. "I haven't really noticed if it is out there, but I just try to do everything I can to stay focused on this team and stay focused on each and every game that we play and just taking it one day at a time."

Howell is more concerned about the Commanders getting wins, which he said haven't come as often as he would like. To drive that point home further, the Commanders are 1-3 when Howell has thrown for 300 yards or more. That's not to say that the Commanders are better when Howell underperforms (they aren't), but it does show that Howell's individual stats don't guarantee a win.

Howell would rather get a win over racking up stats.

"We just got to try to take it one week at a time and...I think we've played alright the past few weeks, [but it] doesn't mean we're going to play alright this week," Howell said. "So, we got to take it one week at a time, one day at a time, and make sure we approach it the right way to give ourselves a chance to try to play well on Sunday and give us a chance to win."

And with the Commanders at 4-6, there isn't much room to gloat.

"I want to go out there every single weekend, play well and give our team a chance to win," Howell said. "Obviously, we haven't won enough games. We haven't won the games that I feel like we should have won this season. So that's a little bit disappointing, but I really don't look too much into what I'm doing on a personal level."

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Practice notes | Sam Howell focused on team success, not individual ... - Washington Commanders

New initiativeaims to increase revenues for businesses owned by underrepresented communities in Seattle particularly Black-owned businesses.

Seattle Seattle small businesses can now apply for theLiberty Project a new innovative business growth program launched by Mayor Harrell, the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) at the University of Washingtons Foster School of Business, the Albers Business Foundry (ABF) at Seattle Universitys Albers School of Business and Economics, and Tabor 100. Named after the legacy of the Liberty Bank the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest that served individuals and businesses who were excluded from financial services and investment opportunities the Liberty Project is nowaccepting applicationsfrom local small businesses for the inaugural business cohort.

The Liberty Project is one of many tangible actions we are investing in to drive economic empowerment and create pathways to grow generational wealth, particularly for Black-, women- and other minority-owned businesses. The Liberty Bank has always symbolized resilience, empowerment, and opportunity, and now, the Liberty Project will build upon that rich legacy,said Mayor Bruce Harrell.We are making a deliberate and proactive effort to address the economic disparities faced by communities that have endured disinvestment. By aligning our values, resources, and actions, we are creating tangible opportunities for business growth and success, and I am excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings.

Powered by the M3business success model, the Liberty Project will provide services to participating businesses aimed at (1) improving theirmanagementcapacity and (2) growing access tomoneythrough loans and investments, which will lead to (3) increased access tomarketsthrough corporate and government contracting opportunities and access to new consumers in downtown Seattle and throughout the region.

The program will offer an array of support including business consulting, finance and accounting services (including loan application assistance), marketing services, technology services (such as website development and equipment assessments/upgrades), contract bid preparation and limited legal support provided through Communities Rise and local minority Bar associations.

The initiative will serve businesses in six priority industries: retail, personal services, commercial construction, food and beverage manufacturing, restaurant, and power utilities contract industries. These six industries are prioritized due to their high concentration of black-owned businesses and significant market demand for their services.

Applications for the Liberty Project will be accepted on a rolling basis through anonline portalmanaged by Tabor 100. Interested businesses must meet the following criteria:

Currently, Black/African Americans account for approximately 7.9% of Seattles population but earn revenues at a rate well below their share of Seattles population. Statewide, black-owned businesses earn less than1% of total business revenuesand earn2.3 times lessrevenuethan white-owned businesses on average.

While the projects initial focus will be on Black-owned businesses that meet the stated criteria, applications from businesses owned by other demographic groups, industries, size, or earned revenue will also be considered. Selected businesses will participate in the program for one year and, upon completion, become part of an alumni network offering ongoing technical assistance and support for continued business and revenue growth.

Businesses interested in applying for the Liberty Project canlearn more here.

For nearly 30 years, the CBDC, Tabor 100, and the ABF have collaborated and worked independently to support the growth of Black-owned and other underserved businesses in Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. Building on these existing partnerships, The Liberty Project will partner with the Office of Economic DevelopmentsSeattle Restoredprogram to assist restaurant, personal service, and retail businesses with downtown Seattle site locations as part of Mayor HarrellsDowntown Activation Plan.

What People are Saying:

Ollie Garrett, President and CEO of Tabor 100

At Tabor100 we are committed to economic power, educational excellence and social equity for African Americans and the community at large. Through the Liberty Project we are living out our mission and deepening our collaboration with two of the most successful small business assistance programs in the nation to help grow Black-owned and other underserved businesses. Together, we are leveraging our resources and expertise to support our local business and our communities. We are ready to get to work.

Michael Verchot, Director, Consulting and Business Development Center, University of Washington Foster School of Business

Growing from research by our Emeritus Dean William Bradford and others, the Liberty Projects M3model of improvingManagement capacity, growing access toMoney, will lead to increased access toMarkets thorough corporate and government contracting opportunities and access to new consumers in downtown Seattle. We have already proven this model to be successful in growing Black-owned and other underserved businesses in Seattle and across the US. This past year alone, we helped companies increase sales by more than $38 million using this model. The Liberty Project will enable us to engage at a deeper level with our long-term partners at Tabor 100 and the Albers School of Business and Economics as we collectively will grow even more wealth-building businesses in Seattle while contributing to the downtown Seattle.

Joseph M. Phillips, Dean, Albers School of Business and Economics, Seattle University

The Albers School and Seattle University are excited to get started with this first phase of the Liberty Project. Many underserved businesses in our community have a crucial need for the services our three partner organizations will be providing, and we are all anxious to get started with this important work.

Markham McIntyre, Director of Seattle Office of Economic Development

The Liberty Project is an innovative approach to a systemic need. Were excited to work with our anchor institution partners to help Black-owned businesses grow and thrive in Seattle. We have a moral and economic imperative to end systemic racism, including closing the racial wealth gap, which is why its a major pillar of our Future of Seattle Economy framework and why were committed to the Liberty Project.

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The Liberty Project: New Small Business Growth Program Accepting ... - Seattle.gov

STOCKHOLM After Leon Draisaitl, Tim Sttzle has emerged as Germanys great offensive weapon in the NHL. The Ottawa Senators young star center can, to some extent, thank a Swede for his successes.

It was the former Elite League defenseman Jan-Axel Alavaara who convinced the super prospect to stay in Adler Mannheim and take the next big step in his hockey career.

His belief in me opened many doors, Sttzle said tohockeysverige.seahead of the NHL Global Series.

As a player, Jan-Axel Alavaara was an effective defenseman, playing 573 games in the Elite League for MoDo, Frlunda, and Skellefte. He also won two Swedish championships during his years in Gothenburg and played a handful of matches in the blue and yellow national team jersey for Tre Kronor.

As a leader, the 48-year-old from Kiruna has been equally successful especially since he took over as the sports director of top German squad Adler Mannheim in 2018. There, he helped the team win a championship in his first season and has since narrowly missed out on the final with a couple of semifinal losses.

However, the most significant thing he has done for German hockey may have been signing a first-team contract with a certain young German in the summer of 2019. The top prospect had moved four hours south from Krefeld to Mannheim two years earlier and spent two seasons in the clubs junior operation. Despite this, it was anything but certain that he would stay and play senior hockey during his draft year in 2019-20.

Alavaara, however, managed to convince him and especially his parents to stay.

My parents were actually strictly against me turning pro, laughed Sttzle during a conversation with hockeysverige.seahead of the NHL Global Series in Stockholm. They were afraid I wouldnt get the matches and ice time I needed during my draft year. But Axel gave me the chance. I asked him and the coach how much I would get to play so I could calm my parents down, but they promised I would get my chance and if I behaved, I could get a good role in the team while they were careful to point out that they couldnt play me if I didnt deliver.

It worked out well.

As a 17-year-old, Sttzle stepped up and formed a successful line with former Swedish league players Ben Smith and Tommi Huhtala. He scored 34 points in 41 games from the German prodigys stick and was subsequently picked third in the 2020 NHL draft by the Ottawa Senators. His NHL debut came during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. Since then, he has proven to be one of the leagues best young players.

Alavaara has been an important figure in that journey.

Absolutely, he has meant incredibly much. His belief in me as a player opened many doors, said Sttzle, who also praises the Swedes significance for the club as a whole. He is very tough and sets high demands on his players, but he is also the first to back them up if they need help. Every year, he puts together a good team and they are almost always favorites to become champions. Sure, they have good resources with the money and all that, but it takes more than that to be able to have a good team. He has done an incredibly good job.

One of the initiatives that has made Adler Mannheim successful is their investment in junior operations, which is far from a given for German clubs.

The youth program is fantastic. Its very unusual to find such in Germany, explained Sttzle. I was lucky to play there for two seasons and had a fantastic time. I am very grateful to have been part of that organization. They have helped me enormously to become the player I am today, and I still go there every summer and train with the guys.

Even though he is now an NHL star, his heart remains close to domestic operations. He speaks at length and passionately about German hockey and its future prospects.

All teams in the top league must have three U23 players in their teams, he said. There are many guys who may not be ready when they are 17, 18, or 19 years old, but this gives them the chance to develop. The best example is Nico Sturm [on] the San Jose Sharks who really got a boost when he was around 23 and now he has won a Stanley Cup (with the Colorado Avalanche). He is the perfect third or fourth-line guy in the NHL. He is one of those guys who really worked hard to make it all the way to the NHL, and thats what German hockey is about. Helping the players improve and assisting the guys to get used to tougher play and hopefully help them make it to the NHL.

With better players and international successes like the Olympic final in 2018 and the World Championship final this year, hockey has grown stronger in Germany.

Its hard to beat soccer, Sttzle said with a laugh. We just try to get better year by year. We have several really good players who can become very good, (J.J.) Peterka in Buffalo and (Lukas) Reichel in Chicago not least. You can notice that the interest is growing and that feels like the most important thing.

Considering the successes that he, Leon Draisaitl, and Moritz Seider have had, does Sttzle get recognized more often back home in Germany now?

In Mannheim, which is more of a hockey town, I get recognized, but its definitely more relaxed than in Canada, he said. There, its hard to go out without being recognized. So, its quite nice to come home and have a bit more privacy, but of course, we play for the fans and depend on them, so its always fun to sign autographs and take pictures with them.

Why did you choose hockey and not soccer, which should be more obvious for a young German guy?

It was actually difficult, he said. I was quite good at soccer too, maybe even better than I was at hockey at a young age. But my closest friends played hockey and my dad played when he grew up so I liked the sport more. No one told me I could earn $50 million (laughs), we just played because we loved the sport.

Sttzle has established himself as a superstar in just over three seasons with the Senators. Last year, he hit 90 points and already has 20 points in 14 games this year including a three-point effort against Detroit to kick things off in Sweden.

For Sttzle, the rapid success hasnt come as a surprise.

I think you always have to have self-confidence and believe in what you can do, he said. I have always believed in myself and now its just about getting better every year and focusing on what you can do to improve. But for me, its not about achieving personal success. I want the team to get better and for us to win more games.

Is the next goal to reach 100 points and become the second German after Leon Draisaitl to achieve this milestone?

No, for me, it doesnt matter if I have 70, 90, or 100 points, Sttzle said. Its about how good we are as a team and how tight we are as a group. I think the most important thing is to set high expectations for ourselves in the locker room and try to fulfill them. If I score 100 points and we miss the playoffs, nothing is won.

Many believe this will be the season when the young and promising Ottawa Senators take the next step and become a playoff team. The start of the season has been a rollercoaster, though. In 13 games, theyve only earned 12 points, and the team is unexpectedly last in the Atlantic Division.

Despite this, Sttzle chooses to focus on the positive.

It feels like we have the team to be successful, he said. We have a group where many have signed up to stay in Ottawa for a long time and enjoy being there. This has been shown by our ability to sign good free agents, like G [Claude Giroux] and Vladdy [Vladimir Tarasenko], which maybe wasnt the case before. We just need to find a way forward to take the next step.

This story appeared on hockeysverige.se this week and has been translated from Swedish to English

_____

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Tim Stutzle is the pride of German hockey but a Swede has been crucial to his success - Daily Faceoff

We all go to

Natalia Ramsden, an organisational psychologist turned executive coach, founded Sofos Associates as a way of helping clients to do exactly that. Combining new developments in neuroscience with her own clinical and consulting experience, the business describes its mission as enhancing executive performance through cognitive excellence.

So can Sofos Associates really help you to get ahead at work, just by re-training your brain with a few simple exercises and techniques? Traditionally, if an employee wanted to develop skills, their HR department would have sent them off on a leadership programme of some kind, says Ramsden, but I wanted to offer something more empirical and scientific. I see a lot of clients who realise that as working individuals, their brain is their asset and they want to invest in it as a long-term strategy.

Sofos Associates approach is tailored to the individual, with possible solutions including advice on nutrition, exercise and sleep, personalised coaching, and access to cutting-edge techniques such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, laser treatments and biohacking. Progress is measured through a mix of quantitative data brainwave measurements, heart rate, vitamin levels and qualitative feedback.

I had a client come to me and say that he used to feel so burnt out by Friday afternoon that hed be asleep in an armchair by the time dinner was ready, but since working with us, he's had the stamina to have a proper meal and a conversation with his wife, says Ramsden. That kind of anecdotal evidence means a lot to me.

You don't have to sign up to a course of treatment to start training your brain, however there are easy exercises you can undertake that will kick-start a rethink. Here, Ramsden shares her five top tips:

When you go to sleep at night, spend one to five minutes thinking through your day and try to remember how it played out, step by step. This is great for developing your sense of gratitude, but its also a way of exercising your memory muscle.

Simple activities such as brushing your teeth with your left hand (assuming youre right-handed) have been found to boost neuroplasticity. Its about looking for novelty, so that you can stop your brain from going into autopilot mode.

I'm a huge advocate for good-quality sleep all the research shows it has positive effects on your mood, as well as on health and longevity.

The goal is to move to a more conscious way of living. Its easy to get into the habit of thinking we can sit at our desks all day long and then work out at high intensity for an hour. Consider whether there are gentler approaches to build movement into your day, such as going for a walk while taking a work call.

Challenge yourself to sit and eat peacefully in the park or at a table, rather than just grabbing a sandwich to have at your laptop.

For more information or to book a complimentary consultation, contact Natalia Ramsden at natalia@sofosassociates.com.

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How to train your brain for success at work - Harper's Bazaar UK

Days after graduation, Emily Bradys career took an unexpected turn. Does anyone know what SEO is? she remembers a colleague asking. She didnt at the time. But as a content developer, she was naturally curious. So she learned. That was more than 10 years ago when the criterion for boosting SEO performance was a website that worked and had the right keywords in the content. Since then, Emily has helped countless law firms rise to the top of search engine results.

Shes Omnizants new director of SEO and an expert in the field of law firm SEO.

Emily credits the constantly changing nature of what resonates with search engines for piquing and keeping her interest in the hard work of getting websites to rank well. Plus, the SEO communityespecially publications such as Search Engine Roundtable and Search Engine Journal keeps her informed. Shes also an active member of the Women in Tech SEO community because its the best way to stay on top of all the digital marketing news, strategies, and continuous algorithm changes, she says.

I could spend another decade doing digital marketing and not scratch the surface of everything there is to know, she says.

The bulk of her career has been spent optimizing legal websitesspecificallyfor organic search. Emily has also gained experience in SEO at other marketing agencies and businesses that rely on local SEO and innovative tactics to grow. At Omnizant, she leads our largest team of SEO professionals, who are responsible for increasing the number of visitors to our clients websites with a variety of techniques and by analyzing performance data and adapting quickly.

While shes focused on delivering results for our clients, Emily is generous in sharing the intricacies of SEO in 2023 with clients and colleagues. Here are some of my favorite excerpts from an interview with Emily, edited for length. She offers tips on how to stand out on Google and her two cents on artificial intelligence, or AI.

A. Oh gosh, its evolved so much! When I started doing SEO in 2012 content had a totally different meaning, and high-quality content meant something entirely different as well. The types of blogs that ranked back then were much less focused on being helpful and more focused on including the right keywords.

Today, Google is much better at understanding what content should rank by relevancenot just through keyword stuffing. So the way we approach SEO (and content specifically) is very different because now we get to focus fully on the needs of the people who will be reading the content and less on including the right words so Google knows its relevant. In short, content quality has improved by leaps and bounds and thats a good thing for law firms and their clients.

A. One thing thats peculiar about SEO for legal websites is the local aspect. Google views searches for lawyers as local searches. Thats why you see a map show up when you search for personal injury attorney even if you dont include the city youre located in. Google just assumes you want a local attorney.

That said, not every area of law is local in the same way a plumbing business or dog walker is local. Class action lawsuits, for example. This creates a unique challenge for SEOs (and law firms) when it comes to optimizing their websites because Google has a strong preference to rank them locally, even if the firm serves a much larger geographic area.

Legal websites are unique in other ways too, such as the fact that the general topics discussed on them are very impactful to the financial and general well-being of clients. (Google calls these types of websites Your Money, Your Life content.) Because of this, having factual and helpful information on the website is super importantbecause lawyers are helping people when they need it the most, and the outcome of their cases will have a big impact on their money and their lives.

A. I think were already seeing the next big thing in SEO, which is AI. At the most basic level, AI makes it possible for anyone to create content about a given topic, whether they have the expertise to do it well or not. This means were going to face (and we are already) a lot of content that is repetitive and just doesnt have enough unique value to be useful to people.

So, in a way, standing out has become easier than ever because Google is not only better at understanding what pages are most relevant but SEOs and content marketers who arent willing to put in the time to do it right will have a hard time ranking, and those who are creating longform, robust content pages will come out on top.

Thats one thing to take into consideration with the advent of AI. The other consideration is this: How do we actually use it effectively? AI has the ability to help us create high-quality content faster, as well as the ability to automate other SEO tasks.

Thats why its so important to start figuring out how we use AI well now, so we dont get left behind in the next five years. At the most basic level, AI should be something were exploring now and at least using as a tool to scale content creationwith writers at the helm who can edit and improve the content so it has the unique value and demonstrated expertise search engines are looking for.

A. This is a tough question! I think it depends. In the legal space specifically, organic rankings tend to be very competitive. To my observation, law firms are one business type that adopted SEO early on and were willing to invest in organic search marketing from the beginning. Because of these, there are lots of businesses that have very strong organic rankings, which means its difficult to displace them. The search engine results pages (SERPs) are often saturated with strong websites so SEOs have to be very strategic about how they get their clients ranking for important terms. You cant do it half-baked and expect to win in an industry as competitive as the legal industry.

That said, this also means there are marketing firms that have been doing SEO for law firms for a very long time, so working with the right team is the first step to getting traction on Google.

A. This is related to my earlier answer regarding Googles objective to surface the best possible search results, and the SEOs role in demonstrating that a given law firm is, in fact, the best result. Theres another piece to that equation, which is whether or not the firm actually is the best result. What I mean by that is, firstly, does the firm have the background to serve its client base as well or better than competitors? If not, it doesnt mean SEO isnt worth it, but it does mean that continuing to gain reviews and testimonials and case results is important.

The most successful SEO and marketing campaigns include a certain amount of involvement from the business itself. SEO never works in a vacuum. Creating a meaningful footprint in the local communitywhether it be through charity drives, scholarship sponsorships, getting interviewed, or generally being newsworthy and involvedcan influence your online success as well.

[View source.]

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An Interview with Emily Brady on Law Firm SEO Success - JD Supra

WASHINGTON, D.C. An Oklahoma student was one of five poets from across the nation to be honored by first lady Jill Biden at the White House Monday during the Class of 2023 National Student Poets ceremony.

Chosen from thousands of award-winning poets, Kallan McKinney, a Norman High School student, was selected to represent the Southwest region for a year as a National Student Poet the highest honor for youth poets in the country.

"In a world that asks us to sprint from moment to moment, to meeting to meeting, poetry reminds us to slow down, take a breath and appreciate the celestial beauty that surrounds us," said Biden, a professor of English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, during her opening remarks.

"Thank you for reminding us to stand and stare," Biden told the poets. "You've added so much beauty and texture to our world with your words. And we need your talents and gifts now more than ever."

The National Student Poets Program partners with The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which presents the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the longest-running scholarship and recognition program for U.S. young artists and writers.

Created in 2011, the program aims to inspire young people to achieve excellence in their creative endeavors and to promote the role of writing and the arts in academic and personal success, according to Scholastic.

The National Student Poets were selected from students in grades 10 and 11 who collectively submitted more than 24,000 works in the 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and received top honors in poetry. Forty semi-finalists were then chosen as the most gifted young poets in their regions based on their originality, technical skills and personal voice, according to a press release for the event.

After submitting additional poetry and performance videos to jurors, the five National Student Poets were then selected: Jacqueline Flores (Southeast) from Florida, Miles Hardingwood (Northeast) from New York, Shangri-La Hou (Midwest) from Missouri, Gabriella Miranda (West) from Utah and McKinney (Southwest) from Oklahoma.

"(Poetry) means so much to me," McKinney told Gaylord News after the ceremony. "Sometimes I have trouble saying what I mean, and poetry is a way to have conversations. For everything to mean what I want it to mean and to share with other people, and to listen to people. And I think that's so important. And I want everyone to feel like that."

During the ceremony, McKinney was introduced by their best friend, Fishie Madden, along with classmates and teachers from Norman High School, before approaching the podium to recite their poem, "The Shell Gas Station Sign."

"The shell gas station sign floats in floodwater," McKinney began, the first lady listening intently along with the rest of the audience. "...Haven't you noticed? The hour we give up in the spring returns as autumn."

McKinney said the 11 line poem is a nod to the subtle ways in which climate change affects our everyday lives, and how these changes represent something much larger.

"Everywhere it feels like there's something that's hurting the environment, and it's been going on for so long. And then all of those things worsen climate change," McKinney explained.

"I hear the oil rigs from my house in Oklahoma, and I just think about it all the time," they said.

Throughout the year, the National Student Poets will act as youth poetry ambassadors, spreading poetry to their communities through individual service projects, April Poetry Month readings and workshops, and a variety of other opportunities, such as national poetry conferences, galas and festivals, according to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards website.

Additionally, each poet will create a community service project that expands the reach of the program by engaging audiences in their region around the issues that are significant to them.

McKinney said they feel proud to represent the Southwest, and that they hope their poems will help others to feel seen and understood.

"I want people to feel seen," McKinney said. "That's my main goal. I just want them to feel like someone else gets it."

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net.

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Norman High School student honored in White House ceremony for ... - The Oklahoma Daily

November 17, 2023

Scandals can be detrimental to an organization's success and its public perception. Particularly, in recent years, misconduct tied to racial and sexual harassment has made headlines. Internally, ethical issues can be harmful to employee morale and retention.

The workplace is constantly evolving, and society is becoming more cognizant of ethical issues. As younger generations enter the workforce, they desire to bring their whole selves to workblurring the lines of their professional and personal lives. While this does not excuse unethical or unlawful behavior, it may require employers to examine their own ethical obligations to employees.

Ethical questions are often very difficult. Obvious ethical violations involve discrimination or harassment. The law requires companies to be equal employment opportunity employers. However, compliance with the law requires more than a written policy as employers need to be proactive in their efforts to ensure that they are fostering a workplace environment for all individuals. While there are obvious instances of discrimination or harassment, improper conduct also can be very subtle. For instance, such conduct can include inappropriate jokes that were not intended to be offensive. Acceptance of subtle conduct like this can be evidence of a pervasive toxic workplace culture. Allowing this unethical behavior can lead to expensive legal and public ramifications.

Another common ethical conundrum is preferential treatment towards some individuals. Supervisors often take on roles such as an advocate, counselor, or even friend to their subordinates. These conflicting roles and competing loyalties should not color or compromise an employer's professional judgment or integrity. Preferential treatment can expose a company to legal and financial liability. Such differing treatment may not be born out of discrimination or other misconduct, but it may result in disparate treatment of older or disabled employees or employees of a protected gender, race, national origin, or religion. For example, employers should resist the urge to require some employees to verify an absence or extended leave while not imposing the same requirements on otherseven if an employer has a valid reason for questioning an employee's sincerity. In certain circumstances, this can give rise to a claim of discrimination when long term or favored employees are not required to do likewise.

Social media can also create ethical (and legal) issues. Social media is changing rapidly and entering all facets of public life, as it can be an effective tool to connect with other individuals on a personal and professional level. Even with all of its benefits, employee use of social media can create a plethora of issues, making it very difficult to manage. Some issues, such as personal use of social media during working hours, can be easier to navigate. However, other issues, such as posts disparaging (or even defaming) others or disclosure of some non-public information, can be more challenging. It is important for employers to create clear boundaries that address these potential issues while complying with state and federal law.

Not all ethical lapses generate unsavory headlines, but that does not mean they should be tolerated. One of the best ways to confront these issues before they arise is through company policiesgenerally located in employee handbooks. Creation of these policies can be a daunting task, but it is imperative that such policies are in place.

As we approach the new year, it may be time for employers to review their current policies. The calendar year 2023 was filled with employment law developments that impacted employment policies and their implementation. Even if your company updated its policies in 2022, it may be time to refresh those policies. Employers also should consider policies that they do not currently have in place. For instance, some employers have yet to address social media guidance in their policies. Failure to provide employees with clear guidance on social media can be detrimental to a company if issues arise without an already established approach to resolving those issues.

Implementing new or updated policies should be considered as employers enter the new year. Policies play a crucial role in the effective operation of every company, but it can be difficult to ensure that the are compliant with various state and federal laws. Our team of experienced attorneys can provide guidance in every step of the process from creation to implementation to ensure your company is prepared for the new year.

-- 2023 Ward and Smith, P.A. For further information regarding the issues described above, please contact Avery J. Locklear.

This article is not intended to give, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. No action should be taken in reliance upon the information contained in this article without obtaining the advice of an attorney.

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Proactive Policies: Navigating Ethical Challenges and Legal ... - Ward and Smith, PA

New Delhi: During a recent small family get-together to honour his wife's birthday, Vikrant Massey closed another chapter on what was clearly the year of his life. The event highlighted not only his personal happiness but also the incredible success of his most recent endeavour, '12th Fail'.

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Vikrant Massey has made daring casting decisions time and time again during his illustrious career, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. He is currently experiencing the pinnacle of his career and personal success.

A major turning point in Vikrant's career, '12th Fail' confirmed his ability to work with unusual characters and struck a chord with viewers. The actor's upcoming months look to be an exciting journey, made possible by this success.

Envious of what lies ahead, Vikrant is preparing for a romantic love story with the gifted Rashi Khanna. He will also be directing for the first time in Niranjan Iyengar's project, which will adapt the captivating stories of well-known author Ruskin Bond. A thriller that Vikrant is looking forward to, "Sector 36," promises to be exciting, mysterious, and have a compelling story that will add to his repertoire.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of his professional life, Vikrant is embarking on a new chapter in his personal journey. The recent announcement of impending fatherhood, coupled with the celebration of his wife's birthday, adds a layer of excitement and joy to the actor's life.

Vikrant Massey's ability to balance professional success with personal fulfilment is a testament to his dedication and strength of character. He has emerged as a role model for many, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve great things while also cherishing the most precious moments in life.

As Vikrant navigates this exciting phase, fans can eagerly anticipate more outstanding performances and heartwarming moments from this gifted actor. In both his personal and professional spheres, Vikrant has indeed made 2023 a blockbuster year to remember.

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Phenomenal Year For Vikrant Massey: Striking A Perfect Balance Between Personal Life Happiness And Career S... - Zee News

Rain is making a highly anticipated return to the U.S. after nearly 15 years and he's thrilled about it.

Before there were K-popheavy hitters like BTS and memberJung Kook taking over the TODAY plazaBlackpink,Twice,Le Sserafimand Seventeen, among others, Rain was the K-pop sensation paving the way for the South Korean genre.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, has been making music since he was 16 years old, in addition to starring in hit K-dramas and movies like Along With the Gods and The Last 49 Days. Now, the 41-year-old is celebrating his decades-long career by sharing his music with U.S. fans throughout his Still Raining tour.

Im so excited, Rain says in English via Zoom, before speaking in Korean with a translator. I missed my fans in the U.S. ... Im just really happy to be able to perform again. K-pop has become a global genre.

Born in Seosan, South Korea, Rains given name is Jung Ji-hoon. The artist began his career in 1998 as part of the boy band Fanclub. When the group didnt gain commercial success, he embarked on his solo career.

The name Rain, he said, was given to him by his producer J. Y. Park, founder of JYP Entertainment.

It had two kinds of meanings, because in Korean it means precipitation like water and rain, he explains. But it also has the meaning of something was sad. It has the meaning of sadness.

And he told me that the way I danced kind of looked sad, so it had a double meaning, he continues. But then later I just used it as a proper noun so that people can remember me whenever it rains and think of me, be reminded of me, when it rains.

Rains breakthrough happened with his third studio album, Its Raining. Released in 2004, the album and title track made him an international success even getting recognition in the U.S.

By 2006, he was featured on Times 100 Most Influential list and made another appearance on the list in 2011.

K-pop wasnt at the stature that it appears to be in current times, but one could say that Rain was the Korean act to know.Billboardeven called him a pioneer of the Hallyu wave, the name used to describe increases in international interest in Korean pop culture. His mandatory military service in 2011 was also covered by themagazine, decades before interest inBTS members own service.

Beyond his music and dance moves, his role in the 2004 Asian drama Full House made him a TV star and cemented his title as a triple threat. Then there was his crossover, with appearances in Hollywood films like Speed Racer, Ninja Assassin and The Prince, starring Bruce Willis and John Cusack.

Amid Rains blossoming career and gaining superstardom, he also fell in love. The artist maintains a relatively private personal life, rarely sharing photos of his wife, actor Kim Tae-hee, or their 6-year-old and 4-year-old daughters.

Rain and Tae-hee began dating in 2013. During an episode of his web variety show Season B Season in 2020, he shared how it took one year for his wife to fall for him.

I asked her out first, and it took a long time to get her to say yes, he said, according toSoompi. It took one year.

Rain and Tae-hee would go on to get married on Jan. 19, 2017, holding a small wedding at a Catholic church, perSoompi. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in October of that year.

The couple are also parents to a second daughter, whom they welcomed in September 2019. They have yet to share their daughters names.

While they keep their children out of the public eye, Rain and Tae Hee have worked together on various projects. The couple have been in commercials together forLa Cloudand massage chair brandBodyfriend, showing off their love for one another.

In just a matter of weeks, Rain will be bringing his Still Raining tour to the U.S. This will be his first tour since 2016, and his first shows for U.S. fans in 15 years.

I am preparing really hard for this upcoming concert and my music will be a mix of retro and trending music, he says, So (fans) will be able to enjoy it a lot. And one other unique point is that Ill be singing other artists songs for the first time.

The shows will run for over two hours and have a lot of exciting footage, many songs and dances, Rain said. Among those include songs by Bruno Mars and K-pop group NewJeans.

The concerts are described as a blend of heart-pounding beats, entrancing melodies, and dazzling visuals, that will make longtime fans nostalgic, while also an entertaining introduction to new fans.

I just want to remember the memories that I shared with my fans in the past, he continues. I want to do music again. I want to just have fun and enjoy this stage with my fans.

K-pop has become so huge globally now, Rain said. Its really hard to work with all the dancer teams as well. They, themselves, have become celebrities.

With social media platforms connecting people around the world, Rain believes his early hits couldve gone viral.

I have a song called Rainism and if Rainism had been released today, then I think it would have gone a lot more viral on TikTok, Reels, on Instagram, he said. People would be able to sing along, dance along.

Fans will have plenty of opportunities to create dance challenges on social media. Rain teases that he has a new album that hes working on and hopes to release it in March.

Its very easy to listen to songs and afro-beat kind of music, he said Ill be shaking my bottom a lot.

Reminiscing about his breakout role in Full House, he jokes that hes too old for romantic comedies despite telling him that he is most certainly not.

The 2004 rom-com series followed an aspiring scriptwriter whose friends trick her into thinking she won a vacation and secretly sell her home, called Full House. While on her trip, she meets a famous actor, played by Rain, and they become friendly.

However, when she returns home, she discovers that she is now homeless and that he has bought her home. A romance ensues.

These days, he says, If I were to act again, I want to be involved in action or thrillers, or very emotional characters. I want to be acting out those deep characters.

It appears he will be mixing both romance and suspense in his upcoming drama, Red Swan, where he will portraya bodyguard to a rich family. Im looking forward to that, he said.

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