Saturday, May 9, 2026
Home Blog Page 44

Store employees are facing an increase in violence

Fox News
-
0
Store employees are facing an increase in violence

As retailers note an increase in theft across stores nationwide, there’s an unfortunate side effect of the inventory loss: an uptick in violence against retail employees themselves.

A surge in organized retail crime and violence is happening across the entire sector, affecting both fashion and grocery stores, a report from the United States Chamber of Commerce indicates.

“This surge is due not to one-time shoplifters but to the rise in highly organized criminal groups—organized retail crime rings,” the report said.

Unlike random shoplifting incidents committed by individuals, organized retail theft is coordinated by multiple people who then go on to sell their stolen goods online.

And different from your run-of-the-mill shoplifting, those engaged in organized retail crime are far more likely to become violent toward unsuspecting employees and customers, the Chamber said.

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2022 Retail Security Survey, 8 out of 10 retailers reported increased incidents of violence and aggression in the past year. In 2022, inventory shrink contributed to $112.1 billion in losses, up from $93.9 billion in 2021.

Retail theft has a large impact on companies’ bottom lines, but an even more troubling fact may lie in the increased shift in violence to employees.

“Retailers are seeing unprecedented levels of theft coupled with rampant crime in their stores, and the situation is only becoming more dire,” National Retail Federation Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnson said in a statement. “Far beyond the financial impact of these crimes, the violence and concerns over safety continue to be the priority for all retailers, regardless of size or category.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) also penned a letter stating store employees face “unacceptable levels of violence and abuse.” The consortium is now asking lawmakers to create a new statutory offense that would make it a specific crime to assault, threaten or abuse a retail worker.

“This standalone offence would send an important signal that our colleagues will receive better protection in law and act as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” the letter reads. “This action should be taken without delay.”

The violence against retail workers could cause fewer people to accept and work these jobs in the future, creating a huge disruption to the retail industry at large.

“We are seeing organized gangs threatening staff with weapons and emptying stores,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said in a statement. “We are seeing a torrent of abuse aimed at hardworking shop staff. It’s simply unacceptable – no one should have to go to work fearing for their safety.”

Those who steal from stores are also taking far more away from the retailers in recent years. While the average theft constituted $937 in 2020, that number grew to $1,180 in 2021, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Small businesses are feeling the hit too, with the majority saying they’ve been targeted and nearly half believe the issue has gotten worse.

Though pharmacies, big box stores and grocery stores are some of the most likely to be targeted, dollar stores and luxury retailers also get their fair share of crime.

Store Closures

Because retail crime tends to lead to store closures, America has lost a total of 658,375 jobs, which has a “ripple effect across the entire economy,” the Chamber of Commerce said.

Target has announced it will close nine stores due to higher retail crime.

“We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Walmart shuttered four stores in Chicago, with its CEO warning that price increases could be on the way as inventory disappears.

“If that’s not corrected over time, prices will be higher, and/or stores will close,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a CNBC interview last year about the uptick in crime.

More Injuries Reported

A study by Jackman Law Firm also saw general retail stores had the highest increase in injuries and illnesses from 2017 to 2021, which also saw a gradual jump in violence perpetuated toward store workers.

In 2017, the incident rate was just 4.1 for every 100 workers, while in 2021, that grew to 5.6.

Top retailers like Walmart, Target and Macy’s were included in the study, and they are some of the chains reporting the greatest jumps in retail theft and violence.

Unsuspected Organizers

Despite the widespread videos of mobs stealing luxury goods, some orchestrators of organized retail crime have surprised their communities when their identities were finally revealed.

A recent story from The Wall Street Journal highlighted a Florida man named Robert Dell who was the brains behind an organized retail crime ring that sold $3 million through eBay since 2016. Dell was a pastor who ran a drug recovery program and for many years organized the crime ring in secret, unsuspected by his community.

Popeyes brings back Cajun-style turkey for Thanksgiving

Fox News
-
0
Popeyes brings back Cajun-style turkey for Thanksgiving

Ahead of Thanksgiving, Popeyes is announcing the comeback of the Cajun-Style Turkey.

“We have perfected our pre-cooked Cajun-Style Turkey. All you have to do is thaw, heat and serve, so you can spend more time enjoying any holiday you celebrate, from Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving,” the company said on its website.

The turkeys will officially be available starting October 17 and cost a total of $99. The novelty turkey item first went on sale last year around Thanksgiving time as a ready-to-eat meal to save the stress of cooking Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s also perfect for those who crave Popeyes’ special seasoning. Each turkey is rubbed with a seasoning mixed with paprika, salt, dried onions, dried garlic, and red pepper. The restaurant estimates each turkey can feed at least eight people.

There’s also a special deal available for those looking to eat the spicy turkey at their Thanksgiving table.

Customers will get free delivery whether they order online or visit their nearest Popeyes store for the holiday dish.

The turkey comes fully pre-cooked, saving shoppers the time and stress of cooking their own turkey so that they can enjoy the day with their loved ones. All shoppers must do is thaw, heat and serve, the company said.

Thawing takes approximately 72 hours in the fridge before your turkey can be heated four 375 degrees for two hours. Afterward, Popeyes encourages cooks to let the meat rest for roughly 20 minutes.

Keep in mind, the item is only available for a limited time as supplies last.

For those looking to score an entire Thanksgiving table spread from Popeyes, consider adding on the chain’s sides of mashed potatoes, biscuits and macaroni and cheese for a full meal.

Most turkeys will arrive within one to three days from the time you place your order, but if you’re preparing for the holiday itself, you should make sure the item is still available before driving to the store.

Fan Reactions

When the Cajun Turkey launched in Popeyes stores last year, fans flooded to the Internet with their reviews on the dish.

“I had it last year and I loved it,” one customer said on Reddit.

Another shared: “We had one last year and it was pretty amazing for just reheating a few hours…I highly recommend giving it a shot.”

Those who previously tried the Cajun Turkey said the leftovers made a delicious protein for lunch sandwiches later on in the week as well.

Other Thanksgiving Deals

Many other restaurant chains are offering Thanksgiving feasts to shoppers this year.

At Boston Market, guests can get a selection of main course meats and sides. You can choose between turkey and ham and add on some mashed potatoes, stuffing and apple pie. The entire meal will usually be $12 per person and feeds up to 12 people.

“When our online ordering was made available for pre-orders, we saw a significant increase in traffic and we’re continuing to see strong numbers of orders. We know Thanksgiving is a time when families want to sit around the table and not worry about having to choose whether or not to have dinner at all, so we made sure our prices were comparable, if not less than, the price of making dinner at home,” Joseph Alvarez, senior vice president of sales, catering and community relations at Boston Market, told Nation’s Restaurant News last year.

Bob Evans also offers a complete holiday dinner to go, and prices begin at just $12.49 per person for 10 servings.

Turkey or ham is available, and customers can choose sides like dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese and pumpkin pie.

Popeyes’ top competitor KFC also offers its own version of a Thanksgiving feast. The chain routinely sells ‘holiday buckets,’ which include 12-piece or 16-piece meals.

To meet the hunger demands of the Thanksgiving holiday, the buckets come with six cookies, three large sides and six biscuits.

“The holidays and KFC go hand in hand. There’s no better way to satisfy a craving for comfort and connection than by sharing a bucket of KFC with family and friends,” said Nick Chavez, chief marketing officer of KFC U.S., in a statement when the items launched last year.

For those looking to eat outside of their home this Thanksgiving, several restaurants will be there to greet you when your hunger strikes.

Applebee’s, Bob Evan’s, Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, Domino’s, Golden Corral, IHOP, Red Lobster, Subway, and Waffle House will be open this year on Thanksgiving. So no matter what you’re craving, there’s likely a store near you offering the perfect meal.

Google’s expanded "Flood Hub" uses AI to help us adapt to extreme weather

Fox News
-
0
Google’s expanded "Flood Hub" uses AI to help us adapt to extreme weather

Google announced Tuesday that a tool using artificial intelligence to better predict river floods will be expanded to the U.S. and Canada, covering more than 800 North American riverside communities that are home to more than 12 million people. Google calls it Flood Hub, and it’s the latest example of how AI is being used to help adapt to extreme weather events associated with climate change.

“We see tremendous opportunity for AI to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, and climate change is very much one of those,” Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kate Brandt, told Newsweek in an interview.

At an event in Brussels on Tuesday, Google announced a suite of new and expanded sustainability initiatives and products. Many of them involve the use of AI, such as tools to help city planners find the best places to plant trees and modify rooftops to buffer against city heat, and a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to use AI to improve maps related to wildfires.

Flooding and storms are among the most damaging climate impacts as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, fueling extreme precipitation. A recent study of the economic costs of extreme weather due to climate change found that about 75 percent of those costs came from storms and floods. In addition to the loss of life and property, storms and high waters displace millions of people, often the most vulnerable, exposing them to additional health threats.

A UNICEF report on children displaced by extreme weather found that from 2016 to 2021, floods and storms accounted for 95 percent of displacements globally, with nearly 41 million children uprooted. Projections in the same report, based on climate models, show riverine floods have the potential to displace almost 96 million children over the next 30 years.

Brandt said Flood Hub’s engineers use advanced AI, publicly available data sources and satellite imagery, combined with hydrologic models of river flows. The results allow flooding predictions with a longer lead time than was previously available in many instances.

“They kept tuning it to get to being able to predict it further in advance,” she said. “Right now, we’re able to predict it seven days in advance.”

Google’s flooding research effort started in 2018 and this year, Flood Hub started service in 80 countries in parts of Asia, Europe and South America. This August, Google said in a press release, emergency responders in Chile used the tool to improve evacuation alerts and minimize flooding impacts.

Dr. Satchit Balsari is an emergency physician who uses AI and big data tools like Flood Hub to make medical systems and communities more climate resilient. Balsari is an Assistant Professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he co-directs Crisis Ready, a collaboration with the humanitarian organization Direct Relief and several academic groups and technology companies.

Crisis Ready offers data-driven decision making for disaster planning, and Balsari said that goes beyond the immediate effects of a disaster. He’s encouraging physicians and emergency responders to look at the “long tail” of health impacts from floods and other extreme weather events that often contribute to further death and disease.

“What is happening is people will be trapped in their homes and they’re unable to get to needed care, critical medications run out, or power went out,” Balsari told Newsweek, adding that displaced people will have trouble keeping up with vital health care. “We need to identify where these people are, where the vulnerable are, and where the infrastructure is that can support them.”

Balsari said Crisis Ready offers data showing real-time population shifts during extreme weather events, helping hospitals prepare for increased demand from an influx of displaced people. Over the long term, these tools can help emergency planners and other officials think of ways to make communities better able to withstand the type of events that climate scientists warn are becoming more likely in a warming world.

Some of these tools are already showing value but Balsari said much work remains. Many important data sets are still siloed, even within some government agencies, he said, and anything involving health information must be handled with great care.

The use of AI in weather forecasting presents its own unique set of challenges, according to Amy McGovern, who has dual appointments in the schools of meteorology and computer science at Oklahoma University. McGovern directs the Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography, which is funded by the National Science Foundation.

McGovern said AI holds promise to improve weather forecasting models, but the results have to be dependable, and that takes a lot of work with meteorologists and weather modelers.

“Trust is really a process,” she told Newsweek. “You don’t just hand somebody a method and say, ‘Here, trust it.'”

Forecasters work with the AI models to find their strengths and weaknesses, provide feedback and identify the best applications for the new technology. McGovern said her group is working on better predictions for flash floods by teaching weather forecasting models to better anticipate weather extremes.

“For these extreme precipitation events, sometimes they’re happening so extremely that they’ve never been seen before,” she said. “You’ve just never seen rainfall rates like that before.”

Traditional weather models are largely based on historic weather data. But in a changing climate, assumptions drawn from the baseline measurements of a more stable climate may no longer hold true.

“We’re having to train the models to correct that bias to actually give you an event that’s outside of the distribution that anybody’s ever seen before,” she said. “These types of events are starting to be more common.”

Weather extremes are part of what some call the “new normal” of climate change, and McGovern’s work shows that living in such an altered world will likely require something beyond normal intelligence. AI is rapidly emerging to fill that role. The question now is whether we can adapt fast enough to the changes rapidly coming our way.

"Know Thyself": A Socratic Approach to Modern STEM Education

Fox News
-
0
"Know Thyself": A Socratic Approach to Modern STEM Education

In an age overflowing with information, the wisdom of Socrates’ exhortation to “know thyself” emerges as a striking beacon. It underscores the need for introspection at the foundation of STEM education, advocating for self-awareness before delving into external complexities.

Amidst the rapid advancements of the contemporary world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education stands paramount. But as we navigate this flood of knowledge and promise, Socrates’ timeless counsel serves as a counterbalance, presenting an essential antidote to the challenges of modern education.

Socratic Thought: The Pinnacle of Self-Awareness

The heart of Socratic pedagogy is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but the fostering of wisdom and virtue. For Socrates, the key to wisdom was not only about accumulating information but about deep introspection and understanding oneself.

This sentiment is more relevant than ever. While we find ourselves inundated with data, algorithms, and innovations, we are simultaneously grappling with a crisis of purpose, identity, and human-centric value. If STEM education is to create not just skilled workers but also enlightened individuals, then it must be rooted in a deep awareness of self and society.

The Trap of Modern STEM: Information Over Introspection

In their pursuit of leading the technological vanguard, many organizations and institutions inadvertently sidestep a crucial component of education. The zeal to submerge students in the expansive domains of STEM sometimes overshadows the imperative of instilling self-awareness and understanding of the diverse communities they serve.

Such an oversight isn’t due to neglect but emerges from a commendable desire to future-proof the next generation in a technology-driven world. However, in this race to equip them with skills in coding, data analysis, and scientific reasoning, there’s a potential oversight of their personal development.

Picturing a scenario where our youth are adept at constructing robots or devising complex algorithms, yet deficient in empathy or cultural sensitivity, is unsettling. This presents a future where the essence of human connection and fundamental values could be dwarfed by technical capabilities. We stand at the crossroads of cultivating minds that are data-rich but possibly lacking the depth to fathom the wider societal consequences of their endeavors.

Our mission to mold future-ready individuals shouldn’t be a singular quest for technical mastery. It’s paramount that this journey is harmonized with age-old principles of human nature, ethics, and values. By striking this balance, we can ensure our future leaders are not only equipped with cutting-edge tools but also the sagacity to use them in ways that amplify understanding, compassion, and societal harmony.

Rebalancing STEM Education: A Socratic Paradigm

Imagine a STEM curriculum beginning not with equations or coding but with introspective exercises. Picture students, before embarking on complex projects, understanding their own strengths, biases, and passions. Envision an educational system where before any technological endeavor, students contemplate the societal impact, ethical ramifications, and their personal contributions.

Such a vision is not a rejection of the information age, but rather a synthesis. By merging the wealth of modern knowledge with Socratic introspection, we can achieve a STEM education that not only equips students with tools but also with the wisdom to use them judiciously.

Applications and Implications

The application of a Socratic approach to STEM is transformative:

1. Ethical Grounding: By understanding oneself, students can become more equipped to navigate the ethical dilemmas that arise in scientific and technological fields. They become more than mere technicians; they become stewards of the future.

2. Empathy and Communication: Recognizing the needs of the communities they serve allows students to design solutions that truly resonate. This fosters greater empathy and enhanced communication, bridging the gap between technologists and the broader public.

3. Innovation with Purpose: With a profound understanding of themselves and their place in the world, students can feel empowered to innovate with a sense of purpose. The result is a generation of thinkers and doers who can address the most pressing challenges of our times.

Final Thoughts: A Return to Foundations

The call to “know thyself” emerges not as a step backward but as a reconnection to our core principles. It underscores that the heart of education, including in STEM, transcends mere data assimilation and seeks genuine personal and societal metamorphosis.

Embedding the principles of Socratic introspection within STEM education positions us to cultivate scientists, engineers, and technologists who can balance profound expertise in their fields with a deep comprehension of the human narrative. The timeless wisdom of Socrates beckons, urging us to ensure that as we chart the path forward, we remain profoundly attuned to our intrinsic identity.

The Newsweek Expert Forum is an invitation-only network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience.What’s this?Content labeled as the Expert Forum is produced and managed by Newsweek Expert Forum, a fee based, invitation only membership community. The opinions expressed in this content do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Newsweek or the Newsweek Expert Forum.

The Role of HR in Engaging the Workforce for Holistic Cybersecurity

Fox News
-
0
The Role of HR in Engaging the Workforce for Holistic Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses. The implications of cyber-attacks go beyond just financial losses and operational disruptions—they can pose a severe threat to a company’s reputation and trustworthiness. As Human Resources (HR) professionals, it is essential to understand the role employees play in ensuring holistic security. This article will explore the significance of engaging the workforce and propose strategies for enhancing cybersecurity awareness and training.

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool in mitigating cyber threats. By leveraging AI algorithms, security teams can analyze user behavior and identify fraudulent access attempts. Cloud security heavily relies on AI-powered threat analysis and detection. As more businesses migrate their data to the cloud, the need for robust cloud security solutions has become paramount. Utilizing AI algorithms can provide real-time analysis, allowing businesses to identify potential security breaches early on.

However, the same AI technology can also be utilized by cybercriminals to generate realistic deepfakes and undetectable phishing campaigns. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses and regulatory bodies to stay proactive and be aware of the potential threats and benefits posed by AI. HR professionals should collaborate with IT to provide employees with regular updates and training on the latest threats and cybersecurity resources.

Evolving Cybersecurity Training for Employee Engagement

People are at the heart of security, and having well-trained and engaged employees is vital for effective cybersecurity. HR must consider cybersecurity as a crucial component of employee training. Instead of regarding cybersecurity training as a sporadic duty, HR should prioritize the creation of consistent and interactive training programs. This approach can help employees understand the evolving threat landscape and their role in maintaining security.

Moreover, HR should contextualize the training for better employee engagement. For instance, providing context can help employees relate cybersecurity to their daily job functions, making it more comfortable to understand. Companies can enhance employee engagement and retention of security-related information by dividing the training into smaller lessons.

Transform mistakes related to security into opportunities for learning. When employees make mistakes that potentially compromise security, CISOs must respond empathetically. Instead of reprimanding them, try to turn these instances into teaching moments, enabling employees to learn from their errors. This approach can not only build a positive culture of security but can also empower employees to take ownership of their roles in securing data and systems.

Positive reinforcement can also go a long way in ensuring stronger cybersecurity awareness across an organization. By providing rewards to employees who demonstrate good cybersecurity practices, the organization actively incentivizes desirable behaviors. Recognition can come in the form of certificates, gift cards, or bonuses. By highlighting the successes of exemplary employees, HR can motivate others to meet the same standards for security and contribute to a culture of collective responsibility.

Shared Responsibility in Cloud Security

A common misconception is that once data is stored in the cloud, its security becomes the responsibility of the cloud service provider (CSP). However, the truth is that businesses are ultimately accountable for protecting their data, regardless of its location.

While CSPs have implemented robust security measures, the onus falls on the company to safeguard its data and cloud environments. Employee behaviors often play a significant role in data breaches and leaks. By cultivating a security-minded culture, companies can empower employees to be responsible for their roles in maintaining security. This approach can take various forms, from regular training to incentivizing good security practices.

Proactive Technology Adoption

As businesses become more adept at securing entry points, cyber threats are expected to become more sophisticated. To stay ahead of these evolving risks, CISOs must implement the latest security tools and technologies, including AI. They should demonstrate a willingness to learn and teach, cultivating an environment that promotes ongoing contextualized security training.

AI-powered cloud security platforms use machine learning algorithms to continually monitor data and systems for potential threats. By creating a process that generates regular alerts highlighting deviations from established baselines, organizations can set thresholds and parameters for the AI algorithms to alert teams of issues that require attention. This approach can enable IT and HR teams to quickly address security incidents and often prevent them from becoming damaging breaches.

Engaging the workforce is paramount in achieving holistic security, and HR professionals play a crucial role in designing and implementing cybersecurity training programs that go beyond mere compliance. Through regular and relevant training, empathetic responses to human error, and proactive technology adoption, organizations can empower employees to protect data and systems from cyber threats. Embracing a human-centered approach to cybersecurity requires the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders involved. By implementing these strategies and leveraging technology, HR can transform the workforce into a security-first culture that proactively mitigates cybersecurity risks.

The Newsweek Expert Forum is an invitation-only network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience.What’s this?Content labeled as the Expert Forum is produced and managed by Newsweek Expert Forum, a fee based, invitation only membership community. The opinions expressed in this content do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Newsweek or the Newsweek Expert Forum.

How to Win Friends and Influence People When You Start a Job

Fox News
-
0
How to Win Friends and Influence People When You Start a Job

Beginning a new job can be thrilling yet intimidating. We often grapple with the pressure of wanting to make a good impression, while also attempting to seamlessly integrate into a new workplace culture. Drawing inspiration from the wise teachings and the timeless tenets of Dale Carnegie’s classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People, let’s explore a roadmap to enhance your initial impact and rapport in your new job.

1. Seeking Clarity: Asking the Right Questions

Imagine walking into your new office, being introduced to your direct supervisor, and after being asked if you have any questions, you say: “How is your success measured, and how can I contribute to your success and the success of the team?”

Such a question does two things instantaneously. Firstly, it signals that you are not just there for a paycheck or to clock in hours; you’re genuinely invested in the collective success of the team. Secondly, you’re seeking guidance, before making any wrong presumptions. Finally, it establishes an immediate sense of humility and generosity of spirit.

A query like this aids in clarifying expectations. You get a deeper understanding of the team’s objectives and the overarching organizational goals. Your boss is more likely to perceive you as an ally, someone willing to be flexible and adaptive and share the burden and align with their mission.

2. Setting the Path: Being Enthusiastically Coachable

Once you’ve gotten a clearer picture of your responsibilities and the shared goals, your next step is to cement your dedication by asking: “Going forward, what should I always do and never do, so that you’re always glad that I’m part of our team? And might I check with you every month for you to weigh in on how I’m doing and could improve even more?”

These questions, profound in their simplicity, reveal an acute awareness of the importance of mutual respect and understanding in the workplace. It’s not just about what you can do but how you do it. It’s a quest to understand the nuances, the dos, and the don’ts of the organizational culture.

By asking this, you invite valuable feedback from the start. You also express an intent to mold yourself to the requirements of the role and the expectations of the organization. More importantly, you’re setting a stage where proactive communication becomes the norm, and this can be pivotal in avoiding potential future conflicts.

2. Becoming a Unicorn: Mastering the Unwanted Tasks with a Smile

It’s no secret that in every organization, there exists a set of tasks that, while essential, aren’t particularly popular. They might be perceived as tedious, mundane, or even challenging. Most employees would avoid them if given the chance.

But therein lies a golden opportunity.

Identify such a task. Instead of shying away from it, embrace it. Seek to become an expert and the go-to person for that particular job. By doing so, not only do you make yourself indispensable, but you also showcase two traits that are rare and invaluable: initiative and attitude.

Your colleagues and superiors will recognize and appreciate the effort. They’ll see you as someone who’s not afraid of challenges, someone who’s willing to venture where others hesitate. Your attitude towards these tasks, if tackled with positivity and enthusiasm, can amplify your image. Instead of being just another employee, you’ll be seen as a unicorn — unique, rare, and highly sought after.

Wrapping Up

Starting a new job can be likened to the early steps of a dance. It’s unfamiliar, and there’s a rhythm to find. But with the right approach — seeking clarity, setting a path, and becoming a unicorn — you can position yourself not just as a mere participant, but as a lead dancer.

Remember, it’s not just about the skills you bring to the table but also the mindset with which you approach challenges and the relationships you nurture along the way. Winning friends and influencing people in a new job isn’t about being the loudest or the flashiest. It’s about being genuine, committed, and consistently striving to add value.

Embrace this three-fold strategy and you can not only find your place in the new setting but also lay a foundation for a rewarding and influential career.

Furthermore, if you internalize these as part of your personality, you can be hirable and valued anywhere.

The Newsweek Expert Forum is an invitation-only network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience.What’s this?Content labeled as the Expert Forum is produced and managed by Newsweek Expert Forum, a fee based, invitation only membership community. The opinions expressed in this content do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Newsweek or the Newsweek Expert Forum.

Veterinarian reveals five dog breeds that they "wouldn’t choose to own"

Fox News
-
0
Veterinarian reveals five dog breeds that they "wouldn’t choose to own"

A veterinarian has offered his honest opinion on the breeds of dog he personally “wouldn’t choose to own.”

Ben Simpson-Vernon is based in Essex, England, and has been posting videos to TikTok under the handle ben.the.vet on the topic of dog breeds for several months to “try to raise awareness of inherited health issues in dogs.”

“I was simply growing frustrated seeing the same pedigree dog (and cat) breeds presenting with the same health issues time and time again in my clinic,” Simpson-Vernon told Newsweek. “I found that pet owners weren’t aware of just how common and predictable these issues are in even some of our most popular breeds.”

It’s crucial that people know what they are getting themselves into when purchasing a dog. Fail to do the necessary homework on a particular breed and the outcome could be disastrous for all involved.

In 2022, a study published by The Royal Veterinary College highlighted the litany of health risks facing pugs, known for their distinctive flat faces and bulging eyes. The study looked at the health profiles of 4,397 pugs, along with 21,835 other dogs.

They concluded that pugs had an increased risk of developing 23 different disorders. They were found to be 54 times more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, 51 times more likely to have narrowed nostrils and 11 times more likely to have skin fold infections.

Researchers also found that around 17.4 percent of pugs surveyed as part of the study were obese, compared with 6.9 percent of other dogs. Though the breed was less likely to suffer from heart murmurs and aggression, scientists felt that the risks far outweighed the gains and prospective dog owners should be wary about taking on this kind of responsibility.

Simpson-Vernon has seen this issue firsthand. “The frequency of health issues seen in certain dog breeds, particularly brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs and pugs, is a serious welfare problem,” he said. “There is definitely a sort of disconnect between what we as vets see as breeds that we would personally want to own, and the breeds the general public are buying. So I try to use my TikTok videos as a way to try to address this.”

In one clip, he highlighted the West Highland white terrier as one breed he would not choose to own. “Ask any vet what dog breeds are commonly affected by skin allergies and I guarantee the Westie will be near the top of their list,” he says on the video.

He also highlighted how their feet are often discolored from continuous licking and that the breed struggles with two notable health conditions that are named after them which, Simpson-Vernon notes, is “never a good sign.”

One is “Westie lung” or pulmonary fibrosis, where the lungs become scarred and lead to breathing difficulties, while “Westie jaw” refers to a condition that creates abnormal bone growth around the jaw.

Simpson-Vernon also mentioned the Neapolitan mastiff, a breed made famous for appearing in the Harry Potter movies. His main concern was the “amount of drool” generated by the breed, though he noted the amount of loose skin around the heads of canines of this kind can be “problematic.” Their eyes can be damaged and surgery is sometimes required to correct skin issues.

He then moved on to the Italian greyhound, citing the fact they are “extremely fragile” and prone to breaking or fracturing bones due to their long limbs. They also have thin skin, meaning they develop wounds very easily.

Next is the German shepherd, which Simpson-Vernon acknowledges as an “iconic” dog breed but not one without issues. He cited their temperament, noting that while he has met plenty of lovely ones, German shepherds are often “very protective” of their owners. In his experience, when in the unfamiliar surroundings of a veterinary practice, they can become “aggressive and reactive.” However, he also cited their “poor genetic health” as a key reason noting they are predisposed to several conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia.

He has also come across too many German shepherds with the paralyzing spinal condition degenerative myelopathy. He was keen to stress that some of these problems could be screened by responsible breeders.

The last of the five breeds chosen was the Bernese mountain dog, with Simpson-Vernon branding them a “heartbreak dog breed.” He explained that while they are adorable and make great family dogs, they carry a “horribly high risk of cancer.” He cited a type of cancer that, while rare in other breeds, kills one in seven Bernese Mountain Dogs. He admitted he had been “scarred” by seeing too many of them die this way.

Simpson-Vernon’s video has been watched 3.6 million times on TikTok, with viewers flocking to comment on the clip. Despite his warnings, many seemed eager to stick with the breeds mentioned in the clip.

“My Bernese mountain dog is the best decision I ever made. She’s 4 right now and very healthy,” one wrote. “I will forever be an Italian Greyhound owner. They’re precious little dogs,” a second added with a third writing: “I have Westie and my previous dog was also Westie…both perfectly healthy.”

Others, however, appeared to heed his warning. “Every Bernese mountain dog I’ve ever known has died from that cancer,” one wrote with another commenting: “Every single reason you listed is so valid and a lot of it has to do with horrible breeding practices over the years for cosmetic reasons.”

Simpsons-Vernon has been stunned by the response to the video. “I never expected the huge response but it’s great to see users engaging with these issues in the comments,” he said. My hope is that the information I share might help guide future puppy owners to make responsible decisions when choosing a breed, or at least encourage them to open discussions with their puppy’s breeder about health testing for some of their most common problems.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Biden’s Israel Speech Must Be Followed by a Policy Reassessment

Fox News
-
0
Biden’s Israel Speech Must Be Followed by a Policy Reassessment

There’s an Israeli joke about how Western government officials generally see the Arab-Israeli conflict. It goes like this: The terrorists want to kill the Jews, the Jews don’t want to be killed—and no one is willing to compromise.

In his Tuesday night television address, President Biden rejected that approach. He was remarkably unequivocal. There was no talk of diplomatic compromises. He declared that Israel not only had the right but the duty to defend itself. He pledged full U.S. support. He called Hamas’s actions in this war “pure unadulterated evil,” specifying the numerous rapes, murders of children and kidnappings of elderly women. These, he said, ranked with the “worst rampages of ISIS.” He recalled the centuries-long history of violence against Jews and said Israel’s founding purpose was to ensure a defense against it––for the benefit of Jews all over the world. It was a strongly worded and passionately delivered address.

The president specified ways the United States will help to Israel to win this war. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system will be resupplied with interceptors from American stocks. Mr. Biden sent an aircraft carrier strike force to the eastern Mediterranean to coordinate with Israel, to contribute to surveillance and intelligence and, as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan later stressed, to deter any state or group in the region from broadening the war.

The president spoke so emphatically that it may be taken by members of his team as a directive to reexamine his administration’s various policies relating to Israel and Hamas. Three areas in particular deserve a critical re-look: the Palestinians, Iran and U.S. defense capabilities.

The president condemned Hamas for its founding purposes: killing Jews and destroying Israel. But the Palestinian Authority shows a commitment to the same purposes, especially through its formal policy of paying salaries to convicted terrorists in Israeli prisons—and to the families of terrorist “martyrs.” The salaries increase in proportion to the number of Israeli victims killed by the terrorists.

Congress in 2018 passed the Taylor Force Act, named for an American soldier killed in Tel Aviv-Jaffa by a Palestinian terrorist, which blocked U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority until it terminates its “pay-for-slay” program. The Trump Administration cut $500 million dollars of such aid. It ended funding for the main UN agency that keeps Palestinians in “refugee” status for generation after generation and pays for their “refugee camps,” which are in fact large towns. President Biden’s administration restored the funding of that UN agency, however, freeing up money for the PA to pay to terrorists.

In light of his October 10 television address, he may want to revisit the decision to restore that funding. What he finds reprehensible in Hamas leaders is no less so when done by PA officials.

Next, Iran. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stressed that the deployment of the U.S. carrier strike group is not to fight Hamas, which Israel is doing, but to “send a clear message of deterrence” to other states or groups that might widen the war. This was a clear reference to the Tehran regime. The Wall Street Journal has cited statements from Hamas and Hezbollah officials that Iran helped to plan and then gave a green light to the Hamas attack on Israel. Iran funds and otherwise aids Hamas. And Iran has armed its own proxy group, Hezbollah, with approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles deployed in Lebanon, on Israel’s northern border.

President Biden has treated the Iranian regime not as a committed enemy of the United States and Israel, but as a potential partner. The administration negotiates with that regime not through pressure, but with huge financial carrots. It has tried to revive the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, which would permit Iran to enrich uranium in return for sanctions relief and would virtually ensure that Iran achieves its goal of nuclear-weapons capability.

The nuclear deal constrained neither Iran’s ballistic missile program nor its support for terrorism. Iran has rebuffed the administration’s nuclear diplomacy, but the administration continues to try to woo the regime. It has given Iran $50 billion in sanctions relief over the last four months and access to $6 billion in frozen assets to release five Americans that Tehran was holding hostage.

Money is fungible, so whatever Washington makes available to Iran frees up resources for the Tehran regime to use to aid Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel and to develop a nuclear weapon.

If President Biden intends to follow through on the statements in his October 10 Israel address, he will have to reassess his Iran policy.

Israel is not the only embattled American ally, as President Biden acknowledged in promising to work with Congress to “fund the national security requirements of our critical partners.” Two of the key partners besides Israel are Taiwan and Ukraine. Chinese president Xi Jinping has instructed the People’s Liberation Army to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. President Biden has promised that the United States will help defend the island, but we may not have the military means. The American navy is not as robust as it needs to be, nor do we have the necessary long-range aircraft.

Arming Ukraine against Russia—a worthy investment—has put a big dent in U.S. munitions stocks. America’s defense industrial base needs repair and expansion.

President Biden has identified serious challenges to American interests in Israel and elsewhere. To meet those challenges he will have to reexamine and alter his national security policies. His strong statement Tuesday night does not jibe with some of his policies. Coherence is crucial. Pro-Israel rhetoric is not enough.

Douglas J. Feith, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, was Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the George W. Bush administration. Cole S. Aronson is a writer living in Jerusalem, Israel.

The views expressed in this article are the writers’ own.

The Role of the U.S. Is Clear: Arm Israel, Keep the Conflict From Spreading

Fox News
-
0
The Role of the U.S. Is Clear: Arm Israel, Keep the Conflict From Spreading

President Biden has been the most able and most mature foreign policy President in a generation, possibly more. Even leaving aside the tantrums of the Trump Administration, Biden shines in comparison to the two administrations that prededed Trump. The Bush Jr. and Obama teams swept into office full of arrogance, armed with a few poor historical analogies and over-simplistic theories of how the world works, and a petty determination to undo their immediate predecessors’ work abroad.

Biden’s remarks today on the massacre in southern Israel had all the ingredients of his success so far: clear red lines, an unshakable stance, realistic goals, a keen understanding of competing allied interests, and a willingness to back it all up with American power.

The enormity of Saturday morning’s atrocity, and the possibility that the war on Israel’s southern border could spread north to Lebanon and even Syria and Iran, mean that the U.S. can’t stand by and hope this problem flames out.

Two immediate priorities emerge from this. The first is to ensure Israel a steady supply of munitions—not least for the defensive Iron Dome anti-rocket system—in order to pursue its campaign against Hamas.

The second and perhaps even more crucial from the U.S. perspective is to ensure that the conflict does not expand. Biden made this a priority in his speech tonight. Thinking of using this moment to attack Israel? Biden’s response: “Don’t.”

This can’t be Obama’s dotted red line on Syria or Bush’s impotent protestations on Putin’s invasion of Georgia. The administration must convey to Beirut and Damascus that they will pay an enormous and unbearable price of Hezbollah exploits the war with Hamas to attack Israel and drag the whole region into a war.

And the administration needs to do something else that was overlooked in previous administrations, whether it was on the red line in Syria or other crises, and that is ensure ahead of time that its major allies are definitely onboard.

In the longer term, this week’s events should force a serious reexamination of the received wisdom in Washington on the Arab-Israeli conflict. To be honest, the failures of the consensus “peace processor” view should have forced a serious reexamination of the received wisdom already years ago.

One of the first moves in the region of the Biden administration was to restore UNRWA funding. Like some of the missteps of other new administrations, this had more than a whiff of being driven by a need to undo a previous administration’s work.

UNRWA, the UN agency created only for displaced Palestinians, which serves “refugees” who would not qualify as refugees by any legal definition, is not just a failed humanitarian organization occasionally implicated in supporting terrorism. Its entire ethos, that the population of Gaza are there temporarily and that someday they might “return” to lands in what is now Israel which their grandparents and great grandparents fled during the 1948 war, when five Arab armies were defeated in their attempt to snuff out a newly established Jewish state, runs completely counter to any pious talk of a two-state solution.

If there is anything sustaining the nihilistic radicalism coming from Gaza this week it is that toxic lie. Humanitarian aid to the Palestinians can be delivered in many ways. It should not come in the form of a grant to an agency whose entire existence contributes to conflict rather than mitigates it.

Every effort at broadening the circle of Mideast normalization should be pursued. A Saudi-Israeli peace deal, which this administration has been working assiduously on all year, would be a diplomatic triple bank shot. It locks China out of the region, weakens Iran, and effectively ends the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Which will be a good thing for the Palestinians more than anyone else. Once their conflict with Israel becomes about borders, security, economic arrangements and the like, rather than a cosmic battle supercharged by fantasies of undoing Israel’s existence, they can finally do what every other liberation movement in history has done: They can grudgingly accept statehood on less land than they may have wanted and start the business of building their own society in freedom, with all the benefits and costs and risks that involves.

Shany Mor is a research fellow at the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility at Reichman University, where he is also a lecturer in political thought.

The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.

Maps show Russian gains as Putin’s troops encircle Avdiivka

Fox News
-
0
Maps show Russian gains as Putin’s troops encircle Avdiivka

Russian forces reportedly bombarded the village of Avdiivka Tuesday as Moscow attempts to push back the Ukrainian frontline near Donetsk City.

According to a report from the Agence France-Presse (AFP), officials in the area said that Avdiivka had come under heavy artillery over the past day and that Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s troops appeared to be attempting to encircle the village. The key settlement, which as of March had a population of roughly 1,700 people, sits on the front lines of the Russian-Ukraine war, and Kyiv has managed to hold onto control despite near-constant Russian shelling for months.

“For over a year, there has been the danger that [Avdiivka] can be occupied, but now the situation has worsened rapidly,” Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka’s administration, told AFP

Avdiivka police officer Pavlo Diachenko also told AFP that the town was undergoing a “severe artillery attack.” Newsweek reached out to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry via email for comment.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported Monday that Russia continued its ground attacks on the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line and made “marginal advances” south of Donetsk City near the village of Novomykhailivka. Ukrainian military officials also acknowledged that Russia had conducted several attacks toward Avdiivka but said Tuesday evening that all of Moscow’s advances were unsuccessful.

Russia has focused much of its offensive campaign near Donetsk city as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive operations to regain territory in east and southeastern Ukraine. On Monday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed partial success near the villages of Klishchiivka and Adriivka, which are both located just southwest of the Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut. Meanwhile, ISW reported that Moscow did not make any “claimed or confirmed” advances in the area.

“We are repelling constant attacks near Klishchiivka and Andriivka,” Ilia Yevlash, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s eastern group of forces, said on national television, according to a report from Reuters Monday.

“Every day we are making headway in the Bakhmut sector,” Yevlash continued. We are talking about hundreds of meters at a time that we are liberating from our enemies and strengthening our positions. It is, however, too early to talk about achieving concrete goals.”

Ukrainian forces also reportedly advanced in the Zaporizhia region on Monday west of the town of Verbove, according to Kyiv military officials, and repelled a Russian attack north of Novoprokopivka. Russian milbloggers also reported marginal Ukrainian advances southwest of Russian-controlled Orikhiv, according to ISW’s report.

1...434445...86Page 44 of 86

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY