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Why should I buy life insurance?

Many financial experts consider life insurance to be the cornerstone of sound financial planning. It can be an important tool in the following situations: Replace income for dependents. If people depend on your income, life insurance can replace that income for them if you die. The most commonly recognized case of this is parents with young children. However, it can also apply to couples in which the survivor would be financially stricken by the income lost through the death of a partner, and to dependent adults, such as parents, siblings, or adult children who continue to rely on you financially. Insurance to replace your income can be especially useful if the government- or employer-sponsored benefits of your surviving spouse or domestic partner will be reduced after your death Pay final expenses. Life insurance can pay your funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts, and medical expenses not covered by health insurance. Create an inheritance for your heirs. Even if you have no other assets to pass to your heirs, you can create an inheritance by buying a life insurance policy and naming them as beneficiaries. Pay federal “death” taxes and state “death” taxes. Life insurance benefits can pay estate taxes so that your heirs will not have to liquidate other assets or take a smaller inheritance. Changes in the federal “death” tax rules between now and January 1, 2011, will likely lessen the impact of this tax on some people, but some states are offsetting those federal decreases with increases in their state-level “death” taxes. Make significant charitable contributions. By making a charity the beneficiary of your life insurance, you can make a much larger contribution than if you donated the cash equivalent of the policy’s premiums. Create a source of savings. Some types of life insurance create a cash value that, if not paid out as a death benefit, can be borrowed or withdrawn at the owner’s request. Since most people make paying their life insurance policy premiums a high priority, buying a cash-value type policy can create a kind of “forced” savings plan. Furthermore, the interest credited is tax-deferred (and tax-exempt if the money is paid as a death claim).
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BLM supporter was arrested for beating her adopted white daughter to death

BLM Supporter Posted About Her Adopted Kids’ White Privilege Shortly Before She Was Arrested for Allegedly Beating One to Death. A South Carolina woman and Black Lives Matter supporter accused of beating her 3-year-old adoptive daughter to death posted about her white children’s “privilege” less than two weeks before the alleged crime. Ariel Robinson, 29, and husband Jerry Robinson, 34, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, were denied bond on Jan. 19 after being charged with homicide by child abuse. Arrest warrants allege that the couple inflicted a “series of blunt force injuries” to the toddler, who was identified by the Greenville County Coroner’s office as Victoria Smith. The little girl passed away at the hospital. Local NBC affiliate WYFF-TV reported that Smith had spent most of her life in foster care before being adopted only recently by the Robinsons. TRENDING: Reporters Ask Biden 3 Times About Biggest Press Conference of His Life, He Responds ‘What Press Conference?’ Smith was described as a “beautiful child, inside and out” by Tiffany Huggins, a former foster mother to the girl. “She had the best personality and I’m not just saying that cause I was her momma, but she was just our light,” she said. WYFF interviewed Ariel Robinson in August after she won season 20 of the Food Network reality show “Worst Cooks in America.” At the time, she discussed how she planned to use the $25,000 prize to help her growing family. “I just know that the Lord had his hands on me and he had a purpose for me to go on there,” she told the outlet. “He knew we were going through this adoption, we really could use the money and he just let everything work out for our good.” The case has captured particular attention because Ariel, who is also a comedian, had posted on social media about her adopted white sons’ “privilege” less than two weeks before she and her husband were arrested, using the hashtags “whiteprivilege” and “BlackLivesMatter.” “In my house, my black children get treated the same as my white children, and my white children get treated the same as my black children. It’s a shame that when they go out into the real world, that won’t be the case,” she tweeted on Jan. 6. “I will never have to worry about my white sons and that makes me happy,” she continued in a thread. “What makes me sad is that every worry I don’t have for them will be multiplied for my black sons. Until this is fixed, we are NOT the USA we can be. Justice, fairness, & equality for all!” she declared with the hashtag “BlackLivesMatter.” The thread continued with her vow to use her voice to defend and stand up for her children. “I’m a Mama Bear, & I’ll do anything to protect my children & make sure their futures are equally bright bc they have the same opportunities & are treated as equals the way God made them,” Robinson wrote. “There should be no #whiteprivilege only American privilege,” she concluded. As someone privileged enough to live in the United States, Ariel Robinson has the God-given right to a trial and the presumption of innocence. This is true when it comes to both the ghastly death this child suffered and the suggestion that it had anything to do with “white privilege.” On the latter point, there is no indication that the color of the girl’s skin was a factor in this crime. That connection appears to only have been made by netizens who have long been skeptical of the concept of “white privilege” (i.e. the notion that white people are endowed with certain privileges that are denied to people of color, to be perfectly clear). The connection is being made, however, for a reason. This poor child’s life is a tragic reminder that disadvantages are not lessened by the color of one’s skin, nor is a person any less vulnerable to victimization by means other than “systemic racism” — least of all a helpless little girl who knew nothing of this world beyond a few short years spent in desperate need of a stable home. White children, like children of all backgrounds, are still abused, neglected, abandoned or killed. And in this case, if the Robinsons are guilty, white children can even be victimized by people who aren’t themselves white. The Robinson’s black children may experience hardships in their lives that have to do with the color of their skin, but if their parents are indeed brutal child abusers, this is going to leave them at a significantly bigger disadvantage than their ethnic background alone ever would have. Meanwhile, it is little Victoria who now has no future at all to experience either privilege or disadvantages, not because of anything systemic, but because of the unforgivable actions of a deeply evil person or people. While racism does exist in this world, man’s inhumanity to man doesn’t discriminate along racial lines. The innocent destruction of life happens in all facets of society. If we are to truly be judged by the content of our character rather than the color of our skin, we must be honest about the universally human tendency towards such grievous sin. Source: westernjournal.com
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are Fever Dry cough Fatigue Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include: Loss of taste or smell, Nasal congestion, Conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes) Sore throat, Headache, Muscle or joint pain, Different types of skin rash, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea, Chills or dizziness Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include: Shortness of breath, Loss of appetite, Confusion, Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, High temperature (above 38 °C) Other less common symptoms are: Irritability, Confusion, Reduced consciousness (sometimes associated with seizures), Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorders, More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium and nerve damage. People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical care immediately. If possible, call your health care provider, hotline or health facility first, so you can be directed to the right clinic. What happens to people who get COVID-19? Among those who develop symptoms, most (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. About 15% become seriously ill and require oxygen and 5% become critically ill and need intensive care. Complications leading to death may include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, and/or multiorgan failure, including injury of the heart, liver or kidneys. In rare situations, children can develop a severe inflammatory syndrome a few weeks after infection. Who is most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19? People aged 60 years and over, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, obesity or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. Are there long-term effects of COVID-19? Some people who have had COVID-19, whether they have needed hospitalization or not, continue to experience symptoms, including fatigue, respiratory and neurological symptoms. WHO is working with our Global Technical Network for Clinical Management of COVID-19, researchers and patient groups around the world to design and carry out studies of patients beyond the initial acute course of illness to understand the proportion of patients who have long term effects, how long they persist, and why they occur. These studies will be used to develop further guidance for patient care. How can we protect others and ourselves if we don’t know who is infected? Stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, especially when distancing cannot be maintained, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds and close contact, regularly cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all! When should I get a test for COVID-19? Anyone with symptoms should be tested, wherever possible. People who do not have symptoms but have had close contact with someone who is, or may be, infected may also consider testing – contact your local health guidelines and follow their guidance. While a person is waiting for test results, they should remain isolated from others. Where testing capacity is limited, tests should first be done for those at higher risk of infection, such as health workers, and those at higher risk of severe illness such as older people, especially those living in seniors’ residences or long-term care facilities. What test should I get to see if I have COVID-19? In most situations, a molecular test is used to detect SARS-CoV-2 and confirm infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most commonly used molecular test. Samples are collected from the nose and/or throat with a swab. Molecular tests detect virus in the sample by amplifying viral genetic material to detectable levels. For this reason, a molecular test is used to confirm an active infection, usually within a few days of exposure and around the time that symptoms may begin. What about rapid tests? Rapid antigen tests (sometimes known as a rapid diagnostic test – RDT) detect viral proteins (known as antigens). Samples are collected from the nose and/or throat with a swab. These tests are cheaper than PCR and will offer results more quickly, although they are generally less accurate. These tests perform best when there is more virus circulating in the community and when sampled from an individual during the time they are most infectious. I want to find out if I had COVID-19 in the past, what test could I take? Antibody tests can tell us whether someone has had an infection in the past, even if they have not had symptoms. Also known as serological tests and usually done on a blood sample, these tests detect antibodies produced in response to an infection. In most people, antibodies start to develop after days to weeks and can indicate if a person has had past infection. Antibody tests cannot be used to diagnose COVID-19 in the early stages of infection or disease but can indicate whether or not someone has had the disease in the past. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? Both isolation and quarantine are methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Quarantine is used for anyone who is a contact of someone infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, whether the infected person has symptoms or not. Quarantine means that you remain separated from others because you have been exposed to the virus and you may be infected and can take place in a designated facility or at home. For COVID-19, this means staying in the facility or at home for 14 days. Isolation is used for people with >>Read more
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Uncovering the Tragic Story of the Kursk Submarine Disaster

The Kursk submarine was a state-of-the-art vessel of the Russian Navy, equipped with the latest technology and designed for optimum safety. Yet, on August 12, 2000, the Kursk suffered a catastrophic explosion that resulted in the loss of all 118 crew members on board. The incident sent shockwaves through the international community, sparking debates and investigations into the cause of the disaster. The Kursk was participating in a military exercise in the Barents Sea when the explosion occurred. The exact cause of the explosion remains a subject of speculation, but most experts believe that a torpedo malfunction was the trigger. The initial blast caused a fire that spread quickly through the submarine, leading to a series of secondary explosions. The crew had no chance of survival as the submarine quickly sank into the ocean floor. The Russian government was heavily criticized for its handling of the disaster. The initial response was slow and inadequate, and the government was reluctant to accept international help in the rescue efforts. The Kursk submarine was eventually raised from the ocean floor and the remains of the crew were retrieved, but the incident left a lasting impact on the Russian people and the world. Today, the Kursk submarine serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of underwater exploration and the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis. The story of the Kursk highlights the bravery of the crew and the sacrifices made in the name of serving their country. Kursk Submarine Disaster is a somber chapter in the history of naval warfare and a testament to the unrelenting pursuit of technological advancement in the face of danger. In conclusion, the Kursk submarine disaster is a story of bravery, tragedy, and lessons learned. As we remember the 118 crew members who lost their lives in the incident, we should strive to learn from their sacrifice and work toward a safer future for all submariners.
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Road rage and auto insurance

Aggressive driving can lead to accidents—and compromised coverage Road rage incidents are not only dangerous, they are exempted from coverage by many auto insurance policies. Understand your risks and take precautionary measures to avoid being a victim—or a cause—of aggressive driving accidents. Crowded highways and traffic backups at times cause drivers to lose control and become extremely aggressive. Road rage is a real problem that can lead to serious accidents or even incidents of violence on the road. It’s important to realize that road rage is listed as an exemption in many auto insurance policies. This is because any damage or liability stemming from aggressive driving isn’t considered an accident but rather as having been caused by risky behavior. Rather than risk paying the consequences of road rage—one of which may be not having your auto insurance claim paid—it’s best to avoid a dangerous and costly aggressive driving incident in the first place. If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road… Stay as far away as possible. Slow down or change lanes if need be, let the driver pass you and give yourself room at intersections to drive away. Record a description of the car and note the license plate number if possible so that you can report him or her to the police for the sake of everyone’s safety. Do not engage with or challenge the offender in any way. Ignore the driver’s rudeness and don’t give into the temptation to react in kind or you might escalate the risky behavior. Put your safety first. If an aggressive driver starts to follow you, keep your doors locked, and head to the nearest police station. Never stop and confront an aggressive driver. If you have a short fuse yourself stay cool and… Leave plenty of time to get where you need to go. When you’re in a hurry, your patience is short and you are much more likely to become aggravated. Remember other drivers are not annoying you on purpose. People make mistakes or they might be driving more slowly for a reason—they might be lost, or their sight might be impaired by sun glare. Don’t use hand—or single finger—gestures other than a wave to someone who lets you into your lane. Don’t tailgate slow drivers. Hanging on another car’s back bumper is dangerous. If the car in front of you has to stop short and you rear-end it, the accident would be considered your fault. Don’t honk your horn insistently. Leaning on your horn is a bad practice. While it might make you feel better to express your frustration in a traffic jam, it won’t make anyone go any faster, it’s annoying to other drivers and passengers and it increases everyone’s stress level, which may lead to more aggressive behavior. Never stop to confront another driver. It could lead to a dangerous situation for all concerned.
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