Gary Barber and Spyglass Entertainment Fail to Create Victims’ Fund for Harvey Weinstein Victims

Gary Barber and Spyglass Entertainment Fail to Create Victims’ Fund for Harvey Weinstein Victims

On February 14, 2020, a group of protesters gathered outside of the offices of Spyglass Entertainment head Gary Barber. The group gathered together to advocate for the victims of Harvey Weinstein. According to the protesters, the victims’ fund had never been funded like it was supposed to. Thanks to Barber and Spyglass Entertainment, the $30 to $50 million the fund was supposed to get had never arrived like it was supposed to.

Barber’s Connection to Harvey Weinstein

Originally, Harvey Weinstein was famous for his work as a film producer. He co-founded Miramax and the Weinstein Company. Until 2017, Weinstein was the co-chairman of the Weinstein Company with his brother. In October 2017, Weinstein was dismissed from the company because of sexual assault allegations. More than 80 women made allegations against him, and the scandal sparked the #MeToo movement. On February 24, 2020, Weinstein was found guilty of rape.

The reason why the victims’ advocacy group is protesting Barber is that he now controls the Weinstein Company. In 2019, Barber gained control of the Weinstein Company’s television and film assets through a partnership with Lantern Entertainment. Originally, Lantern Entertainment was responsible for buying Weinstein’s former business after it had to declare bankruptcy in 2018.

The Cause of the Protest

The protest in February began because of a broken promise. When Spyglass Entertainment and Barber took over the Weinstein Company, they had negotiated with former Obama appointee Maria Contreras Sweet. According to the terms of the deal, Spyglass was supposed to put $30 to $50 million into a victims’ fund. They never fulfilled their promises, so the victims’ fund remains empty.

After the protest, the group released a statement. It called on Spyglass Media CEO Gary Berber as well as Lantern Asset Management Capital heads Milos Brajovic and Andy Mitchell to fulfill their promises to Weinstein’s victims. According to the protesters, the victims have been patiently waiting for Mitchell, Barber, and Brajovic to uphold the promises they made. Unfortunately, all of their waiting has been in vain.

A total of about 10 people gathered to make their case in front of Barber’s Century City office. The protesters believe that the original offer was made and accepted in good faith. Instead of following through on the offer, the company never offered the financial contributions it had said it would.

Lantern Entertainment Has Dealt With Fraud and Breach of Contract Lawsuits Before

In 2018, Lantern Entertainment was the subject of a different kind of legal scandal. Documents were filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court involving negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract and fraud. The heart of the case involved African-American producer Marvin Peart.

Peart developed his reputation working in Hollywood and has gained respect over the years for his talent. In the 2018 lawsuit, Peart sued Lantern Entertainment because of the Weinstein Company deal. Originally, Peart was responsible for landing the deal and negotiating the deal’s terms. Once the deal went through, he was supposed to be given a seat on the board of the new company. In addition, he was supposed to get more than $10 million for bringing in Lantern Entertainment as an investor.

Unfortunately, none of these promises were kept by Lantern and the Weinstein Company. Instead, Peart says he was forced out because of institutional racism. In the lawsuit, Peart attacked Lantern for completely cutting him out of the deal. If Lantern had followed through like it was supposed to, Hollywood would have spent the year celebrating the story of an outsider who successfully landed the largest entertainment deal of 2018.

According to the lawsuit, Lantern engaged in historic revisionism through its public announcements. The announcements about the deal did not include any references to Peart’s accomplishments. All of Lantern’s actions were more than just a simple breach of contract. These actions were just another example of how institutional racism marginalizes African-American professionals in Hollywood and keeps them from their rightful place in the winner’s circle. While months have passed since the lawsuit was filed, the case is still pending in the courts.

Who Is Gary Barber?

Barber was born in South Africa. After he received an accounting degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, he began working as an accountant in the United States and South Africa. Since 1979, Barber has lived in the United States. In 1998, he founded Spyglass Entertainment with Roger Birnbaum.

Barber ended up serving as the CEO of MGM in 2010. During his time as the head of MGM, the company produced James Bond films and other major productions. While his contract was resigned in 2017 for another five years, he ended up getting removed from the studio in March 2018. Because of his ouster, he received a settlement worth $260 million. More recently, Barber has made the news for his company’s takeover of the Weinstein Company as well as its failure to pay the victims of Harvey Weinstein.

Like the victims’ fund Gary Barber was supposed to set up, Peart never received everything he was promised. Lantern, Spyglass Entertainment, the Weinstein Company and Barber have developed a track record of breaking agreements when it suits them. While the protesters are hopeful that Barber will follow through on his promises, Lantern and Spyglass Entertainment’s past actions do not bode well for the outcome of the victims’ fund.

mint mobile plans

mint mobile plans

When you decide to choose Mint mobile, there are a number of plans that you can choose from. From different lengths to larger amounts of data each month, Mint offers customized plans for you and your daily needs. 

Amount of Monthly Data3 GB8 GB12 GB
What can I do with the data?Download an app, post 10 pictures, visit 40 web pages, and send 100 emailsWatch 10 minutes of videos, stream 40 minutes of music, 10 apps downloaded, visit 40 web pages, and send 100 emailsWatch ten minutes of videos, stream 1 hour of music, download 10 apps, visit 125 web pages, and send 200 email
3-month plans$75 ($25/month)$105 ($35/month)$135 ($45/month)
6-month plans$120 ($20/month)$150 ($25/month)$210 ($35/month)
12-month plans$180 ($15/month)$240 ($20/month)$300 ($25/month)

You can also take advantage of the refer a friend program and earn up to $240 (that’s a year of 8GB a month for free) and you can do this twice a year! 10 friends = two years of coverage! 

If you have in-home Wi-Fi, you could go with a lower internet plan, saving you money when you use your Wi-Fi. Or if you even have Wi-Fi at work, you could log on and use it at work to save GB.  You could save anywhere up to $840 a year (or $70 a month) by switching to Mint mobile. 

Each plan offers unlimited talk and text, so you don’t have to worry about saving those. You may be worried that the data isn’t unlimited, but if you check your bill you might be surprised by how little data you are actually using. 

The Mint mobile $5 starter kit provides you with 100MB of 4G LTE data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes for talk. This is a 7-day trial period for you to determine if you like to coverage and service. You can buy your starter kit at Wal-Mart, Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. 

If you feel like you didn’t get enough of the coverage you wanted during your 7-day trial period (and if you’re a new Mint user) you can head over to their website to get their introductory pricing. This means that you will get 3 months of coverage for the 12 month price, without the commitment (so instead of $25 a month it’s $15 a month for the 3GB plan. That way you can get the full idea of the service without breaking the bank or making a year long commitment. 

Ad:  mintmobile review

You can always start low and go high on the data packages. If you run out of the 3GB data, then you can upgrade to the 8GB. If you go out again, it may be time to upgrade to the 12GB data.  Or, you can check the “Data Usage” on your phone or online account to see how much data you normally use each month and go off of that.

Interview with John A. Dracup, PhD, author of Clean Water for Developing Countries

Interview with John A. Dracup, PhD, author of Clean Water for Developing Countries

When we first came upon this book we were drawn in by the smiling face of a little girl playing in fresh, clean water. We often forget that water is a resource that is needed for survival, but many countries continue to struggle with clean water. It’s not someone else’s job to fix this, anyone can help, and author Dracup tells us exactly how in his latest book, Clean Water for Developing Countries.

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity/scientist/politician, who would it be and why?

Celebrity:   Matt Damon, who is the Co-founder of Water.org.   This organization funds clean water projects all over the world. 

Q. What was your inspiration to write Clean Water for Developing Countries?

1. I spent my career as a professor at UCLA and at the University of California, Berkeley, doing research and teaching water resource engineering, environmental engineering and hydrology.    This experience led me to appreciate the need for clean water throughout the world.  I joined Rotary International,  a humanitarian organization because of its commitment to providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to those in need around the world.  I have worked on Rotary International clean water projects in Kenya, Peru, Honduras and Guatemala, all of which are featured in my book.

2. I have been very fortunate and blessed throughout my life and working on clean water projects in developing countries and writing this book are a means of giving back to those who have not been as fortunate.     

Q. Give us some key points that everyone must know when reading your book.

1.  Anyone coming into a village or a community must work with the local populations to solve the problem of providing clean water.  If it does not already exist, a local water committee must be formed, with representatives from all those concerned.   

2.  The problem of providing clean water to developing countries can be solved.  We have the knowledge and the technology to turn the most polluted water into clean water.  It only takes determination and funding for those who know how to do this. 

3.  By following the procedures laid out in this book, individuals with a wide range of backgrounds can work on and solve this problem in communities throughout all developing countries.

Q. Can you tell us three fun facts you discovered while writing your book?

John A. Dracup PhD

1. A helicopter trip over much of Guatemala, looking for potential sites where clean water may be needed in a community,  is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

2.  A three hour boat ride to Remba Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya, can be a harrowing experience as the waves can be six feet in height. 

3.  Custom officers in Nairobi collect a 10% tariff on all gifts coming into the country.  However, I found out that a single tee shirt with Barak Obama’s picture on it would suffice as the tax. 

Q. You’re obviously passionate about clean water, what other issues do you wish to help solve?

Two issues come to mind:

  1.  Education in developing countries is an important issue.  Clean water allows children to go to school more often as they are free from diseases.  But the schools must be funded and supported by the local and federal governments.
  2. Two million people throughout the world live on less than $2.00 per day.  Economic equity is essential for peace and the elimination of conflicts in the world. 

Q. Have you visited the developing countries in need of water, if so, what was that experience like?

I have worked on clean water projects in Kenya, Peru, Honduras and Guatemala.  In Kenya, on Remba Island,  which is in Lake Victoria,  after three years of installation the clean water systems became operative.  Women from all over the Island came to get clean water.  They left with the water-filled jerrycans on top of their heads and smiles on their faces. 

All of these projects were a marvelous experience and it was a pleasure to work on them.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your book?

Drinking polluted water causes over a million deaths worldwide each year due to water- borne diseases, such as typhoid and cholera.   These deaths are easily avoided.  We have the knowledge and the technology to clean the most polluted water.   We just need the determination and the funding to do so.    

The Two Most Popular Online Degree Subjects

The Two Most Popular Online Degree Subjects

So you’ve done your research on the pro’s and con’s of getting an online degree, the benefits of being able to manage time much easier, and the requirement of self motivation and a good work ethic. But now what? There’s not an “intro to online degrees” course! In this article, I’ll give you the 2 most popular online degree subjects, and a little bit of information about each one. 

Business Administration

Business administration is quite possibly the most popular degree subject ever. Period. And there are a lot of reasons for it. But in any case, it’s definitely one of the most popular in terms of online schooling. This is partially to do the sheer amount of degrees available. There are options for everyone, with every ambition. It’s also a very ideal course layout for online schooling. There isn’t a lot of technical math, or hands-on assignments, there’s just a little bit of everything. This allows for a good course to take in the midst of a busy lifestyle, since in many cases, it won’t require too much outside research or help.

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is also a very popular degree in general, which is a big part of why it’s on this list. But it’s also another good online option. Of course you could get a masters degree in physics or mathematics online, but that’s a very large time investment, even on your own time. Criminal justice is something that a lot of people already think about, and is a great segway into a career. Whether you want to go into law enforcement as a police officer, or join the FBI or CIA, become a corrections officer, or go into law. Criminal justice is a great option for anyone looking for a job in any of these areas. 

Finding Balance: One Entrepreneur’s Journey To Success

Finding Balance: One Entrepreneur’s Journey To Success

Entrepreneurs work long hours, have packed schedules, and are under continuous stress. This could lead to poor health. For many employees, it does just that. But studies are starting to show that, for a variety of reasons, entrepreneurs live longer, healthier lives than employees do. These studies are revealing that entrepreneurs are less likely to have hypertension, obesity and diabetes than other workers. However, they are also showing that entrepreneurs suffer from stress-related illnesses at higher than average rates when they don’t incorporate “self-care” into their daily routines. 

Many entrepreneurs start their own businesses to gain freedom and flexibility in their work life. They want to be their own boss, make their own schedules, and have a better work-life balance. Cheril Clarke, an entrepreneur that founded Phenomenal Writing, LLC 5 years ago, says, “Entrepreneurship allows me to design the life I want.” For her, and other entrepreneurs, this includes setting aside time for health. Cheril works out every day, whether that be going to the gym or swinging on a hoop, practicing aerial acrobatics. She made a commitment to herself to do this because good health is part of a good work-life balance to her. 

Perhaps the trait most responsible for these better health outcomes is an entrepreneur’s self-discipline. It takes discipline and tenaciousness to build and grow a business. This attitude seems to carry over to exercise and diet. They also have more flexibility than the average worker, and therefore have more time for exercise and healthy meal planning. Regardless of the reasons, entrepreneurs make fewer visits to the hospital and enjoy higher overall well–being and life satisfaction. They are more likely to exercise and eat fruits and vegetables. A study by Louisiana State University even found that as the number of small businesses grew within an area, the health of the surrounding community improved. Obesity, diabetes, and mortality rates all declined steadily, ranking at less than half the national average.

However, the good news only extends into the mental health arena when we are cognizant of our work-life balance. According to a study by Michael Freeman, a psychiatrist, psychologist and former CEO, entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to report having a mental health condition, with some specific conditions being more prevalent among founders. Seventy-two percent of entrepreneurs surveyed self-reported concerns when not enacting a consistent program of exercise, sleep, and balance. 

Moreover, mental health conditions are deteriorating since the coronavirus pandemic has started. As such, entrepreneurs should take more care of their mental health to cope up with the crisis

In general, entrepreneurs seem most at risk for depression, anxiety, and addiction, both substance and behavioral when they don’t take care of themselves. Increased stress, uncertainty, social isolation, and shame from “impression management” (the idea that for optics they must come across as “having it all together”) all compound to result in irritability, burn-out, low self-worth, sleep disturbances, and even migraines.

Many of these symptoms can be combated with self-care, along with diet and exercise. Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress. Meditation, travel, getting enough sleep, massage, and spending time with loved ones can all be self-care. The act of doing things that are relaxing and fulfilling help de-stress an individual and assist in maintaining connections with non-work activities.

Clarke has made it her mission to practice self-care often, not because she is concerned about issues, but because she knows it makes her a better communicator. Whether that means going to the salon to get her hair and nails done on a consistent basis or getting a massage at the end of a busy week, Ms. Clarke makes a concerted effort to take care of herself. She knows that when she does this, her work is far better than when she doesn’t. Another great trick of Cheril’s: spending time in nature and meditating in order to relax. “Life mastery to me, in one word, means balance.” She finds balance through tending to her physical and mental health as well as dedicating long days to her businesses. You can hear more about Cheril’s balanced approach to work, life, and health on the Life Mastery by Monica Bey podcast and learn more about her businesses at PhenomenalWriting.com and PhenomenalSpeeches.com.

Here’s What to Do If You’re a Victim of Medical Malpractice

Here’s What to Do If You’re a Victim of Medical Malpractice

When an employee messes up your order at a fast food restaurant, it’s frustrating, but understandable. When a medical professional makes a mistake, it’s unacceptable. Research from Johns Hopkins University found that “10 percent of all U.S. deaths are now due to medical error.” Their research also found that it’s the third highest cause of death, and many cases are not recognized as such.

Medical professionals need to be held accountable for their mistakes, so if you suspect that you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to take the right steps to rectify the situation.

Here’s what you can and should do.

Call an Attorney

The very first step before you approach the hospital about the problem should be to call your attorney. You don’t want to contact the hospital so that they build up their defenses before you have a case. Let your attorney do the heavy lifting and contact the hospital for you.

An attorney is absolutely essential in a medical malpractice case. “Unlike many other forms of negligence, a medical malpractice case involves a highly complex set of standards,” explain the attorneys at Serious Injury Law Group in Montgomery, AL. “In general, you must prove the applicable standard of care. You also must show that the health care professional failed to meet that standard of care. This can be challenging. The standard of care is somewhat subjective and requires other similarly licensed and trained health care providers to testify about what went wrong.”

Speaking with an attorney enables you to build up your case and perform the associated steps for pressing charges in the correct order.

Seek a Second Opinion

Whether a mistake is obvious or it’s simply suspicious, you’ll want a second opinion from a qualified medical professional to present as evidence in court. They’ll need to assess the mistake to determine whether or not it could have been prevented.

Seek a top-rated specialist to corroborate your claims. They’ll want to review your medical records, perform tests, and conduct background research before giving you a diagnosis and identifying any medical errors. The second doctor will also do the best they can to help you heal.

Write Everything Down

Keep a detailed record of everything you’ve gone through, the pain you’re experiencing, and what’s happening day to day. This may come in handy during the proceedings.

According to FindLaw.com, a “personal diary could arguably contain relevant evidence. Legally, under the rules of evidence and discovery, a party is entitled to inspect and copy any and all documents that could potentially lead to the discovery of useful evidence to support their case or position. While a diary is going to be considered hearsay, there are numerous exceptions to hearsay rules that would allow a diary’s use in court.”

The journal could be used to identify both physical and emotional symptoms related to an injury. It could also show the difference between life before and after the injury to demonstrate that a medical malpractice mistake was life-altering.

Don’t Blab About the Issue

Other than confiding in close confidants, legal professionals, or a new healthcare provider, it’s important to keep your suspicions to yourself. It can feel good to vent about it to everyone who will listen, but this could cause problems with your case down the road.

Most importantly, don’t talk about it online! The things you say on social media can be used against you in a court of law. If you really need to vent, find a trustworthy friend or family member who won’t blab.

Taking the proper steps during a medical malpractice claim is essential to helping you win your case. Most importantly, contact a medical malpractice attorney in your state who can facilitate your case and help you through this trying time.

Practical Tips for Avoiding the 3 Most Common Types of Distracted Driving

Practical Tips for Avoiding the 3 Most Common Types of Distracted Driving

While drunk driving, speeding, and road rage often nab the headlines, the data reveals that distracted driving is really the most dangerous threat to the safety of our roads.

Data gathered by the NHTSA shows that distracted driving was responsible for at least 3,155 deaths in 2017 (and hundreds of thousands of additional injuries). And, at least for now, the numbers are trending in the wrong direction.

Though drivers can be distracted by any number of causes, behaviors, or stimuli, there are ultimately three common types that stand out more than the rest.

Let’s take a look at how you can identify and avoid them when you’re behind the wheel:

1. Visual Distractions

As the name indicates, these are distractions that take your eyes off the road and require you to perform visual “double-duty” when driving. Mobile devices and electronics are among the most common visual diversions.

“While drivers can face many different distractions in the car, cell phones are the most common – and deadliest – distraction,” Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C. explains. “Texting while driving, for instance, can drastically increase your risk of being involved in an accident and needing medical care. People who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision, according to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.”

According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds at a time. When traveling 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Other visual distractions include fidgeting with the radio dial and looking at GPS directions. It doesn’t have to involve electronics, though. You can just as easily become distracted by a passing billboard or blue lights on the side of the road.

The best way to avoid smartphone-related distractions is to turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving. And if you must use your phone, be sure to use a hands-free solution.

2. Manual Distractions

Manual distractions aren’t discussed as much as visual culprits, but they’re just as dangerous. They consist of anything that requires a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel in order to perform an action or task. Examples include:

  • Eating fast food
  • Attempting to locate an item in your purse
  • Reaching into a briefcase in the backseat
  • Trying to break up a fight between quarreling kids
  • Handing snacks to a toddler in the backseat

Manual distractions are dangerous because they compromise both your focus and your physical ability to drive. While you might be capable of driving with one hand under most circumstances, all it takes is a sudden lane change or an unexpected red light to put you in a compromising situation.

The best way to defeat manual distractions is to prevent the temptation. This means keeping your purse/briefcase in the trunk; never getting fast food to go; and setting clear expectations with passengers (particularly little ones).

3. Cognitive Distractions

This third category gets ignored a lot of times, but it’s one of the major causes of distraction-related car accidents.

A cognitive distraction is anything that takes your mind off of your primary obligation: driving. It may include a podcast or audio book, conversation with someone in the passenger’s seat, or a preoccupation with a work project or relationship issue.

While most people are able to drive while thinking about other things, it can become an issue in scenarios where you need to make split-second decisions. Cognitive distractions slow reaction time and can pose a threat under these circumstances.

Cognitive distractions are arguably the most difficult kind to prevent. If you find that you’re easily distracted by podcasts and audiobooks, try the radio instead. If in-cabin conversations hold your mind hostage, try driving alone. The more proactive you are about these culprits, the safer you’ll be.

Say Goodbye to Distracted Driving

Distracted driving might be rampant, but you don’t have to be a willing participant. Now that you’re aware of the major causes of distracted driving, you can implement proactive strategies and techniques to ensure you no longer succumb to these dangerous and deadly diversions. Do your part to make our roads safer!

Author J.M. Kelly has Published the Next Big Mystery Series For All Ages

Author J.M. Kelly has Published the Next Big Mystery Series For All Ages

After working with school aged kids for the last 35 years, J.M. Kelly wrote the next big book series for children and young adults. The Bobby Homes Mystery Series is the Harry Potter for the next generation. The first book, The Lost Treasure, and the second book, Monster on the Moors are available now. Readers can’t get enough and compare it to Sherlock Holmes meets Stranger Things.

As one reviewer says, ” “This book was creepy and thrilling and totally enthralling. I felt like I was there in person and shivered multiple times though out reading this book. Kelly does an amazing job setting the scene and making this world seem real. Couldn’t get enough.” — Erin Haggerty, NetGalley

Here’s more about J.M. Kelly in our exclusive interview:

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

A. An obvious choice would be Stephen King, for he is the master of the macabre. But, as I often see a strong correlation between books and film when I read, I’d like to provide a copy to Guillermo Del Toro, Sam Raimi, and Jordan Peale, all of whom bring horror to life in unique ways.

Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?

A. My wife, hands down. For the sole reason of her unequivocal support.

Q. Give us the scoop about your book.

A. Monster on the Moors is a horror thriller that takes place in the eerie North York Moors of England. Clairvoyant Bobby Holmes, his American cousin Brenda Watson, and their friends, wise guy Stevie and Michael (who is challenged by Asperger Syndrome), are drawn into a deadly mystery. They are hunted by an ancient wolf creature controlled by evil witches of British lore. When one of their friends is captured, they must rely on the investigations of a librarian who is more than he seems, the mystical gifts of a gypsy king, a mysterious stranger at the center of it all, and their own wits in a desperate race to save their friend and come out alive.

Q. Can you tell us three fun facts about you?

J.M. Kelly

A. I’m the second oldest of ten children. I spent 35 years in education as a middle school teacher and a school Principal. I started my writing career after my education career and have since written three novels and one professional book.

Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

A. Not my call and wouldn’t have a clue. I’d leave that to the professionals, although I’d have to say, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher was a huge mistake.

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?

A. I sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 37 that left me an incomplete quad. Nonetheless, I received the NJ State Principal and Supervisor’s award for Principal of the Year for Inspirational Leadership in 2007, and have enjoyed my entire writing career since.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

A. Never give up and respect and enjoy our differences. Another important message is to suffer the children…they know stuff adults long ago closed their eyes to.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Morning person or night owl?

A. Morning person, always.

Q. Reading or writing?

A. Reading, you need it to be a good writer.

Q. Kittens or puppies?

A. Dogs, dogs, dogs


Q. The city or the country?

A. Country.


Q. Road trip or Cruise ship?

A. Road trip, for the possibilities.

Q. Wine or beer?


A. Wine.


Q. Karaoke or bowling?

A. Neither.


Q. The ability to fly or invisibility?

A. Flying.

Q. Selfie or group photo?

A. Group, more fun.


Q. Love story or scary story?

A. Scary all the way.


Q. Bacon or Tofu?

A. Is that even a choice? Bacon.

Best Organic Ginger Green Tea

Best Organic Ginger Green Tea

If you are looking to get the very most out of your cup of tea, organic ginger green tea is the way to go.

Tea that is organic is toxin free, ensuring no pollutants or chemicals will build up in your system. Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory benefits that are great for the digestive system, and green tea is full of antioxidants that naturally fight off disease. When all these elements are combined in one drink, it makes for one of the healthiest beverages around.

The health benefits the tea provides become even more enhanced when you’re buying it from a company you trust. Read on to find out more about what makes this tea so healthy and how you can find the best organic ginger green tea on the market.

Benefits of Organic Tea

Organic tea is a clean tea that will reduce the risk of toxins building up in your body. Here are some other benefits it provides.

Improves Gut Health: Tea balances bacteria in the gut to improve function.

Full of Antioxidants: The antioxidants in tea are beneficial to skin and slow the aging process.

Good for Weight Maintenance: Tea is naturally calorie free and has a high water content that is great for managing weight.

Relaxing: Drinking tea is relaxing, so it keeps stress levels low.

Benefits of Ginger Tea

Ginger is known for boosting digestive health. Here are some other benefits it can provide.

Reduces Inflammation: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in fighting inflammation that occurs internally and externally.

Fights Respiratory Problems: Drinking ginger tea can be beneficial if you are trying to fight a cold.

Improves Blood Circulation: The vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in ginger boost blood circulation to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea’s high antioxidant content isn’t the only reason why it’s such a healthy drink. Here are some other ways it can boost health.

Improves Brain Function: Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which works with the caffeine in the tea to improve brain function.

Kills Bacteria: Green tea’s ability to kill bacteria makes it effective in improving dental health and fighting infection.

May Lower Risk of Diabetes: Studies have shown that green tea can reduce blood sugar levels to lower the risk of diabetes.

Best Organic Ginger Green Tea

If you are sold on the benefits of organic ginger green tea, you’ll want to buy it from a brand you know you can trust.  Here are two we recommend.

Organic India: Organic India is an herbal supplement company that is committed to providing high quality organic products to their customers. The herbs they use are sourced from acres of land tended to by farmers educated in organic and biodynamic agricultural practices. Shop from their wide selection of teas and supplements to find the products that are right for you.

TeaSource: TeaSource is dedicated to offering the best values on high quality teas. They have their own warehouse which they use to import, blend, and sell all their products. Their huge selection includes organic green tea and ginger tea options.

If you enjoy a good tea, make the most of it by drinking the best organic ginger green tea available. Sit back and enjoy a cup today!

How to Find a Good House in a Competitive Area

How to Find a Good House in a Competitive Area

Buying a new house can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you’re competing with other buyers. In competitive markets, the prices are high, the buyers are ravenous, and good homes seem to fly off the market without so much as an opportunity to make an offer.

There are some obvious ways around this. For example, you could start looking in neighborhoods that are less competitive, sacrificing your personal taste or distance from work to secure a less-contested home for a lower price. But if you’re interested in getting a great house for a decent deal in the hottest part of the city, you’ll need to step up your strategy.

Work With an Aggressive Buying Agent

For starters, make sure you’re working with an agent. A buying agent will work on your behalf to sniff out the best deals, and help you initiate and negotiate an offer that secures you a good home faster. If they understand the local market, they’ll be able to jump on good houses faster, and they’ll work quickly to get in touch with you and schedule tours. They may also be able to provide you with location-specific advice; for example, you may learn that in this neighborhood, home sellers tend to lean toward offers with no contingencies.

Become an Agent in Your Own Right

It’s a time-intensive step, to be sure, but if you truly want a competitive advantage over the other buyers in the area, one of the best assets you can have is a real estate license. Depending on where you live, you can likely get your real estate license entirely online in a matter of weeks. Once you’re fully qualified, you’ll have early access to deals before they ever get to market—and you’ll have a deeper knowledge of how real estate transactions work, so you can make more intelligent, competitive offers. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll be able to do full-time or part-time work as a practicing real estate agent in the future, which can be an excellent source of personal revenue.

Be Ready to Jump

If you’re the type of person who likes to take their time with big decisions and think through every variable, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but it’s going to work against you in a competitive housing market. If houses are being bought almost instantly when they become available for sale, you’re never going to make an impact with this strategy. Instead, you need to be ready to review new houses and put together an offer fast. Talk with your partner, if applicable, and make sure you understand your wants and needs thoroughly; when you see a house that meets most of your wants and needs, get an offer together quickly. You might not have much time.

Skip the Contingencies

Contingencies are a good way to protect yourself when buying a home, and to get a bit more value out of your transaction. If your home inspection reveals small things wrong with the home, like a cracked wall, or a minor plumbing issue, in a cool market, you might demand that the homeowner fix these things before you move in. But contingencies will make your offer stand out in a competitive market—and not in a good way. If a home seller has multiple offers on the table, and some of them are contingency-free, they’re going to take immediate priority. If there’s something that needs to be fixed, consider fixing it yourself when you move in instead of putting the additional pressure on the home seller.

Make a Serious Offer

The give-and-take negotiation process of a typical home sale is disrupted slightly in a competitive market. Listen to your agent and pay attention to trending sale prices in the area, and be ready to make a serious offer. If homes are frequently selling above list price, your offers need to be similarly above list price. If a seller makes a higher-than-expected counteroffer, consider it seriously.

If you’re making high offers and are still struggling to get attention, consider making an all-cash offer. This may or may not be feasible, depending on the price of the home and your current financial resources, but it can make a big difference if it’s an available option to you.

Knowing When to Quit

Sometimes, the high prices and stressful transactions of a popular area simply aren’t worth it. Make sure you understand your home buying priorities inside and out, and be prepared to call it quits if it isn’t worth the extra stress. There are lots of neighborhoods out there, and chances are, you can find something similar to what you want in a cheaper, more reasonable alternative area.