Posts tagged with "holiday"

5 Tips for Safe Online Holiday Shopping

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By Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz, faculty chair for cybersecurity programs at University of Phoenix

Black Friday might look a little different this holiday season as companies opt to close their doors to shoppers and instead offer virtual options to help stop the spread of coronavirus. While doing so may help prevent illness, it puts consumers at greater risk for another threat ― cybercrime.

This time of year has always been the busiest for online shopping, which has grown exponentially during the past decade. And that was before this year’s coronavirus outbreak caused e-commerce sales to rocket further.¹ It all adds up to malicious online criminals having many more opportunities to steal valuable personal information.

Online shopping, although convenient, can be problematic if appropriate security measures aren’t implemented. Identity theft, credit card fraud and malware are among the many safety threats consumers face.

It’s important to take steps to protect your personal information while shopping online this holiday season — and throughout the year. These safety measures can help protect your identity and prevent credit card theft.

Ensure the company is PCI compliant

Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance is directed by credit card companies to protect consumers. It mandates that a variety of standards be upheld to ensure secure credit card transactions. All organizations that accept credit cards must uphold the required standard.

If an organization is not PCI compliant, personally identifiable information is potentially at risk, either through a third-party seller or through the consumer’s computer or device because the end-point security necessary to shield the transaction is absent or inadequate.

If an error appears when you go to a business’s website indicating their PCI certificate is not secure or is expired, you should not conduct a transaction there. If you do, your personal information is at risk.

Look for the lock

It is important that companies ensure the data you provide when making a purchase is encrypted. To determine whether an organization is using encryption, look for the lock symbol in the browser. This symbol indicates the website uses SSL, a data-transfer security standard that encrypts your data and ensures the server in use is authentic and secure.

Companies can go one step further with tokenization, which means they do not store, manage, maintain or transmit any credit card numbers in their completion anywhere. To determine a company’s security, look for this information published on their website. It should show what they are doing to secure their customers’ information from vulnerabilities related to personal identifiable data privacy.

Firewall application software and active

Consider installing a firewall software application on your computer. If you already have the software, make sure it is turned on. While firewalls are generally used to prevent malicious cyberattacks coming from the outside, you should look for software that can protect your data in both directions — both incoming and outgoing data — to make sure the private information you provide when you make a purchase is secure.

Antivirus or next-generation AI behavior-based antivirus

Antivirus software will help alert you if your network is victim of a malware attack. There are now more sophisticated next-generation apps that use artificial intelligence (AI) to learn about your consumer habits to better identify fraud. Consider installing AI behavior-based antivirus software before you start your holiday shopping online for an added layer of protection.

Research the business

If you are purchasing from an online store that is new to you, be sure to do your due diligence before clicking “buy now.” Check for complaints made to the Better Business Bureau. Look at online reviews, checking specifically to see if there are challenges concerning refunds or processing cards. Visa and Mastercard have publicly available registries listing service providers that comply with rules and industry security standards.

Once you complete your transaction, it’s possible you will have no idea whether your online purchase has put your sensitive data at risk. It could be years before you know you’ve been a victim of cybercriminals. With the rise in online purchases and the biggest shopping season of the year nearing, it is a good time to do as much as you can to protect yourself.

About the Author

Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz is lead area faculty chair for cybersecurity programs at University of Phoenix Las Vegas Campus and director of cybersecurity at Stations Casinos in Las Vegas.

House of Luxury × Harrods

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Jewelry connoisseurs are set to have the ultimate pre-Christmas shopping experience as House of Luxury launches their fine and high jewelry pop-up at Harrods‘ renowned Knightsbridge store this October. The special event features new and exclusive jewelry collections by renowned international designer brands, Simone Jewels, Terzihan, YEPREM and Alessa Jewelry.

In regards to the collaboration, Beth Hannaway, Head of Fine Jewelry & Watches at Harrods said, “It is always exciting to offer unique, one-of-a-kind experiences to our luxury jewelry clients, especially during the holiday season. As one of a few pop-ups we have planned this year, we’ve partnered with the House of Luxury to deliver a truly special experience, showcasing a curated edit of exclusive pieces from Simone Jewels and Terzihan. My personal highlight is from Terzihan, with a striking collection of rose gold, diamond and vibrant green malachite, which is a selection I’m sure our clients will love too.”

There will also be an opportunity to shop virtually through Harrods own super seller team who can set up hyper-customized shopping experiences via Zoom for jewelry and any other high-end accessories. Whether it be through Zoom or in-person, all of the collections are stunningly unique. Simone Jewels’ High Jewelry collection paints from a generous palette of gemstones in vibrant hues. Terzihan’s ‘Neutra’ features bold proportions and a striking mix of colors and textures that provide an interesting contrast to the brilliant serenity of the Simone’s collection. In addition, beginning on November 15th, the beloved Lebanese designer brand YEPREM’s stunning diamond pieces. Lastly, Alessa Jewelry’s highly sought after ‘Unity Stacks’ bracelets offer customers a chance to show solidarity with the cities they love.

220 Kid New Music Video

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220 Kid released a new music video Wednesday for his latest track “Too Many Nights.”

Fans of classic cinema will get a kick out of 220 Kid and JC Stewart connecting the Los Angeles and Hollywood social scene to fan favorite films in this video, which you can see by clicking right here.

Neon lights, clever production design and well-thought out costuming is sure to grab your attention for three minutes, and if they don’t, the song is pretty catchy all by itself.

It takes things we’re all very familiar with, like popular movies and pop dancing, and customizes them with 220 Kid’s style.

220 Kid’s original hit follows remixes of songs like Anne-Marie‘s “To Be Young,” which features Doja Cat and Little Mix‘s “Holiday.” He also released “Don’t Need Love” with GRACEY in 2019.

You can follow 220 Kid on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can learn more about JC Stewart by clicking right here, and you can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well.

Annie Lennox – A Christmas Cornucopia

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One of the most successful, iconic and revered artists in pop music history, Annie Lennox is in the spotlight once again. Today, singer Annie Lennox announces she is releasing a digitally remastered version of her sixth solo album, A Christmas Cornucopia.

This wonderful collection of inspired interpretations of traditional festive songs will be released via Island Records on November 20th to mark the album’s 10-year anniversary. With this remastered edition, the album will feature a brand new unreleased track, “Dido’s Lament” and new artwork across the vinyl, CD, and digital formats.

According to Annie, “I’m absolutely delighted to be releasing the 10th Anniversary of A Christmas Cornucopia. 2020 has been an unprecedented year around the world… The carols on this album represent continuum – harking back to a time before modern technology, climate emergency, global pandemics, pollution, forest destruction, species extinction and all the challenges our world must urgently deal with in terms of crisis in sustainability. I hope this recording will at least offer some comfort and nostalgia, but also an awareness that political leaders, religious leaders and everyone around the world must face up to the question of how many more Christmases we have left to spend on this blighted earth.”

The newest addition to the track list, “Dido’s Lament,” was written by Henry Purcell in the 17th century and arranged by Annie Lennox and Mike Stevens. This song references the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas as documented in Virgil’s legendary epic poem, “The Aeneid.” The release of this track will be accompanied by a music video.

This album will do more than just get listeners in the holiday spirit, it will also help people around the world. All proceeds earned from Annie’s original composition on the album, “Universal Child”, will be paid to The Annie Lennox Foundation. The Annie Lennox Foundation raises money for various charitable projects, primarily those supporting and educating women and children in Africa and people with HIV/Hepatitis C in Scotland.

Vibrant but vintage, classic and contemporary, glorious but with a polemical edge, Annie Lennox’s A Christmas Cornucopia is no ordinary collection of seasonal songs. Pre-order the re-issue of Annie’s Christmas classics here and prepare to be comforted by your favorite festive tracks.

Follow Annie Lennox: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

DickPrint has the Best Gift for National Boyfriend Day

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As a society, we love to celebrate the important people in our life and those things we enjoy the most. For that reason, we have a national day for most everything. From fries and pie to our parents and significant others. We have so many special dates, there is a website to help you keep track of those things and people you want to celebrate: National Day Calendar.

This October 3rd is National Boyfriend Day to “recognize the sweetheart in your life.” People usually celebrate this day by gifting their boyfriends any items they would enjoy. In 2020, you should consider buying your boyfriend premium underwear, swimwear, or t-shirts from DickPrint, the brand that encourages every man to become as desirable as he wants to feel.

When DickPrint was founded, they had three very special motivators to create a high-quality menswear brand that would stand out from the rest. The first one was to create premium high-performance clothing for men. How are they doing this? By designing products made out of premium performance fabrics that are more comfortable, longer lasting, and better for maintaining your manhood.

The second motivator was to empower men to feel sexy and confident. Clothing can be empowering every time you wear something you feel makes you look good. DickPrint’s goal is to design outfits to help men feel sexy and at the top of their game. They want you to “stop wasting money and mojo on cheap clothing that does not last and that you are not proud to wear.”

Last but not least, they are looking to inspire men to greatness through their own actions. Their main goal is men to be desirable, have manners, and live an exciting successful life. So, what would be better than gifting your boyfriend clothes that will help him feel confident and sexy while making him look good? It sounds like the perfect gift!

For this occasion, you can buy your man one of their sexy underwear options to keep their sweaty parts cool day and night. Their boxer briefs come in different sizes and colors to fit what your boyfriend likes. Or you could buy him one of DickPrint’s soft, flexible, and board swimming shorts. Those come in black, but also in fun and vibrant colors like orange and red. And if your boyfriend is more into t-shirts, they have four different designs. These are soft, breathable, classic cuts that fit perfectly and make bold statements.

DickPrint is a brand that believes in the power of men to be great. For them, the best kind of man is one who is a gentleman who does not succeed through the arrogant, sexist, racist use of force. They represent the men who are confident and respectful. The ones who are sexy and have manners. This is exactly why they should be your first gift option on this National Boyfriend Day. Buy your boyfriend a piece of clothing that will empower him, give him confidence, and push him to be the best version of himself. What are you waiting for? Which item will you buy for him?

2020 Labor Day Celebrations

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By Cassandra Yany

In the face of COVID-19, Labor Day weekend looked very different his year. Absent were the large family cookouts and pool parties, or the big end-of-summer beach crowds. Many cities even had to omit public fireworks to prevent mass gatherings. Though the long weekend did not bring the celebrations we’re used to, there were still plenty of safe ways to enjoy the holiday.

Virtual events allow you to take part in more activities in different locations than you would have been able to physically. Made in America, a festival started by Jay-Z in 2012, was set to take place in Philadelphia this past weekend. On July 1, festival organizers announced that it would be rescheduled to Labor Day weekend 2021. They said in a statement “Collectively, we are fighting parallel pandemics, COVID-19, systemic racism and police brutality. Now is the time to protect the health of our artists, fans, partners and community as well as focus on our support for organizations and individuals fighting for social justice and equality in our country.”

This year’s lineup went unannounced, but last year’s festival was headlined by Travis Scott and Cardi B. Since the physical festival was canceled, a livestream showcasing the best performances took place on the music streaming service TIDAL throughout the weekend. The virtual festival included sets from Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Lizzo, Coldplay, Rihanna and many other chart-topping artists.

Nationally, a Labor Day virtual race was held by The Best Races for runners to run anywhere on their own time and submit their results. Participants who registered for the full package received a personal coach who was available Monday through Friday to provide help and answer questions during training, and provided encouragement and support on the day of the race.

Runners across the country were able to choose the distance of the race they wanted to participate in. Depending on what package they signed up for, they received a certificate of completion and digital medal, a 3-inch medal sent to their homes, a printable custom bib, a custom digital photo card that contains the race results, a digital running journal, a t-shirt, optional course maps and an optional pen pal program.

Based in Portland, the Oregon Labor Movement held a statewide virtual Labor Day celebration and call to action on Monday. The organizers brought light to issues taking place in the state saying, “Working Oregonians are facing three crises at once: a deadly global pandemic, an economic free fall, and long-standing institutional racism.”

The event began at noon and featured talks from Oregon’s labor leaders, elected officials, and working Oregon citizens regarding their desire for change and their pursuit toward justice for workers. This event came after Portland’s rise to national prominence for their Black Lives Matter demonstrations and federal agents entering the city in recent months.

A number of virtual events were held in Los Angeles this past weekend, as well. HomeState, the LA-based Texas Kitchen, held its first Margarita Showdown in 2019, but had to move it online this year due to the pandemic and social distancing measures. The virtual event took place Saturday via livestream. Margarita makers in the area competed to see whose drink was the best.

Voters received eight bottled margaritas, along with limes and garnishing salt to try the different submissions from the safety of their homes. The winner chosen was El Compadre, a local Mexcian restaurant. The event was hosted by comedian Cristela Alonzo, and featured musical performances by Chicano Batman, Spoon, Questlove, Fred Armisen, Local Natives and Angela Muñoz. All proceeds from the event benefit the organization No Us Without You! and the Watts Empowerment Center.

The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories in Santa Monica hosted a virtual Labor Day Pies class on Sunday. In the class, participants were taught how to make a s’mores pie and key lime pie. Registration for the class included access to the Zoom video meeting, as well as the recipe and shopping list. Recipes can also be found on Gourmandise’s Instagram.

Some cities were able to hold in-person events following social distancing guidelines. Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, located in the Seaport District, upheld its tradition of free admission on Labor Day. The museum is typically closed on Mondays, but was open from 10 am to 5 pm for guests who reserved tickets.

Monday was the last day for guests to see the exhibits Tschabalala Self: Out of Body and Carolina Caycedo: Cosmotarrayas. Also on display were the Sterling Ruby, Nina Chanel Abney and Beyond Infinity: Contemporary Art after Kusama exhibits. The ICA has increased cleaning and follows Massachusetts COVID guidelines by requiring all staff and visitors to wear face coverings, and allowing a restricted number of guests each hour. Spaces that don’t allow physical distancing are temporarily closed, and exhibition labels and printed materials have been made available online to reduce touch surfaces.

In New York City, a Labor Day Paint in the Park event was held in Central Park. The two-hour socially distant class was led by a master artist who gave step-by-step painting instructions. Participants were required to wear masks and sit six feet apart. Admission included a pre-sketched canvas and painting supplies, and parties were encouraged to bring food and drinks to snack on during the class.

For those who wanted to enjoy the holiday by relaxing at home with their favorite movie or TV show, a number of stores had sales to mark the end of summer. There were countless deals that shoppers could take advantage of to celebrate their work.
Many workers have faced great adversity within the past eight months, some losing their positions and having to move quickly to find a new one, and others doing their job in a way they never thought they would have to. Whether you stayed in or got out of the house for some socially-distant fun, Monday was definitely a day worth celebrating.

LABOR DAY: A TIME TO MOURN

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By Althea Champion

While others spend the day with their families outside, grilling kabobs, taking advantage of the last inklings of warm weather, or swarming flash retail sales, others will spend it inside either on the clock on site, from home, or in isolation.

This Labor Day, 28 million Americans are out of work. Those who are, chiefly nurses, grocery store workers, custodial staff, and essential workers alike, are risking their health to stay employed. And, these are the people who, most likely, will not actually be permitted a day off to celebrate the federal holiday.

Created by the labor movement, Labor Day is meant to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of American workers. More than a century ago, when it was celebrated in New York City for the first time, a parade ran through the streets, made complete by waving workers wearing smiling faces and flying flags, proud to be members of the new and progressive labor party.

But, its establishment as a federal holiday came at a steep price. It was only after a massive boycott and the bloodshed of 13 and injuries of 53 did President Grover Cleveland recognize the first Monday of each and every September, which was already being observed in 23 other states, as a federal holiday.

Today, a great proportion (43%) of the essential working men and women of this country are people of color. And the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting them the hardest.

“According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native people had an age-adjusted COVID-19 hospitalization rate about 5.3 times that of non-Hispanic white people,” reported William F. Marshall, III M.D. “COVID-19 hospitalization rates among non-Hispanic Black people and Hispanic or Latino people were both about 4.7 times the rate of non-Hispanic white people.”

For the 1 in 5 people in the workforce receiving unemployment compensation, the day is similarly solemn. Benefits are in high demand. And, some of those who applied for it have either not received it because they were denied, or are still waiting. The extension of their benefits, some of which have not even been delivered yet to applicants, are a hot spot of contention amongst congress, and job opportunities are few and far in between.

According to Aimee Pichee of CBS News, the unemployment rate fell below 10% for the first time since March. Despite this promising piece of news, she also reminds us that, “the hiring rate has slowed each month this summer, a signal that the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic may be losing steam.”

Today, instead of going to a party or participating in a parade, we will acknowledge the impact of our workers, and mourn those who lost their lives fighting on the front lines against a pandemic that our country’s unit of government could not contain. Many are still fighting, punching a clock day-in and day-out, and will do so today despite the holiday.

7 Most Amazing Travel Destinations in Europe

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With most of Europe now opening back up to tourists and travelers after the impact of COVID-19, many of us are starting to think about planning an upcoming European adventure. If you are thinking of going on vacation and want to visit Europe this year after months of uncertainty in quarantine and lockdown, the good news is that most countries on this continent have managed to get control of the coronavirus and are safe to visit once again. Here are some of the top destinations in Europe that can’t be missed.

Portugal:

Portugal is a vibrant, diverse country with so much to see and do that it can feel like you have visited several different countries during your time there. With so much to see and do you will struggle to decide whether you want to enjoy a fun and adventurous city break in magical Porto or explore the sandy beaches and traditional resorts of Albufeira in the Algarve. Or, with trains in Portugal that run regularly, connect the country and can easily be booked online, why not travel to various different Portuguese destinations – don’t restrict yourself to just one place.

Scotland:

With vibrant cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh and rolling countryside including picturesque views in untouched rural areas like on the Isle of Skye, Scotland is the perfect choice for anybody who is looking to visit Europe. While much of Scotland is still in lockdown due to COVID-19 compared to the rest of the UK and Europe, this might be a destination that you want to plan your travel to further in the future – but it will be worth the wait. Get starting putting your trip together with this Scotland trip planner.

Spain:

There’s a reason that Spain is the most popular destination in Europe for tourists. This gorgeous county has just the right combination of cities, villages, and beaches and there really is something for everybody. You can explore the architecture and art in Barcelona, delve into history in Madrid or Seville, or party on the beach in Ibiza or Tenerife – the choice is yours! While Spain was particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus, it is now recovering and ready to welcome visitors once again.

Italy:

Italy is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and indeed in the world. This gorgeous country has a lot to offer, from amazing city breaks in Rome, Florence, Milan or Venice to adventures in the countryside with stunning vineyards and gorgeous beaches to explore. No matter where you go, you will certainly be met with some of the best hospitality that you have ever experienced, not to mention the amazing food and wine in this country that is second-to-none.

France:

Home to Paris, the City of Love, if you are looking for a romantic and intimate getaway with somebody special after the pandemic, there’s no better choice than France. And, since this country is closely bordered with several others in Europe, you can easily get there from destinations in Spain, Portugal, Germany, The Netherlands, and even the UK, with the Eurail train that travels along a tunnel under the English Channel. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city break exploring the big attractions like the Lourve and Eiffel Tower in Paris or want a more relaxed vacation with summer vibes in Marseilles, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

Malta:

This European island might be small but it certainly has a lot to offer. Visit Malta for the sand, sea, and some of the most delicious food that you will ever taste. And, there is plenty of gorgeous scenery to enjoy; head to Comino for some of the clearest, bluest sea water you will have ever seen or head into the mountains to explore and enjoy a horseback riding adventure. When it comes to things to do, there’s certainly no shortage of activities that you can enjoy amidst the stunning backdrop from quad biking to gun range shooting, or simply sipping a cocktail on the beach.

Greek Islands:

Last but not least, the Greek islands offer some of the most unparalleled beauty in Europe with white, sandy beaches, clear blue seas, and traditional white-domed churches. Santorini is well-known for being one of the most gorgeous of the Greek islands to visit and is very popular with weddings, but the other options including Corfu, Crete, Paphos, and Thessaloniki are all stunning choices for anybody who is looking for a relaxing vacation surrounded with beautiful nature.

Little Mix – Holiday

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Little Mix return with the summer smash we all need in our lives in 2020, “Holiday.”

Written by Jade, Perrie, and Leigh-Anne with Kamille and produced by Goldfingers, “Holiday” is a stripped-back dance jam with an electro pulsating bass line that lets the band’s stunning vocals to do the talking.

Listen HERE.

The track is the second teaser of their upcoming and highly anticipated sixth album. The first was their recent hit “Break Up Song” that has been streamed 60 million times to date and incredibly became their 15th UK Official Charts Top 10 hit.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall have established themselves as the world’s biggest girl band – they have sold over 50 million records worldwide, collected over 17 million Spotify listeners, received over 3 billion YouTube views, and collated 12 billion streams worldwide.

2019 witnessed Little Mix win their second Brit Award – for Best British Video for “Woman Like Me,” and perform the same song live at the ceremony. They also won two Global Awards for Best Group and Best Song, followed by their 4th MTV’s EMA Award for Best UK & Ireland Act.

This autumn, Little Mix will launch a brand new TV series for BBC One, Little Mix The Search. The series, made by ModestTV, will see the band creating bands and becoming mentors to a new wave of talent. The singers who make it into new bands will live together and gain access to Little Mix’s inner circle who have contributed to their phenomenal success, including vocal coaches, songwriters, producers, and stylists.

Follow Little Mix: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOBi – Holiday

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TOBi dives into consistency and balance within relationships in a new single, “Holiday” produced by Grammy Award winner, !llmind & Mario Luciano. The sweet, melodic track is featured as a bonus track on STILL + the deluxe version of his debut studio album. Throughout the song, TOBi shows his sonic versatility as he weaves in and out of bars while playing with a falsetto.

STILL + was released on April 30th and added new songs such as, “Paid” and remixes to “City Blues” featuring The Game, “180” featuring Kemba as well as a Canadian star studded standout, “24 Toronto Remix” featuring Haviah Mighty, Jazz Cartier, SHAD and Ejji Smith Large production on the album comes from Grammy Award winner !llmind, Take A Daytrip, and Canada’s dynamic duo Free n Losh.

2019 would prove to be an impactful year for the 26 year old, having his single “City Blues,” premiered on Zane Lowe and with Paper Magazine, performing to a sold out crowd in his hometown of Toronto, being featured on The Game’s Born 2 Rap in “Carmen Electra,” Party Pupils “One Two Things” and Big Gigantic’s “Supergiant. ”He continued the momentum performing an original song, “Beige” on the international COLORS platform, having his single, “Ride” featured in the 2019 season of HBO’s Ballers as well as teaming up with Soulection’s Sango in bouncy single, “Faces.” Celebrities like Tiffany Haddish, Jamie Foxx, and everyone’s favorite Uncle Snoop called TOBi the voice of the culture and of the youth.

Check out “Holiday” here.

Watch “City Blues” here, “Werking” here, and “Growth” here.

FOLLOW TOBi: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify