Year: 2018

We've all seen our fair share of waste contamination movies: from spiders that grow to enormous size to cans of mixed vegetables that begin speaking, the truth about hazardous waste is much less ridiculous and much more harmful. A hazardous material is defined by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management as "any item or agent (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical), which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors." However, it does address the fact that each of the four governmental agencies in charge of regulating hazardous waste -- the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the...

Mortgage rates are on the rise across the United States. According to The Washington Post, mortgage rates have been escalating over the last few weeks. The 30-year fixed-rate average, which is the most popular mortgage product on the hosing market, is just under 5% (4.82%). The last time the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was that high was back in 2011. Studies show that the average amount it takes to sell a house in the U.S. is $15,200. Bankrate adds that at the current average rate, a buyer would pay principal and interest of $525.87 for every $100,000 borrowed, which is an additional $4.22 per $100,000 compared to the first week of November. Conversely, the average time to sell a property in many markets right now is between 6 and 12 months. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is a ...

The first pair of polarized sunglasses were developed in 1936 when Edwin H. Land combined his talents as a lens crafter and his patented polarized film to create polarized lenses. People across the country frequent sunglasses shops and mall kiosks but probably look past the many different labels on each pair of shades. According to Science Trends, these labels are actually advertising a variety of techniques used to block out the sun and protect eyes. Polarized sunglasses work by intercepting and blocking waves of light, which vibrate in certain ways. These types of shades are designed to intercept light waves that vibrate horizontally, which are also the light waves responsible for glaring. Here are some other excellent sunglass-related techniques to block bright lights and danger...

Income taxes account for about 50% of all federal revenue -- $1.688 trillion. About 33% of the federal revenue ($1.238 trillion) comes from payroll taxes. As the 2018 midterm elections wrap up, individual citizens and business owners alike will be carefully monitoring all the changes coming to the way taxes are handled. This has already been a busy year for financial advisors and accountants, as the 2018 tax year will mark the first time that U.S. taxpayers will file under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. According to Tax Foundation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has made several significant changes to the individual income tax, including reforms to itemized deductions and the alternative minimum tax, lower marginal tax rates across brackets, and an expanded standard deduction and child tax cred...

British technology company and renowned vacuum manufacturer Dyson Ltd. plans to manufacture its first electric car in Singapore. According to Bloomberg, Dyson announced its plans to complete a factory in Singapore by 2020 and release its first electric car model by 2021. Dyson's recent announcement is just one part of the company's $2.6 billion effort to expand into the automotive market and to challenge Tesla Inc. to the hottest sector -- electric vehicles. In 2017, more than 73 million vehicles were produced worldwide and more than $4 billion worth of metalworking fluids were globally consumed just for lubricating transportation equipment. Singapore is one of the costliest places in the world to purchase a vehicle because the city-state doesn't house any car-manufacturing ...

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 101.6 million Americans participated in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities in 2016 (40% of the entire population). Many of these outdoor enthusiasts look the part, as well, rocking all kinds of powerful beards. Though beards used to be exclusively for country singers and cowboys, facial hair has tremendously grown in popularity over the last few years. Everyone from college kids to professional athletes are growing beards of various styles nowadays. Though 18% of Statista survey respondents use beard care products on a daily basis, many people let their facial hair grow in all kinds of straggly and unconventional ways. Over the next few weeks, all kinds of different beards will be on display throughout the much-anticipate...

It's been yet another busy Hurricane season across the southeast and communities are left focusing on damage control and cleanup. This year's storms may not have been as physically devastating as many of the 2017's hurricanes, but the flooding issues have been out of control. According to JDN News, a North Carolina school district could have to shell out millions of dollars in order to address serious molding concerns. Pender County Schools are hoping North Carolina's insurance policies will be able to assist with the majority of the mold cleanup for its school buildings, but the state is unlikely to cover it. Farmers Insurance reports that over the past decade, there has been a 1,100 increase in mold-related insurance claims. Thanks to all the flooding caused by major storms, that...

Thrift shopping for clothes and housewares is a great way to save money, explore vintage fashion, and give your money to a charitable cause. However, as with any store, if you don't shop smart you could end up wasting your time and not making any useful purchases. Use these tips to become a thrifting pro: Know What You Need (and What You Don't): Thrift stores can be worlds of temptation. Finding lots of well-priced and interesting items can lead any shopper to spend more than they should for things that they don't necessarily need. Before hitting the stores, have an idea of what you're shopping for. Are you looking for funky wall art? Do you need a new coat? Creating a shopping list and a budget can keep you from getting carried away, so you don't end up donating back unnecessary ...

While moving can be an exciting step, the process of buying a home can be stressful and downright exhausting. For first-time home buyers, who make up 34% of all house shoppers, finding potential properties, figuring out a budget, and making offers is an especially nerve-wracking process. Many new buyers become so stressed that they either delay the process or make hasty and unsatisfactory decisions. Follow these tips to stay cool and calm when buying your first home, so that you can find a place you'll love for years to come. Remember that You are In Charge. Some inexperienced home buyers feel overwhelmed throughout the process, especially when dealing with professional agents, lenders, and sellers. Working with experts who are incentivized to sell you something can feel as though ...