What Is a Fidelity Bond?

What Is a Fidelity Bond?

By Jeff Wolf

If you've heard the term before but aren't quite sure what it is, a good fidelity bond definition would reference the fact that it's a kind of insurance which an employer can buy to protect a business against employee theft, embezzlement, and other losses which aren't normally covered by traditional insurance. This can be in the form of blanket insurance, which covers all employees equally, or insurance which applies to specific employees in positions where access is greater to company assets, e.g. bank accounts, intellectual property, etc.

Sometimes referred to as 'honesty bonds', fidelity bonds protect a company as well as the clients of that company, from the potentially devastating losses which could occur if a strategically-placed employee were to steal from the company, or commit damaging criminal acts such as forgery, which would be harmful to a company's reputation. In the majority of cases, fidelity surety bonds are optional hedges against such criminal activity, although government regulations do require certain businesses to have such safeguards in place, so that consumers don't lose everything when a company experiences a major loss.

How do Fidelity Bonds Work?

Fidelity bonds work in much the same way as insurance does, in that under normal circumstances, they are just in the background having no impact on daily operations. Only when certain events occur does the fidelity bonding come into play, just as with an insurance policy. Of course, in the case of an insurance policy, it's usually the death of an insured person which is the triggering event that activates the policy, and causes a claim to be filed for reimbursement. With a fidelity surety bond, the triggering event occurs when some kind of loss is sustained by a company, which is directly associated with a criminal act by an employee, such as embezzlement.

A bond is not transferable between employers, nor can it accrue interest, so it cannot be considered a financial investment of any kind, but is instead merely a protection against adverse actions from employees. The cost of buying fidelity bonds is heavily tied to such factors as how many employees a company has, what kinds of protections are in place at the business, the type of coverage needed, and the amount of coverage which is needed to protect against financial loss.

Parties Involved in a Fidelity Bond

The parties involved in a fidelity bond are the employer, the employees, and a financing company which sells the fidelity bond to the employer. Since the finance company, or insurance company, stands to be liable for the amount of that fidelity bond if a claim is made, they sometimes want to set guidelines for the employer's hiring practices. Employees and their actions are of course, the focal point of the bond in the first place, so it's only natural that an insurance company would want to protect itself against undue exposure to potential criminal acts.

Then too, the terms of the bond may only stay in effect as long as specific employees remain in specific positions. This too is understandable, because in the case of scheduled fidelity bonds (which cover specific employees in high-profile positions), employees with greater access to assets that are potentially exploitable are the ones that are being insured against. If one honest employee is hired as a company accountant, but is replaced by someone who turns out to be less honest, it's easy to see why the coverage might be voided.

  NFP Surety is a leader in Surety and Fidelity Bonds. Protect your business, and learn more from our surety bonds blog, or see a   List of Surety Bond Types

Article Source: What Is a Fidelity Bond?

Why Reading Is So Important

Why Reading Is So Important

By Shalini Madhav

There are so many books all over the world, covering different topics. There are fiction and the non-fiction kinds of books that suit different age groups. Reading is very important, even though many people do not seem to realize it.

In today's society, it is important to be knowledgeable and learn as much as you can about different topics. Some of the reasons why reading is so important include:

It is fundamental to the functioning of the society today

There are so many people who are unable to read so as to understand the instructions that are indicated on different things such as medicine. This can be scary to many since it is such an important function. When you cannot read, then you may not be able to handle applications without some help. There are the warning and road signs that can be difficult to understand if you cannot read.

Landing jobs

If you want to find a good job, then reading is important. There are jobs that require one to read to be able to perform. Memos, reports, and so on have to be read, understood and then given a response. When you read widely, you become more knowledgeable and therefore you may end up impressing the panel with what you know.

Develops the mind

When you read, then you are essentially developing your own mind. The mind needs to be exercised. When you read and understand, then the ability of your mind automatically grows. When children are taught and encouraged to read extensively, then it improves their language skills. They get better at concentrating and listening. This then mold a person to be better.

Discovering new things

This is the best way in which you can discover things you had no idea about. EBooks, magazines, and all sorts of books are great tools that can be used to discover things. It is very easy to educate yourself regarding different issues and topics. In this age, there is so much information that is available out there. The only way that you can make use of this information is by actually reading it.

Developing one's imagination

When you read, then your imagination develops in the process. In as much as computer games and television are great, they are great for amusement. This is something that does not require much thinking. As for reading, you can travel to any part of the world. You can go on adventures, take on a character, and so many other things that would have been unknown to you.

Creativity

Reading makes you more creative. When you are reading something such as a novel, you keep on thinking about how things will go in the end. You create your own storyline and regardless of whether the author thinks like you or not, every twist makes everything so much better. Even when you decide to read an inspirational book, you get challenged and you start thinking beyond your comfort zone. When you read, your self-image improves incredibly. These are some of the things that warrant a lot of reading at all times. Download free books in PDF format and get all the benefits associated with reading. Due to the technological progress of the day, you can store so many books on different topics and become wiser by the day.

Article Source: Why Reading Is So Important

The Dangers Of Trump's Mixed-Messages: 5 Examples

The Dangers Of Trump's Mixed-Messages: 5 Examples

By Richard Brody

It's often been said, one of the most meaningful, relevant necessities of any public official, is earning the trust, from, both those, he serves and represents, within this country, as well as how he's perceived, on the international stage! One of the essential aspects/ components, is, most of us, seek a high degree of consistency, rather than inconsistency, in the message, these people provide, and articulate! Perhaps, unlike any time, in recent memory, we have witnessed, since the election of Donald J. Trump, to the office of President of the United States, someone, in that position, who, consistently, articulates a mixed - message, which is often confusing, and disconcerting! With that in mind, this article will briefly examine, review and discuss 5 examples of this, and the potential harm, it creates.

1. Health reform: During his campaign for the office, Trump, often, articulated a somewhat, simplistic, uninformed, overly rhetorical message, which claimed, he would improve health care and insurance, making it, much better, and less expensive. Once elected, he said he never realized, how complicated, doing so was, which, in, and of, itself, should be concerning! When the House of Representatives, approved their proposals, first, he celebrated with them, and, then, said, he hoped the Senate would approve something, which was less mean! These proposals were not truly health reform, because they did nothing to reduce costs, or improve delivery of services. Again, this was rhetoric, over policy!

2. Tax reform: While, both as a candidate, as well as. after his election, he proclaimed he would create a tax reform program, which lowered taxes, like never before witnessed. Although some might benefit, slightly, initially, others will not, especially, those from states, with higher local taxes. In addition, the vast majority of these tax breaks, go to larger corporations, and the wealthiest 1%, and, while Trump articulated a victory for the middle - class, the actual legislation, was far more, Welfare, for the wealthiest!

3. Intentions towards CHIPS, and DACA: President Trump has often articulated a message, where he proclaims, he cares about health care for the neediest children (CHIPS) and the so - called, Dreamers. However, if we believe, actions speak louder than words, it's concerning, he has used these necessities, which polls show, the vast majority of Americans support, and approve of, as pawns, to negotiate to get the funds, for his Wall!

4. Immigration/ wall: While most would agree, we need to address the public's safety, and the threat from terrorism, Trump's articulated message, seems more focused on rhetoric and vitriol, than viable solutions. He continues to emphasize his wall, and his recent statement, where he said, he was open to a path to citizenship, for the so - called, Dreamers, but binding that, to Congress approving a large expenditure, for that wall!

5. Personal integrity: After witnessing this man's behavior and rhetoric, why would anyone believe, what he says? He has compromised his personal integrity, by resorting to numerous lies and misstatements (Fact - checkers state he has lied over 5 times per day), and, rather than introducing well - developed, viable, relevant, sustainable solutions, consistently resorts to blaming and complaining.

President Trump has polarized this nation, to a degree, never previously witnessed! When one's message is blurred, and contradictory, everyone suffers and loses!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all

Article Source: The Dangers Of Trump's Mixed-Messages: 5 Examples

The Current Political Climate in America Is Uniquely Favourable to Third Parties

The Current Political Climate in America Is Uniquely Favourable to Third Parties

By Eric Braaten

It's no secret that both the Republican and Democratic Parties are suffering from self-inflicted injuries leading to a potentially lethal hemorrhaging of voter confidence, while Independent, No Party Preference and third parties are seeing gains that are beyond anything in recent history. This is hardly a surprise, as both the major parties have thoroughly and completely sold out their respective bases in a succession of corporate buy-offs that were steadily advanced for decades through administrations of both the major parties. All of this has culminated in the regrettable situation of the present; Trump, a quintessential capitalist and definitive man-brand, leads a pack of former lobbyists and executive pillagers on a raid of the few remaining functional public systems and institutions. This is not unprecedented, there already exists a term for this type of corporate coup d'�tat, this utter co-opting by private interests and sectors of an entire society: fascism.

Many among the Democratic Party's base are waiting on the rapidly approaching Unity Reform Commission's recommendations to see if the Party is still capable of effecting necessary changes. Others are still others are waiting on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), intent on following his lead. Many, however, have already formally exited the Democratic Party, seeing that the die had already been cast when DNC Chairman Tom Perez instituted a purge of the progressives that held leadership roles, rules committee spots and at-large status within the organization he is purportedly trying to unify. This move effectively ensures the capacity to squelch implementation of the required reforms, or even worse, to keep the reform recommendations bogged-down under endless review and study, delaying action in order to ensure loyal, long-suffering democrat donkeys keep plodding along after the same manky, withered old turnip they dangle on a string and distracted all the way through the 2018 primary process, impacting third-party ballot accessibility by delaying the inevitable en-masse abandonment of the unresponsive Democratic Party. Progressives still within the Democratic Party are being stymied and marginalized, I implore you; be not satisfied with half-measures towards incremental change, nay, instead know that these exceptional circumstances and impending catastrophes will necessitate the rise of a true alternative, one unpurchased by oligarchs, free to implement the types of innovative measures required to avert the ever-encroaching insidious corporate control and fascistic creep, an inevitable outcome of wanton capitalism.

While the Democratic Party finds itself in an existential crisis of self-obsolescence, crushed under the weight of their own hypocrisy, the Republicans are scarcely in better shape. While some among the GOP's base fervently maintain that Trump is conducting a stealthy take-down of the Deep State one might suggest that he could stand to be doing a better job of sabotaging the numerous detrimental actions undertaken by the White House in this first year of the Trump administration. Lives are being destroyed and lost, families are being torn apart and futures have been forever stifled. This damage cannot be undone. There are others among the MAGA faithful who insist that Trump is actually a devastatingly brilliant political double-agent in process of demolishing the GOP to clear the way for him to launch a third party of his own. Some of those of the progressive element within the Republicans even hope to co-opt the party and re-purpose it towards more equitable ends. While all this may seem like desperate self-deception to some observers it is indicative of the disarray among the Republicans and the ever-present discontent among the GOP's base.

This situation might not hold out in its present configuration until the 2020 elections, but the unpopularity of the Republican leadership and their legislative ventures leave the Republicans uniquely vulnerable to third-party disruption, as districts long-ago gerrymandered to ensure the exclusion of traditionally Democratic demographics aren't necessarily able to achieve the same type of polarized voting patterns with third-party campaigns that are more grounded in substantive populist policy. Appeals can be made to the disaffected, disenfranchised Republican base on many issues of near-universal consensus be they net neutrality, campaign finance reform and the removal of PAC and lobbying money from the political process, jobs programs, privacy rights, opposing constitutional infringements, trade agreements designed to benefit employees by confirming workers' rights for all participating parties which in turn helps spur domestic growth, a financial exchange tax to promote fiscal responsibility and prevent arbitrary or punitive withdrawals of capital, equitable taxation that eases the undue burden placed upon the impoverished and instead takes from the wealthiest their due share and re-investing those gains into needed infrastructure projects such as clean energy to reduce dependence on energy imports which in turn strengthens national sovereignty and improves the health of the people, these are all appeals that seem to find some measure of resonance with many of those the Republican Party has turned its back on. A disaffected republican who is hesitant to support the GOP after its repeated lies and betrayals would in all likelihood find the Democrats equally repellent, increasing the chance they might turn towards other parties that present a positive message.

With both major parties floundering and an almost unprecedented need for systemic changes, the spotlight falls on the plethora of fragmented progressive groups as they build a coalition and form the Movement for a People's Party. A number of progressives align themselves so closely with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that they seem disinclined to formally part ways with the Democratic Party until he does. Certainly there is an argument that can be made that an early departure only serves to undermine the diligent efforts of the Sanders-affiliated members of the Unity Reform Commission, but while one can laud the attempts of Sanders and his appointees to affect positive reforms, one is not obliged to march in lock-step with their efforts. Perhaps progressives might be able to, rather than wait for the DNC establishment to cross a 'red line' as they inevitably will, instead begin building the platform and the political vehicle based around the wildly popular policies championed by Senator Sanders so that he might contest the dominance of the duopoly and seize upon the tremendous opportunity that third-party candidates have in this otherwise divisive, dispirited political environment.

Article Source: The Current Political Climate in America Is Uniquely Favourable to Third Parties

Jazz Up Your Game With the Latest Gaming Headset

Jazz Up Your Game With the Latest Gaming Headset

By Rizvana Manzoor

Using a headset has become a necessity due to multiple reasons that are propelled by modern day's lifestyle. One among such reasons that have made the use of wireless headset more popular, is the online games. New games are created to generate a live-action experience for the gamer, thus making the use of headset mandatory. Keeping this in view, different and innovative headset models have been introduced to the market. One such model, which is gaining popularity, is the Wireless Gaming Headset. These headsets are specially designed for gamers and are equipped with every feature that is demanded by various games. All the models under this product category have certain advantages over the wired headsets. Here, you can find a few to ponder upon.

• These headsets are portable and can be carried easily and can also be used for multiple devices.
• The technology used for transmission in case of wireless headsets are quite advanced and can receive signals even from Bluetooth.
• These Gaming Headsets boasts of a better life-span if standard batteries are used and properly charged.
• Besides regular use, these headsets are mainly developed for gamers. This is the reason why these gaming headsets are much more popular in the area of VR games.
• The quality of the headsets are much higher and the voice is crystal clear. Besides this, they free you from the hassle of wired headsets and enable you to multitask.

Now, let us explore the basic features of the top and best models in the market right now:

• Mics: All the Wireless Gaming Headsets have either an omnidirectional or unidirectional mic to provide perfect gaming experience. However, many prefer to have the unidirectional mic rather than an Omnidirectional mic as latter would grab all the sounds of the axis and create a nonsense.
• Compatibility: While buying a particular company headset, check out the compatibility of the headset with that of the device. Majority of the headsets are designed to support almost all the devices, however, checking on doesn't harm anyone.
• Battery life: Almost all the gaming Headsets available right now in the market have a lifespan ranging from 10-22 hours. Check with the maximum time of your usage and select a model that fits your need in terms of usage and budget.

Since a long time, these headsets are facing challenges of price, latency and battery life and newer models are out every now and then.

However, there are certain branded Wireless Gaming Headsets that are able to overcome latency and battery life issues though little highly priced. Paying a high price always comes up with premium quality and higher durability.

Article Source: Jazz Up Your Game With the Latest Gaming Headset

Gaming Mouse - The New Innovation Unveiled

Gaming Mouse - The New Innovation Unveiled

By Rizvana Manzoor

Gaming is a time pass for few while a passion for many. Day by day youngsters are getting acquainted with a wide variety of online games that may or may not need a mouse. Many gamers feel that using the mouse in between the game would hamper the tempo and would lead to tossing the game sometimes. Though, there are many that wouldn't need a mouse there are certain games that necessitate the usage of it. Keeping in view the need for the hour, the technology market has come up with an alternative; specially designed for gamers. It is the wireless mouse specifically designed for the gamers. This is gaining popularity all over the world and many add-ons are already released to enhance the gaming experience.

As the name suggests, a wireless gaming mouse is specially designed for ardent gamers. Besides providing an exceptional experience to the gamers, this mouse is designed to be an all-rounder. They are embedded with buttons that can be used for different purposes while playing the games as well as during regular computer works. Here are a few benefits that you can expect from any sort of Wireless gaming mouse,

• It can be moved flexibly and looks even more sophisticated than a wired mouse.
• Additional switch buttons embedded to the mouse, would enable you to browse through the tabs easily.
• The programmable buttons on either side of the Wireless gaming mouse makes your gaming experience much more enchanting.
• If you need to use the mouse frequently during the game, then Wireless mouse is the best option you can ever think about.
• It can be used as an alternative to many shortcuts such as cut, copy, paste and many more. Even cursor movements are easier with the wireless mouse.

Besides above-stated advantages, the wireless gaming mouse is designed and structured in such a way that they support the gamer in all ways needed; especially in fast-paced games where this decides the winner. The response time of the majority of the gaming mouse is 1 minute, which means it is faster than the wired mouse. Besides, speedy response, these can be reprogrammed every time you play a new game provided if you set a DPI rating for your mouse along with customization. This customization feature is the USP which is not available with the regular wired ones. More comfort with premium quality for little extra money is the tag that you can attest to a gaming mouse.

All these advantages along with Wireless gaming mouse ability to deal more productive work than the regular mouse has made these more popular among gamers in recent years.

Article Source: Gaming Mouse - The New Innovation Unveiled

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Tech Bubble or the Changing Face of Technology

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Tech Bubble or the Changing Face of Technology

By Shalini Singh Taknet

Did you know that five of the biggest tech giants viz. IBM, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon have recently formed a partnership for the research and development of Artificial Intelligence?

And these market leaders form just the top of the cream. Thousands of startups like Kwiziq, JamieAI, and Verv are blooming across the globe, investing in the development of upcoming AI era. So what is it that all these businesses have found in the potential of this technology that is driving them to hustle? And more importantly, why is it important for your business to participate and adapt to this futuristic technology?

More efficient digital assistance

Machines have since the beginning set themselves as important because of their ability to enhance human efficiency. Let's just assume what change in efficiency can be brought upon when these machines become actually intelligent; when they can make best possible decisions on their own, without being affected by the limiting constraints of human beings? There will be fewer errors, less unpredictable problems, and fewer delays, all of which will have a cumulative effect on the overall efficiency of any system.

Digital marketing at its best

Many companies are already in the process of garnering the potential power of artificial intelligence and are working with intelligent chatbots to enhance their marketing efforts. It is no wonder they have taken this route. Chatbots and other similar AI marketing solutions can take digital marketing to its extreme, where you can solve the queries of your potential customers, create interactive marketing campaigns, and resolve many repetitive and monotonous tasks without having to invest in multiple resources.

Limitless exploration

When it comes to exploration, biological boundaries of humans have always been considered as the biggest limitation. And it is not just the biological needs that have kept us from exploring inhospitable environments of space or underwater. These limitations are also in the form of our sensory perceptions. There are many wave patterns and frequencies that humans are simply unable to detect, this is why machines like the thermal camera that detects infrared waves have become so important for the seamless exploration even of our immediate environment. Machines with artificial intelligence can remove all these problems with a single stroke.

Wide application scope and new opportunities

As opposed to the most recent technological developments, AI becomes more desirable because of its far-fledging application. Since most of the present technological advances are limited to the technological ground only, the field was losing its significance in other spheres of life. But with AI, such is not the case. Its potential has made it a most sought-after invention in the areas of medical science, financial systems, air transport, heavy mechanical industries, and even art.

Transitional Shift

Unlike social media, AI is not a booming phase. It is the development of a completely new ecosystem that will change the technology as we know it today. There is no limit to what the future may hold when we come to the peak of AI development when intelligent machines will be working without the biological constraints of human bodies. It will continue to evolve at an exponential rate, solving perhaps, some of the most profound mysteries of the universe.

At present, even with all its advancements, AI can still be considered in its newborn stage, and for all those businesses that aspire to survive and thrive through this transitional shift, it is extremely important for them to adapt.

Article Source: Artificial Intelligence: The Next Tech Bubble or the Changing Face of Technology

Kenneth Davids 'bapak baptis kopi' mengunjungi Taipei

Penulis empat buku tentang kopi dan editor Coffeereview.com, Kenneth Davids, menghadiri Pameran Kopi Internasional Taiwan 2024 pada Sabtu (...