Today’s age is marked by the advent of more and more tools to ease people’s workload, and tasks in the courtroom are no exception. Not surprisingly, lawyers are beginning to adopt innovations into their trial strategy, especially when planning their presentations.
Below are two of the many ways technology can benefit lawyers and their clients.
It helps organize and simplify information. Every case involves enormous amounts of data, that lawyers need to be able to summarize when they distill their arguments, and present to the jurors at trial. The use of computer and mobile applications allows the swift organization of information, for the presenter to conveniently refer to. Exhibits can be pulled up and set aside in a second, at any point during trial.
Moreover, technology can transform data and make it more easily digestible for the audience. Visually, the details can be presented according to an outline, but the transition would now be much more smooth and quick, with just the click of a button, instead of having jurors leaf through thick stacks of evidence. More visual cues will also help the general themes stand out: on a slideshow, for example, this can be achieved through using a different background for all the slides under each theme. Font size changes, highlights on the text, and zooming in or out may also be helpful in emphasizing points – and these are not possible to do with the old generation of visual aids.
It can tell stories more effectively.During trial, lawyers and witnesses are supposed to tell the story of what happened, and recreate scenes. It is not always easy to accomplish this through words. Thankfully, today’s digital visual communication solutions have become much more advanced, making them an effective tool when helping jurors imagine. These can also show timelines, comparisons, distributions, and extrapolations, all of which can support the presentation of arguments by letting the viewers visualize what would have been a long list of numbers, or dates and corresponding events, or every possible permutation of an incident.
Infographics can, for instance, make survey resultslook more interesting and story-like, by juxtaposing them against the location and class or race demographic of the participants. For a case involving an accident, trial presentation technology can demonstrate what would have happened for changes involving each factor – alcohol intake of the defendant, the speed of the car, the presence of another vehicle, etc. – based on predictive modelling.
Truly, trial technology can save people in the courtroom a lot of time and effort, so much so that many judges and jurors expect lawyers to use them at any possibility. Law firms that seek to be a step ahead of the opposing party must then invest in these innovations, or partner with legal consulting firms that specialize in learning about them.
New York-based Dubin Research and Consulting, led by Josh Dubin, Esq. constantly monitors trends in trial technology and demonstrative evidence, and masters these for seamless adoption into their clients’ legal strategy. Get in touch with DRC today to know more.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
What is Approach Play?
Golf is one of the oldest sports in the history of this planet. The origins date back to 1457 when the Scottish Parliament mentioned it in one of their legal documents. But since then, not much of how the actual game has changed at all. Granted, there have been vast improvements in the equipment (i.e. clubs, golf balls, golf shoes, golf carts, etc.) but how the game has been played hasn’t changed. It is hard not to mention the evolution of the golf clubs in particular.
The shafts have gone from sturdy wood, to strong aluminum, and now flexible graphite shafts all aiming to allow players to drive the ball further and further distances. But, what good is a long drive if you are not able to put the ball in the right positions to put yourself within shot’s reach of making into the hole. This is where approach play comes full circle and has become one of the most important concepts to understand for fantasy PGA. So what is approach play? Essentially it is how the golfer approaches each shot to put him in a better position to get the ball in the hole in as little strokes as possible. Granted, this seems like a no brainer but the technique and daily fantasy PGA strategy of actually carrying it out is much more difficult.
Some important aspects of approach play is having the bravado of knowing where the various hazards of the course (the sand trap, lakes/bodies of water, and tall-standing foliage). Being able to successfully navigate through, over, and around these different circumstances is imperative to a golfer’s success. By getting caught in any of the hazards mentioned above, it will cost the golfer multiple strokes setting them back behind the pace for the cut line. This is why having the ability to set yourself up and put yourself in a good position to make it onto the green is one of the most underrated and hardest things about golf. You will soon realize that when you are on the links yourself and you find yourself taking an extra stroke or two just to be able to get on the green in hopes to make your putt.
The shafts have gone from sturdy wood, to strong aluminum, and now flexible graphite shafts all aiming to allow players to drive the ball further and further distances. But, what good is a long drive if you are not able to put the ball in the right positions to put yourself within shot’s reach of making into the hole. This is where approach play comes full circle and has become one of the most important concepts to understand for fantasy PGA. So what is approach play? Essentially it is how the golfer approaches each shot to put him in a better position to get the ball in the hole in as little strokes as possible. Granted, this seems like a no brainer but the technique and daily fantasy PGA strategy of actually carrying it out is much more difficult.
Some important aspects of approach play is having the bravado of knowing where the various hazards of the course (the sand trap, lakes/bodies of water, and tall-standing foliage). Being able to successfully navigate through, over, and around these different circumstances is imperative to a golfer’s success. By getting caught in any of the hazards mentioned above, it will cost the golfer multiple strokes setting them back behind the pace for the cut line. This is why having the ability to set yourself up and put yourself in a good position to make it onto the green is one of the most underrated and hardest things about golf. You will soon realize that when you are on the links yourself and you find yourself taking an extra stroke or two just to be able to get on the green in hopes to make your putt.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Embrace Tradition in This Hawaii Oceanfront Home in Waikoloa
When an oceanfront home stays true to the Hawaiian aesthetic, it is something to be celebrated. So in this article, we will fondly speak of a $4,250,000 luxury home inside the gated neighborhood of Kolea in Waikoloa, Big Island that effortlessly embraces the Aloha spirit.
From the exteriors to the interiors, the home tries to live with nature and the Hawaiian heritage. Palm trees line the 23,463 sq. ft. property, and a pool offers a breathtaking view of the ocean as well as the scenic lava flows. The pool is dotted by huge slabs of rock that have been integrated in the exquisite landscaping that features rock fountains, waterfall, and tropical shrubs and ornamental plants.From the lanai, guests can even walk to ancient Hawaiian ponds.
One is welcomed to the property through pocket doors made of ornately carved wood and rock wall. The terrace of the house is supported by wooden beams, which stand alongside large black clay jars.
In the living room, the palette ranges from off-white, to chestnut, to dark mahogany. In true Aloha fashion, there is plenty of seating, for all those days – or nights – when loved ones are over for a loud party, or even quiet conversations at dusk. A long wooden table stands on carved legs, and is surrounded by a set of chairs covered in rattan weave. On one wall is a console table with clay pots on top, and a large wooden chest below. On the other side is an array of the remnants of windows which have been beautifully restored to make for a beautiful, solid-looking wall decor.Meanwhile, the vaulted ceiling is covered in thatched mat, and comes with a fan in tropical design: in place of blades are palm leaves in dark brown.
In one of the five bedrooms, a four-poster bed with a plush mattress promises a good night’s sleep. It has the same natural color scheme, the side table, the wall frame, the curtains, area rug, and Lawson chair are in different shades of brown.
The bath is just as thoughtfully decorated: marble was used on the floor, and countertops were made with granite. There is an antique looking mini-dresser, above which are framed artworks featuring fishes. Hallways, on the other hand, feature art about the island.
Guests can stay over at the expansive detached suite, which also comes with stunning ocean views. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen that has been equipped with Wolf gas stove and stainless steel appliances, along with agas grill, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and wine storage. Or they can walk to the beautiful white sand beach that is just a few steps away, or to Kolea’s private club, where another set of Hawaiian adventures awaits.
Get in touch with Harold Clarke of Luxury Big Island today, to know more about this one-of-a-kind property in Kolea, Waikoloa. A leading name in Big Island real estate, Harold will help you find the perfect luxury home in Hawaii for you and your family.
From the exteriors to the interiors, the home tries to live with nature and the Hawaiian heritage. Palm trees line the 23,463 sq. ft. property, and a pool offers a breathtaking view of the ocean as well as the scenic lava flows. The pool is dotted by huge slabs of rock that have been integrated in the exquisite landscaping that features rock fountains, waterfall, and tropical shrubs and ornamental plants.From the lanai, guests can even walk to ancient Hawaiian ponds.
One is welcomed to the property through pocket doors made of ornately carved wood and rock wall. The terrace of the house is supported by wooden beams, which stand alongside large black clay jars.
In the living room, the palette ranges from off-white, to chestnut, to dark mahogany. In true Aloha fashion, there is plenty of seating, for all those days – or nights – when loved ones are over for a loud party, or even quiet conversations at dusk. A long wooden table stands on carved legs, and is surrounded by a set of chairs covered in rattan weave. On one wall is a console table with clay pots on top, and a large wooden chest below. On the other side is an array of the remnants of windows which have been beautifully restored to make for a beautiful, solid-looking wall decor.Meanwhile, the vaulted ceiling is covered in thatched mat, and comes with a fan in tropical design: in place of blades are palm leaves in dark brown.
In one of the five bedrooms, a four-poster bed with a plush mattress promises a good night’s sleep. It has the same natural color scheme, the side table, the wall frame, the curtains, area rug, and Lawson chair are in different shades of brown.
The bath is just as thoughtfully decorated: marble was used on the floor, and countertops were made with granite. There is an antique looking mini-dresser, above which are framed artworks featuring fishes. Hallways, on the other hand, feature art about the island.
Guests can stay over at the expansive detached suite, which also comes with stunning ocean views. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen that has been equipped with Wolf gas stove and stainless steel appliances, along with agas grill, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and wine storage. Or they can walk to the beautiful white sand beach that is just a few steps away, or to Kolea’s private club, where another set of Hawaiian adventures awaits.
Get in touch with Harold Clarke of Luxury Big Island today, to know more about this one-of-a-kind property in Kolea, Waikoloa. A leading name in Big Island real estate, Harold will help you find the perfect luxury home in Hawaii for you and your family.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
The Immaculate Inning
If you have been an avid fan of MLB this season, you have noticed a handful of changes to it. First, and most noticeably, was the insurgence of advanced analytical statistics that have been welcomed with open arms by the daily fantasy baseball research community. The next thing goes right in line with the sabermetrics takeover and it is the sharp rise in popularity with a peculiar type of statistic/phenomena called an immaculate inning. You must-have heard of it but not necessarily know exactly what it is.
By definition, an immaculate inning is an inning where a pitcher throws a total of nine pitches and faces the minimum of three batters. All nine pitches are strikes and the conclusion of each at-bat is a strikeout, either looking and/or swinging. The reason it is called an immaculate inning because it is the literal definition of perfection for a pitcher by throwing the minimum amount of pitches but still getting the maximum upside of results back.
For any daily fantasy baseball player, one could only dream of their pitcher having such an inning because of the profound impact it will have on their outing. Something that requires this amount of skill will do absolute wonders for a pitcher’s confidence and will give the highest upside for fantasy points and longevity of their start. For an opposing team to go through something like this, strikes a great deal of fear in them and shifts the momentum of a game in an instance.
In baseball history, which spans over one hundred years, this has been quite the rare feat. In total, the American League has seen thirty four and the National League has accomplished a total of fifty five. So if you roughly average those numbers over the entire history of the game, there is about an average of one immaculate inning a year. But in the 2017-2018 season, we have seen much more than just one. As of right now, we have seen a total of eight already. With a majority of them (five) being thrown in the American League and two different teams have had the feat against them on two separate occasions (Tigers & Brewers). There is nothing better for a team than an immaculate inning and we have seen them at an astounding rate this season. Just goes to show how much the game has been changing.
By definition, an immaculate inning is an inning where a pitcher throws a total of nine pitches and faces the minimum of three batters. All nine pitches are strikes and the conclusion of each at-bat is a strikeout, either looking and/or swinging. The reason it is called an immaculate inning because it is the literal definition of perfection for a pitcher by throwing the minimum amount of pitches but still getting the maximum upside of results back.
For any daily fantasy baseball player, one could only dream of their pitcher having such an inning because of the profound impact it will have on their outing. Something that requires this amount of skill will do absolute wonders for a pitcher’s confidence and will give the highest upside for fantasy points and longevity of their start. For an opposing team to go through something like this, strikes a great deal of fear in them and shifts the momentum of a game in an instance.
In baseball history, which spans over one hundred years, this has been quite the rare feat. In total, the American League has seen thirty four and the National League has accomplished a total of fifty five. So if you roughly average those numbers over the entire history of the game, there is about an average of one immaculate inning a year. But in the 2017-2018 season, we have seen much more than just one. As of right now, we have seen a total of eight already. With a majority of them (five) being thrown in the American League and two different teams have had the feat against them on two separate occasions (Tigers & Brewers). There is nothing better for a team than an immaculate inning and we have seen them at an astounding rate this season. Just goes to show how much the game has been changing.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
3 Things to Consider When Checking Out Beachfront Homes for Sale
Buying any of the beachfront homes for sale in Hawaii is the dream, but it is not always going to be an easy process for everyone. Below, we tackle three of the most important concerns to keep in mind when shopping for an oceanfront property:
Access to the beach. Having a day-to-night view of the ocean is a top perk, but it does not always mean having easy access to the beach. A buyer needs to clarify with the real estate broker what it takes to do so. These questions need to be asked: How far away is it from the property? Is it a place where it is actually advisable to swim? Are the kids going to be alright in the area? Is the beach open to the public? How crowded can it get? Some people think they got a gem of a beach house, before realizing that it is fronted by a very rocky beach, or that it is too deep for toddlers to swim in, or that the waves can become quite big.
Lifestyle needs. Whether it’s in front of the beach or not, a property should always be ready to support one’s lifestyle. And it begins by taking note of the buyer’s daily routine. What are the activities they intend to accomplish each day? Who are the people who will be spending time at the place? How will the weekends look like? If you shopped for an oceanfront property so that you have a quiet holiday destination, then you would want to steer clear of those which are near a commercial establishment. You have to consider the street location and how busy it can be, too. In Kukio, for example, among the hottest properties sit along Makani Eka Place, Pilia Place, Kooloaula Place. In Hualalai, they’re along Kaupulehu Drive, Nehe St., and Paku'i St.
Financing. Some of the best properties are not necessarily open to all buyers. The sellers might have placed them in an exclusive listing, and you have to link up with a trusted broker to view it. You might also have to be pre-approved as a buyer, especially for financing purposes.
Get in touch with leading real estate broker Harold Clarke today to learn more about the best beachfront homes for sale in Big Island, Hawaii. Harold holds the key to some of the finest properties in the fanciest neighborhoods of the Aloha State.
Access to the beach. Having a day-to-night view of the ocean is a top perk, but it does not always mean having easy access to the beach. A buyer needs to clarify with the real estate broker what it takes to do so. These questions need to be asked: How far away is it from the property? Is it a place where it is actually advisable to swim? Are the kids going to be alright in the area? Is the beach open to the public? How crowded can it get? Some people think they got a gem of a beach house, before realizing that it is fronted by a very rocky beach, or that it is too deep for toddlers to swim in, or that the waves can become quite big.
Lifestyle needs. Whether it’s in front of the beach or not, a property should always be ready to support one’s lifestyle. And it begins by taking note of the buyer’s daily routine. What are the activities they intend to accomplish each day? Who are the people who will be spending time at the place? How will the weekends look like? If you shopped for an oceanfront property so that you have a quiet holiday destination, then you would want to steer clear of those which are near a commercial establishment. You have to consider the street location and how busy it can be, too. In Kukio, for example, among the hottest properties sit along Makani Eka Place, Pilia Place, Kooloaula Place. In Hualalai, they’re along Kaupulehu Drive, Nehe St., and Paku'i St.
Financing. Some of the best properties are not necessarily open to all buyers. The sellers might have placed them in an exclusive listing, and you have to link up with a trusted broker to view it. You might also have to be pre-approved as a buyer, especially for financing purposes.
Get in touch with leading real estate broker Harold Clarke today to learn more about the best beachfront homes for sale in Big Island, Hawaii. Harold holds the key to some of the finest properties in the fanciest neighborhoods of the Aloha State.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
DraftKing's New Arcade Mode
In an effort to keep their customers interested, happy, and engaged with Daily Fantasy baseball, DraftKings decided to release a brand new type of game mode called Arcade Mode. DraftKings released this game type on May 16th and quickly got a great deal of talk about it.
So what is it? To break down, it is an abbreviated game type that aims to be “Easier to Draft. Faster Scoring, and Exciting to Watch”. In traditional DFS baseball for DraftKings, all lineups are required to have: 2 Starting Pitchers, 1 catcher, 1 First Base, 1 Second Base, 1 Third Base, 1 Shortstop, and 3 Outfielders. On top of this, many players have positional flexibility meaning they could be played at up to two different positions. For the new arcade mode, the required lineup is the following: 1 Pitcher, and Five Utility Hitters (with no positional requirements). In addition to this funky lineup requirement, Arcade Mode will only be offered on smaller groups of games (rarely for the main slate).
This mode aims to give you much greater lineup flexibility allowing for players to have tons of different variations of lineups to battle to reach the top spot and claim the grand prize. But how does the point system work with only six players per entry? In essence, every stat gets a boost in fantasy baseball points. For example in a traditional lobby, a hit would be worth 3 fantasy points and a stolen base would be worth 6. On the other hand in the Arcade Mode, a hit is worth 5 fantasy points and a stolen base is worth a whopping 12.5! In addition to all stats getting a boost in value, DraftKings is also rewarding different stats with more fantasy points. For example, if one player on your team is able to get both a Home Run and Stolen Base, in addition to the normal points the player would accrue for hitting a Home Run and stealing a base, the player earns an extra 10 fantasy points! The daily fantasy strategy for this type of game mode is completely different now that rewards more for different things. Those who have the ability to knock one out of the park and steal a base is inherently much more valuable than those who cannot.
It is going to be interesting to see which strategy prevails as best, so be weary when you first enter these types of funky lobbies!
So what is it? To break down, it is an abbreviated game type that aims to be “Easier to Draft. Faster Scoring, and Exciting to Watch”. In traditional DFS baseball for DraftKings, all lineups are required to have: 2 Starting Pitchers, 1 catcher, 1 First Base, 1 Second Base, 1 Third Base, 1 Shortstop, and 3 Outfielders. On top of this, many players have positional flexibility meaning they could be played at up to two different positions. For the new arcade mode, the required lineup is the following: 1 Pitcher, and Five Utility Hitters (with no positional requirements). In addition to this funky lineup requirement, Arcade Mode will only be offered on smaller groups of games (rarely for the main slate).
This mode aims to give you much greater lineup flexibility allowing for players to have tons of different variations of lineups to battle to reach the top spot and claim the grand prize. But how does the point system work with only six players per entry? In essence, every stat gets a boost in fantasy baseball points. For example in a traditional lobby, a hit would be worth 3 fantasy points and a stolen base would be worth 6. On the other hand in the Arcade Mode, a hit is worth 5 fantasy points and a stolen base is worth a whopping 12.5! In addition to all stats getting a boost in value, DraftKings is also rewarding different stats with more fantasy points. For example, if one player on your team is able to get both a Home Run and Stolen Base, in addition to the normal points the player would accrue for hitting a Home Run and stealing a base, the player earns an extra 10 fantasy points! The daily fantasy strategy for this type of game mode is completely different now that rewards more for different things. Those who have the ability to knock one out of the park and steal a base is inherently much more valuable than those who cannot.
It is going to be interesting to see which strategy prevails as best, so be weary when you first enter these types of funky lobbies!
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Features that set a Hawaii luxury homeapart
Hawaii is famous the world over for its laidback island vibe, a close-knit community and the ultimate in pampering, sea and mountain adventures, and accommodations. Without a doubt, this kind of life is best experienced from a Hawaii luxury home.
But what sets apart the luxe properties in the Aloha State from the rest? Here is a list:
The best views.Luxury real estate properties afford their occupants some of the best views of Hawaii’s famed beaches, golf courses, and hills. Walls are fitted with large windows – the higher, the better for enjoying colorful sunrises and sunsets, and the island’s magnificent forests. From the best estates, these views can be had from any point in the house – but especially the bedrooms, the lanai, and the dining area.
Privacy and seclusion.The rich value their privacy, even as they embrace the spirit of community that the Hawaiian islands are known for. Key to promoting this sense of privacy and seclusion are the exclusivity of developments, as well as limits to the number of properties within the neighborhoods. For example, Kohala Waterfront in Big Island only has 50 lots.
Access to the finest amenities. Exceptional cuisine, top-class sports and fitness facilities, spaces for entertaining, and the best places for indulgent treatments. These are just some of the things that are always available in the swanky communities. Together with their friends and family, they can spend their free time swinging their golf clubs at scenic courses designed by legends, being massaged at luxurious spas, or exploring the flavors of dishes from around the world.
A flair for uniqueness.Luxury houses are sure to have some of the finest and most unique interior decor, and appliances. Their home construction is only entrusted to expert builders, and their furniture and art collection are the work of true artists.Their furnishings are custom-made according to their needs, and many are either handed down as family heirloom, or purchased from their many trips abroad. Because of this, their home will not look like any other, and instead exude character that’s likely to impress guests.
Connect with Big Island real estate broker Harold Clarke to learn more about the life waiting for you and your family in a Hawaii luxury home.Harold’s years of experience and formidable list of discerning clients are proof that he can take you to your own piece of paradise in the Aloha State.
But what sets apart the luxe properties in the Aloha State from the rest? Here is a list:
The best views.Luxury real estate properties afford their occupants some of the best views of Hawaii’s famed beaches, golf courses, and hills. Walls are fitted with large windows – the higher, the better for enjoying colorful sunrises and sunsets, and the island’s magnificent forests. From the best estates, these views can be had from any point in the house – but especially the bedrooms, the lanai, and the dining area.
Privacy and seclusion.The rich value their privacy, even as they embrace the spirit of community that the Hawaiian islands are known for. Key to promoting this sense of privacy and seclusion are the exclusivity of developments, as well as limits to the number of properties within the neighborhoods. For example, Kohala Waterfront in Big Island only has 50 lots.
Access to the finest amenities. Exceptional cuisine, top-class sports and fitness facilities, spaces for entertaining, and the best places for indulgent treatments. These are just some of the things that are always available in the swanky communities. Together with their friends and family, they can spend their free time swinging their golf clubs at scenic courses designed by legends, being massaged at luxurious spas, or exploring the flavors of dishes from around the world.
A flair for uniqueness.Luxury houses are sure to have some of the finest and most unique interior decor, and appliances. Their home construction is only entrusted to expert builders, and their furniture and art collection are the work of true artists.Their furnishings are custom-made according to their needs, and many are either handed down as family heirloom, or purchased from their many trips abroad. Because of this, their home will not look like any other, and instead exude character that’s likely to impress guests.
Connect with Big Island real estate broker Harold Clarke to learn more about the life waiting for you and your family in a Hawaii luxury home.Harold’s years of experience and formidable list of discerning clients are proof that he can take you to your own piece of paradise in the Aloha State.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Overcoming the challenges of running foundations through asset servicing
Running foundations in today’s climate can be a great challenge. On top of bringing to light its advocacies in what may sometimes appear to be a cynical world, foundations have to cope with tedious daily operational demands. Moreover, it must face the realities of engaging in cause-oriented work: The need to raise funds.
These challenges are often compounded by the limitations on the resources of these organizations. As a matter of principle, as well as a matter of commitment to their donors and supporters, foundations should put their cause above their other concerns. This means that they can only devote so much funds towards the functions happening behind the scenes: Human resource recruitment and development, procurement of the necessary equipment, rentals of facilities, deployment of marketing strategies, financial accounting, donor reporting, fund raising, among many others.
But the completion of all these tasks is just as critical to a foundation’s success. After all, the organization would be unable to carry through its advocacy work without funds, without people, without tools and technologies, without the support of partners, donors, the general public, and even the government.
This is where help from asset servicing firms comes into play. These firms provide middle and back office solutions that make accounting, documentation of activities and transactions, data management, tax reporting, and fund management so much easier to manage. They have the latest tools, as well as a pool of professionals who specialize in these domains, so that foundations need not invest so much resources into learning the skills,acquiring tools and manpower, and tedious paperwork.
Asset servicing firms provide various forms of assistance to foundations as they keep up with all these demands. They can take care of bookkeeping and accounting, financial report preparation, researching on possible sources of funding especially by monitoring grants, and determining avenues for growing the assets that may be invested. Because they handle this role for many other organizations, they can absorb the costs of middle and back office work, while their clients can drastically reduce the budget for staffing, and the use and maintenance of office space and equipment.
Furthermore, the foundation’s management need not be tied up to their desks crunching the numbers. Instead, they can devote their full attention to relating with potential institutional partners donors, or crafting strategies for organizational growth, and perhaps most importantly, engaging with their beneficiaries – the very reason for the foundation’s existence.
These challenges are often compounded by the limitations on the resources of these organizations. As a matter of principle, as well as a matter of commitment to their donors and supporters, foundations should put their cause above their other concerns. This means that they can only devote so much funds towards the functions happening behind the scenes: Human resource recruitment and development, procurement of the necessary equipment, rentals of facilities, deployment of marketing strategies, financial accounting, donor reporting, fund raising, among many others.
But the completion of all these tasks is just as critical to a foundation’s success. After all, the organization would be unable to carry through its advocacy work without funds, without people, without tools and technologies, without the support of partners, donors, the general public, and even the government.
This is where help from asset servicing firms comes into play. These firms provide middle and back office solutions that make accounting, documentation of activities and transactions, data management, tax reporting, and fund management so much easier to manage. They have the latest tools, as well as a pool of professionals who specialize in these domains, so that foundations need not invest so much resources into learning the skills,acquiring tools and manpower, and tedious paperwork.
Asset servicing firms provide various forms of assistance to foundations as they keep up with all these demands. They can take care of bookkeeping and accounting, financial report preparation, researching on possible sources of funding especially by monitoring grants, and determining avenues for growing the assets that may be invested. Because they handle this role for many other organizations, they can absorb the costs of middle and back office work, while their clients can drastically reduce the budget for staffing, and the use and maintenance of office space and equipment.
Furthermore, the foundation’s management need not be tied up to their desks crunching the numbers. Instead, they can devote their full attention to relating with potential institutional partners donors, or crafting strategies for organizational growth, and perhaps most importantly, engaging with their beneficiaries – the very reason for the foundation’s existence.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
How Do Back to Back Games Affect DFS
Imagine losing a matchup for the week or from Daily Fantasy because one of your players was a DNP: Coach’s Decision. No injury or personal problems, just rest. Nothing is worse than having players who do not play because of limit restrictions or rest. This can unexpectedly cause you to lose daily or weekly fantasy matchups because of lack of playtime. Rest games do not affect player stats, so be aware when drafting players such as Dwayne Wade and Joel Embiid. When they play, they put up amazing fantasy stats. The risk for drafting them is how they sit back to back games, which is detrimental for all fantasy formats. At this point, any waiver wire pick up is more useful than a benched player.
Usually star players and veterans sit back to back games to preserve their energy for later games. This essentially cuts their stat line in half for the past two games. Especially when drafting players for Daily Fantasy or Draft Kings, be wary when drafting certain stars or veterans as they are at risk of getting scratched off the lineup. On the flip side, this presents an excellent opportunity to find a NBA daily fantasy basketball value play. More times than not, the pricing algorithms will not raise a player's price due to the fact that he is now projected to start so you can get a starter at a reserve player’s price, thus easily allowing him to reach value relative to price.
Because they are sitting back to back games, this means that the team is most likely to have less games in the following week. In weekly fantasy formats, certain veterans and stars sitting now could hinder effectiveness in the future. Any amount of missed games from players can cause fantasy inefficiencies, and should be taken note of when drafting or trading for these players. Although Dwyane Wade can produce amazing stat lines on paper, some nights he is as good as an injured player; do not reach too high for these type of players. Especially if they are known to sit back to back games, they can miss more than a handful of games throughout the season.
Usually star players and veterans sit back to back games to preserve their energy for later games. This essentially cuts their stat line in half for the past two games. Especially when drafting players for Daily Fantasy or Draft Kings, be wary when drafting certain stars or veterans as they are at risk of getting scratched off the lineup. On the flip side, this presents an excellent opportunity to find a NBA daily fantasy basketball value play. More times than not, the pricing algorithms will not raise a player's price due to the fact that he is now projected to start so you can get a starter at a reserve player’s price, thus easily allowing him to reach value relative to price.
Because they are sitting back to back games, this means that the team is most likely to have less games in the following week. In weekly fantasy formats, certain veterans and stars sitting now could hinder effectiveness in the future. Any amount of missed games from players can cause fantasy inefficiencies, and should be taken note of when drafting or trading for these players. Although Dwyane Wade can produce amazing stat lines on paper, some nights he is as good as an injured player; do not reach too high for these type of players. Especially if they are known to sit back to back games, they can miss more than a handful of games throughout the season.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
A promising 2017 for venture capital firms
The new year always brings new prospects, and it’s the same for the world of private equity. Venture capital firms, in particular, are poised to achieve remarkable levels of growth this year, according to industry pundits.
These prospects are based on trends for the past couple of years, which were marked by tremendous developments especially in the field of science and technology. The startup culture continues to grow in markets across the globe, most notably in the United States. This culture is marked by the emergence of young, brilliant, and passionate entrepreneurs who are filled with new ideas that hold great potential for business. The highest-potential startups, dubbed “unicorns” by the industry, can fetch more than $1 billion when they go public.
For 2017, many top venture capitalists remain highly optimistic about increased funding, even as 2016 saw remarkably less financing activity than in 2015 (A New York Times report, citing data from PitchBook, notes that start-up funding last year was down by 15% from the year prior). GV (formerly Google Ventures) General Partner M.G. Siegler, in an interview published by VentureBeat, shares that two domains that will likely be the area of significant activity are artificial intelligence and machine learning, and he predicts that this year will be an exciting time for these.
Many other investors agree: AI-powered technologies will continue to be a big hit, especially because they will serve as the backbone of other developments that will be able to draw more funding – and not just in the field of computing technology, too. After all, AI can be used in healthcare, automotive industry, and construction, among other sectors.
Whether the financing trends would actually lead to an IPO or raise a good amount of capital for the startups in question, is quite another story, however. For example, only 39 VC-backed companies went public last year, down from 2015’s 72. IPOs are typically the major source of windfall for the venture capital investors, so a failure to go public is a bane for the domain’s bottomline.
As they navigate today’s challenging business climate, complementing the capabilities of today’s venture capital firms are asset servicing companies. These third party service providers offer support in the form of middle and back office outsourcing and fund administration. Asset servicing firms lend their topnotch talent, the latest portfolio management software, and years of solid experience to their clients, allowing the asset management companies to focus on strategic functions: growing their funds and relating to their investors.
These prospects are based on trends for the past couple of years, which were marked by tremendous developments especially in the field of science and technology. The startup culture continues to grow in markets across the globe, most notably in the United States. This culture is marked by the emergence of young, brilliant, and passionate entrepreneurs who are filled with new ideas that hold great potential for business. The highest-potential startups, dubbed “unicorns” by the industry, can fetch more than $1 billion when they go public.
For 2017, many top venture capitalists remain highly optimistic about increased funding, even as 2016 saw remarkably less financing activity than in 2015 (A New York Times report, citing data from PitchBook, notes that start-up funding last year was down by 15% from the year prior). GV (formerly Google Ventures) General Partner M.G. Siegler, in an interview published by VentureBeat, shares that two domains that will likely be the area of significant activity are artificial intelligence and machine learning, and he predicts that this year will be an exciting time for these.
Many other investors agree: AI-powered technologies will continue to be a big hit, especially because they will serve as the backbone of other developments that will be able to draw more funding – and not just in the field of computing technology, too. After all, AI can be used in healthcare, automotive industry, and construction, among other sectors.
Whether the financing trends would actually lead to an IPO or raise a good amount of capital for the startups in question, is quite another story, however. For example, only 39 VC-backed companies went public last year, down from 2015’s 72. IPOs are typically the major source of windfall for the venture capital investors, so a failure to go public is a bane for the domain’s bottomline.
As they navigate today’s challenging business climate, complementing the capabilities of today’s venture capital firms are asset servicing companies. These third party service providers offer support in the form of middle and back office outsourcing and fund administration. Asset servicing firms lend their topnotch talent, the latest portfolio management software, and years of solid experience to their clients, allowing the asset management companies to focus on strategic functions: growing their funds and relating to their investors.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Luxury by the sea: The Hualalai resort in Big Island
The best of the land and the sea mingle in Hualalai resort in Big Island, Hawaii. Nature’s pristine beauty alongside a fully-developed exclusive community creates a paradise in the middle of the Pacific, and homes and properties in this area capture what luxury by the sea means – unrestricted access to the finest things in life.
Residents and guests will definitely experience the best of Hawaiian culture in Hualalai. Luxurious offerings abound in this community that’s been designed to reflect the calm and quiet charm of ancient Hawaiian villages. Truly, the unique and nurturing spirit of the Hawaiian community can be felt in every part of this luxury resort.
Casual elegance defines the top-tier community of the Hualalai resort. Located on the Gold Coast of Hawaii filled with multi-million dollar properties, the 900-acre Hualalai resort hosts the Five-Diamond Four Seasons Hotel, the Hualalai Sports Club, and Spa, among other luxury amenities. Golf lovers will find a haven in Hualalai, with the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus golf course as well as the Ke’olu golf course that offers a gorgeous view of the ocean.
Hualalai likewise presents the most exceptional dining experience in Big Island. Tastebuds are sure to be excited by the freshest and most delectable dishes from the restaurants Hualalai Grille by Alan Wong and the Pahu I’a and the Beach Tree Bar and Grill.
High-end establishments provide adjacent homes and residences with the best choices in sports, recreation, dining and shopping. A gently sloping terrain rising from the breathtaking water scenery makes this neighborhood an ideal location for residential homes, vacation houses, condominiums, and hotels. The resort is also conveniently located for tourists: Hualalai is just 7 miles away from the Kona International Airport.
A premiere destination in every respect, Hualalai resort unsurprisingly now attracts real estate investors from all over the world. Hualalai offers various options for interested parties, ranging from land to condominium projects and single detached homes. Estates, villas, and other prime income-generating properties are also possible, especially with the steady rise of the real estate market in Big Island.
Luxury in the Hualalai resort comes with exclusivity. Some real estate properties are not available through the Multiple Listing Service, which can create difficulties if you are not properly acquainted with the market. For the best advice on Hualalai realty, inquire with Luxury Big Island’s Harold Clarke, the leading real estate expert who has opened doors to many investors in Big Island.
Residents and guests will definitely experience the best of Hawaiian culture in Hualalai. Luxurious offerings abound in this community that’s been designed to reflect the calm and quiet charm of ancient Hawaiian villages. Truly, the unique and nurturing spirit of the Hawaiian community can be felt in every part of this luxury resort.
Casual elegance defines the top-tier community of the Hualalai resort. Located on the Gold Coast of Hawaii filled with multi-million dollar properties, the 900-acre Hualalai resort hosts the Five-Diamond Four Seasons Hotel, the Hualalai Sports Club, and Spa, among other luxury amenities. Golf lovers will find a haven in Hualalai, with the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus golf course as well as the Ke’olu golf course that offers a gorgeous view of the ocean.
Hualalai likewise presents the most exceptional dining experience in Big Island. Tastebuds are sure to be excited by the freshest and most delectable dishes from the restaurants Hualalai Grille by Alan Wong and the Pahu I’a and the Beach Tree Bar and Grill.
High-end establishments provide adjacent homes and residences with the best choices in sports, recreation, dining and shopping. A gently sloping terrain rising from the breathtaking water scenery makes this neighborhood an ideal location for residential homes, vacation houses, condominiums, and hotels. The resort is also conveniently located for tourists: Hualalai is just 7 miles away from the Kona International Airport.
A premiere destination in every respect, Hualalai resort unsurprisingly now attracts real estate investors from all over the world. Hualalai offers various options for interested parties, ranging from land to condominium projects and single detached homes. Estates, villas, and other prime income-generating properties are also possible, especially with the steady rise of the real estate market in Big Island.
Luxury in the Hualalai resort comes with exclusivity. Some real estate properties are not available through the Multiple Listing Service, which can create difficulties if you are not properly acquainted with the market. For the best advice on Hualalai realty, inquire with Luxury Big Island’s Harold Clarke, the leading real estate expert who has opened doors to many investors in Big Island.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Hedge fund news: North America funds outperforming other regions as 2016 draws to a close
Hedge fund news has not been this good in quite a while for North America-focused vehicles. Although October saw these funds incur a loss of 0.69 percent, returns were at 2.89 percent in November, improving year-to-date returns to 9.09 percent. As such, North America funds are still outperforming all other regions so far.
Stats have been encouraging across the board
Speaking in general terms, November was a very good month for the hedge fund industry. Based on the latest readings from the Preqin All-Strategies Hedge Fund benchmark, gains were at 1 percent in November, boosting YTD totals to 6.34 percent. Event-driven strategies did especially well, with gains of 2.34 percent, as all other top-level strategies enjoyed positive returns in November. YTD performance for event-driven funds is at 10.74 percent as of the end of November 2016, and even relative value funds, which have the lowest performance thus far, are doing solidly, with YTD returns of 4.08 percent.
Election results drove hedge fund strength in North America
One reason why the hedge fund news was so good, according to reports, was the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. This was theorized in a statement from Preqin’s head of hedge fund products, Amy Bensted.
“Hedge funds focused on North America generated healthy performance in November and exceeded all other regions, as firms capitalized on opportunities arising from the US election result,” said Bensted. She added that most hedge fund managers surveyed in November 2016 expect the good news to continue over the last few weeks of 2016, and while European and Asian funds have only experienced “marginal” gains, all regions were solid or better year-to-date.
Things are looking good in 2017, and could get better
Preqin’s Bensted also noted that the hedge fund industry may have more good news to look forward to in 2017, as performance may likely beat 2014 and 2015 levels. But there are other reasons why 2017 may be a good year for the space, and they mainly relate to the companies hedge fund managers deal with for their asset servicing needs.
Given the relatively new premium on transparency and accuracy and the regulations instituted in the aftermath of the economic crisis, more fund managers are outsourcing their back and middle office to third party companies. With these companies making life easier for fund managers, it can be said that 2017 has all the potential in the world to be a better year for hedge fund news.
Stats have been encouraging across the board
Speaking in general terms, November was a very good month for the hedge fund industry. Based on the latest readings from the Preqin All-Strategies Hedge Fund benchmark, gains were at 1 percent in November, boosting YTD totals to 6.34 percent. Event-driven strategies did especially well, with gains of 2.34 percent, as all other top-level strategies enjoyed positive returns in November. YTD performance for event-driven funds is at 10.74 percent as of the end of November 2016, and even relative value funds, which have the lowest performance thus far, are doing solidly, with YTD returns of 4.08 percent.
Election results drove hedge fund strength in North America
One reason why the hedge fund news was so good, according to reports, was the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. This was theorized in a statement from Preqin’s head of hedge fund products, Amy Bensted.
“Hedge funds focused on North America generated healthy performance in November and exceeded all other regions, as firms capitalized on opportunities arising from the US election result,” said Bensted. She added that most hedge fund managers surveyed in November 2016 expect the good news to continue over the last few weeks of 2016, and while European and Asian funds have only experienced “marginal” gains, all regions were solid or better year-to-date.
Things are looking good in 2017, and could get better
Preqin’s Bensted also noted that the hedge fund industry may have more good news to look forward to in 2017, as performance may likely beat 2014 and 2015 levels. But there are other reasons why 2017 may be a good year for the space, and they mainly relate to the companies hedge fund managers deal with for their asset servicing needs.
Given the relatively new premium on transparency and accuracy and the regulations instituted in the aftermath of the economic crisis, more fund managers are outsourcing their back and middle office to third party companies. With these companies making life easier for fund managers, it can be said that 2017 has all the potential in the world to be a better year for hedge fund news.
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