Foreign Computer Programmers Are No Longer Welcome In America

With the Trump Presidency, you can expect his policies to be Pro-American. From the very beginning, Trump was very vocal in saying that he will make America great again by wiping out the nation of illegal immigrants and other nationalities that are a threat to the safety and security of all Americans.

While his intention is good, he forgets one important thing: that many U.S. industries and companies rely heavily on foreign workers to get the job done. And to think of it, many skilled and highly-intellectual occupations in the country are done by foreigners. Even in the technology sector, a lot of computer programmers are foreigners. But in line with the recent immigration policies of President Trump, the next to be hit will likely be them. These sought-after foreign computer programmers will now have a hard time getting an H-1B visa in the United States.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services quietly over the weekend released new guidance that computer programmers are no longer presumed to be eligible for H-1B visas.

What it means: This aligns with the administration's focus on reserving the temporary visas for very high-skilled (and higher-paid) professionals while encouraging low- and mid-level jobs to go to American workers instead. The new guidance affects applications for the lottery for 2018 fiscal year that opened Monday.

What comes next: Companies applying for H-1B visas for computer programming positions will have to submit additional evidence showing that the jobs are complex or specialized and require professional degrees. Entry-level wages attached to these visa applications will also get more scrutiny. The change appears to target outsourcing companies, who typically employ lower-paid, lower-level computer workers.

Lawsuits possible: Releasing this policy change at the start of the application filing window is going to rankle companies who used 17-year-old policy guidance to apply for this year's visas. Some companies may challenge the guidance on the grounds that USCIS didn't provide sufficient notice of the change.

(Via: https://www.axios.com/computer-programmers-may-no-longer-be-eligible-for-h-1b-visas-2342531251.html)

This memo will have a big impact on tech industries that import a lot of skilled foreign workers to get their business moving. And many of them are not happy with this news.

According to the memo, “the fact that a person may be employed as a computer programmer and may use information technology skills and knowledge to help an enterprise achieve its goals in the course of his or her job is not sufficient to establish the position as a specialty occupation.” The memo specifically says that “an entry-level computer programmer position would not generally qualify as a position in a specialty occupation.”

The memo also reminds officials to consider the wage level of a position in whether it qualifies as sufficiently complex for a visa. (The H-1B program has sometimes been criticized for overreaching to include lower-wage workers in the industry.)

In another statement put out today, immigration officials said they would also begin “targeted site visits” of worksites to “determine whether H-1B dependent employers are evading their obligation to make a good faith effort to recruit U.S. workers.”

(Via: http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/3/15162306/immigration-policy-h1b-tech-industry)

This memo is definitely not good news for both employers and workers alike. The industry will have a hard time looking for skilled employees and the opportunity for these computer programmers themselves who are dreaming of a new life in the U.S. will be gone forever.

On the other hand, these industries can start hiring more Americans to fill these positions. If our country is to become a great nation once more and no longer plagued by terrorist threats all the time, then it starts with each of us helping one another. And better yet, the government should integrate these computer classes in school so students graduate with enough technology know-how and able to find real jobs in the real world when the right time comes.

The post Foreign Computer Programmers Are No Longer Welcome In America Find more on: The Degrafa Blog

source https://www.degrafa.com/foreign-computer-programmers-are-no-longer-welcome-in-america/

“Unmasking” in the U.S.

The U.S. is a land of opportunity for many. And as such, many foreign immigrants have called it home for years. Unfortunately, there are also a few who are undocumented and live under the radar of the government. But with the unprecedented win of President Trump last election, all of that is about to change as he signs more immigration policies that are set to reshape the nation that we call home.

If you are an ordinary citizen leading an ordinary life and doing ordinary things, the term “unmasking” won’t have any significant meaning to you. But if you are aware of the country’s immigration policies and spying capabilities, you’d understand pretty well what unmasking means. In a nutshell, here is what you need to know about this much talked about practice.

The investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election — and President Trump's counterattack against surveillance and leaking — has brought a new term into the American political lexicon.

"Unmasking."

Until now, the process for revealing information about U.S. citizens in intelligence reports was almost completely obscure outside of the intelligence community.

But the issue has taken on new importance since House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes alleged that the Obama administration may have improperly identified Trump transition officials in classified reports he had access to — reports that later turned out to be provided to him by the Trump White House.

Here's what we know about the hows and whys of unmasking:

'Minimization' procedures

When U.S. spy agencies eavesdrop on terrorists or foreign agents, they often come across information about U.S. citizens who are not the target of their investigation. This "incidental collection" is not illegal or improper, but specially trained intelligence officers are required to go through an established procedure to protect the privacy of U.S. persons, known as "minimization."

(U.S. persons are defined as U.S. citizens and permanent residents, no matter where they are in the world.)

If the information has no intelligence value, it's supposed to be immediately destroyed. But even if it might be relevant, identifying information about that person will be excluded in intelligence reports that are distributed throughout the intelligence community, including those that go to the White House. Instead, the reports will refer only to "U.S. Person One," "U.S. Person Two," etc.

(Via: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/04/04/what-unmasking-how-intelligence-agencies-treat-us-citizens/100026368/)

And considering how close the Presidential fight was, sitting in the office is definitely not a walk in the park for President Trump. Many are watching his every move even before he won and assumed office. Hence, he has to be extra careful with everything he does all the time.

Multiple reports indicate former National Security Adviser Susan Rice was the Obama administration official who requested the unmasking of incoming Trump administration

Mike Cernovich broke the story in an article in Medium on Sunday that said, “The White House Counsel’s office identified Rice as the person responsible for the unmasking after examining Rice’s document log requests.”

Unmasking is the revealing of names within the intelligence community of U.S. citizens whose communications were monitored during foreign surveillance.

According to Fox News, the unmasked names of people associated with Donald Trump were sent widely to top officials in the Obama administration.

That is a potential felony.

The unmasked names were reportedly sent to every member of the National Security Council, former Rice deputy Ben Rhodes, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, then-CIA Director John Brennan and some officials at the Defense Department.

(Via: http://www.wnd.com/2017/04/sources-susan-rice-behind-unmasking-of-trump-officials/)

The Trump administration is probably hard at work now trying to uncover these unmasking issues. The President himself even announced quite recently that he had been subject to some serious wiretapping job just right before the election by no other than the former president and his gang. While these are still hot allegations, we are all pretty sure though that Trump won’t be sitting idly and wait for the results, knowing his dynamic personality and hatred for the opposition.

On a lighter note, unmasking would also help the nation identify illegal immigrants who have been so good at avoiding getting detected or suspicious individuals who may or may not be terrorists. It is a great surveillance tool that can benefit the safety and security of the country when done right and for all the right reasons.

“Unmasking” in the U.S. Read more on: Degrafa Blog

source https://www.degrafa.com/unmasking-in-the-u-s/

Pets: For Better And For Worse

Pet lovers and pet owners consider their pets as a part of their family and shower them with love and affection aside from providing their needs. In a sense, pets are like your children, albeit in a rather furry way. In America, most pet owners have cats and dogs at home and for good reason. There has been news now and then of pets saving their owner’s lives from accidents or even a medical emergency.

And it is actually true, especially with dogs. Their heightened senses make them more sensitive to certain things than their human counterparts. There is a reason why dogs are made into guard dogs and guide dogs by many. Indeed, man can always rely on his trusty furry best friend to save the day for him.

Most people are aware of the incredible talents of #Dogs to sniff out such things as explosive, weapons, drugs, lost people and their “enemies,” the feline. There is just something special about their sniffers that cannot compare to us as a human. A dog has a sense of smell anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of any person. This is due to their 300 million olfactory receptors in their nasal passages compared to a human’s six million. This is just a minor factor that contributes to the remarkable snouts of the canine species. Dogs are known to have saved numerous lives through military employment, law enforcement and laboratory medical research, all due to their extraordinary canine noses. With this exceptional talent, recent studies show that dogs all over the world can detect medical conditions in humans. 

(Via: http://us.blastingnews.com/news/2017/04/dogs-have-gifted-noses-that-can-detect-human-medical-issues-001601457.html)

And these animals also help humans in more ways than we know. In research labs, cats and dogs also serve as animal subjects to various clinical trials that will benefit mankind.

Frankie, a 15-year-old brown dachshund with a gray muzzle and tired eyes, rests on a pillow and pink blanket on an exam table at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet). A catheter draws blood from her neck into a gray machine the size of a minifridge, which clicks and whirls as it returns clear fluid to her body through another tube. The dog is strapped down by a red leash, but the restraint hardly seems necessary; she looks like she could fall asleep at any moment. At least until veterinary internist J.D. Foster sticks a thermometer in her butt.

A black mass has engulfed Frankie's bottom-right canine tooth—a melanoma that could eventually metastasize. If her owner had taken her to a traditional vet clinic, the doctor would have likely recommended removing part of her jaw, followed by a strong course of chemotherapy. But here at Penn Vet, Foster and his team are trying a new approach: cleaning Frankie's blood with an experimental polymer that removes immune system blockers, which may allow her to better fight the cancer. If the treatment works, it probably won't extend Frankie's life—but it could make her last few months a lot more pleasant. It also just might lead to a new way to combat skin cancer in people, Foster says. He scratches Frankie behind the ears as she closes her eyes on the pillow. "You're a good girl," he coos.

(Via: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/08/can-clinical-trials-dogs-and-cats-help-people)

We do have a lot to be thankful for, for animals that come to our rescue when no one is willing to lend a helping hand. These animals only love unconditionally and will be there for their owners through thick and thin, for the long haul, actually. While it pains some people to see pets in pain because of these trials, their sacrifice does serve a bigger purpose.

Now, what we can do to give back to them is to make sure no stray animal lives in the streets anymore. Animal cruelty should be stopped. We should let wild animals live and thrive in the wild. Respect their personal spaces. And as for our domesticated furry friends, let them feel that they are a part of the family and that they are secured in the love you have for them. The world becomes a better place when everyone living in it is in harmony with one another, both man and animals alike.

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source https://www.degrafa.com/pets-for-better-and-for-worse/

Laptop VS. Desktop Computer: Which Is Better?

Several years ago, not many owned a laptop or a computer at home. It was a luxury that many can still afford to live without. Yet as the years go by and as technology progresses, most of us begin to realize that these technological contraptions are already a necessity that everyone needs to have at home. While smartphones give us access to the web and offer more flexibility, the enduring capability and multitasking properties offered by either a laptop or a desktop computer outshines the more handy and flashy smartphones and tablets.

Now, if I were to ask you, will you go for a laptop or a desktop computer? It may be a tricky question for some but you eventually have to choose over time. What you buy depends on your computing needs. While a laptop is undoubtedly a crowd favorite because of the comfort and convenience it offers, it does have its disadvantages. The same can be said about desktop computers. Choosing which one to buy all boils down to what you need.

You may never buy another laptop.

Ten years ago, laptop sales overtook desktop PC sales to become the dominant hardware platform for computing. Now smartphones are about to do to laptops what laptops did to desktops.

Apple has run out of good laptop ideas

For the past decade, Apple has led and dominated the laptop market with design and innovation. The company has been moving toward better quality, so-called "Retina" screens. Apple’s keyboard designs and unibody aluminum construction have been heavily imitated. The company used to dazzle the industry by sweating the small stuff, like the MagSafe power connector and lights that shine through aluminum.

It's not just that Apple innovated. It's that its laptop innovations evolved their products toward elegance and usability. And that's over.

After years without a significant new laptop design, their latest release, last year's MacBook Pro, landed with a thud. The laptop was seriously underpowered — called by some a MacBook Air at a MacBook Pro price. The company ditched its incredibly popular MagSafe power connector in favor of USB C power.

(Via: http://www.computerworld.com/article/3186782/computer-hardware/the-laptop-is-dead.html)

Apple is a company that defines innovation. They continually come up with breakthrough products and technological solutions that are just plain genius that it is a wonder why others have not thought about it before. But over the years, their computer line appeared to be on hiatus with little to no updates. But while challenges can’t be avoided, the future still looks promising for both computers and laptops as more consumers have increasing and advanced computing needs.

The past couple of years have been a whirlwind of technology hype.

We have been told about multi-screen culture, mobile workforces and global collaboration.

‘Work and play’ is no longer where you go, but where you take it with you.

This has changed what we expect from technology and one result was the slow decline of conventional computer systems.

In 2016 alone, the PC market contracted by more than 6 percent.

Consumers are clearly demanding laptops that complement their lifestyles and they are not settling for anything less, said Chris Buchanan, director of Client Solutions at Dell EMC:

“Habits have changed. Users know what they want from their machines. Once those boxes were ticked, sales of laptops started to go down since you can sweat them for quite a number of years.

“For a while everyone blamed smartphones and tablets for the decline. But technology companies were no longer giving consumers what they wanted.”

The laptop can still be the cornerstone of our technology-powered lifestyles, but only if it meets the expectations of modern users.

Whether you create content, watch movies or do research, laptops have to evolve without leaving any of their greatest characteristics behind.

(Via: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/industrynews/203484-believe-the-hype-2017-is-the-year-laptops-give-users-what-they-want.html)

The world is continually evolving but one thing remains for sure, technology will be a big part of everyone’s lives from now on and in the years to come. It might be a bit hard to keep up with all the changes and advancements because of financial limitations, but investing in a durable and superior desktop computer or laptop can make a big difference in your life. They may come with a hefty price but every penny you pay for it is worth it.

Now, whether you purchase a laptop or desktop is irrelevant. Assess your computing needs and answer that question yourself. Are you constantly mobile and need something handy you can easily bring with you? Do you require more extensive computing features for your work or a pet project perhaps? These are just some of the things you need to ask yourself if you ever face the dilemma of choosing between the two.

Laptop VS. Desktop Computer: Which Is Better? Find more on: The Degrafa Blog

source https://www.degrafa.com/laptop-vs-desktop-computer-which-is-better/

The Latest Anti-Snoring Technology To Watch Out For

Sleep is a luxury. At the end of a long day, we all look forward to lying down in bed and enjoy the comfort and relaxation it brings. We may hate being told to go to sleep as kids but we now realize its value as adults when adult-ing and adult responsibilities take away precious sleep from us. Moreover, our health also deteriorates as our body gets older and the lack of sleep puts our health in even grave danger.

An example of a sleep disorder that is far too common but only a few gets treated for is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that is characterized by snoring during sleep. This disorder happens as your breathing constantly pauses or stops while sleeping. It is a life-threatening condition that many of us only laugh about, not fully understanding the severity of such a condition.

Snoring is the vibration of the respiratory channel in the human body that results in the generation of sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing in the sleep. In some of the cases, the sound may be soft, but in some cases, the sound could be loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be a first alarm of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The research study suggests that snoring is one of the factors of sleep deprivation. 

(Via: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-snoring-control-devices-market-2017-2021-300434452.html)

While CPAP remains to be the optimal treatment for snorers, more and more anti-snoring products are being released over the years that are more convenient to use and can possibly help relieve snorers of symptoms or even reverse sleep apnea for good.

Sleep apnoea affects around three million people in the UK and occurs when airflow is cut off by the tongue.

Now scientists have developed an implant that claims to combat the condition, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease.

During a minor procedure, the electrical device is positioned under the skin next to the nerve which controls the movement of the tongue muscle.

At night, wearers don a stick-on battery beneath their chin. The device sends electrical impulses to the tongue to ensure it contracts, leaving the airway open.

Nyxoah, the firm behind the technology, is now planning a clinical trial with 25 patients next month.

(Via: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/this-tiny-implant-uses-electric-shocks-to-prevent-you-from-snoring_uk_58e37466e4b03a26a365ceb6)

You may have been battling with sleep apnea or suffering from it because your partner snores but modern technology gives us more choices now on how to possibly overcome it.

Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline. Its latest report on the global snoring control devices market provides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021.

The top three emerging trends driving the global snoring control devices market according to Technavio healthcare and life sciences research analysts are:

• Use of 3D printing technology in the production of snoring control devices
• Growing focus toward online promotional and marketing strategies
• Integration of mobile devices with home healthcare systems

Use of 3D Printing Technology in the Production of Snoring Control Devices

“3D printing technology is one of the new trends in the snoring control devices market, where it is making way for the increased production rates. Oventus Medical, a Brisbane-based medical device company, launched a new 3D printing facility to manufacture medical devices such as snoring control devices,” says Srinivas Sashidhar, a lead analyst at Technavio for orthopedics and medical devices research, in a release.

With such products in the market, individuals can overcome sleep disorders and obtain snoring solutions. Manufacturers are entering new marketplaces with a large untapped target population base, which is expected to boost the market size greatly.

(Via: http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/2017/03/market-research-firm-top-3-emerging-trends-impacting-snoring-control-devices-market/)

Getting enough sleep at night is non-negotiable. It may be a challenge for a person suffering from sleep apnea but it is not impossible. There are various anti-snoring technologies available right now to help you get that well-deserved snooze daily. While a CPAP may be uncomfortable to use and patients on it usually stop using it after a month or two, there are still other options out there.

From Fitbit to anti-snoring mouthpieces and mouthguards and special pillows, there is a wide range of snoring solutions for everyone. Consult your doctor today to find out what alternatives are available for you and fight sleep apnea until you can sleep soundly at night without any help at all.

The Latest Anti-Snoring Technology To Watch Out For is available on The Degrafa Blog

source https://www.degrafa.com/the-latest-anti-snoring-technology-to-watch-out-for/

The Rise Of Celebrity Activism

We are all human. Whether we are ordinary citizens or one born with a silver spoon in his/ her mouth, we get affected by the issues that surround us. Although the rich can afford to ignore the issues that affect the masses while living in their big mansions with high gates, they still see everything once they go out of their expensive homes. What’s more, political issues can also affect their businesses and relationship with others.

But as the world gets smaller and smaller because of technology, it becomes harder for everyone to turn a blind eye to pressing issues that require our attention. Even celebrities rise up to the challenge and speak up about their opinions on various topics. Celebrity activism was even more prominent during the last U.S. election when the stars openly showed their support to their chosen individuals to lead the country.

During the past few years, we have seen an occurring trend of celebrities giving their political opinions. More recently, celebrities have consistently used award shows as a platform to talk about political issues.

Some of the political comments made during award shows occur at the opening of the show and are usually taken as a laughing matter. But how much is enough? Should celebrities bring up their political opinions? Should politics and entertainment be combined at all? I sat down with juniors Grace Zucchetto and Katie Mulligan to discuss this latest trend.

Zucchetto stated that she personally does not like it, and believes that if a celebrity shares their political view, it can skew what a fan thinks about them.

“I know a couple of people that stopped being fans of certain music or something because they were upset with their political views,” Zucchetto said. “I feel as if those should be separate.”

However, she also believes that celebrities should be able to give their political opinion.

“Everyone has an opinion and [celebrities] have a right to voice it,” Zucchetto said. “However, I think they should be careful on how they word it. Their words carry more weight, whether they realize it or not.”

(Via: http://www.ioniannews.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_5b011508-17b3-11e7-9281-ebebf003554e.html)

Celebrities have a right to express their political opinions because they are also human. How the country is being shaped will not only affect the common people but actors and actresses too.

Actress Kristen Bell defended herself and other politically-outspoken celebrities in an interview Monday, saying that rather than remain quiet about their political views, stars should use their large audiences and platforms to speak up.

In an interview with The Wrap CEO Sharon Waxman at the BE Conference in Austin, Waxman asked the Good Place star to comment on the “pushback” that celebrities receive when they air their political opinions.

“So I’m not a citizen anymore because I’m an actor? F*ck that,” Bell replied. “I’m a citizen of the United States, I’m allowed to say what I want to say.”

“I’m very lucky to have a platform; I use it responsibly. Some people don’t. A lot of people do,” the 36-year-old actress continued. “But just because I have followers on Twitter doesn’t mean that I’m any less allowed to share what I believe.”

Bell added that she thinks people “should be talking about what they believe.”

“I’m a citizen of the United States of America, so I’m allowed to state my opinions, even if it’s on social media,” she added.

(Via: http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/03/13/kristen-bell-defends-celebrity-activism-im-not-less-allowed-share-believe/)

And she has a point, right? Celebrities also have a right to say whatever they want and express their opinions about politics and other issues that plague the country. Not everyone may like what they have to say but nobody can also stop them from airing their sentiments about certain issues.

I caught up with Griffin, who discussed all the above just days after being honored with the Vanguard Award by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on March 12 for her ardent and unwavering role as an ally in the LGBT rights movement. She sharedher insight into what the hell we do – and what she’s doing – now that Donald Trump is running this country.

What does it mean to you to be an activist and a celebrity with the kind of platform you have in the Trump era?

I think people that believe in any kind of nuanced thought, who can handle a thought, know that, yeah, a celebrity can actually provide a real service for a cause. Celebrities sort of apologize all the time, but we’re voting citizens like anybody else. I defend my right to speak about things as a celebrity or as an offensive comic or whatever you wanna call me. I’ve toured this country so many times, and I’ve also performed in Iraq and Afghanistan for the troops. I’ve performed in a prison. I’ve performed at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. So, I kind of feel that’s what I bring to the table – that I’m really, really proud of.

(Via: https://thegavoice.com/kathy-griffin-activism-trumps-america-potential-new-reality-show/)

Respect is crucial in order to live in peace and harmony with one another. We all have our differences and we are free to speak up about our opinions but let us not impose our beliefs on others. The world is continually changing and we must all learn to adapt whether we like it or not.

The least we can do is to support the leaders whom we believe can bring about the change that the people need the most. If your political bet doesn’t win, then you’ll just have to respect the decision of the majority and do your best to become a better citizen of the country regardless if you dislike the one in office right now.

The following article The Rise Of Celebrity Activism is courtesy of Degrafa.com

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