5 Ways to Transform Your Data With Matillion ETL

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Are you looking for a way to improve your business’ data? If so, you should consider using Matillion ETL. Matillion is a powerful ETL tool that can help you transform your data in ways you never thought possible.

In this blog post, we will discuss five ways to get started with Matillion ETL. Whether you are just starting or you are looking for new ways to improve your data processing, these tips will help you get the most out of Matillion!

What Is Matillion ETL?

Before we get into the ways you can use Matillion ETL to transform your data, let’s first take a moment to understand what Matillion is and what it does.

In short, Matillion is an Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) tool. ETL tools are used to extract data from one or more sources, transform that data into a format that can be used by other systems or applications, and then load (or write) the transformed data into another system or application.

Matillion and Amazon Redshift.

Matillion ETL is a cloud-based ETL tool that was specifically designed for Amazon Redshift. Amazon Redshift is a powerful cloud-based data warehousing service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

The key benefits of using Matillion ETL with Amazon Redshift are its scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Amazon Redshift can scale quickly and efficiently to accommodate changes in data volume or complexity, and Matillion ETL can be used to process data from a wide variety of data sources. While Matillion ETL can be used with other data warehouses, it is optimized for use with Amazon Redshift.

This means that Matillion ETL can take advantage of the unique features and capabilities of Amazon Redshift to provide you with a powerful ETL solution. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses that are looking to improve their data processing capabilities without incurring the high costs associated with traditional data warehousing solutions.

The Five Ways To Get Started With Matillion ETL.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what Matillion is and what it does, let’s take a look at some ways you can use Matillion to transform your data.

Use Case #1: Extracting Data From Multiple Sources.

One way you can use Matillion to transform your data is by extracting data from multiple sources. For example, you may have data stored in an on-premises database, in the cloud, or a variety of other places.

With Matillion, you can easily extract this data and load it into your data warehouse. This will allow you to have a single source of truth for your data, which can be extremely valuable for reporting and analytics.

Use Case #2: Transforming Data for Analysis.

Another way you can use Matillion to transform your data is by transforming it for analysis. For example, you may have data that is in a format that is not compatible with your reporting tools.

With Matillion, you can easily transform this data into a format that can be used by your reporting tools. This will allow you to get more value from your data and make better decisions for your business.

Use Case #3: Loading Data Into a Data Warehouse.

As we mentioned before, one of the main uses for Matillion is to load data into a data warehouse. This can be extremely valuable for businesses that need to store large amounts of data.

With Matillion, you can easily load your data into Amazon Redshift. This will allow you to take advantage of the scalability and performance of Amazon Redshift.

Use Case #4: Replacing an ETL Tool.

If you are currently using another ETL tool, you may be looking for a way to replace it. Matillion ETL can be a great replacement for many existing ETL tools.

One of the benefits of Matillion is that it is specifically designed for Amazon Redshift. This means that you can take advantage of the unique features and capabilities of Amazon Redshift.

Another benefit of Matillion is that it is a cloud-based ETL tool. This means that you can easily scale up or down as your needs change.

Use Case #5: Getting Started With Data Warehousing.

If you are new to data warehousing, Matillion ETL can be a great place to start. Matillion is specifically designed for Amazon Redshift, which makes it a great choice for businesses that are looking to get started with data warehousing on AWS.

Another benefit of Matillion is that it is a cloud-based ETL tool. This means that you can easily scale up or down as your needs change.

Final Thoughts: Using Matillion ETL for Your Business.

Matillion ETL can be a great tool for businesses of all sizes. If you are looking for a way to transform your data, Matillion ETL is worth considering. If you have data that is not high quality, Matillion ETL can help you improve it. With Matillion, you can easily extract data from multiple sources and then transform it into a format that is suitable for analysis. This will allow you to get more value from your data and make better

For more information about Matillion ETL, please visit our website or contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Fractional Ownership Of Commercial Real Estate: Enabling Indians Living Abroad To Invest With Low Prices

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You would be lying if you said you never fantasized about acquiring those piercing towers, luxurious office spaces, and gleaming showrooms at some point in your life. But what kept you from going any further? Buying Commercial Real Estate costing crores is out of reach for most people. At least, it was the case until the introduction of fractional real estate ownership. Individual investors can now own a piece of Grade A commercial real estate through fractional ownership, causing a real estate investment storm.

Every passer-by has been drawn in by the piercing towers, luxurious office buildings, and gleaming showrooms. Millennials spending half of their days working in luxurious office spaces have all fantasized about acquiring one at some point in their life. However, buying commercial real estate costing crores is out of reach for most people. At least, it was the case until the introduction of fractional ownership. Individual investors can now own a piece of high-grade commercial property through fractional ownership, causing a real estate investment storm.

Real estate investments get limited to residential buildings for a long time. But that is changing. Analysts predict that fractional ownership India will exceed $5 bln. in the future years. Individual investors may buy a piece of high-end CRE in metro towns that are home to MNCs, IT parks, and warehousing operated by E-commerce giants for as little as Rs5 lakh. As the tempest of fractional ownership rages on, a mist of fear and ignorance perplexes the Indians.

What exactly is Real Estate Fractional Ownership?

The average investor frequently faces a scarcity of feasible investment possibilities in the real estate sector. Bank fixed deposits do not provide positive returns. Stock market investments provide favorable yields but also carry a high risk.  

But, investment in commercial real estate is attracting considerable interest notion at this time. Commercial properties are appreciating and stable asset that generates monthly returns and long-term earnings. Aren’t they valued in crores? Do you not require deep pockets to invest in it? Welp! 

You can now invest in that massive commercial property through fractional ownership. But, how so?

Fractional ownership is where a number of investors acquire high-grade commercial real estate in chunks or fractions. They share ownership of a high-value commercial real estate by investing in such a property. The resulting returns and income get allocated among the property’s fractional owners. Fractional ownership decreases a single investor’s financial strain by allowing to create consistent cash flows and rewards. Furthermore, through investing in many commercial office buildings in different areas, investors diversify portfolios.

For example, a prime office building in a favorable location in Bangalore is worth Rs100 crores. A significant MNC has already pre-rented the commercial property, assuring consistent cash flow and capital appreciation. An investor only with INR 20 L to start investing, on the other hand, is unable to purchase the house on his own. However, with an online fractional ownership platform like Assetmonk, individuals share and co-own the commercial building with a group of comparable investors. Via Assetmonk, an investor only needs to contribute a minimum of Rs. 10 lacs. Yay! Consequently, ordinary individuals can participate in CRE worth Rs 100 crore for a fragment of the property cost. 

Fractional Ownership Enables You To Invest In Real Estate At a Low Price?

There is no shame in admitting that we have run away from commercial real estate investments because we do not possess the lacs and crores needed to invest. It is perfectly understandable if you have refrained from taking a loan from the bank to finance the investments. Also, lack of information and relevant contacts have kept most Indians from engaging in Grade A commercial buildings. 

However, the technology has enabled and leveled the field for the commoner in various sectors and venues. The commercial real estate sector is more accessible to investors by becoming fractional owners. All that gets needed for the investor is investing Rs. 10 Lacs. He can invest in any commercial space with only INR 10 L. Despite inexperience and limited resources, fractional ownership permits middle-class persons to own a portion of yield-generating commercial assets in numerous places. Partnerships with fractional ownership platforms like Assetmonk help people develop wealth, diversify their portfolios, and earn consistent earnings by easing their road to investing in commercial real estate. Employees working in massive office buildings may soon be the proprietors of commercial premises.

How Else Can Fractional Ownership Benefit You?

  • Property Appreciation: Owning a fraction of a commercial property is cost-effective and provides a double return. The first is the benefit of direct investment returns, while the second is the benefit of asset appreciation. Because you own a piece of the real estate, the worth of your stake will rise as well. It is well-known for its institutional investments. However, it is becoming a realistic investment option for astute middle-income investors.
  • Rental Income: Rental income is deposited directly into the account each month. Through continual rental revenue and appreciation, commercial property fractional ownership gives a high return on investment. Commercial property investment in India has risen at a CAGR of 16 percent over the previous five years. Aside from the value gain, you may anticipate a 15 percent rise in rental income returns over the following three years if you buy with a respected fractional ownership company. It is incorporated into the rental agreement to safeguard against future inflation, guaranteeing that your investment remains stable over time.
  • Tenants: Occupants in residences frequently depart, causing the owner to lose rental money until a new tenant gets found. Every commercial property has a three-year lease term. The lease, however, can get extended. It merely ensures a consistent income. Clients in high-end properties include large multinational corporations, banks, and information technology firms with massive budgets. They pay their rental fees on time. Furthermore, because of the time, effort, and money engaged in transforming the apartments into offices, such tenants typically extend their renting term. For higher returns, it is best to invest in a pre-leased property.
  • Stability: The commercial real estate dipped during the nationwide lockdown. But, it quickly recovered in the third quarter. You may rely on passive real estate income instead of the turbulent financial markets. Year on year, the net absorption of commercial real estate climbed by 63 percent. Furthermore, new completions jumped to 59%. Covid-19 decreased the global values of real estate. But, because of the extensive outsourcing sector of the country, commercial leasing rose in the same period, per industry observers. Over 63% of commercial space rented in India gets used by international enterprises. It should convey a strong message to Indians and NRIs the moment has arrived to invest in commercial real estate. The values of commercial property will soar in the years ahead. As a result, it is a great moment to start investing in fractional ownership investment.
  • Cost-effective: Fractional property investment is one of the low-cost real estate investments. Premium-quality office space in Bengaluru costs Rs 400 crore to rent. It is a massive investment that is usually only doable for High-Net-Worth Individuals. But, through fractional ownership, you may become an owner of the property with others for as little as Rs 10 lakh and enjoy the returns from rental income varying from 6% to 10% each year. Such an investment might provide a rental income spanning from INR 60,000 to INR 1 L annually. A comparable residential property, on the other hand, would generate only 1.5 percent to 3 percent. Covid-19 significantly impacted the residential real estate, where home values fell by 2% to 7% in the preceding year.

A Beginner’s Guide To ITIL Certifications

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Introduction 

Information Technology Infrastructure Library, also known as ITIL for short, is a structural framework for the Information Technology (IT) industry around the world. ITIL is used in most IT businesses and activities to increase the overall efficiency of the processes. If this sounds confusing, fret not. ITIL is the up-and-coming thing right now in the flourishing IT industry. If you’re looking to enter the IT industry but are unsure of how to do so, getting an itil qualification is a step in the right direction. Read on to find out what exactly is ITIL and how you can jump on the bandwagon.

What is ITIL?

ITIL essentially is a framework that allows businesses of varying sizes to build a strong internal foundation. The framework provides the best methods for dealing with IT services. Whether is it managing customer relations, increasing productivity within the workplace, or creating a reliable IT system, ITIL helps to improve the workplace settings and workings while making sure that businesses refrain from making common mistakes. 

The ITIL can be implemented in businesses and institutions through a third party. This individual would have to attain an ITIL certification at one of the ITIL Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs). At the ATOs, participants will have to undergo training and pass the relevant examinations before attaining the ITIL certificate. 

ITIL is popular amongst many businesses due to its versatility and adaptability. It can be adopted in businesses of varying sizes or industries. Even big brands such as NASA, IBM, and HBSC use ITIL to ensure efficiency in their businesses. 

Types of ITIL Certifications

Being ITIL-certified implies that one is equipped with the skills to best manage the processes and industrial terminologies of the IT sector in any business. These are extremely niche skills that require an ITIL certification to be recognized. Given that IT is prevalent in many businesses, ITIL-certified professionals have highly sought after. There are four main levels of certifications to be achieved. 

ITIL Foundation

As the name suggests, the first level of ITIL certification covers the important basics of the framework that is crucial for the subsequent levels. The ITIL foundation will teach you the seven essential ITIL practices, the four dimensions of service management, fundamental notions of service management (which comprises service relationships and value creation), as well as the ITIL service value system (SVS). With this foundational understanding of the ITIL framework, individuals can help organizations to increase efficiency. 

You’ll have to attain a certain number of credits and pass the examinations before being officially certified. After getting your ITIL foundation certification, you have the option to choose either the ITIL managing professional certification or the ITIL four strategic leader certification in the next level.

ITIL Managing Professional 

The ITIL managing professional essentially teaches an individual the ropes of running smooth and successful IT processes in a workplace. It can be broken down into four sub-modules.

ITIL Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI)

This module equips individuals with the know-how of managing the employees in the organization in terms of their working styles and personalities. Employees with managerial positions are best suited to take this module as they will learn how to work with and balance the relationship with their colleagues as someone with a superior position. This module aims to allow the organization to constantly be learning and improving. 

ITIL Specialist Create, Deliver & Support (CDS)

This module focuses on service management activities and teaches individuals how to utilize innovative ways to appeal to and serve customers. The skills gained from this module allow IT practitioners to incorporate their IT knowledge in to the customer service aspects of businesses. 

ITIL Specialist High Velocity IT (HVIT)

This module is all about enabling the delivery service of organizations to run at optimum speed. The supply chain and delivery aspects of businesses, especially bigger companies can be extremely complex. A delay or hiccup in one part will likely cause a chain reaction. The HVIT teaches individuals to use technical strategies and technologies such as Automatic Testing, Cloud, and Automation to ensure a smooth delivery process. 

ITIL Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV)

This module explores different ways to attract the customer’s attention given the globally competitive nature of industries. IT-enabled services techniques will be taught and individuals can apply these techniques such as CX and UX design, SLA design, and customer journey mapping in organizations to increase overall stakeholder satisfaction.

ITIL Strategic Leader

Covering the aspects of business strategies, ITIL provides two sub-modules.

ITIL Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI)

This module is the exact same one that was mentioned under the ITIL Managing Professional section!

ITIL Leader Digital & IT Strategy (DITS)

This module teaches individuals to use IT techniques to complement digital business strategies. It requires individuals to think out of the box as the real-life challenges from new technologies are ever fluctuating and complex.

ITIL Master

Finally, the fourth and last certification is the ITIL Master certification. The highest level of all, ITIL Master-certified individuals have to prove their abilities in the real workplace environment. This certification is curated differently for the individual. There are no set modules or examinations to take. 

To be qualified for the ITIL Master certification, you are required to have the above-mentioned ITIL certificates, hold a managerial position in ITSM, and show how you have applied the knowledge in real life.

Costs of ITIL certifications

Depending on your location of residence, the type of course you choose (online vs in-person), and whether you have internal training with your current company, the price of the certifications will vary accordingly. 

 

The registration of the examinations typically ranges from $150 to $500 and this does not include the modules. If you’re currently employed, try requesting your company to foot the bill and explain how this can be beneficial to them too.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, attaining these ITIL certifications will greatly boost your career growth given the high demand for IT professionals. The process of attaining these certifications matters more than the certificate itself. It is the knowledge that you learned and the way to apply them to real-world situations that companies are looking for. With that, all the best!

​​What Is the Future of Cyber Security?

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You’re probably familiar with having to go through a range of security checks when you log into your online banking account – or using password-protected filing systems at work. Whenever you use the Internet to access private information or accounts, the measures in place designed to protect the owner of said information, are forms of cyber security. 

As we use the Internet for more and more of our daily activities, data security has become an issue that concerns us all. It’s certainly true that we entrust a lot of private information to devices that most of us don’t fully understand. Thankfully, cyber security keeps this information safe online – playing a bigger role than we might think in our lives. 

Cyber security: a recap

Cyber security was developed in reaction to the various forms of malware that emerged when the Internet became more popular. Similar to how businesses hire security firms to ensure the safety of their staff, clients and buildings – cyber security services protect the digital realm from viruses and hackers looking to steal data and information.

As technology only continues to evolve – from the Internet of Things to artificial intelligence – cyber security needs to grow with it if we are to combat the various threats that exist in the virtual world.

So, what does the future of cyber security look like? 

An inevitable growth in popularity

It’s likely that cyber security will only continue to grow in popularity. Like other digital phenomena such as social media, which we’ve seen evolve exponentially in the last decade, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit with other areas of the virtual world. 

When it comes to cyber security in particular, recent technological advancements such as cloud computing have opened up a number of possibilities for cyber security’s growth. Now, it seems that the encrypted, backed up, password-protected cloud servers are more secure than real life safes and filing cabinets – with state of the art tech allowing businesses and individuals alike to keep their data, documents and information more safe than ever before. 

Not a want, but a need

We can’t talk about the future of cyber security without recognising the pure need for it, too. As more and more businesses have started to move into the digital world, cyber security has emerged as a necessity as cyber attacks become more and more common. While the Internet offers endless opportunities for growth and development, its dark side means that many of us are vulnerable when navigating digital spaces. 

Across industries, from online banking to digital data storage, cyber security is vital in maintaining safety for businesses and their stakeholders across the globe – so we’re likely to see more uptake of cyber security measures too. Plus, with the increase in remote working since the pandemic, more companies are having to invest in technology that grants remote and safe access to company information, intranets and platforms. 

It’s clear that cyber security will branch out into different sectors, as well as become more established in the areas it’s already used in. It will play a crucial role in the future of almost everything in the virtual world, and make sure that the Internet remains a safe place for us all.

In times of war, Magnaghi Aeronautica (MA Group) stands out for its Italian excellence

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With the recent news on the War in Ukraine, many countries have established sanctions against Russia. The United States has also followed this decision, but some questions are being raised when it comes to the aerospace industry: will this ban affect aircraft production? In face of such a scenario, it is Italian excellence which poses another option for the sector.

In a market dominated by multinational enterprises, Magnaghi Aeronautica Spa is an Italian company that stands out for its quality in the design, certification, production and subsequent marketing of landing gear systems, equipment, hydraulic, and electronic systems for aerospace use. According to Paolo Graziano, CEO and president of the company, it is the resourcefulness typical of Italians, the technical skills and technological research that allows MA Group to compete with enormously larger American or Chinese companies.

Graziano says that, oftentimes, international customers are surprised when they discover that Magnaghi Aeronautica is Italian, or more precisely Neapolitan. But it is precisely their midsize apport that allows the company to maintain the agility, speed, and dynamism. “These are fundamental characteristics in today’s market, although they are foreclosed to larger companies,” says Graziano.

But more than technical expertise, the CEO stresses that it is human capital that makes for their success: “Technology without the competence of the technicians to supervise it is useless. We not only have engineering technologies and processes that represent the state of the art in our sector, but also highly qualified technicians, whom I know perfectly well and who have my absolute trust.” This posture adopted by Graziano has thus granted Magnaghi Aeronautica (MA Group) an award recognition as Top Employer 2022 in Italy.

In addition to that, the Italian company has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin Sikorsky-Boeing to provide fully integrated landing gear systems for the DEFIANT X® helicopter. To keep up with an accelerating pace of innovation, Graziano says his company’s secret is to use a vertical conception of excellence: “Every single aspect of the production process, every single component has an equal importance, in a constant search for uncompromising quality.”

More than making a difference in the aerospace industry, Magnaghi Aeronautica (MA Group) is also constantly working to follow the environmental agenda. For Graziano, this is no longer a choice, but a duty that every company should take. “Committing to safeguarding the planet means respecting future generations by giving them a healthy ecosystem,” claims the CEO, adding that the MA Group Landing Green project was created exactly for that.

The MA Group Landing Green project includes a series of initiatives aimed at improving not only recycling processes, reuse and energy saving, but also making the concept of sustainability fit the company’s modus operandi on its own. “It is also in the field of research and development that we try to find innovative solutions and technologies that are as ‘green’ as possible”, adds Graziano by mentioning how these solutions are being applied to trolleys. “We will probably also produce trolleys for fully electric aircraft, therefore totally sustainable and technologically advanced.” 

In 2022, the MA Group is doing something new: they are adding sustainability to their balance sheet. After all, as stressed by Graziano, these actions and projects that are being implemented deserve special attention and the company is happy to share the news with their employees and customers. “It is the ability to adapt, to find quick solutions, to respond quickly to customer requests that allows us to be competitive,” concludes the CEO.

Magnaghi is the core of MA Group, synonymous with excellence in the aeronautical sector. From its creation, in 1936, to today, the company has conquered the international market, becoming partners with some of the most important aircraft manufacturers in the world. With offices in Italy, United States and Brazil, MA Group’s revenue has increased from €19m to €91m in the past 20 years.

Outback Steakhouse Selects Charlotte To Launch New ‘To-Go’ Focused Restaurant Prototype

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Charlotte has just been selected as a test market for Outback Steakhouse’s new prototype restaurant design. The new prototype will feature a smaller size, new technology and a revamped interior design to focus primarily on to-go, delivery, and Outback’s newly launched catering program.

The new high-tech 5,000 square foot free stand building is located at 2128 Freeman Park Drive in Charlotte’s Steele Creek area.

According to a press release from Outback, the new design features ‘edgy art pieces’, and expanded bar, and a redesigned kitchen layout to streamline online ordering.

“The smaller size also allows us to bring restaurants to areas where larger units may not have been possible,” said Brett Patterson, President of Outback Steakhouse.

In 2022, the restaurant plans on opening 3 prototype locations in Charlotte, Fort Worth, TX, and Polaris, OH. The company plans to build an additional 75 to 100 to-go-focused restaurants across the nation over the next couple years.

SEC Charges Charlotte Man With Operating $7 Million Ponzi Scheme

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via Facebook

The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed an emergency action charging Wynn Charlebois with operating a $7 million Ponzi scheme.

According to the SEC’s complaint, since 2019, Charlebois is claimed to have defrauded at least 75 investors, mostly residents of the Charlotte area, using multiple bogus investment opportunities. Most recently, the complaint notes that Charlebois offered investors opportunities to share in the profits earned by participating in the exercise of fictitious options contracts, but instead used investor funds to pay his family’s debts and personal expenses, including his mortgage payments, vacations, and private school education for his children.

The official SEC filing specifically alleges that:

“Since the early 2000s, Charlebois has held himself out as a self-made investor and a consultant to private businesses. Trading on his social capital in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, and his network of former co-workers from an investment bank where he was employed decades ago, Charlebois, as early as 2005, solicited investors to provide funds to him for a variety of investment opportunities, executed through a variety of entities he owned and controlled.

Among other things, he has successfully solicited investors to enter into loan agreements whereby the funds were used to participate in the purchase and resale of aircraft; promissory notes whereby the funds were to be invested in a variety of private companies; and subscription agreements whereby the funds were to be used for the purchase of shares in a technology company.

Most recently, Charlebois has offered investors the opportunity to participate in investments in which profits would be earned through the exercise of stock options he purportedly holds.

A review of certain bank records for various Charlebois’ accounts over a three year period, from February 5, 2019 through April 30, 2022, reflect that at least $7.1 Million of investor funds flowed into them, of which at least $4.4 million was paid to investors. These accounts reveal a constant cycling and re-cycling of money between business and personal bank accounts in an effort to keep average daily balances up, cover posted transactions, and demonstrate ongoing activity in order to obtain merchant cash advances from various lenders.

During this three year period of time, at least $904,528 was paid-out by Charlebois to non-traditional money lenders, such as “Kash Capital”, “Last Chance Funding”, and Liquidibee”, for short-term, high interest advances against the future revenues of Charlebois entities. During the same time period, there were more than 700 separate non-sufficient fund and overdraft charges for the Charlebois accounts, totaling $39,265 in fees.

In addition to paying former investors with new investor money, Charlebois used investor funds to finance his and his family’s lifestyle.

From May 21, 2019, to April 1, 2022, Charlebois directed investor funds in the amount of $121,996.61 to a private university where one of his children attends school; $65,408 to a private high school where another one of his children attends school; and $2,985 to a social club in Charlotte. Since December 31, 2021, personal mortgage payments in the amount of $8,698.12 have been paid by Charlebois from the WC Private bank account. These payments also came from investor funds.

The funds Charlebois received from investors were not invested as he said they would be, and he had no income stream from anything other than the money he received from new investors, loans from personal friends, and merchant cash advance loans.

For example, on December 28, 2020, there was a beginning balance of $5,925.29 in the Charlebois’ personal joint checking account. That day, an investment of $100,000 was wire transferred into the account from one of his investors. Within 48 hours, Charlebois transferred $93,000 of that investor’s $100,000 investment to other Charlebois accounts, of which $81,818.49 was wire transferred to previous investors prior to the end of the year, and $6,195.50 was wire transferred to repay merchant cash advance loans to, among others, Kash Capital and Liquidibee. On the same day, the Charlebois family arrived in Beaver Creek, Colorado, for a vacation, during which time they spent over $9,165, including $1,195.20 for “Vail Limo Service”, $1,792.71 for ski access, rentals and purchases, $1,412.45 at restaurants; $1,493.91 at hotels, including the Ritz Carlton and Park Hyatt (of which $475.00 was charged at the Park Hyatt spa), before they arrived home on January 2, 2021. By January 4, 2021, the personal joint checking account had a balance of only $263.88 and on January 5, 2021 the same investor made another $100,000 investment into the Charlebois’ personal joint checking account and all but $2,190.02 was spent as of January 8, 2021, again paid out via wire transfers to previous investors, wires for payments of merchant cash advance loans, personal expenses, and cash withdrawals.

The Charlebois family made a second ski trip to Colorado, also in January 2021, during which time they spent over $3,400 in four days, at places such as the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, and various restaurants and ski locales in the surrounding Beaver Creek and Vail area.

In March 2021, the Charlebois family travelled to Boca Grande, Florida for a weeklong vacation, during which time they spent $8,792.41, despite a negative balance in Charlebois’ personal joint checking account during the trip.

Upon his return to Charlotte on March 22, 2021, through April 13, 2021, Charlebois raised at least $570,000 from investors and obtained $43,000 in new merchant cash advance loans. During this time-period, the Charlebois family traveled to Austin, Texas, and Dallas, Texas (where one of his children attends a private university), and spent over $5,927 during their five day trip.

By April 15, 2021, virtually all of the new money Charlebois raised from investors and obtained from loans had been spent paying former investors, repaying merchant cash advance loans, and financing the family’s Texas trip, leaving the Charlebois business and personal joint checking accounts near zero balances. In addition to the aforementioned travel expenditures, Charlebois spent at least $10,993 in airfare during 2021.

From in or about November 2021 through the present, the Defendants’ Ponzi scheme has defrauded at least three investors of at least $350,000, through the offer of investments in the exercise of stock options in various private entities that Charlebois claimed he owned.

Charlebois has made numerous false and fraudulent misrepresentations to investors, and has provided fabricated documents to them, to induce them to invest money with him and the entities he controlled, and has engaged in a repeated pattern of lulling activity with
investors once they raised questions about their investment amounts and purported gains.”

The official SEC complaint charges Charlebois and his company WC Private LLC with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

According to the Secretary of State, Charlebois’s company, WC Private LLC, has a registered office address of 2149 Norton Road – a $1.6 million Myers Park home. According to Mecklenburg County Tax Records, the home is currently owned by Wynn A D Charlesbois and his wife Katie Charlesbois.

The SEC is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, an asset freeze, an accounting, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.

The SEC’s ongoing investigation is being conducted by Melissa Mitchell and Krysta Cannon, and supervised by Matthew McNamara and Justin Jeffries. The SEC’s litigation will be led by Robert Schroeder.

7 Sleeping Accessories to Keep You Cozy All Night

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If there’s one thing everyone can all agree on, it’s that everyone could all benefit from a little more sleep every now and then. Whether it is annoying and loud neighbors, a hectic schedule or anxious thoughts that keep you awake at night, finding time to sink into our beds for uninterrupted slumber is becoming increasingly difficult.

Since no two sleepers are similar, the products required to get comfortable for a restful night may differ slightly. Check out the seven sleeping accessories to help you sleep better and keep you cozy at night.

Bamboo Hair Turban

Blow-drying your hair excessively can cause frizz, split ends, and hair breakage. Moreover, most hairdressers agree that intense rubbing and friction caused by towel drying your hair is harmful to your hair.

If you plan on taking a bath before going to bed, quickly dry with a hair turban. Because human hair is particularly delicate when wet, a bamboo hair turban is an ideal material for drying your hair. 

Bamboo Quilt Cover Set

Bamboo sheets are luxuriously soft, extremely breathable, and naturally antibacterial. They are also excellent thermo-regulating materials, keeping you cool and dry in the summer and warm in the winter.

Thus, if you have difficulty sleeping well on extremely hot or cold days, you can change that by using a bamboo quilt cover set. Aside from that, bamboo sheets are a guilt-free luxury because bamboo is one of the world’s fastest-growing and most sustainable resources.

Blackout Curtains

If you work shifts or work in an environment with excessive light, or you are either someone who has an irregular sleeping schedule, blackout curtains may be something you consider. They block out light, allowing you to sleep whether it’s the middle of the day or not, and are made to keep a room completely dark and insulated.

Moreover, blackout curtains are made of extremely thick material that completely or nearly completely blocks out light. Also, it can help you sleep better by easing the transition from day to nighttime.

Weighted Eye Mask

You may believe you’ve exhausted all options for a good night’s sleep, including new sleepwear, pillows, and warm socks, but what you may be lacking is a weighted eye mask. They are little miracle workers, a cross between weighted blankets and sleep masks, which prevent light and are stuffed with foam, tiny beads, sand, or natural flaxseeds to give deep pressure stimulation that may aid with stress, headaches, and anxiety.

A weighted eye mask with evenly distributed pressure can feel like a hug or being snugly wrapped, which immediately relaxes the body. However, choose a weighted sleep mask that is comfortable enough not to bother or irritate you, as it won’t be much use if it does end up preventing you from falling asleep.

Earplugs

Noise can mean the difference between a restless night and deep sleep for those who are sensitive to it. Earplugs can protect your ears from loud noises, but many people also use them to sleep.

They can make a huge difference for light sleepers or people who live in noisy neighborhoods. Just make sure to clean or replace them on a regular basis to avoid developing an ear infection, and never insert them too far into your ear.

Essential Oil Diffusers

You are always looking for new ways to improve your sleeping habits, and you’ve probably heard about essential oil diffusers by now. While there is no magic cure for insomnia, diffusing oils such as cedarwood, lavender, and bergamot have been shown in studies to improve sleep quality.

Furthermore, essential oils from specific plants are known for their calming effects, and using them before bedtime may help with insomnia and promote better sleep. On the other hand, other essential oils help you sleep better by clearing your airways and avoiding sleep disruptions caused by snoring or sleep apnea.

White Noise Sound Machine

For some people, the sound is soothing and relaxing, and it helps them deactivate in preparation for sleep. A white noise machine could be a game-changer for the best and most restful sleep.

A good sound machine should also have a variety of sounds and volumes, a clean loop, and some customizability. Nonetheless, white noise machines can help you fall asleep and stay asleep, and they may even help train your brain to recognize when it’s time to sleep.

Final Thoughts

Everyone has their own little tricks for achieving their ideal sleeping state, and some use sleeping accessories to do so. Although the best sleep accessories cannot guarantee a perfect circadian rhythm, they can at least help your pre-sleep habits feel more relaxed, cozy, and ready for z’s. 

Sleep-promoting products are great, but there comes the point when you need to seek professional help for sleep issues. If your lack of sleep interferes with your daily life, even after you’ve tried every sleep-improvement trick in the book, seek professional help!

Brighterly – New Math for Kids Startup Gathers Momentum

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Why does my child perform so poorly in math?

In today’s world, a large percentage of parents have directed this question to school teachers and personal tutors. The answer to this question? While there are individual differences amongst children, math anxiety is a common reason students tend to perform so poorly in math. In fact, many students live in a Catch-22 puzzle when it comes to math. On the one hand, they perform poorly because they have math anxiety. On the other hand, they have math anxiety because of their poor performance.

However, this is slowly changing with Brighterly’s arrival on the scene. Thanks to this edtech startup, more kids are beginning to shed their math anxiety and see math for what it really is: a fun subject.

What Is Brighterly?

So you’ve probably seen an ad or two about Brighterly. Or maybe you’ve heard a fellow parent talk about it, and now you’re wondering what it’s all about. Here’s the first thing you need to know: Brighterly isn’t yet another random media buzz that fails to live up to the hype.

Instead, it’s an edtech platform dedicated to helping little kids love math and build a great relationship with math. According to Brighterly, its aim is “to be a torch in every kid’s maths journey.” Thus, with expert tutors on its team, this startup offers fun one-on-one math tutorial sessions for children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1.

But not to worry; these math for kids classes are all held online, so you certainly don’t have to worry about being too far away.

Why Is It Popular?

Every day, more and more parents decide that they want more for their kids when it comes to math. The implication of this new decision? Brighterly gathers momentum as parents turn to this edtech platform for help. However, there’s more to Brighterly’s rapidly increasing popularity than this singular reason.

To begin with, this platform is taking great strides in the edtech industry with a team of highly-trained math tutors online. According to Eugene, Brighterly’s founder, the startup “would not manage to develop the wide math skills in kids without Brighterly’s teachers.” Only a tiny percentage of applicants are typically selected, and successful candidates undergo rigorous training and onboarding, ensuring that the best crop of teachers teaches the kids. With this high standard, it comes as no surprise that Brighterly is rapidly gaining momentum.

Just in case you were wondering, here are further reasons why this startup for kids is currently doing numbers:

It puts the fun in learning

Who says learning can’t be fun? Unfortunately, many people seem to think that learning has to be boring and traditional. As we’ve seen over the years, this approach hasn’t exactly yielded the best results. Instead, it has only caused students to hate maths (and other subjects).

Thankfully, Brighterly puts the fun back into learning math by using a game-based approach. Here’s how it works. Children love games and would willingly spend hours playing a game like Candy Crush. So what if you took their favorite activity and integrated it into learning? So far, this approach has yielded the best results. Children learn faster through games and will also be more willing to learn.

The bottom line? Parents who want their kids to enjoy math are highly appreciative of Brighterly’s edutainment model, and this explains why this startup is fast becoming a parental favorite.

Personalized learning experience

Students are often clumped together and taught the same way in most schools and educational settings. Does this method work? Yes, it might… for some students. However, children have individual differences, and this often plays out in the way they learn. While some students may learn at the speed of light, others might take longer to get there.

 Brighterly recognizes these differences and, as such, makes allowances by offering students a personalized learning experience. Students are taught according to their specific learning needs and preferences instead of being taught according to the status quo. This revolutionary teaching model is certainly a breath of fresh air and largely contributes to Brighterly’s growing popularity.

No minimum age requirement

A lot of people (parents inclusive) tend to fall for the misconception that kids may be too young to learn math. Well, this isn’t exactly the case. According to several studies, children can learn math even as toddlers, and as such, it’s never too early to start teaching your child math. In fact, it’s advisable to, in a sense, “catch them young” by teaching them basic mathematical concepts from the cradle.

Upon this foundation of “catching them young,” Brighterly builds its platform. This startup has no minimum age requirement and offers classes for children as young as pre-k level.

Refund policy

With the rising wave of online scams and false promises, everyone is a tad skeptical about handing money over to any platform, regardless of how reputable they seem. To help put parents’ minds at rest, Brighterly offers an excellent refund policy, letting parents pull out in the unlikely event they aren’t satisfied with the services received.

Refund policies are seldom heard of in the educational sector, and as such, Brighterly’s refund model sets it apart from the rest and reassures parents of its credibility.

Hands-on learning

Taking a step away from traditional learning, Brighterly takes a hands-on approach to learning. Kids are taught how to apply mathematical concepts to real-life and derive new formulas instead of simply watching tutors do all the work themselves. 

With a practical learning model in place, it is no surprise that this edtech startup is rapidly gaining momentum amongst parents and guardians.

Final Thoughts

Brighterly is a revolutionary edtech startup that is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons. In the words of the founder, this platform seeks to bring ease to both parents and students alike and has “enlightened many paths thus far.”

Five Ways to Celebrate a Wedding or a New Baby

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When a baby is coming or you are getting married, there is a lot to do. It can be very stressful and nerve-wracking. However, it is imperative to properly celebrate the life event and enjoy your time transitioning to a new era. Whether you are getting married, having a baby, or are a family friend to people who are, it’s important to make the time necessary to celebrate and acknowledge the events in life. It’s important to create a situation in which the people involved can thoroughly introspect and enjoy the time they spend at any event. Below are five ways to celebrate a wedding or a new baby.

Make Pre-Wedding Events Special

Even though there are plenty of events to host before the wedding, it is vital to enjoy them and the process. Whether it’s the bachelor party, the bachelorette party, or the rehearsal dinner, these events shouldn’t be stressful. They should be fun. Whether you’re renting a full space or are simply going to a restaurant or bar, the plan for pre-wedding events should be organized carefully. Whatever you are planning, these dinners and parties can be as unique and interesting as you want them to be. Whatever your plan for the wedding, making the events before the big day as special as possible.

Use Visual Elements in the Ceremony

A great way to ensure that everyone will remember the wedding is to use visual elements at the ceremony. For example, you can buy wedding sparklers to celebrate. These sparklers are like the sticks you burn during the Fourth of July. There are plenty of different kinds, shapes, and sizes. There are even 36 inch sparklers. Whatever the size you are looking for, sparklers for weddings are a great way to create a visual element. Of course, you can buy themed and colored balloons, creative decorations, and more, but everyone will remember the sparks you used to celebrate the union.

Reception & Honeymoon

Finally, the reception is the time when the bride, groom, and their families should let loose. You can choose a unique venue, interesting food, and an open bar, but you can also add other elements to make your reception truly special. What about games? Trivia? Will you do speeches? There are reception traditions for a reason, but you don’t have to follow all of them. Instead, think outside the box and create a reception that stands out.

The honeymoon can also be special. Where will you go? For how long? What is the goal? If you simply want to relax and enjoy yourself and each other, why not do it in a beautiful place? Whatever your style, celebrating your wedding with a proper honeymoon is necessary. You will be able to start your new life in peace and leisure.

Baby Shower

Just because the mother can’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean that the baby shower must be dry and sober. You can create an environment that encourages your friends and family to celebrate the baby. The venue matters, but the spirit matters more. You can do activities and play games. You can make or buy crochet baby booties and clothes. What about name games? A baby shower doesn’t have to be dull. It can be fun and wholesome at the same time.

Gender Reveal Parties

Another popular event to celebrate the arrival of a baby is the gender reveal party. Like a baby shower, it’s mostly a party to celebrate the child but the reveal can be done in many ways. Whether you are surprising the guests or the parents, purchasing an item to represent the sex of the baby can be fun. For example, you can even buy a gender reveal baseball. Colored balloons are one thing, but what about announcing the sex of the baby in a more creative way?

Whether you are getting married, having a baby, or are close to the couple involved, celebrating these life events is an important part of life. Don’t just live with the stress and fail to take it all in. When you are entering a new stage of life, it is vital to acknowledge the new phase and enjoy the celebration fully.