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<br /> A recent report says that nearly half of the top <keyword id="3435214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="500-corporate-borrowers">500 corporate borrowers</keyword> could be under the risk of refinancing debt worth Rs 1.4 trillion this year.<br />
<br /> "As many as 240 of the largest 500 corporate borrowers, contributing Rs 11.8 trillion to the total debt of Rs 28.1 trillion corporate loans, are exposed to significant risks of refinancing worth Rs 1.4 trillion debt this year," said in a report from <keyword id="1384850" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="India-Ratings">India Ratings</keyword>.<br />
<br /> As per this report, these 240 entities are under elevated risk of refinancing (ERR) and stressed categories, with nearly Rs 5.1 trillion debt falling under the <keyword id="3435217" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="stressed-category">stressed category</keyword> and another Rs 6.7 trillion falling under ERR.<br />
<br /> Also, around 80% (Rs 1.7 trillion) of the refinancing requirements this year stems from a total of 100 entities, out of which 39 have a debt of Rs 52,700 crore belonging to the stressed category and 33 have a debt of Rs 60,000 crore belonging to the <keyword id="3435216" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ERR-category">ERR category</keyword>.<br />
<br />
"The entities in the ERR category whose total asset coverage ratio or interest cover ratio are below 1x will face difficulties in debt refinancing, given banks' (especially public sector banks) risk aversion to such stressed assets and capital unavailability," the report said.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebluediamondgallery.com/pictures/refinance.jpg"><em>Image source</em></a><br />

Half of top 500 corporate borrowers could be going for refinancing this year, says report

<ul><li>A good way to assess an old mutual fund is by tracking their performance over 5-20 years, say experts.</li><li>Funds like <keyword id="15355709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sundaram-midcap-fund" source="Orion">Sundaram Midcap Fund</keyword>, <keyword id="13357754" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nippon-india-growth-fund" source="Orion">Nippon India Growth Fund</keyword>, <keyword id="12834265" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quant-active-fund" source="Orion">Quant Active Fund</keyword> and more have given over 16% returns per annum for the last twenty years.</li><li>An investor who had done an SIP for ₹10,000 for 20 years in any of the top ten best rewarding old funds, would now be sitting on over ₹1.5 crore. <br /></li></ul>India now has 40 million people who invest in mutual funds. If you’re not one of those, and want to err on the side of caution, you can choose funds that demonstrated a good run for over 20 years. <br /><br />According to a report by <keyword id="112363" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="value-research" source="Orion">Value Research</keyword>, ten mutual fund schemes have stood the test of time. Funds like Sundaram Midcap Fund, Nippon India Growth Fund, Quant Active Fund and more have given over 16% returns per annum for the last twenty years. <br /><br />“Some investment funds have weathered significant challenges including the 2008 subprime crisis, the 2013 taper tantrum, and the 2020 Covid induced lockdown,” said the Value Research report.<br /><br />It adds that while even very successful funds failed during the times, but a few of these ‘golden oldies’ survived the crises to give positive returns to their investors. <br /><br />The key to identifying such funds, Value Research says, is to track their long-term performance over 5-20 years. An investor who had done a systematic investment plan (SIP) for ₹10,000 for 20 years in any of these funds, would now be sitting on over ₹1.5 crore. If the investors would have increased their SIP amounts by 10% per annum, they would be sitting over ₹2.7 crore. <br /><br />Here are the most rewarding old funds picked by the investment advisory and MF data firm. <br /><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Name of the fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Category<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rating<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">20 year returns per annum<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sundaram Midcap Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mid Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">**<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17.85%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Nippon India Growth Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mid Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">****<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17.85%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Quant Active Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Multi Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Not Rated<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17.10%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tata Midcap Growth Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mid Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">***<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.97%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Quant Small Cap Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Small Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">****<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.81%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">SBI Large &amp; Midcap Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Large &amp; Mid Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">*****<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.67%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Franklin India Prima Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mid Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">**<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.53%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HDFC Flexi Cap Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Flexi Cap<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">*****<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.31%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">SBI Contra Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Value Oriented<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">*****<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.25%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Canara Robero Equity Tax Saver Fund<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ELSS<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">****<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.19%<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><em>Source: Value Research </em><br /><br /><strong>The value behind SIPs <br /></strong><br />Investors in India have matured over time and they are now leaning a lot more on SIPs, which have become a mainstay of retail flows into mutual funds. In September, inflows into SIPs hit an all-time high of ₹16,042.06 crore, according to Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI). <br /><br />It also said that the cumulative Assets Under Management (AUM) for the mutual fund industry stood at ₹46.58 lakh crore as of September end. Apart from pushing investors to bring discipline into their investments, SIPs also automates investing providing convenience with stress-free investing. <br /><br />“Increasing your SIP contributions in line with the rise in your earnings can magically grow your wealth. You can do this annually by increasing your SIP amount,” says a note by Value Research. <br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO <br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/pipe-dream-should-you-invest-in-these-infra-stocks-that-have-delivered-50-returns/articleshow/104568627.cms">Pipe Dream: Should you invest in these infra stocks that have delivered 50% returns?</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/wipro-ceo-expects-revenues-to-rebound-in-the-next-few-quarters/articleshow/104541778.cms"><strong>Wipro CEO expects revenues to rebound in the next few quarters</strong></a><br />

Golden Oldies: The mutual fund schemes that have stood the test of market cycles over 20 years

<ul><li><keyword id="152996" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kotak-institutional-equities" source="Orion">Kotak Institutional Equities</keyword> says there isn’t any meaningful change in fundamentals of mid and small cap stocks.</li><li>Investors are buying into mid-cap stocks across sectors like defence, capital goods, railways, real estate and renewables.</li><li>Return on Equity of Nifty50 universe in contrast is set to go past 17% by FY25, driven by recovery in capex intensive businesses and cyclicals.</li></ul><br /><br />Markets are hard to predict and the recent rally has made it even harder for experts to forecast anything. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the late maverick investor, often likened markets to women, simply because both are hard to predict. He once famously said: “Markets are like women, always commanding, mysterious, unpredictable and volatile.” He was the perennial bull who believed in the India story just as Kotak Institutional Equities continues to err on the side of caution. <br /><br />There is a good reason behind such caution. India may be the toast of retail investors, but foreign investors have sold Indian equities in August. Equities clocked 2% gains month on month against the aggregate returns of 5.3% in the calendar year to date. Other emerging markets have declined by -6.4% month-on-month.<br /><br />Investors may be bullish and capital flows remain strong, but there is no doubt that growth is cooling even in India. India’s nominal GDP growth has also moderated further to 8% year-on-year in the June quarter, from 10.4% in the March quarter, but real GDP growth improved to 7.8% after 6.1% in March. According to Bandhan Mutual Fund, “The market seems to be caught between a constructive medium-term outlook and rising concerns in the near term.”<br /><br />Kotak Institutional Equities has consistently said that there was no change in the fundamentals that could justify a rally that has broken out in the Indian markets since the middle of this calendar year. In its latest note, KIE has said that the primary reason for the rally in mid and small cap stocks is the irrational exuberance of investors. In its note Kotak Institutional says: “We see limited point in trying to find fundamental reasons behind the steep increase in stock prices of several mid-cap. and small-cap. stocks. There is no meaningful change in the fundamentals of most companies; in fact, they have worsened in many cases.”<br /><br />There is no fundamental change in the economic or earnings outlook of these mid and small cap companies. If anything it is the investor sentiment that continues to fuel these prices. Data released by the Association of Mutual Funds In India shows that while the large cap funds have seen outflows in the month of August, the mid cap and thematic funds have seen inflows of over Rs 4,000 crore. Analysts say that the huge number of retail investors in these mid and small cap stocks have driven up stock prices to irrational levels.<br /><br />Interestingly, not all mid and small cap stocks are on fire. Some of the old favourites of institutions in the consumer space are laggards as their earnings have been downgraded on weak consumer sentiment across India, especially in the rural areas. Currently, investors are favouring stocks across sectors like defence, capital goods, railways, real estate and renewables. Kotak also believes that many of the stocks that have run up don’t have very good execution or governance track records.<br /><br />It depends on the lens that analysts are looking through. While Kotak Institutional Equities quite rightly believes that a lot of the stocks in the mid and small cap category have no real fundamental trigger to rally, there are others that tend to look at the big picture. ICICI Securities expects Nifty50’s return on equity to rise above the 15% mark by FY25. This shift will happen after a decade or more. <br /><br />The brokerage says “We expect RoE to expand to 17% by FY25, thereby clearly entering the value creation zone, driven by an improving demand environment for capital intensive and cyclical stocks.” A similar cycle was witnessed between 2002-2007 when a cyclical recovery in the economy driven by the capex cycle boosted RoE to over 25% and price/book beyond 5x. The cascading effect is often seen to percolate down to smaller companies as well when there is an overall recovery in capex intensive businesses. It tends to create a virtuous cycle. However, the near-term risks cannot be ignored either.<br /><br /><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/retail-investors-pump-in-record-rs-20245-crore-into-equity-mutual-funds-in-august/articleshow/103570827.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Retail investors pump in record Rs 20,245 crore into equity MFs in August</a></strong><br />

Mid-cap frenzy driven by irrational exuberance but Nifty50 looks to be on solid ground with RoE set to go past 17%

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A 'food disgust test' sparked debate on Twitter about what moldy foods are safe to eat.</li><li>A food safety expert said you can off the mold off firm fruit and marmalade.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-clean-part-of-moldy-bread-2018-9">Moldy food</a> has been the talk of Twitter this week because of a quiz that measures what puts people off food.</p><p>The '<a href="https://www.idrlabs.com/food-disgust/test.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">food disgust test</a>' created by IDRlabs — a website with articles and quizzes based on scientific research — asks users to rank 32 food-related statements on a scale from disagree to agree. At the end of the quiz, the user is told which categories disgust them the most, which is what prompted chatter on Twitter. </p><p>"Categories of disgust" in the quiz include animal flesh, <a href="https://www.insider.com/perfect-hygiene-with-science-2017-5">hygiene</a>, human contaminants, mold, fruit, fish, vegetables, and insect contaminants.</p><p>In the mold category, for instance, users are asked to rank how acceptable they think it is to scrape the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/is-moldy-cheese-bad-for-you-2015-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">mold off hard cheese</a>, cut the mold off a slice of bread, and whether they eat blue cheese.</p><p>One prompt says: "It is gross if a chef in a restaurant tastes a soup with a spoon without washing it every time he does so" </p><p>Another says: "It is sickening to eat bread from which mold has been cut away"</p><p>Twitter users debated which foods its safe to cut around the mold and eat, and which aren't. </p><p>In a Twitter thread viewed 6 million times, one user wrote: "That so many of you are apparently eating the not-visibly-moldy parts of moldy bread actually explains a lot."</p><p>Food safety expert Sylvia Anderson told Insider that, depending on the food, it's sometimes OK to cut the mold off and eat it. </p><h2>Foods you can safely cut mold off and eat include marmalade and firm fruit</h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/inflation-tiktok-creators-share-increased-cost-prices-groceries-2022-8">With food prices going up</a>, a lot of people will be cutting the mold off products, Anderson said.</p><p>"If I was cutting mold off anything, I'd cut an inch off the product," she said.</p><p>She said firm fruit and veggies are fine, but don't put your knife in the mold in case of cross-contamination.</p><p>You can also cut off the mold when it comes to hard cheese and hard <a href="https://www.insider.com/charcuterie-tips-and-things-to-avoid-according-to-professional-2022-8">salami</a>, she said.</p><p>The quiz asks users if they agree or disagree with the statement: "I will not eat marmalade from which mold has been removed from the surface."</p><p>On the Twitter thread, a user said they were terrified of the "moldy marmalade people."</p><p>However, Anderson said she thought <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-eat-moldy-jam-jelly-is-it-safe-2020-7">skimming the mold off jelly </a>and marmalades and eating what's underneath is fine. "It's got quite a lot of sugar," she said, which is a preservative.</p><p>She knows others wouldn't want to eat it, however, but said it's all down to personal preference.</p><h2>Foods you can't cut the mold off include yogurt and pasta sauces</h2><p>In terms of foods to avoid, Anderson said she wouldn't eat foods like yogurt, sour cream, and soft cheese if they had mold on. Even if you cut it off, there's still moisture underneath where it could still grow.</p><p>When it comes to pasta sauces, Anderson said "definitely not" to spooning off the mold. "And that's a real bummer because I buy really expensive <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-make-pesto">pesto</a> sauce," she said.</p><p>Even if you can't see any more mold after scraping it away, it doesn't necessarily mean the food is edible. It's not just the case of being a bit gross as <a href="https://www.insider.com/man-died-when-mold-triggered-asthma-and-heart-attack-2023-1">some molds</a> produce <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/can-damp-and-mould-affect-my-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toxic substances</a> that can cause an allergic reaction, so it's better to be err on the side of caution, she said.</p><p>Anderson said she has cut the mold off the last piece of bread when desperate for a slice of toast. "But then when I've got to eat it, the smell is disgusting," she said. It's generally <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/is-moldy-bread-bad-for-you#:~:text=An%20curved%20arrow%20pointing%20right.&amp;text=If%20your%20bread%20is%20moldy,produce%20toxic%20byproducts%20called%20mycotoxins.">not advisable to eat bread that has had mold on it</a>, even if you cut it off.</p>

4 foods it's safe to cut the mold off and eat and 4 that it isn't, according to a food safety expert

<ul><li>Not knowing the relevant trend(s) can be devastating to a brand/category.</li><li>However, the use of <keyword id="3332939" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Marketing-Intelligence">marketing intelligence</keyword> enables a brand not to err. Using machine intelligence to visualize massive amounts of text-based data can help in making informed predictions, writes <keyword id="9650639" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="udit-joshi">Udit Joshi</keyword>, <keyword id="2514044" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="integrated-marketing">Integrated Marketing</keyword> Specialist, <keyword id="9650638" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Topline-Consulting-Group">Topline Consulting Group</keyword>. </li></ul><br />Over hundred content items including articles, news pieces, research reports and social conversations have been used to write the content only of this 900 worded article. Imagine a marketer responsible to decide the annual strategy for a brand. She or he will be seen skimming through and scanning thousands of content items available all over to get it right. What if, it is a new market entry? Or what if there are biases and misconceptions about the market? The key to that ‘magic in the madness’ is Marketing Intelligence.<br /><br />Not knowing the relevant trend(s) can be devastating to a brand/category. It is getting difficult to beat the clutter to swiftly and accurately decide between the critical and non-ROI driven decisions. Imagine a company choosing unwisely on behalf of the consumer and focusing its efforts around proposing services that are popular or in vogue like the Bitcoin, Ethereum and other digital currencies as payment options, instead of the more utilitarian and humbler options. From startups to even established brands, many companies have made serious business inaccuracies. Among the hundreds of brands that lacked clairvoyance are the popular Kodak, BlackBerry, Forever 21, Google Pixel, Ambassador Cars, Kingfisher Airlines and more.<br /><br /><strong>A marketer’s superpower!</strong><br />Marketing Intelligence enables a brand not to err by using machine intelligence to visualize massive amounts of text-based data to make the most informed predictions and guidance. The software goes through conversations expanding into new locations and demographics over time, assessing traction through social amplification, and predict shifts in tastes, politics, and influence. Using big data and advanced algorithms, marketers can be up to date on all the major events, relationships, sentiment, key people, and terminology in any industry – in less time than it would typically take to locate a static industry report. It gives the brand manager an advantage in three critical areas: competitive intelligence, market landscapes and trend analysis.<br /><br />It is data that helps us better understand our company or industry from a foreign eye, by aggregating and analyzing data around company profiles, news portals, blogs, academic papers, news articles, patent applications, social media, job-site reviews and more. It allows us to gain an advantage over the competitors through analyzing comprehensive statistical metrics including the SWOT, visual maps and social listening.<br /><br />The last time a client asked us for a Brand Intelligence report when their founder spoke much more than required at a live public speech. It was only when this crisis happened that the brand realized its brand health and equity. To get an answer to such complicated questions, the brands need to come up with real-time observations and insights. Online Reputation Management is only the tip of the iceberg. The Marketing Intelligence software employs next generation artificial intelligence to cite empirical insights. Marketers can now accurately:<br />• Gauge brand health, equity and perception<br />• Understand top competitors’upcoming business strategy<br />• Study the direction where the industry is headed <br />• Identify media sentiment on the brandalong with their level of engagement<br />• Detect apt Key Opinion Leaders and plan viral campaigns much in advance<br />• Conduct product innovation and research as per market trends<br />• Realize strategic risk and M&amp;A analysis<br /><br /><strong>The Indian scene</strong><br />India is an exciting market going through a phenomenal digital transformation. The potential of marketing intelligence however, isn’t fully realized by firms here. <keyword id="4274900" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="MarTech">MarTech</keyword>, which applies to harness technology to achieve marketing objectives, is estimated to be a US $ 120 billion opportunity globally. In the large Indian market, it only stands at US $100-150 million. Only about 30% of the marketing technologies are being leveraged, as per the Hansa Cequity’s MX Report 2020.There is a huge opportunity for a differentiated marketing experience to evolve and impact the last mile.<br /><br />Traditionally, a brand campaign development exercise is disorganized despite the ‘advanced online intelligence’ access. Brand managers rely on their agencies for any creative ideation which may not bear any viable qualification. It is based on perception, assumption or client’s demand, which may not be the business problem in the first place. <br /><br />They aren’t realizing that the consumers have moved ahead in the chain. The old tactics have been copied by competitors making these campaigns not only redundant and obsolete, but annoying to consumers.<br /><br /><strong>Crafting data-driven decisions </strong><br />Comprehensive marketing intelligence offers pragmatic insight and shows brands new ways to connect with consumers. Carrying out a machine-led marketing intelligence reduces our time and scope of error, helping us focus our time and resources on the core agendas that are ROI-driven.<br /><br />With data-driven decisions, brands can capture themes, content strategies and storylines to interact and gain traction with target audiences real-time. Further, this practice enables them to know what is working, what isn’t and why. They are able to ensure brand health with advanced operational acumen. Analyse and stay alert to trends as they happen and diminishing a scope of crisis as they happen.<br /><br />Indian markets have grown from the metropolitans to the non-metros and the rural in a big way. There will be natural barriers as much as language, community practices, consumer sentiments and consumer behaviour and trends. Not all marketers brainstorming in the conference room may have the acumen to take charge of the opportunity. We do have a great demand lurking and a huge potential for Marketing Intelligence. Armed with Marketing Intelligence, our marketers will know the turf pre-hand and make a big win before the competition does. <br /><br />

Making your intuition fool-proof with marketing intelligence

<ul class="summary-list"><li>While honest communication is crucial with your boss, some things are better left unsaid.</li><li>Besides obvious things like insults, phrases to avoid include "can I be honest?" and "I'll try."</li></ul><p>The pandemic sparked change and conversations about the ways we work, what we call an office, and how we communicate professionally. </p><p>However, the pandemic hasn't altered the importance of being a respectful employee. That still goes a long way, career experts told Insider. </p><p>And many Gen Z workers continue to push for flexibility, compassion, and improved benefits, some older workers might be <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-work-life-balance-interview-questions-millennial-genx-managers-2023-3">rattled by the questioning of workplace norms</a> from the latest generation to enter the workforce. </p><p>In a recent survey by <a href="https://www.resumebuilder.com/3-in-4-managers-find-it-difficult-to-work-with-genz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ResumeBuilder</a> of more than 1,000 managers, 27% say they've fired a Gen Zer in his or her first month for being too difficult to work with. While Gen Zers might argue they <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-priorities-at-work-could-hurt-their-financial-futures-2022-12">have reasonable expectations</a>, it's imperative that all generations remain respectful of managers and company standards, even if questioning them, experts told Insider.</p><p>"It's important to be cautious with what you say to your boss, as even the slightest slip-up could make or break your career," said Ryan Kahn, founder of <a href="http://hiredgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hired Group</a> and author of "<a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-42727-20&amp;h=2df907d77327845346123b35213612ca11eb837d40ea997148c18223d1d09a4b&amp;postID=544023c3ecad045f0d2a8210&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHired-The-Guide-Recent-Grad-ebook%2Fdp%2FB00507GMCS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad</a>."</p><p>We talked to several workplace experts to gain their insight on phrases you shouldn't say to your boss, even if you're close. Responses ranged from simple questions such as "Can I be honest?" to how you ask for vacation days. Many of these aren't outright forbidden but should be carefully worded.</p><p>Aside from the obvious, like profanity and insults, here are some words and phrases you should never say to your boss, even if you're friends:</p><h2>'That's impossible'</h2><p>Your manager doesn't want to hear negativity or a lack of conviction. If you have concerns, state what they are and ask for input.</p><p>One of the best approaches in deciding whether to share your thoughts with your buddy boss or ask sensitive questions is to put yourself in their shoes, suggests Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert and the author of "<a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-42727-20&amp;h=eff8f3dff51fcf00dd545095ab7be08219c9562edabee7e570895eedceb31791&amp;postID=544023c3ecad045f0d2a8210&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTame-Your-Terrible-Office-Tyrant%2Fdp%2F0470457643%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1248186483%26sr%3D8-1%26tag%3Dbisafetynet-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job</a>."</p><p>"Do your comments and questions reflect a positive, can-do, and confident demeanor? Remember loose lips sink ships ­— so choose your words carefully when you feel challenged at work if you want to thrive in your career," she says.</p><h2>'You're wrong'</h2><p>Openly criticizing or pointing out your boss's mistake, even if they're a friend, is a punch to the ego, and it's a sure way to be excluded from future meetings or ignored the next time you raise your hand to speak, says Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, an etiquette and civility expert and author of "<a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-42727-20&amp;h=140a94042c17f91a9bdfc0d1e0bb4e84495866d0d7147c8a58fc588218a396d2&amp;postID=544023c3ecad045f0d2a8210&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDont-Burp-Boardroom-Uncommonly-Workplace%2Fdp%2F1939629357">Don't Burp in the Boardroom</a>."</p><p>If you feel your boss has made an error, there are better ways of addressing this, she explains.</p><p>You might say, "I may be misinformed on this one, but I was under the impression that ..." This prompts them to reconsider and correct the information if necessary without putting up their defenses. "Whatever phrase you use, say it with a helpful and cordial tone," Randall says.</p><h2>'Can you ask so-and-so to do it?'</h2><p>Relying on favoritism is not a good look. And anything that makes other people's jobs harder usually makes your boss's job harder, which they'll likely remember the next time promotions are discussed.</p><h2>'I can't'</h2><p>A can-do attitude is always a valued trait, and just because you're friends, it doesn't mean you'll get called on the next time an important project comes up.</p><h2>'That's not part of my job'</h2><p>No job description is ever set in stone. "As cross-functional teams remain the order of the day, you're expected to be flexible and make your boss's life easier," explains Taylor.</p><p>"As a side note, the more skill sets you accumulate, the more indispensable you are," she adds.</p><p>Saying that you're not willing to go beyond your role shows that you are also not willing to pitch in for the success of the company, says Kahn.</p><h2>'No'</h2><p>Your cooperation is expected, and so is a polite tone — even if you and your boss tend to joke around. "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-the-trick-to-saying-no-to-your-boss-2014-3">Telling your boss 'no' is a challenge</a> — and is sometimes necessary — but it can be inappropriate if you don't phrase it well with an explanation," Taylor says.</p><p>"For example, if your boss says, 'Do you have time to work on the Smith project today?' you shouldn't just say, 'No.' Instead, try something like, 'Today will be a challenge if you still want me to focus on that company presentation. Would you prefer I work on this today instead?'"</p><h2>'I don't know'</h2><p>You may not have the answer to every question, but your best guess and a promise to find out is much better than a shrug of the shoulders, Taylor says. While friends have each others' backs, "anytime your boss would need to do the work for you, assume that's not a path you should take."</p><h2>'I'll try'</h2><p>Some people think that this is an acceptable response, as we all "try" to get things done to our best ability. But it leaves a manager feeling unsure, and when assignments are given, your boss is counting on you, usually with specific deadlines, says Taylor.</p><h2>'I'm just gonna grab a couple coffee packets from the kitchen'</h2><p>Believe it or not, pilfering office supplies can be a fireable offense, so admitting this to your buddy boss is a terrible idea.</p><p>You'd better believe that when push comes to shove, they're not going to put their own job on the line to protect yours.</p><h2>'I'm not paid enough to do that'</h2><p>This one is similar to "that's not part of my job."</p><p>Maybe you're just trying to be funny — or hint that you deserve a raise — but this phrase can come across as highly inappropriate and unprofessional, and it tells your boss that you're not willing to go above and beyond. </p><h2>'My breakup has got me all messed up. My heart's just not in it today.' </h2><p>Everyone has personal problems every now and then, and turning to friends for emotional support can help — but this should never come at the expense of your professionalism.</p><p>"This is when you might consider taking a 'sick day' or calling your mom for some love and tenderness," Randall says.</p><h2>'How do I benefit from this?'</h2><p>Sometimes your work involves helping others and other departments. Bosses have little tolerance for those who aren't team players, Taylor says.</p><h2>'That's not what I heard'</h2><p>Avoiding gossip and conjecture is a good idea, as it can backfire. If you're not sure about something, wait, or you risk appearing unprofessional.</p><h2>'So, what should we do this weekend?'</h2><p>Making plans with your boss outside of work is fine, but you should be discreet about it. Talking about your plans together in front of the entire office could make your coworkers jealous and lead to accusations of preferential treatment.</p><h2>'I'm sorry, but...'</h2><p>"The caveat essentially cancels any genuine apologetic sentiment," Taylor says. "A straight, 'I'm sorry. I'll be much more aware of this next time' is the expected response when you mess up."</p><h2>'Well, I did my best'</h2><p>If you made a mistake and that was your best, that doesn't speak highly of your abilities. The better response is that you'll get it right next time.</p><h2>'I've tried that before'</h2><p>Bosses have little tolerance for laziness. "Examine whether you really gave the option a shot before you shoot it down," Taylor suggests. "Your boss may have something else in mind."</p><p>Alternatively, explain that you appreciate the suggestion and tried XYZ with such-and-such as a result, but you would be glad to try something more effective.</p><h2>'I just assumed that...'</h2><p>That phrase causes frustration for many bosses, as they'd rather hear that you made an error in judgment and learned from it instead of excuses. "To err is human, but to defer blame is a career killer," Taylor says.</p><h2>'It's really not my fault; it's so-and-so's fault'</h2><p>The blame game is a treacherous path. If you're innocent, then explain why. Don't implicate others if you bear the primary responsibility, Taylor says.</p><p>"Taking responsibility is key," adds Kahn. "If you're always seen as someone pointing the finger, eventually your boss is going to question who is really to blame."</p><h2>'If I don't hear from you, I'll just do...'</h2><p>This has a threatening tone, and it certainly crosses the line into unprofessionalism. It's better to wait than be admonished later.</p><h2>'I can't work with that person'</h2><p>Not playing well with others isn't good in elementary school, nor is it acceptable in the workplace. It's assumed that you are capable of getting beyond personality conflicts in the interest of delivering excellent results, no preferential treatment required.</p><h2>'He's a jerk'</h2><p>You may be this candid with your friends at home, but you shouldn't be with your boss.</p><p>"The golden rule is something your boss expects you to observe, and casting aspersions on others has no redeeming value. It just reflects badly on you," Taylor says.</p><h2>'Why does so-and-so always...?'</h2><p>Whining is annoying, to friends and bosses alike. "If you have a gripe, better to ask how you can attain a certain privilege and leave others out of the discussion," Taylor suggests.</p><h2>'I don't have a solution'</h2><p>Don't tell the boss about problems without presenting potential solutions, says Kahn. "Leaders talk about solutions; followers talk about the problems."</p><h2>'I'm bored'</h2><p>"You may have a weak moment and share your boredom with the wrong person: your boss," says Taylor. "You're being paid to be productive and remain enthusiastic. It's your responsibility to find ways to make your job interesting."</p><h2>'I've gotta tell you about last night's hookup!'</h2><p>Sharing intimate stories at work may not be a wise move, Randall says.</p><p>"What if a coworker overhears the sizzling conversation? That may open you or your boss up to a sexual harassment or inappropriate conversation write-up," she explains.</p><h2>'I'm pretty busy. Can it wait?'</h2><p>It's your responsibility to ask your boss if priorities have changed, as your objectives must stay aligned with your manager's. "Priorities are rarely stagnant, so as in most cases, your better option is to ask if you should reshuffle them," Randall recommends.</p><h2>'Can I leave early today since things are slow?'</h2><p>It's fine if you have to leave early, but don't say it's because "things are slow" or you have "nothing to do."</p><p>"There are always more projects in the pipeline. Bosses want you to show initiative," Taylor says.</p><h2>'I'm going to be out these days,' or 'I'm leaving early tomorrow'</h2><p>Just because you're friends, it doesn't mean you should <em>tell</em> your boss you're going on vacation or leaving the office early. It's always best to ask politely.</p><p>Of course, you're not a child, so you don't have to phrase it as: "May I please take Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off?" Instead, try: "I was planning to take off Monday through Wednesday, and wanted to make sure that was okay with you."</p><h2>'<strong>Can I be honest?'</strong></h2><p>"Your boss hopes you're honest 100% of the time, and what you're about to say is not an aberration," said Taylor.</p><h2>'<strong>I heard John just got a raise/promotion.</strong>'</h2><p>"If you're trying to get a raise or promotion, don't compare yourself to others," said Taylor. She added that while office gossip does exist, discussing others' promotions will "likely backfire," and it's better to approach your career goals "from a factual standpoint about yourself only."</p><h2><strong>'Maybe it's a generational thing.'</strong></h2><p>"Regardless of what generational category you fall into — Gen X, Y, Z or baby boomer — this phrase is just disparaging. Better to avoid any armchair analysis," said Taylor.</p><h2>'<strong>I have confidence that you can do this.</strong>'</h2><p><strong>"</strong>While it's okay to compliment your boss occasionally, avoid offering patronizing props," said Taylor, "Especially if your strategy is to pass off work to them!"</p>

Avoid saying these 33 things to your boss &mdash; use these alternatives instead

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The announcement of the life-time has been made ladies and gentlemen and it’s brought infinite happiness into our hearts.<br />
<br />
No, it’s not the name of the Nobel Prize winners or the release date of Shahrukh Khan’s next blockbuster, but the news that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=MAGGI">Maggi</a> has cleared all the tests (like the kids who go on to study at IIT &amp; IIMs) and will be back in our lives as soon as the next two weeks.<br />
<br />
To put this eloquently in words, it almost feels like a dream come true; akin to the joy of meeting your favourite celebrity in person or the comfort of being back to the familiarity of your own room after a strenuous night out.<br />
<br /> <keyword id="6369404" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Maggi">Maggi</keyword> is not just an instant noodle brand. It’s a way of life. Think about it, Maggi has been our silent companion through late studying nights in school and college. It’s never left our side during assignments or during afternoons when we’ve been hungry but have had nothing to eat. It made us believe that if we had Maggi packets in our possession, we would never starve ourselves to death. And, for people who have been rendered unequipped to function in the kitchen without burning things, that’s an incredible gift.<br />
<br />
Hence, Maggi’s absence from our lives for what seemed like an eternity was a trying period for us, one that was even worse than Uday Chopra’s career in movie. (Yes, that bad).<br />
<br />
But, like they say, all’s well that ends well. Now that we’ll have Maggi back into our lives, we can finally stop doing these three annoying things.<br />
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1.     <strong>Pretend that we’re okay without Maggi:</strong> Look, I know we’ve kept on with this for months, but it’s time we stop hiding behind the walls and tell Maggi the magic three words- Don’t leave us. We mean it. Without a bowl of your goodness, our lives make no sense. We’re not okay, and won’t be until we have you, again.<br />
 <br />
2.     <strong>Learning how to cook</strong>: There are two types of people in this world. One, who can cook delicious things and go on to become the winners/runners-up of Masterchef and the other who sit in front of their television screens and devour all the episodes with a packet of nacho chips in their hands.<br />
 <br />
Most of us fall in the second category and we don’t need to mould ourselves to be included in the first category now that we have Maggi.<br />
Plus, our parents wouldn’t be too happy with a burnt up kitchen, would they now?<br />
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3.     <strong>Telling ourselves Maggi can be replaced</strong>: When we had Maggi in our life, it was the only thing that mattered. But, due to its absence we’ve been forced to pay attention to, and even worse remember the names of other instant noodle brands and after a careful discussion with our taste-buds, we’ve come to this conclusion. No noodle brand can substitute the warm, fuzzy feeling that Maggi’s deliciousness gives us.<br />
<br /> Take that, <keyword id="177230" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Wai-Wai">Wai wai</keyword>.<br />
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And, Ching’s, you need to try harder.<br />
 <br />
Because this time, we’re going to hoard on... err hold on to you forever, Maggi.<br />
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Image credit: Indiatimes, BuzzfeedIndia<br />
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Three things we can stop doing once Maggi is back in our lives

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Shops, restaurants, salons, gyms, and even bowling alleys <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-reopen-offices-coronavirus-pademic-safety-2020-5">are opening</a> across the US as states loosen their shelter in place orders. </li><li>Experts say it is important to realize that returning to businesses <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-reopen-offices-coronavirus-pademic-safety-2020-5">can still be risky</a>, and answers on safety are far from black and white. </li><li>You can determine risk by weighing factors such as if you can stay six feet away from others, if everyone is wearing masks, and what the prevalence of the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> is in your area.</li><li>Different types of businesses come with different risks, meaning that concerns about returning to restaurants, stores, salons, and gyms need to be examined separately and together. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><p>As businesses reopen across America, many people are confused about what exactly is safe and what isn't. </p><p>Experts say that just because restaurants, stores, and even nail salons are open, does not mean that they are necessarily safe to visit. Instead, it means that people have the ability to choose if they want to take the risk of returning. </p><p>"The one thing we do know is the virus is still out there," said Dr. Celeste Monforton, a lecturer in public health at Texas State University. "When some governor said, May 1, we're opening things up — It's not like the virus had a calendar and said, okay, I'm going underground again." </p><p>Monforton and Dr. Jaimie Meyer, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, told Business Insider that they understand why people are confused, as the CDC, the White House, and state governments have released different and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/no-states-meet-criteria-to-reopen-johns-hopkins-researcher-2020-5">sometimes conflicting guidelines.</a></p><p><div type="image" title="north park mall dallas reopen coronavirus" height="1613" width="2151" msid="75765944" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Both Meyer and Monforton also understand the economic argument for businesses to reopen. And, neither believes everyone should avoid all businesses, all the time.</p><p>"I almost would never say anything in absolute, because I think when you say things like that, people just tune out,"  Meyer said. "It's too hard for people to lose that much control over their lives."</p><p>However, Meyer says people should be aware of COVID-19 cases and the risk of infection in their communities, not simply if it is legal or not for businesses to reopen. While different people have different tolerances for risk, Meyer says she personally is advising family and friends to err on the side of caution. </p><p>"There are so many unknowns here," Meyer said. "Everything that I do, I ask myself, if I got sick from doing this, was it really worth it?" </p><h2>Certain factors can help determine if a business is safe.</h2><p><div type="image" title="pet fair store woodlands mall reopen coronavirus" height="1667" width="2223" msid="75765946" hostid="261"></div></p><p>As states reopen, these experts say that risks exist on a spectrum. </p><p>Meyer and Monforton resisted saying any type of business was definitively more risky than others. For example, a bowling alley where there is constant cleaning and social distancing could actually be safer than a grocery store that hasn't added any new safety measures since the pandemic. </p><p>Instead, there are a few big-picture factors you can use to determine if a business is safer — though not 100% risk-free — to visit. </p><p><strong>Questions that can help determine how risky it is to visit a business include: </strong></p><ul><li>Can you stay at least six feet away from other people in the space? </li><li>Is everyone wearing masks? Wearing a mask doesn't necessarily prevent you from catching the coronavirus — but other people wearing masks reduces the likelihood they will spread it.</li><li>Can you stay outside or minimize your time indoors? </li><li>Are workers regularly cleaning the space?</li><li>Are employees and customers able to wash their hands? </li><li>Have the number of COVID-19 cases in your community decreased over the last two weeks? </li><li>Is there limited community spread of the coronavirus in your area? </li></ul><p>If you can answer "yes" to all of these questions, there is less of a risk of catching the coronavirus, whether you are considering visiting a restaurant or a mall.</p><p>You can also take steps, such as washing your hands and wearing a mask, to make your community safer even when businesses and governments do not require it.  </p><h2>Waiting a few more weeks to go shopping or get your nails done could also help everyone understand the situation better.</h2><p><div type="image" title="texas salon" height="1256" width="1675" msid="75765951" hostid="261"></div></p><p>At this point, Meyer is encouraging people to behave as if everyone in public is infected with the coronavirus and act accordingly — maintain six feet of distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands regularly if you're leaving your house. </p><p>"If you don't practice social distancing and hand washing and wear masks, we're going to experience a major setback and there will be a second wave," Meyer said. </p><p>Still, planning to stay inside <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-coronavirus-warning-pandemic-will-last-18-months-multiple-waves-2020-3">for 18 months</a> is a daunting idea.</p><p>Instead, Monforton says that she is encouraging people to take things week by week. Every week, scientists and healthcare professionals find out more about the coronavirus. Even one extra week of knowledge can help customers and business owners make better decisions as states reopen. </p><p>"We're going to learn a lot in the next couple of weeks and that's going to be continuing to inform people about the risk — whether the risk is higher than we expected when things opened up [or] less than we expected," Monforton said. </p><p>Older people and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hypertension-diabetes-conditions-that-make-coronavirus-more-deadly-2020-3">those with preexisting conditions</a> should take more steps to reduce their risk, avoiding activities that people with a higher tolerance for risk may be willing to participate in. Everyone should understand that when they make a nonessential trip to a store, restaurant, or gym, it might not only impact them — if they haven't been tested recently, they could unknowingly spread the coronavirus in their community as an asymptomatic carrier. </p><p>While no specific type of business is necessarily riskier or safer than others, we already know that each category carries different types of risks.</p><p>Here is a breakdown of some of the risks that come with different types of businesses, as well as some ways a risky situation can become safer. </p><h2>Restaurants can be risky, but there are ways to support your favorite spot without endangering yourself.</h2><p><div type="image" title="waffle house coronavirus" height="1333" width="1777" msid="75765955" hostid="261"></div></p><p>The good <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">news</keyword> for restaurants is that experts say<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worker-coughs-sneezes-in-food-you-wont-get-coronavirus-2020-3"> even if a worker coughs or sneezes directly in your food,</a> you won't catch coronavirus from eating the meal.</p><p>The bad news is that customers crowding into a restaurant or bar could put everyone at risk of catching the coronavirus. Social distancing can be difficult for workers in kitchens. Many restaurants will not be able to maintain necessary social distancing while also bringing in as many customers as they did pre-coronavirus. </p><p>The National Restaurant Association <a href="https://restaurant.org/Downloads/PDFs/business/COVID19-Reopen-Guidance.pdf">has extensive guidance</a> on how restaurants can reopen relatively safely. </p><p><strong>These adjustments could make restaurants safer: </strong></p><ul><li>Serving food via drive-thru, takeout, or delivery. </li><li>Adding more sidewalk and curbside pick-up options. </li><li>Adding outdoor dining.</li><li>Reducing the number of tables. </li><li>Requiring reservations to limit the number of customers. </li><li>Training staff to monitor for symptoms. </li></ul><h2>Shopping malls and stores will need to limit how many people are allowed in.</h2><p><div type="image" title="highland park village dallas reopen coronavirus" height="1667" width="2223" msid="75765958" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Monforton says she expects stores of all types to follow grocers' blueprints. Even if Macy's is selling dresses instead of shoes,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/macys-stores-reopen-changes-plexiglass-sanitizer-2020-4"> things like plexiglass barriers, new cleaning routines, and hand sanitizing stations will transfer over.</a></p><p>Malls create different issues, as customers are likely to visit several stores during one trip. This can make it more difficult to limit how many people enter a store, something that is crucial for social distancing. </p><p>Ultimately, the biggest differences between essential and nonessential stores is what they're selling — not the risk levels. Meyer is encouraging friends and family to avoid unnecessary risks, such as shopping for nonessentials. But, retailers are trying to accommodate those willing to take the risk that is associated with any type of shopping trip. </p><p>The National <keyword id="6354851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="retail">Retail</keyword> Federation has a <a href="https://nrf.com/resources/operation-open-doors">full guide</a> for what stores should do to reopen. </p><p><strong>Here are some changes that stores can make to become safer to visit: </strong></p><ul><li>Limiting how many people are allowed inside to allow for social distancing. </li><li>Promote "contactless" shopping, such as self-checkout and curbside pick up. </li><li>Ban people from testing beauty products, unless they are using single-use testers. </li><li>Stopping services such as alterations and ear piercing. </li></ul><h2>Risks associated with working out make gyms and fitness centers especially dangerous.</h2><p><div type="image" title="gym exercise augusta georgia reopening.JPG" height="1238" width="1651" msid="75765960" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Meyer said that people should be "especially cautious" at gyms, fitness centers, and other places where people work out as businesses reopen. </p><p>"When people are working out and breathing hard, they are more likely to transmit droplets," which could spread the coronavirus, Meyer said. </p><p>This makes cleaning practices and social distancing even more important. So, if you're willing to take the risk of returning to work out, make sure you can stay at least six feet away from other people and that the business has a strict cleaning schedule in place. </p><p><strong>How fitness studios and gyms can make things safer: </strong></p><ul><li>Offer virtual classes, instead of having people attend classes in person. </li><li>Limiting the size of classes or providing one-on-one classes. </li><li>Offering outdoor workouts. </li><li>Taking people's temperatures and making sure they don't have symptoms before entering a studio or gym. </li><li>Having people bring their own equipment, such as yoga mats and weights. </li><li>Requiring people to wear masks while working out. </li></ul><h2>Salons and barbershops make it difficult to social distance.</h2><p><div type="image" title="Barber and owner of Chris Edwards wears a mask and cuts the hair of customer David Boswell at Peachtree Battle Barber Shop in Atlanta on Friday, April 24, 2020. The first phase of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's plan to reopen Georgia during the coronavirus pandemic included haircut shops and gyms, though not all chose to open their doors. (John Spink/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)" height="3292" width="4389" msid="75765966" hostid="261"></div></p><p>One of the biggest risks associated with barbershops, as well as hair and nail salons, is that the nature of the activity makes it impossible to keep six feet in between people. </p><p>"If you're one of these high-risk individuals ... it's probably not safe yet," even with changes, Meyer said. </p><p>The American Industrial Hygiene Association <a href="https://aiha-assets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/AIHA/resources/Guidance-Documents/Reopening-Guidance-for-Hair-and-Nail-Salons_GuidanceDocument.pdf">acknowledged</a> that nail and hair salons have been "very challenged" during the pandemic in their <a href="https://aiha-assets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/AIHA/resources/Guidance-Documents/Reopening-Guidance-for-Hair-and-Nail-Salons_GuidanceDocument.pdf">guidelines for reopening.</a></p><p><strong>A few ways salons and barbershops can make things safer: </strong></p><ul><li>Disinfecting between visitors. </li><li>Limiting how many people are inside the salon or shop at one time. </li><li>Employees and customers should wear masks and gloves. </li><li>Closing the reception area and having people wait outside until it is time for their appointment. </li></ul><h2>Bowling alleys, arcades, and other interactive indoor spaces are extremely risky.</h2><p><div type="image" title="bowling alley coronavirus" height="1875" width="2500" msid="75765970" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Georgia's decision <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/states-reopen-economies-beaches-during-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-4">to allow bowling alleys to reopen raised some eyebrows. </a></p><p>"Entertainment is important and, for many people, perhaps bowling alleys are very important entertainment," Meyer said.</p><p>However, Meyer continued, the problem with bowling alleys, arcades, and similar businesses is that they are closed in and high-touch.</p><p>In a bowling alley, you are going to be in an enclosed space with other people for a significant period of time, which is risky in and of itself. Additionally, you are touching things that a lot of other people are touching. It is basically impossible to sanitize items like bowling balls every time they touch people's hands or other potentially contaminated spaces. </p><p>At this point in time, places like bowling alleys — as well as anywhere with crowds of people — are high on the list of places to stay away from if you want to avoid catching COVID-19. </p><p><strong>Bowling alleys are never going to be the safest choice. Here is how they can be safer: </strong></p><ul><li>Constant sanitation. </li><li>Making people bring their own balls. </li><li>Having people wear masks. </li><li>Requiring people to stay six feet away from each other. </li></ul><p><em>Are you an employee at a company that is reopening and have a story to share? Email retail@businessinsider.com. </em></p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/is-it-safe-to-go-to-businesses-shops-restaurants-reopens-2020-5">Business Insider</a>

How to decide if it's worth the risk to return to malls, gyms, salons, and more as states reopen but experts remain cautious

<p><em><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.</em></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2PIN5Ce" target="_blank" title="I love using my ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch (currently $79.99 on Amazon) to turn off kitchen lights when no one is around. It's saved me a lot of money already." rel="noopener"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p><p class="caption">I love using my ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch (currently $79.99 on Amazon) to turn off kitchen lights when no one is around. It's saved me a lot of money already.</p></div><p></p></div></div></strong></span></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>A high-quality smart light switch should be easy for even a novice to install, have an auto shut-off function, and feature an intuitive app that helps you automate your home.</strong></span></li><li><strong>The </strong><a href="https://amzn.to/2PIN5Ce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch (currently $79.99 on Amazon)</a><strong> turns off my kitchen lights a minute after someone leaves the room and has Alexa so I can voice-operate the connected devices around my house and set timers while cooking.</strong></li><li><strong>Though it's more expensive than most other smart light switches (<a href="https://amzn.to/2PIN5Ce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently $79.99 on Amazon</a></strong><strong>), the Switch+ is backed by the user-friendly ecobee app and comes with a one-year limited warranty.</strong></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ever since Hanna-Barbera gave us </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Jetsons</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the early '60s, we've had an idea of what the perfect automated home of the future could be like. Thanks to the many smart home devices on the market, home automation has never been more attainable. But I don't think even Hanna-Barbera could've imagined that we'd be able to <em>talk</em> to light switches to access a virtually limitless database of information and controls. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet, this is exactly what the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PIN5Ce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ecobee Switch+</a> can do.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's a smart light switch made by ecobee, a Canadian home automation company founded in 2007. The company is best known for its smart thermostats found in residences and businesses alike. Since my ancient home's wiring isn't compatible with <a href="https://amzn.to/2Wjswyr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">its smart thermostat</a>, I decided to test out the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PIN5Ce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch with Alexa built in (currently $79.99 on Amazon)</a> instead and see how it holds up.</span></p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-smart-outlet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best smart outlets you can buy</a></em></p><h2>Specs</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Switch+ works with any lights that are controlled by a single switch and have a neutral (usually white) wire. To check compatibility, turn off power to your current switch at the breaker, remove the wall plate, and check for a neutral wire before buying the Switch+.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The smart light switch works with Alexa-enabled devices (since it has the system already built in), Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, as well as a mobile app for iOS and Android. The light switch can be used for interior and exterior lights, and the app has separate settings and features for each set.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Switch+ has several buttons that control Alexa (putting it on Do Not Disturb mode, turning it off, and more) as well as indicator lights that let you know Alexa is responding. There's also a s</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">peaker, occupancy sensor, old-fashioned on/off button for the light, and an optional night light at the base that makes finding the Switch+ easy at night.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In terms of set-up tools, the Switch+ comes with a wall plate, four wire nuts, and two mounting screws.</span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-smart-outlet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p><h2>Set-up process</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I had the smart light switch for a few weeks before I got around to installing it. I kept procrastinating because ecobee advertises that installation only takes 45 minutes, so I assumed that with my novice skills, I could expect an hour and a half of struggling. It didn't help that the installation guide is covered with scary warnings about electrocution hazards. But, in the end, my apprehensions were unfounded. The whole process took me 30 minutes and I felt like a capable handyman afterward.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For installation, you need both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Pliers aren't necessary, but I found they helped for straightening out the wires. But before you do anything, you must, <em>must</em> turn off the breaker that supplies power to the light switch you're replacing. For this reason, you might want to install the Switch+ during the day when you have natural light to help you see or have a good flashlight (and holder) or buddy nearby.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next, you remove the old switch and identify the wires you'll be using. You then connect the wires to the Switch+ using the included wire nuts. Then, you fit the wire nuts into the wall, mount the Switch+, turn the power back on, and test it out. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's no need to memorize the above steps, I'm just trying to be helpful here. Thankfully, Ecobee provides incredibly easy-to-follow steps and videos to guide you through the process. There's even a lesson on how to work with wire nuts, which I needed. Overall, the process was painless.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-smart-light-bulbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best smart light bulbs you can buy</a></em></span></p><h2>What makes the smart light switch stand out</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At first, I had a long list of negative adjectives in my head to describe the Switch+ -  ridiculous, extravagant, bougie, and so on. Why would I need a light that's connected to Alexa? It just seemed like another smart gadget that my five-year-old would be able to use to drive me nuts. But over time, I learned to use the light switch to my advantage.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My favorite use of the Switch+'s Alexa capability was cooking. When following recipes or making several dishes at once, it's helpful to have a timer. Previously, I would set an alarm on my phone, but that requires the use of my busy hands. But with the Switch+ nearby, I was able to set the timer without skipping a beat.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ultimate dad move is walking around and turning off lights to shave pennies off the electric bill - which I am not ashamed to admit doing. But now I don't have to because </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">I can set the light to turn off when no one is in the room. Through the app, you can choose to have the light turn off automatically one to 60 minutes after someone leaves the room. If I had a nickel every time it worked like a charm...</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Switch+ uses built-in motion detection sensor to turn the light on when someone enters the room. You can choose to have the light turn on whenever motion is detected; with daylight detection, it will only turn on when there isn't natural light so the lights don't come on at 3 p.m. when someone gets home. I chose to only have the light on when the room was dark. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I also like that the app offers a vacation mode. With this feature, you enter the dates and times you'll be on vacation, and the app makes it so each of your connected ecobee products gives the appearance that someone is home while you're away. For example, when vacation mode is engaged, my kitchen light turns on and off randomly to make it look like I'm there.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/philips-hue-light-strip-plus-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This $80 light strip adds accent lighting wherever you need it - here's how I use it around my home</a></em></span></p><h2>Cons to consider</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The "Smart On" function worked well, but I wish I could adjust the level of sensitivity to ambient daylight. There were times when it was overcast outside and I wasn't getting as much light as I wanted. Overall though, I'd prefer that the switch err on the side of not turning on because I kind of like the environment and would rather not overuse resources.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're buying the Switch+ for its bumping speaker, you'll be disappointed. The sound quality is not impressive, which is to be expected from such a small speaker. However, it does get up to 90 decibels from a foot away. I found the speaker to be good for alarms and information, but not music. </span></p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overall, the Switch+ is a fun addition to my household. My favorite part is not having to worry about turning the kitchen light off. And I've slowly found ways to use Alexa to my advantage, like setting timers and telling my robotic vacuum to get to work. I'd recommend the ecobee smart light switch to anyone interested in integrating smart lighting into their overall Jetsons-like arrangement.</span></p><p><strong>Pros:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Eco-friendly because it can turn off lights, works with Alexa and other popular smart home systems, vacation mode makes potential intruders think someone is home, smart capabilities adjust the amount of light depending on weather, easy to install</span></p><p><strong>Cons:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Expensive for the category, non-adjustable sensor sensitivity, speaker isn't ideal for music</span></p><h3><a href="https://amzn.to/2PIN5Ce" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Buy the ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch on Amazon for $79.99</strong></a></h3><p class="tagline"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/5-biggest-questions-around-amazons-new-grocery-chain?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=ecommerce&amp;itm_campaign=5-biggest-questions-around-amazons-new-grocery-chain"></a></p>

This $80 smart light switch automatically turns off lights after you leave a room so I can finally stop patrolling my home

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Facebook has a hidden message folder <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-hidden-message-requests-on-facebook-messenger-2016-4">where it filters messages it thinks you don't want to see</a> - sometimes with serious and unintended consequences.<p>Users are complaining about not seeing messages from since-deceased family members, people reaching out to help them, and even people contacting them&#xa0;to let them know their friends have died.</p><p>Back in October 2015, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3293467/RIP-Facebook-s-inbox-Social-network-rolls-Message-Requests-feature-lets-contact-you.html">the social network revamped its messaging system</a>. Previously, you had your "Inbox," and an "Other" folder where messages from people who aren't friends or friends-of-friends would end up. But it replaced this second folder with "Message Requests" - which let people you're not connected with ask to be able to talk.</p><p>But what very few people realise is there is now also a <em>third</em> category of messages: Filtered Message Requests. These filtered messages are what Facebook thinks is spam, and so doesn't even notify you about. They're also not easy to find.</p><p>There has been <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-hidden-message-requests-on-facebook-messenger-2016-4">a spate of articles over the last few days explaining how to access them</a>. Judging by the reaction on Twitter, almost no one knew it was there.</p><p><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></div>A lot of the time, the feature appears to be fulfilling its purpose pretty well - protecting people from strangers' spam&#xa0;they've got no interest in viewing.<p class="embed-spacer">But there have&#xa0;also been cases&#xa0;of it hiding far more important messages, meaning their intended recipients only see them when it's far too late.</p><p>Former BBC technology journalist&#xa0;Daniel Emery contacted&#xa0;Business Insider after <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-hidden-message-requests-on-facebook-messenger-2016-4">reading our story</a> and checking the "filtered" folder out of curiosity.</p><p>He told us that back in February, the partner of an old college friend messaged him&#xa0;to tell him that his friend had died - but the message was filtered, so he only saw it today, two months later.</p><p>Emery said: "He was a friend of mine from when I was a student in Aberdeen. Used to be a good mate, obviously lost touch a few years ago, as you do."</p><p>He&#xa0;had thought about reaching out, but never got round to it - and then saw the message letting him know his friend had "popped his clogs."</p><p>"So its his partner - I don't quite know who she is - picking up the pieces ... it's all a bit strange really."</p><p>Emery's&#xa0;not the only one to have experienced something like this.</p><p>Matt Spicer, from Bristol, England said that his wife start crying after discovering the "filtered" inbox - because it contained a message sent by her cousin, who died before it was ever read.</p><p><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">And Brittany Knight wrote on Twitter that she lost her passport and missed the message from the person trying to return it to her due to the filter.</p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">There are many more cases like this. Some are recent, while other messages appear to have been sent before the Filtered Message Requests inbox was introduced, and were then automatically moved to it once it was launched - all without ever being read.</p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer"><div></div></p><p class="embed-spacer">The situation is made doubly frustrating by the fact that one of the big reasons for the change to Message Requests (and Filtered Message Requests) is to prevent things like this happening.</p><p class="embed-spacer">Tony Leach, a product manager at Facebook, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2015/10/27/facebook-message-requests/">told TechCrunch back when Message Requests launched</a>: "We've heard so many stories like estranged parents trying to get back in touch, or you lost your wallet and someone trying to get in touch with you ... That's why we want to replace that with a system that makes it a lot easier to catch the messages that you want to see."</p><p>Clearly, this hasn't been a complete success.</p><p>But what can Facebook do about this? It's a tricky one. If it errs on the side of caution, and filters more, then important messages will continue to fall through the cracks. But if it relaxes its filters, then more spam will likely get through too - and people will complain. (Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)</p><p>David Emery, who missed the message telling him of his friend's death, would like Facebook to modify its messaging feature to add a more straightforward spam folder.</p><p>"Gmail and Google, for all its flaws, has a pretty sensible system," he told Business Insider. "There is a folder for spam, you can look into it if you want, you can pull things out. It's not hidden from you and I think the issue with this is it's kind of a bit too much 'nanny state.'"</p><p>He added: "Facebook is trying to be overprotective. Overprotective comes at a cost, and things like this happening are exactly that ... hiding it is never a good thing."</p><p><em>If you want to check your Filtered Message Requests in the mobile app, load up Settings, then click on "People," then click on "Message Requests," then click on "See filtered requests." If you're on the desktop version of Facebook, click on the drop-down Messages tab, then on "Message Requests," then press "See filtered requests." <strong><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-hidden-message-requests-on-facebook-messenger-2016-4">For more detailed instructions, read this »</a></strong></em></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/turn-on-iphone-read-receipts-2016-4">Stop making the biggest mistake when it comes to texting etiquette</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="U5eDFkdjp7f9evTl8u2fWmV19kBCwmNA" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

Facebook is hiding messages letting people know their friends have died

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">There are certain phrases you should never say to your boss in the office.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><span>While honest communication is crucial between you and your boss, some things are better left unsaid.</span></li><li><span>We talked to several workplace experts to see what they consider problematic phrases.</span></li><li><span>In addition to some of the obvious answers (such as profanity and insults), some other phrases include "Can I be honest?" and "I'll try."</span></li><li><span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet"><strong>Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.</strong></a></span></li></ul><p>Getting along with your boss can be great, especially when it makes the daily grind that much more enjoyable.</p><p>You may even feel so close to your boss that you hang out after work or invite them to your wedding. But at the end of the day, it's important to remember that your friend is still your superior, and there's a line you probably shouldn't cross. <span>Honesty is the best policy in the workplace - but like any rule, this one has a few exceptions.</span></p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-tell-your-boss-you-are-leaving-2017-5" data-analytics-position="6">A workplace expert shares the exact steps you should take to quit your job without burning bridges</a></em></p><p>"It's important to be cautious with what you say to your boss, as even the slightest slip up could make or break your career," said Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of <a href="http://hiredgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hired Group</a>, and author of "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hired-The-Guide-Recent-Grad-ebook/dp/B00507GMCS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad</a>."</p><p>We talked to several workplace experts to gain their insight on what they consider phrases that you should never say to your boss, even if you are friends. Responses ranged from simple questions such as "Can I be honest?" (which implies you are not always truthful) to how you ask for vacation days.</p><p>Aside from the obvious - like profanity and insults - here are some words and phrases you should <em>never</em> utter to your boss, even if you're friends:</p><h2><span><span>'That's it! I'm ditching this place and moving to Canada!'</span></span></h2><p><span><span>You may have some strong feelings about the 2016 presidential election results, but <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-discuss-politics-at-the-office-2016-11">the workplace isn't the best place to express them</a>. And threatening to abandon ship doesn't exactly show you to be much of a team player.</span></span></p><p><span><span>"Don't rant and threaten to quit and move out of the country," says<span> </span><span>Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, an etiquette and civility expert and author of "</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Burp-Boardroom-Uncommonly-Workplace/dp/1939629357">Don't Burp in the Boardroom</a><span>.</span><span>"</span> "Leave that to the celebrities."</span></span></p><h2><span>'Please, explain to me why on earth you voted for that candidate'</span></h2><p>Passionate discussions are to be expected in the workplace, but they should really be focused on work-related issues.</p><p>At the end of the day, you're at work to do work, and arguments about whose candidate was better can be distracting to everyone in the office. You're not doing your best work when you're more focused on defending your political stances.</p><p><a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/MonmouthPoll_US_092816/">Friendships and relationships have been ruined over this election</a>. What's to say your fragile workplace friendship with your boss will stand the test.</p><h2>'Can you believe those idiots voted that way?'</h2><p>No matter how well you may think you know your boss and how much you assume your boss would agree with you, the cliché about never assuming could never be more true in this instance.</p><p>More importantly, to negatively comment about any group is unwise and unprofessional, and it could get you in trouble for harassment.</p><h2>'That's impossible'</h2><p>Your manager doesn't want to hear negativity or a lack of conviction. If you have concerns, state what they are and ask for input.</p><p>One of the best approaches in deciding whether to share your thoughts with your buddy boss or ask sensitive questions is to put yourself in their shoes, suggests <span>Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tame-Your-Terrible-Office-Tyrant/dp/0470457643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1248186483&amp;sr=8-1&amp;tag=bisafetynet-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job</a>.'</p><p>"Do your comments and questions reflect a positive, can-do, and confident demeanor? Remember loose lips sink ships ­- so choose your words carefully when you feel challenged at work if you want to thrive in your career," she says.</p><h2>'You're wrong'</h2><p>Openly criticizing or pointing out your boss's mistake, even if they're a friend, is a punch to the ego, and it's a sure way to be excluded from future meetings or ignored the next time you raise your hand to speak, Randall says.</p><p>If you feel your boss has made an error, there are better ways of addressing this, she explains.</p><p>You might say, "I may be misinformed on this one, but I was under the impression that ..." This prompts them to reconsider and correct the information if necessary without putting up their defenses. "Whatever phrase you use, say it with a helpful and cordial tone," Randall says.</p><h2>'Can you ask so-and-so to do it?'</h2><p>Relying on favoritism is not a good look. And anything that makes other people's jobs harder inevitably makes your boss's job harder, which they'll likely remember the next time promotions are discussed.</p><h2>'I can't'</h2><p>A "can-do" attitude is always a valued trait, and just because you're friends, it doesn't mean you'll get called on the next time an important project comes up.</p><h2>'That's not part of my job'</h2><p>No job description is ever set in stone. "As cross-functional teams remain the order of the day, you're expected to be flexible and make your boss's life easier," explains Taylor.</p><p>"As a side note, the more skill sets you accumulate, the more indispensable you are," she adds.</p><p>Saying that you're not willing to go beyond your role shows that you are also not willing to pitch in for the success of the company, says <span>Ryan Kahn, </span><span>a career coach, founder of </span><a href="https://hiredgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hired Group</a><span>, and author of "</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hired-The-Guide-Recent-Grad-ebook/dp/B00507GMCS?tag=bisafetynet-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad</a><span>."</span></p><h2>'No'</h2><p>Your cooperation is expected, and so is a polite tone - even if you and your boss tend to joke around. "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-the-trick-to-saying-no-to-your-boss-2014-3">Telling your boss 'no' is a challenge</a> - and is sometimes necessary - but it can be inappropriate if you don't phrase it well with an explanation," Taylor says.</p><p>"For example, if your boss says, 'Do you have time to work on the Smith project today?' you shouldn't just say, 'No.' Instead, try something like, 'Today will be a challenge if you still want me to focus on that company presentation. Would you prefer I work on this today instead?'</p><h2>'I don't know'</h2><p>You may not have the answer to every question, but your best guess and a promise to find out is much better than a shrug of the shoulders, <span>Taylor</span> says. While friends have each others' backs, "anytime your boss would need to do the work for you, assume that's not a path you should take."</p><h2>'I'll try'</h2><p>Some people think that this is an acceptable response, as we all "try" to get things done to our best ability. But it leaves a manager feeling unsure, and when assignments are given, your boss is counting on you, usually with specific deadlines, says Taylor.</p><p>"Imagine yourself asking, 'Will you be signing off on my paycheck on the 15th?' and your boss responding, 'I will try.'"</p><h2>'I'm just gonna grab a couple coffee packets from the kitchen'</h2><p>Believe it or not, pilfering office supplies can be a fireable offense - admitting your crime to your buddy boss is a terrible idea.</p><p>You'd better believe that when push comes to shove, they're not going to put their own job on the line to protect yours.</p><h2>'I'm not paid enough to do that'</h2><p>This one is similar to "that's not part of my job."</p><p>Maybe you're just trying to be funny - or hint that you deserve a raise - but this phrase is highly inappropriate and unprofessional, and it tells your boss that you're not willing to go above and beyond. </p><h2>'My breakup has got me all messed up. My heart's just not in it today.' </h2><p>Everyone has personal problems every now and then, and turning to friends for emotional support can help - but this should never come at the expense of your professionalism.</p><p>"Not to diminish your emotional wounds, but why should your boss's needs be put on hold because you need time to process your breakup?" Randall asks. "This is when you might consider taking a 'sick day' or calling your mom for some love and tenderness."</p><h2>'How do I benefit from this?'</h2><p>Sometimes your work involves helping others and other departments. Bosses have little tolerance for those who aren't team players, Taylor says.</p><h2>'That's not what I heard'</h2><p>Avoiding gossip and conjecture is a good idea, as it can backfire. If you're not sure about something, wait, or you risk appearing unprofessional.</p><h2>'So, what should we do this weekend?'</h2><p>Making plans outside work with your boss is fine, but you should be discreet about it - certainly never talk about your plans together in front of the entire office. It could make your coworkers jealous and lead to accusations of preferential treatment.</p><h2>'I'm sorry, but ...'</h2><p>"The caveat essentially cancels any genuine apologetic sentiment," Taylor says. "A straight, 'I'm sorry. I'll be much more aware of this next time' is the expected response when you mess up."</p><h2>'Well, I did my best'</h2><p>This is a cop-out. If you made a mistake and that was your best, that doesn't speak highly of your abilities. The better response is that you'll get it right next time.</p><h2>'I've tried that before'</h2><p>Bosses have little tolerance for laziness. "Examine whether you really gave the option a shot before you shoot it down," Taylor suggests. "Your boss may have something else in mind."</p><p>Alternatively, explain that you appreciate the suggestion and tried XYZ with such and such as a result, but you would be glad to try something more effective.</p><h2>'I just assumed that ... '</h2><p>That phrase causes frustration for many bosses, as they'd rather hear that you made an error in judgment and learned from it instead of excuses. "To err is human, but to defer blame is a career killer," Taylor says.</p><h2>'It's really not my fault; it's so-and-so's fault'</h2><p>The blame game is a treacherous path. If you're innocent, then explain why. Don't implicate others if you bear the primary responsibility, Taylor says.</p><p>"Taking responsibility is key," adds Kahn. "If you're always seen as someone pointing the finger, eventually your boss is going to question who is really to blame."</p><h2>'If I don't hear from you, I'll just do ... '</h2><p>This has a threatening tone, and it certainly crosses the line into unprofessionalism. It's better to wait than be admonished later.</p><h2>'I can't work with him/her'</h2><p>Not playing well with others isn't good in elementary school, nor is it acceptable in the workplace. It's assumed that you are capable of getting beyond personality conflicts in the interest of delivering excellent results, no preferential treatment required.</p><h2>'He's a jerk'</h2><p>You may be this candid with you friends at home, but not your boss.</p><p>"The golden rule is something your boss expects you to observe, and casting aspersions on others has no redeeming value. It just reflects badly on you," Taylor says.</p><h2>'Why does so-and-so always ... ?'</h2><p>Whining is annoying, to friends and bosses alike. "If you have a gripe, better to ask how you can attain a certain privilege and leave others out of the discussion," she suggests.</p><h2>'I don't have a solution'</h2><p>Don't tell the boss about problems without presenting potential solutions, says Kahn. "Leaders talk about solutions; followers talk about the problems."</p><h2>'I'm bored'</h2><p>"You may have a weak moment and share your boredom with the wrong person: your boss," says Taylor. "You're being paid to be productive and remain enthusiastic. It's your responsibility to find ways to make your job interesting."</p><h2>'I've gotta tell you about last night's hookup!'</h2><p>Sharing intimate stories at work may not be a wise move, Randall says.</p><p><span>"What if a coworker overhears the sizzling conversation? That may open you or your boss up to a sexual harassment or inappropriate conversation write-up," she explains.</span></p><h2>'I'm pretty busy. Can it wait?'</h2><p>It's your responsibility to ask your boss if priorities have changed, as your objectives must stay aligned with your manager's. "Priorities are rarely stagnant, so as in most cases, your better option is to ask if you should reshuffle them," she recommends.</p><h2>'Can I leave early today since things are slow?'</h2><p>It's fine if you have to leave early. But don't say it's because "things are slow" or you have "nothing to do."</p><p>"There are always more projects in the pipeline. Bosses want you to show initiative," Taylor says.</p><h2>'I'm going to be out these days,' or 'I'm leaving early tomorrow'</h2><p>Just because you're friends, it doesn't mean you should <em>tell</em> your boss you're going on vacation or leaving the office early. It's always best to ask politely.</p><p>Of course, you're not a child, so you don't have to phrase it as: "May I please take Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off?" Instead, try: "I was planning to take off Monday through Wednesday, and wanted to make sure that was okay with you."</p><h2>'<span><strong>Can I be honest?'</strong></span></h2><p><span>"Your boss hopes you're honest 100% of the time, and what you're about to say is not an aberration," said Taylor.</span></p><h2>'<span><strong>I heard John just got a raise/promotion.</strong></span>'</h2><p><span>"If you're trying to get a raise or promotion, don't compare yourself to others," said Taylor. She added that while office gossip does exist, discussing others' promotions will "likely backfire," and it's better to approach your career goals "from a factual standpoint about yourself only."</span></p><h2><span><strong>'Maybe it's a generational thing.'</strong></span></h2><p><span>"Regardless of what generational category you fall into - Gen X, Y, Z or baby boomer - this phrase is just disparaging. Better to avoid any armchair analysis," said Taylor.</span></p><h2>'<span><strong>I have confidence that you can do this.</strong></span>'</h2><p><span><strong>"</strong>While it's okay to compliment your boss occasionally, avoid offering patronizing props," said Taylor, "Especially if your strategy is to pass off work to them!"</span></p><p> </p><ul class="read-more-links"><li><strong>Read more:</strong></li><li><section><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-you-should-never-say-to-your-coworkers-2016-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 things you should never say to your coworkers</a></p></section><section><div data-e2e-name="byline"><div data-e2e-name="byline-content"><section><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-you-should-never-say-on-your-first-day-2015-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">17 things you should never say on your first day at work</a></p></section><section><div data-e2e-name="byline"><div data-e2e-name="byline-content"><section><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ways-youre-annoying-coworkers-2017-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">31 unprofessional habits that annoy everyone you work with</a></p></section><section><div data-e2e-name="byline"></div></section></div></div></section></div></div></section></li></ul>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barbara-corcoran-how-ask-raise-jobs-careers-shark-tank-ignition-2019-1">Barbara Corcoran reveals how to successfully ask for a raise - and what you should never say to your boss</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

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