Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Is 2023 a Bull or Bear Market? It Depends on Who You Ask

Is the US in a bull or bear market right now? Why can’t the experts agree? Depending on which financial analyst or media outlet you listen to, right now the US stock market is either a bull, a bear, or a bull within a bear. To avoid risky bets on stocks, ignore current, frenzied bull and bear forecasts and look to experts who take a retrospective approach to assessing the market’s health. Continue reading for a breakdown of each side’s opinion on the matter, and how to create your investment strategy.

The Effects of Extreme Heat & How Cities Can Adapt

What’s behind the Earth’s rising temperatures? What are the effects of extreme heat? How can governments address the looming crisis? Global temperatures will hit record highs in the next five years, according to a report released last month by the World Meteorological Organization. There’s a 98% chance that in one of these years, the Earth will reach the hottest temperatures ever recorded. Keep reading to learn more about the impacts of extreme heat and what can be done to counter it.

The Unexpected Side Effects of Global Warming

How will global warming affect coffee and wine production? How does hot weather affect your libido and mental health? Aside from causing extreme weather events and the loss of polar bear habitats, there are other side effects of global warming that directly impact your day-to-day life. Hotter tempers, lower productivity, and even mornings without coffee may be in our future. Here, we discuss the impact that rising temperatures have on mental and physical health, leisure activities, and our daily routines.

Why “Buy Now, Pay Later” Regulation Is on the Horizon

Why is “Buy Now, Pay Later” regulation in the works? Who do these programs help and harm? Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services provide short-term financing that enables people to make large purchases they might otherwise not be able to afford. But critics argue that the services put financially vulnerable individuals at greater risk. Continue reading to learn about BNPL programs and regulations.

The Pros and Cons of AI Job Recruitment

What’s the problem with AI recruitment technology? Why are so many companies using it? Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruitment tools are increasingly acting as a gatekeeper between you and your next job. Some say that recruitment technology is a lifesaver for sorting through thousands of applications, while others say it rejects qualified candidates. Below we will take a look at the pros and cons of AI recruitment and provide tips for job hunters.

Is College Necessary for a Successful Future?

Why are more employers abandoning college degree requirements? What are the pros and cons of eliminating them? Is college necessary for a successful future? A growing number of public and private sector employers in the US are dropping college degree requirements for job seekers. Human resources experts say that, in the years ahead, successful companies will reduce requirements that narrow talent pools and hire candidates with evergreen “soft skills.” Here’s a look at the pros and cons of eliminating college degree requirements.

2023 Pride Month Backlash: Why Is It So Controversial Right Now?

Why is Pride Month so controversal this year? Are Americans becoming more homophopic? Pride Month events and support for the LGBTQ+ community are meeting with protests and backlash this year. Companies such as Target and Cracker Barrel are coming under fire for their public LGBTQ+ support. In this article we’ll explain why we may be seeing Pride Month backlash and what it looks like.

Can and Should the US Abolish the Debt Ceiling?

What purpose does the debt ceiling serve? What are its pros and cons? Is abolishing the debt ceiling feasible? Many Americans agree that Congress’s increasingly chaotic debt ceiling negotiations have become a distracting and dangerous spectacle. But to date, calls to abolish the ceiling have fizzled. We’ll examine why the US has a debt ceiling and what it would mean to abolish it.

DEI Programs Are Becoming Controversial—Here’s Why

Why are DEI programs becoming controversial? Do DEI programs even work? What are the arguments being posed against them? Some states are banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and some companies face boycotts or criticism for implementing them. However, others claim that DEI programs are essential to maintaining cognitive diversity and fair practices. Below we’ll discuss arguments for and against DEI programming, and consider what might be done differently.

How Land Subsidence Is Causing Disappearing Cities

What’s causing cities to sink under their own weight? Can anything be done to save them? From New York to Jakarta, coastal cities across the globe are gradually sinking under their own weight. Experts say that left unaddressed, the problem, combined with rising sea levels and climate change, will worsen already severe flooding and eventually make coastal areas unlivable. Keep reading to learn about these disappearing cities.