#PodsPollute! - New Study Shows That Detergent Pods Are Contributing To Plastic Pollution

Laundry and dish detergent pods are polluting the environment. (Infographic: Charlie Rolsky and Plastic Oceans International)

A recent study by Plastic Oceans International and Arizona State University reveals that washing machine and dishwasher detergent pods are contributing to the plastic pollution problem, leaking large amounts of untreated PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) into the environment, and possibly into the human food chain.

• The study stands as a clarion call to not only question how these products are marketed, but also how we legally define such terms as biodegradable and eco-friendly.

The objective of this study was to estimate the US nationwide emissions of PVA resulting from domestic use of laundry and dish detergent pods. Via extensive literature review, researchers Dr. Charlie Rolsky and Varun Kelkar, concluded that as much as 75% of PVA from these detergent pods goes untreated in the US. That's over 8,000 tons per year entering the environment.

"Because of water solubility, PVA turns into a solution, then goes down the drain, where the chances of it fully biodegrading are very low," said Rolsky, who serves as the Director of Science for Plastic Oceans International. "The pods can easily pass through wastewater treatment plants and travel to ecosystems beyond."

It is still not fully known how PVA behaves as a pollutant, but current research suggests that PVA particles can sequester heavy metals and alter gas exchanges, potentially causing dangerous shifts of oxygen or carbon dioxide – which could negatively impact ecosystems. Ethylene, contained within the chemistry of PVA, could interfere with crop yields, as many plants utilize it as a hormone, which influences diverse processes in plant growth, development and stress responses throughout the plant life cycle.

Preliminary findings of this study show that strict conditions must be met for PVA to fully biodegrade. This means these products are not fully capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, and thus they cannot naturally return to the environment. The ongoing public perception is that the pods are eco-friendly and fully biodegrade, as is often claimed by their manufacturers.

New Study Shows That Detergent Pods Are Contributing To Plastic Pollution (Image via Plastic Oceans International)

"This is an issue of truth-in-labeling," said Julie Andersen, CEO of Plastic Oceans International. "We recognize the rise in use of PVAs as a marketed 'eco friendly' and/or 'biodegradable' solution to other plastic polymers causing more harm. However, based on current research, we must question these claims of biodegradability and eco friendliness in order to prevent further environmental harm and to ensure that consumers are provided with factual product information."

• As Andersen points out, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) clearly addresses marketing misinformation, including those that are directly related to false claims of environmental benefits.

The FTC Act states that the law "... acts in the interest of all consumers to prevent deceptive and unfair acts or practices. The Commission has determined that a representation, omission or practice is deceptive if it is likely to mislead consumers and affect consumers' behavior or decisions about the product or service. Marketers may make an unqualified degradable claim only if they can prove that the entire product or package will completely break down and return to nature within a reasonably short period of time after customary disposal."

PVA pods are making into the environment and the food chain. (Photo: Shutterstock via Plastic Oceans International)

The study provides data needed in order to demand a closer look at how manufacturers are marketing their products to consumers. That's something we can act on now, but more is to be done on the research end. Dr. Rolsky says the next steps are to study the actual impact that PVA is having on the environment, better quantifying levels found in various ecosystems and identifying the consequences related to them, in addition to exploring how closely PVA behaves relative to more traditional plastics.

About Plastic Oceans International:

"A US-based non-profit organization working to end plastic pollution and to foster sustainable communities worldwide. We operate with the belief that we can and must act locally in order to create change globally, and we do so through the power of film and other content to empower and globalize community actions."

SOURCE: Plastic Oceans International

New Survey Shows America Celebrates Post-COVID With In Home Disco Parties [Infographic]

New Survey Shows America Celebrates Post-COVID With In Home Disco Parties (Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko)

L.O.L. Surprise! has new research showing more US families have turned to kitchen dance parties with 65 percent of households enjoying more in-home discos - complete with dad-dancing and wooden spoons for microphones - over the last year than ever before and 49 percent of the 2000 Americans polled saying a kitchen disco is now a regular weekend occurrence.

The new research celebrating the launch of the new L.O.L. Surprise! Dance Dance Dance toy line reveals several interesting details about these at home discos:

• Saturday night at 6pm is the most popular time for families to shake their booties.
• The number one song on the kitchen disco list is Queen's iconic anthem, Bohemian Rhapsody (35 percent).
• In second place is Justin Timberlake's funky Can't Stop the Feeling (33 percent), followed by the uplifting Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye (30 percent)
• 89 percent of households confess they can't get enough of dancing together in the kitchen during the weekend.
• 29 percent admit that they try to keep their parents up to date on the latest music and how to bust a move - but it's just no use.
• Three in 10 parents are being introduced to the wonders of TikTok, with U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer the number one dance taught to parents by their children (33 percent), followed by Savage Love by Jason Derulo (32 percent), and Toosie Slide by Drake (30 percent).

Isaac Larian, CEO and Founder of MGA Entertainment, conducted the research as part of the L.O.L. Surprise! Dance Dance Dance toy launch, said, "Dancing is always something that has brought people together from around the globe. We love that our toys have inspired our fans, parents and children, to find escape and joy together in kitchen disco parties, and that they have embraced dance as a way to connect no matter what is happening in the world around them."

New Survey Shows America Celebrates Post-COVID With In Home Disco Parties (Photo by cottonbro)

The survey found that 42 percent of kids still think dad's moves are embarrassing and 37 percent claim mom's moves are just as bad. However, 67 percent say that despite this, they still love to have a dance with their parents at home, although 26 percent wouldn't be caught dancing with them in public.

As for the parents, two thirds (64 percent) said dancing with their kids had lifted their spirits over the last year, with 82 percent agree being able to bust some moves together always cheers them up and helps improve their mood, and over half having used dance parties as a fun way to let off steam (55 percent). 

• Plus, 26 percent of families are taking things to the next level and have pulled out all the stops to turn the kitchen into a home disco, complete with flashing lights and decorations to bring the party to life.

New Survey Shows America Celebrates Post-COVID With In Home Disco Parties (Photo by KoolShooters)

The 20 Greatest Kitchen Disco Songs Of All Time According To Americans:

1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen (35%) 
2. Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake (33%)
3. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye (30%)
4. Happy - Pharell Williams (28%)
5. Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars (28%)
6. Shake If Off - Taylor Swift (27%)
7. Crazy in Love - Beyonce (26%)
8. Hey Ya - Outkast (25%)
9. Dancing Queen - Abba (23%)
10. I Want to Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston (23%)
11. Believe - Cher (21%)
12. Wannabe - Spice Girls (20%)
13. I will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (18%)
14. Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin (18%)
15. Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns and Roses (18%)
16. Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley and the Wailers (18%)
17. My Name is - Eminem (18%)
18. Gin & Juice - Snoop Dogg (18%)
19. Toxic - Britney Spears (16%)
20. Staying Alive - the BeeGees (15%)

The Infographic:

L.O.L. Surprise! shows US families are turning to kitchen dance parties celebrating post-COVID!

SOURCE: MGA Entertainment

'Star Trek' Production Illustrator John Eaves to Receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th Annual Art Directors Guild Awards

Production Illustrator John Eaves to be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Art Directors Guild at the 25th Annual ADG Awards on April 10, 2021.

Concept Artist John Eaves, known for his iconic illustrations and designs for the Star Trek series and for the numerous science fiction realms he created, will receive the Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illustrators and Matte Artists (IMA) at the 25th Annual ADG Awards. 

Herman Zimmerman, Emmy-nominated Production Designer for the Star Trek franchise, will be presenting the award to Eaves. 

• The event will celebrate Eaves' artistic contribution to the many space vehicles, sets, and concepts that have become classics in the Marvel, Star Trek and Sci-Fi worlds that we know today.

The Awards ceremony, set for Saturday, April 10, 2021, will break with tradition in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be presented on a virtual platform, streaming to a worldwide and more inclusive audience. This is the final of four Lifetime Achievement Awards to be announced by the Art Directors Guild. 

• The event is free to everyone, but registration is required at adgawards25.com.

"For the past 36 years, John's work as a Production Illustrator has been an integral part of over 100 films and television shows. From props, to sets, to vehicles, to gadgets, and, most prominent and recognizable, a small fleet of starships for the Star Trek franchise, John has inspired many and left an amazing mark on our industry. We celebrate his creativity, talent, and contributions to the Craft and honor him with this year's Lifetime Achievement Award," said Tim Wilcox, ADG Illustrators & Matte Artists Council Chair.

John Eaves has worked as a concept artist on many of Hollywood's most successful franchises, creating iconic Sci-Fi images of futuristic worlds, vehicles, spaceships, and otherworldly designs that have become the foundations and concepts of over 100 award-winning motion picture franchises. These include four Star Trek movies; Captain America: The Winter Soldier; Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides; Spider-Man: Homecoming; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Iron Man 3.

His talented prop designer and diverse model maker skills are on display in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Ant-Man, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Iron Man 2, Batman Forever, Toys, Die Hard 2, RoboCop 2 and The Hunt for Red October, among many others.

Eaves' groundbreaking work has garnered him numerous awards, including four previous ADG awards. As a child, John was fascinated with aircraft and science fiction and how films came together, a fascination that continued into adulthood and which led to a highly successful 36-year career and still counting.

The event is free to everyone, but registration is required at adgawards25.com

As previously announced, Ryan Murphy, one of television's most successful award-winning writers-directors-producers whose shows have consistently reflected the highest quality of production design, will receive the esteemed Cinematic Imagery Award, presented by actor Matt Bomer, star of Ryan's "American Horror Story," "Glee," "American Crime Story," "The Normal Heart" and, most recently, "The Boys in the Band."

Academy Award- and Emmy-winning Production Designer Stuart Wurtzel, ADG, known for his work on Hannah and Her Sisters and "Angels in America," will receive the ADG Lifetime Achievement Award from the Production Designers and Art Directors Council (AD). Martha Johnston, ADG, dynamic artist best known for her over 60 movie and television design credits, is set to receive the ADG Set Designers & Model Makers (SDMM) Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Scenic Artist Patrick DeGreve, ADG, best known for his prolific backings, sets and props for shows created at CBS TV City over the past 45 years, will receive the ADG Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scenic, Title & Graphic Artists (STG). 

• A complete list of past honorees can be found on ADG's website. #iwillbethere #adgawards

• Producer of this year's ADG Awards (#ADGawards) is Production Designer Scott Moses, ADG. 

Final online voting will be held through April 7, 2021, and winners will be announced at the virtual gala ceremony on Saturday, April 10, 2021. ADG Awards are open only to productions when made within the U.S. by producers signatory to the IATSE agreement. Foreign entries are acceptable without restrictions. 

The Invite - Art Directors Guild (IATSE, Local 800)

SOURCE: Art Directors Guild (IATSE, Local 800)

85% Of Women Have Witnessed Harassment & Online Violence, Finds New Research From The Economist Intelligence Unit

85% Of Women Have Witnessed Harassment & Online Violence, Finds New Research From The Economist Intelligence Unit (PRNewsfoto/The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU))

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released a new study supported by Jigsaw, a unit within Google that forecasts and confronts emerging digital threats, delving into the prevalence and impact of online violence against women on a global scale. "Measuring the prevalence of online violence against women" reveals that nearly 40% of women surveyed have been harassed online whilst the vast majority (85%) have witnessed harassment or other forms of online violence.

Undertaken to enable informed decision-making on the issue of online violence, to better understand women's experiences online, and to measure the tactics and trends of online violence, the research also demonstrates the impact of online violence in silencing female voices. 

• Half of women surveyed said that the internet is not a safe place for them to express their thoughts and opinions. 32% of women reconsidered posting a comment online, 30% reduced their online presence, and 20% stopped using that online platform entirely.

"Measuring the prevalence of online violence against women" further found that online violence against women should be seen on the same continuum as offline violence, with more than half of women (54%) knowing their online attackers, and nearly three-quarters (74%) expressing particular concern about online abuse escalating to offline threats.

According to the results, underreporting likely hides the real numbers with only 1 in 4 women reporting abuse to the platform(s) on which it occurred and only 14% reporting it to an offline protective agency. 78% are often unaware that options exist to report harmful online behaviors. This trend is underpinned by the fact that 6 in 10 women surveyed indicated a sense of helplessness, as little is done to combat the issue. The evidence base supports this, in 64 of 86 countries studied in The Web Index, law enforcement agencies and courts appear to be failing to take appropriate corrective actions to address online violence against women.

Key highlights:

• 38% reported personal experiences with online harassment
• 65% reported knowing women in their network who had been targeted online
• 85% have witnessed online violence against other women (including from outside their networks)
• Younger women are more likely to have experienced online violence: 45% Generation Z and Millennials versus 31% for Generation X and Baby Boomers
• Only 1 in 4 women reported online abuse to the platform(s) on which it occurred, and only 14% reported it to an offline protective agency
• 54% of women who experienced online abuse knew their attackers, and nearly 74% expressed particular concern about online abuse escalating to offline threats
• 6 in 10 women surveyed indicated a sense of helplessness as little is done to combat the issue
• 35% of women reported mental health issues as a result of experiencing online violence
• 92% of women reported that online violence harms their sense of wellbeing

"The internet can provide a vital space for women seeking expression and opportunity but this report shows that the high prevalence of online violence against women is forcing self-censorship, and limiting women's representation in societal, political and economic discussions and decisions. The covid-19 pandemic has led to significant increases in internet use, further exacerbating the situation. Through this granular measurement of the prevalence of online violence against women, we aim to enable timely, synchronised multi-stakeholder action on the issue" said Vaibhav Sahgal, senior manager, The Economist Intelligence Unit.

85% Of Women Have Witnessed Harassment & Online Violence, Finds New Research From The Economist Intelligence Unit

The results were compiled from a survey undertaken by The EIU in the year between May 2019 to May 2020. It included 4,561 women, across 51 countries, using an innovative prevalence-estimation modelling methodology. The complete methodology can be downloaded here. The study assessed prevalence across nine threat tactics often used in combination by online attackers: misinformation and defamation, cyber-harassment, hate speech, impersonation, hacking and stalking, video- and image-based abuse, doxing, violent threats, and astroturfing. The prevalence of each tactic was measured at three levels: personal, community and witnessed.

• Click here to view the full interactive key findings infographic

About The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU):

The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the world's leading resource for economic and business research, forecasting and analysis. It provides accurate and impartial intelligence for companies, government agencies, financial institutions and academic organisations around the globe, inspiring business leaders to act with confidence since 1946. The EIU products include its flagship Country Reports service, providing political and economic analysis for 199 countries, and a portfolio of subscription-based data and forecasting services. The company also undertakes bespoke research and analysis projects on individual markets and business sectors. 

• More information is available at /www.eiu.com.

SOURCE: The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

One-Third Of Drivers Don't Know Their Drink-Drive Limit [Infographic]

One-Third Of Drivers Don't Know Their Drink-Drive Limit (Please, scroll down to see full infographic)

There are few issues as serious and wide-spread in their risk to both drivers and pedestrians than the enduring problem of drink-driving. A recently announced infographic from Hilton Garage has taken a deeper look into some of the stats behind the reality of drink-driving, today, as well as the fundamental actions that we can all take to help.

In order to prevent the ongoing increase of drink-drive accidents on the road, Hilton Garage is encouraging people to be more aware of the steps that they can take to prevent such incidents from ever occurring. This includes being mindful of the risk, serving non-alcohol alternatives for people who are driving, keeping an eye on friends who may be at risk of drink-driving, and acting as a designated driver.

• Furthermore, the infographic highlights just how many people don’t understand the laws revolving around drink-driving. Many currently don’t understand the drink-drive limits in terms of how much alcohol needs to be in their blood or breath to get them in danger, meaning that they not only risk the safety of themselves and others on or by the roads, they also run the risk of getting in trouble with the law.

Drink-driving continues to be a consistent and persistent issue across drivers of all ages. Driving under the influence is the number one causing factor of road accidents and injuries throughout the UK and, as a result, not only do drivers have a responsibility to avoid drinking and driving. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to prevent it.

The Infographic:

Infographic Design By Drink driving facts

Tempest in a Teapot: 5 Cybersecurity Storms Brewing [Infographic]

Top Cybersecurity Threats of 2020

Blockchain, 5G data networks, Amazon Echo's. Is there anything that technology doesn't control in our daily lives? As the number of new platforms and enhanced capabilities surges, so too does the risk of attacks. 

This new "digital industrial revolution" turned the global economy into a treasure trove of personal data ripe for the hackers' picking. Recently, the U.S. has experienced cyberattacks that target healthcare companies, social media platforms, and even political organizations. According to IBM, cybercrime has become 'the greatest threat to every profession, every industry, every company in the world." The most frustrating part? The hacker's tactics are constantly evolving and adapting.

With all of this in mind, the editorial staff at FitSmallBusiness evaluated the 5 most dangerous cybersecurity threats to watch for in 2020. The digital business publication assessed a wide range of research and data - and considered the following industries: government, healthcare, telecom, and social media. In this way, they were able to determine which sectors are most vulnerable to hackers.

[While the list can be found below, the full report is available here.]

The Greatest Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Your Business in 2020:

1. Corrupting Government
2. Exposing Healthcare
3. Breaching Social
4. Targeting New Tech
5. Hacking Your Home

The Infographic:

Cybersecurity Threats for 2020

"With this study, we wanted to be as people-focused as possible," says Michael De Medeiros, Special Projects Editor, FitSmallBusiness. "Cybercriminal tactics evolve with the technology that they target. It's imperative for individuals and small business owners, alike, to be wary of what's changing and how to stay ahead of the curve."

SOURCE: FitSmallBusiness.com

US: Republic Services Launches Recycling Simplified Education Program For Grades Pre-K Through 12

The Recycling Simplified Education Program from Republic Services is a free, downloadable curriculum designed by teachers to incorporate recycling education in schools for pre-kindergarten through 12th grades. The lessons can be taught as a unit or individually and align with individual grade-level curriculum standards in multiple disciplines such as science and STEM, English, language arts and literacy, math and social studies.

Republic Services, an industry leader in U.S. recycling, has introduced a free, downloadable curriculum designed to incorporate recycling education in schools and support students' real-world learning about sustainability and how to recycle properly.

The Recycling Simplified Education Program, designed with teachers for teachers, aligns with individual grade-level curriculum standards in multiple disciplines such as science and STEM, English, language arts and literacy, math and social studies. 

The curriculum contains step-by-step lesson plans for pre-kindergarten through 12th grades with supporting teaching materials, including classroom activities, videos, handouts, virtual field trips and completion certificates.

• A recent Republic Services survey shows that while 88% of Americans agree recycling is important, they are confused about what materials belong in the recycling bin. In fact, 41% of the respondents failed a basic recycling quiz, despite 69% giving themselves an A or B when asked how much they knew about recycling.

"Most people care about the environment and want to recycle; however, many are genuinely unsure about how and what to recycle. In fact, about 30% of what people put in their recycling containers doesn't belong there," said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability. "By reinforcing recycling best practices in our schools, we can reduce recycling contamination rates and ensure local recycling programs remain sustainable for future generations."

The Recycling Simplified Education Program curriculum for grades preK-12 is structured to provide educators with flexibility to teach the lessons as a complete unit or incorporate into existing curriculum plans. Lessons within each grade range build upon students’ current understanding and help them gain greater awareness of the broader environmental, sustainability and societal issues related to recycling and the conservation and reuse of natural resources.

The curriculum is structured to provide educators with flexibility to teach the lessons as a complete unit or incorporate into existing curriculum plans. Lessons within each grade range build upon students' current understanding and help them gain greater awareness of the broader environmental, sustainability and societal issues related to recycling and the conservation and reuse of natural resources.

• The education program is available for free online at RecyclingSimplified.com along with tips, videos and resources to become a better recycler and reduce contamination rates.

About the Survey:

A recent Republic Services survey shows that while 88% of Americans agree recycling is important, they are confused about what materials belong in the recycling bin. In fact, 41% of the respondents failed a basic recycling quiz, despite 69% giving themselves an A or B when asked how much they knew about recycling.

The Recycling "Report Card" Survey was conducted online on behalf of Republic Services from June 17-19, 2019. A nationally representative sample of 1,048 respondents from the US were interviewed. The margin of error on these results is +/- 3 percentage points (based on a confidence interval of 95%).

• Survey Infographic & Additional Findings: Nearly Half of Americans Fail Recycling Quiz

The Video:

SOURCE: Republic Services, Inc.

5 Things You Must Do Before Advertising Online

Online Advertising - Highway Sign (Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images)

It could take just seconds for you to set up an online advertisement and start marketing your business online. However, you shouldn’t just jump into advertising online as quickly as that. You need to make sure you tick a few things off before advertising.

 Below, you’ll find 5 things you need to do.

1. Know Your Budget

The first thing you need to do is know your budget - advertising online is an ongoing thing, so how much can you afford monthly? You’ll need to allocate enough to get results, but not more than you need to. Think about it carefully - it can be tricky!

 2. Find The Right Company To Work Alongside

You’ll need a marketing company to work alongside. You can teach yourself a lot of things online, but you still shouldn’t do your marketing alone.

 3. Know Your Target Audience

You need to know exactly who your target audience is, so create consumer profiles so that you can target them effectively. Targeting just anybody will not work and you’ll spend more money.

4. Have Appropriate Places For The Clicks To Land

Where will the clicks you get actually land? Make sure you create appropriate landing pages designed to draw people in.

 5. Have A Strategy That You’re Happy With

Make sure you’re happy with the strategy that you have in place. Strategies will vary depending on the type of business, for example, popup banners can work well for the eLearning industry.

Look at the infographic below to learn more!

 ⏩Look at these pop up banner design infographic 2019 edition

The History Of Propaganda Posters In The US And Their Role In Highlighting Social Issues [Infographic]

The History Of Propaganda Posters In The US And Their Role In Highlighting Social Issues - Infographic title

Propaganda is by no means a new development in the history of human society. Research suggests that the Ancient Greeks, 16th-century Spanish monarchs and kings and queens of England used propaganda long before posters were released to highlight social and political issues in the US.

In the USA, propaganda really only began in earnest in the run-up to World War One. The first poster of note was an open criticism of capitalism entitled ‘The Pyramid of the Capitalist System.’ This poster was designed to make people think about the hierarchy present in society and to question the merits of a capitalist system. 

Later, as war broke out, propaganda was used widely across the world to support home troops and further their cause. In the US, posters appeared encouraging women to join the workforce. Between 1940 and 1945, the percentage of female workers in the US workforce increased by 10 percent.

Propaganda posters were also used to sell products, most notably, Liberty Loans, after the First World War, and to highlight issues that permeated society. Perhaps the most significant was racism. In the 1940s, a poster brandishing the slogan, ‘Keep Your School All-American’ was circulated with a view to ending racism and promoting harmony.

More recently, propaganda posters have been used to drum up support for presidential candidates. The Daisy Girl image shown in the infographic below was designed to encourage voters to back Lyndon B Johnson, while Ray Noland’s ‘Go Tell Mama! I’m For Obama’ poster urged people to vote for Barack Obama in 2008.

The Infographic

Infographic Produced By Norwich University

PicsArt Unveils Most Uploaded, Edited & Socially Shared Celebrities of 2018 [Infographic]

"Year in Review"

PicsArt, the world's largest creative platform with more than 100 million monthly active users and influencers, today announced the release of its inaugural "Year in Review" infographic featuring the most uploaded, edited, and socially shared celebrities trending on social media in 2018!

With more than half a billion images, stickers, and user-generated content uploaded and shared to its platform every month, PicsArt looked at the top 10 most-uploaded and edited celebrities trending in 2018 for the following categories: Actors and Actresses, Music Artists, Models, and Celebrity Tributes (in honor of those who have passed). 

The top 10 lists were developed based off insights from PicsArt's user upload and edit trend data between January 1, 2018-December 1, 2018. 

A few highlights include: 

• A Star Was Born Indeed - No surprise here! Lady Gaga made the top five in the Actors category for her buzzworthy performance in A Star is Born. She joins the list with veterans Angelina Joliecoming in at #8, and Scarlett Johansson rounding off the list at #10.
• Grande's Got Game - As the hardest working woman in pop, it's no surprise that tiny and mighty Ariana Grande wins the #1 top music artist spot. Grande supersedes pop artist sensations Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift which captured the #2 and #3 spots respectively.
• Kardashian vs Jenner - Kim Kardashian may be the Queen of likes on Instagram, but sister Kendall Jenner is ranked #1 for being the most edited and socially shared model on social media this year.
• From Comic Superhero to The King of Pop - Stan Lee and Michael Jackson may be gone, but their stream of fan tributes are alive and strong on social media this year.

⏩ See PicsArt 2018 Year in Review Recap here. ⏪

The Infographic:

PicsArt 2018 Year in Review - Infographic

"PicsArt has thousands of fandoms and interest groups spotlighting everything from celebrities and models to bands and brands, comic book heroes, and more," said Hovhannes Avoyan, founder and CEO of PicsArt. "Pulling our top trending celebrities by year end is a fun way to see which celebrities had stronger fandoms and creative enthusiasts. It'll be exciting to see what 2019 has in store and who will prevail!"

 SOURCE: PicsArt

#IfLoveHurts -Video Developed to Mark White Ribbon Day in the Campaign for the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Survivors make domestic abuse film to mark White Ribbon Day - #iflovehurts

Sunday 25th November marks White Ribbon Day - The UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A short film has been developed to mark the day. 

Director Peter Giblin says: "The film explores the emotional aspect of domestic abuse and how that abuse takes place within a context of love. It takes on average up to eight abuses before a victim will feel able to speak out. Often, victims of domestic abuse love their abusers, as well as fear them. Frequently, victims will not realise they are in an abusive relationship. That's one of the reasons why it's so hard to leave an abusive relationship, and why the message of the film is 'If love hurts, it's not love'."

'If Love Hurts' was written and directed by Peter Giblin, will be screened at the House of Commons on 28th November to an audience of MP's and campaigners. This year, the campaign is focusing on domestic abuse, saying "If love hurts, it's not love". 2017 crime figures from the Crown Prosecution Service revealed that 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner, and an overwhelming majority of domestic abuse crimes are committed by men.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive at White Ribbon UK said, "For real change to occur, men must understand the systems in place that give rise to toxic masculinity and male violence towards women. This film powerfully shows the impact of abuse in all its forms in relationships. White Ribbon UK asks men to take responsibility in ending male violence against women by being active bystanders, calling out abuse and sexism among their peers; talking openly about the male cultures that can lead to abuse and why men must take a stand against them."

A 2015 crime survey for England and Wales revealed that 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner, and an overwhelming majority of domestic abuse crimes are committed by men. (PRNewsfoto/White Ribbon UK)

• To also raise awareness, White Ribbon UK are asking people to wear a white ribbon and pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
• Be part of the conversation: #IfLoveHurts

About White Ribbon UK:

White Ribbon UK is a team made up of a number of domestic abuse survivors, working with men and boys to challenge those male cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence.  Their volunteer ambassadors engage with other men and boys to call out such behaviour among their peers and promote a culture of equality and respect. 

The film was self-funded and donated to White Ribbon, made by a diverse team which included domestic abuse survivors. A world-class production team featuring Somesuch, MPC, Trim Editing, and Wave.

Pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women at whiteribbon.org.uk and find out how individuals can do more to raise awareness in their community.

SOURCE: White Ribbon UK

'If Love Hurts' - The Video:

Holy Top Seventeen Misleading Job Titles, Batman!

 Top Misleading Job Titles (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Smutter. Key Hanger. Chick Sexer. You might expect to see these on t-shirts in a mall, but these are actual job titles – and not what you think.

With the right training, you too can be a Digital Overlord, a Comb Capper, or even a Batman (bat ears not included). Or if you skew to the more bizarre: A Bunghole Borer, Scrum Master, or a Back-end Specialist -- these jobs exist. But don't take their titles literally.

FitSmallBusiness.com, the digital business publication, decided to help set things straight for the confused job seeker. The publication scoured the web and broke down some of the most confusing and entertaining job titles that are not what they appear.

⏩ These Are The Top 17 Most Misleading Job Titles:

1) Expert Upsetter ($11.76 per hour for laborer position to $30.32 per hour for a process engineer role.) 

"Expert Upsetter" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

No, this isn't a job for those who like to create drama – this position is for someone who sets up and operates a closed-die forging metal machine.

2) Bunghole Borer ($30,814 to $49,738 per year.)  

Bunghole Borer (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

It sounds pretty crude, but this position is for someone who sets up and operates a boring machine (to bore holes in wooden parts – what else?).

3) Evangelist ($44,957 to $83,528 per year.)  

"Evangelist" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Yeah, not a preacher. This position is actually slapped on for a lot of titles from sales and marketing titles to human resource jobs. A community evangelist, for example, is someone who advocates for a company brand.

4) Smutter ($18,040 to $32,000 per year.)  

"Smutter" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Not a position for a role in a porn movie, this title is responsible for tending the grain machines that clean up things like dirt, smut and rust from grain after it's been harvested. Feel a little embarrassed now?

5) Chick Sexer (Up to $60,000 per year.)  

"Chick Sexer" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

The only "sex" that factors into this job involves distinguishing the sex of the chicken and other hatchlings right after they're hatched. Believe it or not, it's getting more and more difficult to find quality sexers since the best chicken sexers only boast a 95 percent accuracy rate.

6) Key Hanger (An average of $27,689 per year.)  

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Wouldn't it be nice to take this job at face value? This title is reserved for those who hold the key to a retail establishment. More succinctly, the key hanger is a store manager or assistant manager who holds one of three keys to a store. Feel a little silly?

7) Penetration Tester (Up to $112,141 per year.)  

"Penetration Tester" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Giggles aside, this job title involves testing a computer system, network or web application to identify any vulnerability from hackers. This position is also referred to as "ethical hacker."  

8) Combat Advisor ($15.11 per hour, to $100.00 per hour.)  

"Combat Advisor" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Not a military position, this job title refers to a video game designer who specializes in creating virtual combat sequences.  

9) Erection Engineer ($32,877 to $74,927 per year.)  

"Erection Engineer" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

This person oversees everything that goes into erecting major infrastructure and skyscrapers. They handle budgetary concerns, time management, supply cycles and safety compliance.

10) Scrum Master ($82,000 to $120,500 per year.)  

"Scrum Master" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Sounds dirty, but in this role, you would be facilitating team management structures by allowing groups to self-organize and stay agile.  

11) Back-end Specialist (An average of $42,153 per year.) 

"Back-end Specialist" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

This can refer to one of many job positions in departments ranging from web design to marketing.

12) Batman ($24,000 to $57,000 per year.)  

"Batman" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Put away your costume, this position has nothing to do with fighting crime. A batman is a historical term for a personal aide to a commissioned officer – like a valet. The modern term is usually a personal assistant.  

13) Specialty Artist (Between $15.19 and $20.27 per hour.)  

"Specialty Artist" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

While all artists usually think of themselves as special, this job title refers to makeup artists. Specifically, this position is available through Ulta, the beauty store chain, and is limited to cosmetic artists with experience relating to M A C cosmetics. Other beauty stores offer similar positions under slightly different titles like Beauty Advisor.  

14) Digital Overlord (An average salary of $73,975 per year.)  

"Digital Overlord" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Not a video game character, this is a job title used by companies who are searching for an experienced, qualified website manager.  

15) Records Distribution Professional (An average of $37,355 per year.)  

"Records Distribution Professional" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Sounds fancy, but this is an ultra descriptive term for an office mail clerk.  

16) Comb Capper (From $10,400 to $72,000 per year.)  

"Comb Capper" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

You don't work in a hair salon for this job.  This position works with bees and honeycombs. A comb capper cuts the caps from commercial honeycombs, breaks the comb seals with a scraper, and lifts the honeycomb frames before placing them in the honey extractor.

17) Tonsorial Artist (An average salary of $27,808 per year, with some earning more than $47,000 with tips.)  

"Tonsorial Artist" (Image via FitSmallBusiness.com)

Having nothing to do with tonsils, the tonsorial artist is a fancy name for a barber or hair stylist. 

SOURCE: FitSmallBusiness.com