Fashion

An ER Doctor’s Advice on How to Vote in Person Safely

“I would say that voting in person is perfectly safe as long as you take the same precautions you would in any other socially distanced or monitored setting.”…

This Election Day, it’s never been more important to make a voting plan. For many concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure, that meant voting by mail; but even for those with the time and ability to vote in person, health can still pose a concern

New York City ER doctor Dara Kass, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and a Yahoo News medical contributor, has been on the COVID-19 front lines since the start of the pandemic. We reached out to Dr. Kass to ask how in-person voters can keep themselves safe and minimize risk while making sure their vote is counted.

First thing’s first: From a health standpoint, is it better to vote by mail if you have the option?

No! I would say that voting in person is perfectly safe as long as you take the same precautions you would in any other socially distanced or monitored setting. As long as you come in prepared for the space around you, there’s nothing unsafe about voting in person; obviously it’s always safer to stay home, but you have to do a risk-benefit analysis about staying home versus having a voice in a democracy.

Is early voting potentially less crowded, and, thus, safer than voting on Election Day?

We don’t really know as of now, because there are fewer early voting locations, but probably the best thing to do is try to vote early and see how lines are. If you go and you feel safe, vote then, and if not, come back the next day. It definitely seems good to try to vote as early as possible to mitigate anything going awry, because if you wait until Election Day, you’re stuck with whatever happens on that day.

What health and/or medical supplies should in-person voters be prepared to bring with them to the polls?

Masks! Maybe make sure to have double-layered or filtered masks, if you get caught inside a space and aren’t able to be outdoors. I would recommend that if people want to be very prepared, they can consider bringing eye protection—goggles or glasses, or face shields—for extra security. I would have hand sanitizer with you in case you touch a surface and want to sanitize between hand washes, although there is a question about some ballots reacting to hand sanitizer, but you can use it while waiting in line.

Another thing to think about is bringing snacks with straws, because you might be waiting for a while and want individually wrapped, quick things to eat. The straw really helps minimize the need to take off your mask while you’re waiting, so think about protein shakes or other liquids.

Do you know of any precautions that poll workers can take to make things safer from a COVID-19 standpoint?

Poll workers’ precautions should be similar to the precautions that voters should be taking. The most important thing is mutual respect; we need people to listen, wear their masks, [and] keep a distance. If you respect poll workers and the job they’re doing, you won’t get in their faces or ask them to solve problems they can’t solve, because we’re all doing our best.

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Business

Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

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2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.

Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody

3. Other Sources of Wealth

While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.

Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.

4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand

A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.

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Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

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2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

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This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call

4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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