For another look at the information, check out the BLS' interactive graphs.

  

Overall, February's report was viewed positively. For example, as a recent NY Times article pointed out: 

• Job creation greatly surpassed expectations
• Job growth has been consistently strong in recent months 
• The labor force participation rate is back up to 63%
• Average hourly earnings rose 2.6% year-over-year

All in all, the synopsis is: "the economy is humming."

Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)  Industry 

According to CSO Magazine, "b lockchain is a decentralized, distributed electronic ledger built on the model of offering absolute security and trust. Using cryptography, transactions are recorded chronologically and publicly, each one time-stamped and linked to the previous one. Critically, these digital 'blocks' can only be updated through the consensus of all participants, with data interception, modification and deletion near impossible."

How Could it Play a Role in Cyber Security?

Jay Clayton, the chairman of  the  Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and a number of other highly regarded individuals spoke out regarding blockchain in a Congressional Hearing last month. As stated in a recent publication in the Observer, they believe that there is an opportunity to use this technology to aid cyber security efforts. 

According to IoT for All, the foundational concepts at the heart of blockchain are:

As with any new technology, not all of the risks are known. Blockchain is not just new, it's untested at such a large-scale. As government agencies avoid risk, we may see its first large, real-world, applications in the private sector. 

For many individuals and families, taxes are far from fun. Since it is a dreaded task, many procrastinate. They wait until the last minute, only then conducting a scramble to gather, organize, fill out and submit their taxes. 

Once  Tax Day is a behind you, it might be tempting to simply sit back and say, "I'm so glad I don't have to go through this again until next year" and with a sigh of relief put the task out of your mind completely.  Avoid the annual stress-fest by becoming more organized. The following four tips will help you stay on top of your tax preparations throughout the year, so you can file with ease:

1. Get Organized 

Create a personal tax organizing system. One method is to set up folders on your computers to save all necessary paperwork and information relating to your taxes throughout the year.

2. Scan Everything 

If you are overwhelmed with a shoe box of receipts, consider using a tool or app to scan and save your receipts. Make it a habit to save receipts accordingly as you receive them. This method can also help track your charitable contributions throughout the year so you know exactly what you donated. If you do not receive a receipt, then write it down and save it. It is hard to rely on your memory alone, and much more difficult to verify, should it get questioned.

3. Retrieve Tax Documents Electronically 

Why wait for the snail mail when you can download most tax documents, (such as 1099's and W-2's) online. This method will help you gather your documents sooner to avoid last minute preparation.

4. Check Your Pay Stubs 

Do you usually receive a tax refund or a tax bill? Look at your pay stub and see what income tax you have elected withhold. Make adjustments to avoid owing an overwhelming tax bill next April.

Practicing these simple methods throughout the year will help you stay organized, be more efficient and avoid owing a large sum of money to the IRS next spring.

Information courtesy of The Prosperity Consulting Group, LLC.

1. Working as usual? If your kids are old enough to be trusted and ignored, you'll find your usual commute lighter and quicker. Fewer cars on the road, and you'll see what our highways were actually designed to accommodate. Enjoy the week, but remember the longer days. Make sure you have your sunglasses, even if you're not at the beach.

2. Home with the kids? Planning activities is a good way to keep everyone moving. If you're exploring new places, give yourself some extra time to anticipate parking in unfamiliar areas.

3. Gas is expensive, so plan some car-free days to enjoy in your own city or town. Kids often enjoy traveling on trains and subways, especially if they can help in the navigation. Make the journey part of the adventure!

4. Before you drop it into "drive," familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Thoroughly. I recommend reserving a car from the same manufacturer as the one you normally drive. Chances are good the lighting system, wipers and controls will be more comfortable. Renting on holiday may be a good time to explore a new car, but after a stressful flight with out-of-sorts kids, it might not be the best time.

5. Before you leave, check with your insurance and credit card companies about insurance you already have in place while renting a car. No sense duplicating and falling for fear coverage.

6. Try not to overextend your planned driving times. It's hard on the driver as well as the passengers. Take frequent breaks and involve the children in your decisions. It's more important to make great memories than good time.

7. Different countries, and jurisdictions, have different rules of the road. Familiarize yourself with the local laws ahead of time to avoid issues.

8. A GPS is useful and fun, once you figure it out. However, they're all different. Enter your destination while parked to ensure you have the time and attention span to focus on the task at hand. In unfamiliar territory, don't surrender your common sense to a gadget. Stop and ask for directions if you get lost.

9. Top up the rental with gas just before you return it. If not, they'll helpfully do it for you and charge you a fortune.

10. No matter where you are, keep in mind that your children are seeing their first and most frequent example of how to become a good driver. Put down your phone, don't mess with the GPS while driving, and focus. 

These tips are courtesy of Lorraine Sommerfield at Wheels Canada.