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6 Tips to Practice Self-Love

Lisa.Felice
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<strong>6 Tips to Practice Self-Love</strong>

Take a break from looking at riding gear from Get Lowered Cycles and read some tips on how to practice self-love. If you find yourself consistently anxious, stressed, or feeling depressed – it might indicate that you haven’t made self-love a priority. That’s why we’re here to help with offering 6 tips to practice self-love.

Let’s dive in!

Photo by Belu Carrillo Asis

Gratitude Journaling

According to research, practicing gratitude is associated with an increase in happiness, feeling more positive, and building strong relationships. It makes sense as you’re taking the time to acknowledge the good in your life and giving thanks for it.  All too often, we tend to focus on what’s not going right. Gratitude journaling switches it up to where you express and feel all you have to be grateful in the present moment.

Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful practice to use if you’re wanting to strengthen your self-love. Yoga provides a feeling of calmness and helps to relax your mind. By regularly engaging in yoga, you build a deeper connection with your mind, body, and spirit. It helps to alleviate stress by grounding you in your body. In turn, this creates a safe space for self-love to grow.

Scheduled “Me Time”

When was the last time you took a day for yourself? In a busy world, it’s sometimes a challenge to set aside time for ourselves. However, it’s important that you take regular breaks that are dedicated to “me time” if you’re wanting to feel and show more self-love. Pick a day or afternoon where you can let yourself be present. Self-care and self-love days are crucial towards your overall well being.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is your greatest ally to fostering and nurturing self-love. Researchers say that mindfulness practices give you “the ability to relate to others and one’s self with kindness, acceptance and compassion.” This practice is simple once you get the hang of it. Try and set aside 10 minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation. There are plenty of guided meditations available online if you’re not entirely sure where to start with it.

Positive Affirmations

It comes as no surprise that positive affirmations are useful when you’re wanting to practice more self-love. You can either write out your affirmations, vocalize them, or recite them in your head. Here are a few to get you started:

  • I know that I am always divinely and unconditionally loved.
  • Today, I choose to focus on the love and peace that is always within me.
  • I love myself, and others love for me who I am.
  • Something wonderful is on the verge of happening.

Fuel Your Body

If you’re practicing self-love, this also means that you’re taking care of your body. While love is a feeling, it also heavily involves your body. This is why you want to make sure that you’re treating your body with love as well as your mind. Consider if you’re ingesting foods that are good for you. Evaluate if you’re overconsuming or under consuming. Make the conscious choice to practice self-love before each meal.

4 Differences Between an Introvert and Extrovert

Kathryn R. Bown
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<strong>4 Differences Between an Introvert and Extrovert</strong>

Sometimes it’s easy to tell if someone is an introvert or extrovert, but not always! Take a break from scheduling your sunroom buildout with Classic Home Concepts, and let’s get into the differences between an introvert and extrovert.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Introvert vs. Extrovert

Before we get into the differences between introverts and extroverts, let’s look at some common characteristics of both:

  • Introverts thrive when they are alone, allowing them time for introspection. Introverts are described as natural listeners, creative, and often carefully consider the world around them.
  • Extroverts like to explore the world around more often than exploring their inner world like introverts. Extroverts are said to make friends easily and quite adaptable to change.

Energy Supply

One of the key differences between people who are introverts and extroverts is where they get their energy from most of the time. Extroverts often find they get their energy from spending time with others. Introverts, on the other hand, find their energy to be drained after spending too much time socializing. Instead, introverts find they need to spend some time alone to relax and recharge.

Social Skills

There’s a common misconception that introverts have poor social skills. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While introverts tend to be quieter in social settings, this doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. They absorb the information around them, and they usually surprise people once they start talking revealing their insights. Extroverts are social creatures, so they are typically the talkative ones at social gatherings. You’ll find them near the center of the room and are often the ones who plan the events to begin with.

Hobbies

Hobbies between introverts and extroverts can be similar, but there are some that seem to be more prevalent in one than the other. Introverts tend to be avid readers. Reading provides them time to think, reflect on the world around them, in the privacy of their own home. Extroverts typically enjoy hobbies that involve others – like playing sports. They tune into their social side and have fun engaging in healthy competition with others. Again, this doesn’t mean that extroverts don’t enjoy reading or introverts don’t enjoy playing sports – it’s just patterns you will pick up with some.

Work Styles

You’ll often notice that career choices seem to have a correlation depending on a person’s level of introversion or extraversion. It’s not uncommon to see extroverts in a career that involves teamwork and leadership. On the other hand, introverts are typically engaged in solo work.

Common Extrovert Career Choices:

  • Team Managers
  • Public Speakers
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Business Coaching

Common Introvert Career Choices:

  • Writers
  • Web Design
  • Social Media Managers
  • Life Coaching

What About Ambiverts?

If you read this article and found that you have a little of both qualities, that might mean you’re an ambivert! An ambivert doesn’t fall on one scale of being an extrovert or introvert. Instead, they match some core qualities of both. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’m an introverted extrovert,” it probably means that you’re an ambivert.

5 Ways to Fight the Winter Blues

Kathryn R. Bown
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<strong>5 Ways to Fight the Winter Blues</strong>

You just scheduled an appointment with Confident Comfort to have them install some specialized heating in your house. This winter has really taken a toll on you, and you’re anxiously waiting for Spring to arrive. We certainly get it, and that’s why we’re offering 5 ways to fight the winter blues.

Let’s get into it!

Bundle Up and Go Outside

The last thing you want to do is go outside when it’s near freezing temperatures. However, one of the best ways to fight the winter blues is to get some exposure to the sun and nature. Even if it’s for 10 minutes a day. Fortunately, we have the ability to bundle up so we can spend some time outside without getting too cold. Studies show that spending time outside helps reduce cortisol levels, heart rate, and even helps with combatting depression and anxiety.

Photo by form PxHere

Open The Shutters

You want to make sure that you have your shutters and blinds open in the winter. While you might want to hibernate, getting the natural light in will help with your mental health. This goes along with spending time outdoors, exposure to natural light has positive effects on your mood and wellbeing. It also helps your body know that it’s time to be awake – which helps with seasonal fatigue that hits in winter time.

Light Therapy Box

There’s certainly a shortage of natural light in the colder months depending on where you live. However, you could invest in a light therapy box. These nifty devices help to mimic natural sunlight. In a way, it’s tricking your body into thinking that there is still daylight out. Light therapy boxes have been shown to help people who experience effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Stay Active

Exercise is one of the fastest and easiest methods to elevate your mood. Experts say that you can feel a positive shift in your mood in as little as 5 minutes after you start exercising. Not only that, but research suggests that physical activity also helps manage and treat symptoms of long-term depression. So, if you’re feeling down in the wintertime, do a home workout or hit the gym! You’re sure to feel better in no time.

Get Creative

It’s hard to find energy and stay positive sometimes when you feel like you’re trapped inside. This is why you should consider tapping into your creative side. Creativity has been linked to higher activated positive affect and a reduction in depression symptoms and anxiety. The more time you spend working on creative goals, the more likely you are to feel better and have an increase in positive emotions.

The Rundown

Winter can be a season that makes us feel isolated and down. It makes sense as we aren’t getting our regular dose of nature and sunlight. However, there are ways to help alleviate some of the symptoms of wintertime blues. Try some of the suggestions above and see what works for you! And remember: Spring is just around the corner.

6 Ways To Save Money & Not Miss Out On Cultural Events

Clyde K. Valle
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6 Ways To Save Money & Not Miss Out On Cultural Events

If you are looking for more ways to enjoy cultural experiences without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. We will look at some of the best ways to save while you still get to have fun! For instance, you can score great deals online for cheaper tickets to shows or even find some free cultural attractions to visit. Moreover, by prioritizing what you spend money on and which events you attend while on vacation, you can make sure not to miss out on what you want to see the most. What’s more, you can resist the urge to buy a new outfit for every event and, finally, search for local cultural events that you don’t need to travel for.

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

1. Search Online for Deals

There are various ways that you can keep up with your friends and family and join in with cultural experiences while also managing your money responsibly. One of the best options is to find a website specializing in ticket sales at the best prices and book your events through this platform. You can save a lot of money by buying Broadway tickets from well-reputed low-cost sites. Never miss out on the latest hot show in New York with affordable Broadway tickets.

Another top tip is to be open to sitting further back in the theater. These locations are designed so that everyone can see the stage, so there is no real need to be right at the front in the most expensive seats.

2. Look for Free Events

Another great way to get your culture hit but save some cash is to look for free events wherever you are traveling. Often, especially in big cities, you can stumble across brilliant cultural events in public parks, libraries, and art galleries that are completely free.

Not much can beat the excitement of stumbling across a Jazz festival in a Chicago park or a display of public art in Boston, so make sure to do your research and see what is available free of charge where you are.

3. Cut Your Food and Drink Budget

When visiting a cultural capital, you can save money for cultural events by limiting your budget for meals and alcoholic drinks. This is often a big drain on a holiday budget and when you weigh up the enjoyment of a meal versus the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing a live show or big event, you will agree that it is best to eat for less, cut down on drink, and spend more on the experiences.

So, when you are away from home and trying to soak up as much of the local culture as possible, you can make the experience more authentic and cheaper by buying food from a local grocery store, rather than having all three meals every day in a restaurant.

4. Prioritize Which Events You Attend

If you are still struggling to pay for all of the shows, events, and exhibits you are trying to see, you might also need to start making a priority list of things you must see and cutting out some of the attractions. If there are some things you simply can’t miss out on, make sure they are in your itinerary. Meanwhile, the things that you do not think you will miss can be added bonuses if you decide while you are on your trip that you can afford them. Creating a hierarchy of priority for events will help you gain perspective and focus on what is most important.

5. Outfit Repeat

Another reason that people tend to overspend when they are away from home is that they are tempted to buy a whole new wardrobe for their trip. Especially when you have a show booked, it can seem like a great idea to buy yourself a lovely new evening look. But this can make your trip budget far smaller and really limit how many cultural experiences you can afford. So, if you want to spend more on events, you need to repeat your outfits and resist new clothes!

6. Find Local Cultural Events

Lastly, you do not always need to travel to have a great cultural experience. If you do a bit of research, you might find that there is a great show, exhibit, or event in your local area. Just because you are not flying to a different part of the world all the time, does not mean you are missing out. Culture is all around you.

Photo by Gwen King on Unsplash

If you follow these simple but effective tips, you will be able to save money while still getting to enjoy cultural events. When you make these simple changes to how you live and travel, you will find that many new doors open, providing new opportunities to have awesome cultural experiences. So, look online for great ticket deals, search for free events, manage your food and drink budget, prioritize the events you want to attend the most, repeat your outfits, and search for local cultural experiences. Have fun!

Turkey and Syria Earthquake Death Toll Nears 8,000

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey and Syria Earthquake Death Toll Nears 8,000

Rescuers are desperately searching for survivors in southern Turkey and northern Syria after two huge earthquakes on February 6.

Nearly 8,000 people have lost their lives in Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes.

More than 7,800 people have been killed, but there are warnings the death toll could continue to surge. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed and among the buildings damaged by the earthquake is Gaziantep Castle.

As search efforts continue into a second freezing-cold night, time is running out for rescuers to find survivors under the rubble.

Relatives of victims who lived in collapsed buildings have joined frantic rescue efforts in one of the worst-hit Turkish cities, using pickaxes and crowbars.

Some anguished families have said rescue services took too long to respond in some areas.

Photo by Eren Bozkurt/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Turkey: 7.2 earthquake strikes the province of Van. 50 people injured and several buildings collapsed

The first 7.8 magnitude quake struck near Gaziantep in the early hours of February 6, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor hours later.

The death toll from the devastating earthquake has now jumped to more than 7,800 people. A breakdown of the figures by AFP news agency says 5,894 people died in Turkey and at least 1,932 are reported dead in Syria.

The north-west region of Syria is home to millions of refugees displaced by civil war since 2011.

Control of the area is divided between the Syrian government, Kurdish-led forces and other rebel groups, hugely complicating the distribution of aid.

The United Nations says damage to roads is also hindering the aid effort.

Hunter Biden’s Laptop: Lawyers Demand Investigation into Dissemination of Personal Material

Diane A. Wade
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Hunter Biden’s Laptop: Lawyers Demand Investigation into Dissemination of Personal Material

President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, is urging an investigation into those he accuses of trafficking in stolen material from his laptop.

In letters filed on February 1, lawyers representing Hunter Biden named a computer repair shop owner and Rudy Giuliani as among those who they say had broken the law.

He also threatened to sue Fox News’ Tucker Carlson for defamation.

It’s a shift in strategy for Hunter Biden to hit back after years of scrutiny, a source close to him told CBS News.

The laptop’s existence was first brought to the public’s attention by the New York Post less than one month before the 2020 presidential election.

It had allegedly been left by Hunter Biden in a repair shop and never collected.

The Post alleged that emails found on the computer’s hard-drive suggested Hunter Biden’s business dealings abroad were influencing US foreign policy while his father was vice-president.

Former president Donald Trump seized on the laptop as a campaign issue, saying it was evidence of corruption.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Hunter Biden, 52, is a lawyer and lobbyist who has worked abroad including in China and Ukraine.

The FBI has been investigating his business dealings since 2018 and has gathered enough evidence to charge him with tax crimes, and CBS News claim that they appear to have gathered enough evidence suggesting tax crimes may have been committed.

Republicans have vowed to investigate him and the family business now they have control of the House of Representatives.

President Biden and his family have denied any wrongdoing in overseas business dealings.

In the latest development, Hunter Biden’s lawyers wrote letters to the Justice Department, the attorney general of Delaware and the Internal Revenue Service.

They asked them to investigate former computer repair shop owner John Paul Mac Isaac, former Trump advisers Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon and their lawyer, Robert Costello.

Lawyers said they believed various Delaware laws were breached “in accessing, copying, manipulating, and/or disseminating Mr. Biden’s personal computer data”.

But Abbe Lowell, an attorney for Hunter Biden, said in a statement to CBS News that the letters “do not confirm Mac Isaac’s or others’ versions of a so-called laptop.”

In response to Hunter Biden’s new suite of legal threats, a lawyer for Mr Isaac said “the only thing I see is a privileged person hiring yet another high-priced attorney to redirect attention away from his own unlawful actions”.

Mac Isaac also claims that the laptop was left with him for repair in April 2019, and Hunter Biden never returned to collect it.

He said he reviewed the laptop files shortly after receiving it and discovered information about Hunter Biden’s personal finances. After waiting 90 days – the amount of time that had to pass before something could be considered abandoned property – Mac Isaac considered it abandoned.

He turned the laptop over to the FBI and provided a copy of the contents to Rudy Guiliani, who later would pass it along to the New York Post.

Robert Costello, a lawyer for both Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon, told CBS News the letters to the Justice Department and Delaware were a “frivolous legal complaint trying to intimidate”.

Shell Makes Record $40BN Profit in 2022

Clyde K. Valle
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Shell Makes Record $40BN Profit in 2022

Shell has reported record annual profits after energy prices surged last year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Profits hit $39.9 billion in 2022, double last year’s total and the highest in its 115-year history.

Energy firms have seen record earnings since oil and gas prices jumped following the invasion of Ukraine.

It has heaped pressure on firms to pay more tax as households struggle with rising bills.

Opposition parties said Shell’s profits were “outrageous” and the government was letting energy firms “off the hook”. They also called for the planned increase in the energy price cap due in April to be scrapped.

Shell Cuts 10,000 Jobs on Falling Profits

Energy prices had begun to climb after the end of Covid lockdowns but rose sharply in March 2022 after the events in Ukraine led to worries over supplies.

The price of Brent crude oil reached nearly $128 a barrel following the invasion, but has since fallen back to about $83. Gas prices also spiked but have come down from their highs.

It has led to bumper profits for energy companies, but also fuelled a rise in energy bills for households and businesses.

In 2022, the UK government introduced a windfall tax on the “extraordinary” earnings of firms to help fund its scheme to lower gas and electricity bills.

Despite the move, Shell had said it did not expect to pay any UK tax this year as it is allowed to offset decommissioning costs and investments in UK projects against any UK profits.

However, Shell said was due to pay $134 million in UK windfall tax for 2022, and expected to pay more than $500 million in 2023.

White House 2024: Donald Trump Kicks Off His Comeback Efforts with Stops in New Hampshire and South Carolina

Diane A. Wade
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White House 2024: Donald Trump Kicks Off His Comeback Efforts with Stops in New Hampshire and South Carolina

Nearly three months after announcing his campaign, Donald Trump made his first campaign foray out of his adopted home state of Florida on January 28.

In New Hampshire, he addressed a meeting of the Republican Party and announced the outgoing state party chair would be a senior adviser to his campaign. And at the state capitol in Columbia, South Carolina, he received the endorsements of the state’s governor, Henry McMaster, and Senator Lindsey Graham.

Lindsay Graham, a Trump confidante who expressed some disillusionment after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, is now back firmly in the fold.

Donald Trump once again denied his 2020 defeat and told supporters that he – unlike any possible Republican alternatives – would be the most effective nominee in 2024.

“To change the whole system, you need a president who can take on the whole system and a president who can win,” he said from the state capitol’s main hall.

In both stops, the former president touted what he said was his record of success during his presidency and attacked President Joe Biden’s record on crime, immigration and the economy.

Image source Wikipedia

Across the street, Todd Gerhardt, a Republican district executive committee member from nearby Charleston, sold honey in Trump-shaped plastic bottles.

Todd Gerhardt was an early supporter of Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign, organized a 2016 rally for him on South Carolina’s posh Kiawah Island, and recently visited the former president’s Mar-a-Lago estate for a fundraiser and to provide his honey for the campaign’s gift bags.

It’s no coincidence that the first two stops of Donald Trump’s third presidential campaign were South Carolina and New Hampshire. The two states could prove to be central to Trump’s strategy to retake the White House.

While Iowa is the first state to hold a Republican presidential nomination contest in 2024, Donald Trump finished third there in 2016 and the evangelical Christians who dominate the state’s Republican electorate could be eying other possible candidates, like former Vice-President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

New Hampshire and South Carolina, however, provided Donald Trump with a one-two punch that catapulted him to the front in 2016 – a lead he never relinquished.

They could do the same in 2024. In fact, every Republican presidential nominee since 1980 has won the South Carolina primary, making it unique among the traditional early-voting states.

South Carolina could prove to be a unique challenge for Donald Trump this time around, however. He faces potential challenges from Senator Tim Scott as well as the state’s former governor, Nikki Haley.

An Emerson Poll conducted earlier this week found 55% of Republican voters supporting Donald Trump, well ahead of the 29% for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has not announced a presidential bid but is viewed to be the former president’s most formidable rival. A Monmouth poll in December had Mr DeSantis ahead by double-digits.

Earlier this week, Meta announced that it was lifting the suspension it had placed on Donald Trump’s accounts in the aftermath of the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. Although the former president has yet to resume posting to his accounts, his return could provide yet another opportunity for voter outreach – and fundraising – as his still minimally staffed campaign gears up for its 2024 run.

If rallies and Facebook donations were the fuel for Donald Trump’s past White House bids, his South Carolina stop was a different kind of operation.

With only 300 announced attendees, it was a decidedly low-key event compared to his typical arena gatherings, with their carnival atmosphere. Attire tended toward sport coats and dresses, not Make America Great Again hats and Let’s Go Brandon t-shirts.

To win a third Republican presidential nomination, however, Donald Trump will need the support of the political rank-and-file in states like New Hampshire and South Carolina, as well as his rally-going loyalists. And while Donald Trump’s national polls show continued strength, a recent South Carolina survey had nearly half of Republican voters expressing a preference for “someone else” besides Donald Trump.

3 Simple Reasons to Consider Working From Home

Clyde K. Valle
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3 Simple Reasons to Consider Working From Home

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across the globe, many employers are allowing their employees to work from home. Whether you’re a teacher or a medical professional at The Bunion Cure, there are plenty of benefits to working from home, including greater flexibility and fewer distractions. Here are three more reasons why you should consider working from home, even after the pandemic ends.

Image source: PxHere

You Can Save Money on Office Space and Equipment

Working from home has been gaining popularity in recent years due to technological advances and a growing number of digital startups. For businesses and entrepreneurs just starting out, this could be an excellent way to save costs on office space and equipment. By investing in a laptop or desktop computer, a reliable internet connection, and other important hardware, you can create your own office environment wherever you are. This not only saves on costs associated with renting property but it also eliminates pesky overhead fees for electricity, lighting, and water consumption which could quickly add up over time. Working remotely also enables businesses to access talent from all over the world, further expanding their reach while still remaining cost-effective.

More Control Over Your Environment

Creating an environment that you find both functional and pleasing to the eye is an important part of anyone’s lifestyle. Whether it’s arranging your desk space in a way that makes working in your home office more efficient, or simply rearranging certain pieces of furniture to make a room brighter and easier to move around in, you can use some simple adjustments to greatly impact the atmosphere around you. Taking control of the arrangement of our environments not only improves how we function within them but also has tremendous psychological benefits, as studies show that organization encourages productivity and reduced stress levels. So don’t limit yourself – take charge of your environment and enjoy the rewards!

Eliminate Commuting Time and Costs

Commuting is a time-consuming and costly part of almost everyone’s life. Between the long drives, traffic, parking fees, and the ever-rising cost of gasoline, it seems almost impossible to avoid the additional costs associated with getting to work every day. But there are ways to cut commuting costs and save valuable time – telecommuting is one of these solutions. With technologies such as video conferencing and messaging available, it’s simple to stay connected while eliminating commuting costs. Not only can you take advantage of reduced transportation outlays but you may also enjoy increased productivity without the distractions associated with daily commutes. So why not ditch the congestion and high gas prices? Make the switch to telecommuting today!

Working from home has become increasingly popular over the past decade for a number of reasons. As noted above, you can save money on office space and equipment, have more control over your environment, and eliminate commuting time and costs. If you are considering making the switch to working from home, weigh the pros and cons carefully to see if it is the right decision for you.

When Is the UK Expected to Emerge from Recession, And How Should British Businesses Prepare?

Dana R
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When Is the UK Expected to Emerge from Recession, And How Should British Businesses Prepare?

In November, UK GDP grew by 0.1%, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data relayed by CNBC. This revelation defied economists’ expectations – as indicated in a Reuters poll – that the British economy would actually contract by 0.2% in the penultimate month of 2022.

Nonetheless, this discrepancy “can hardly disguise the likelihood that whilst recessionary conditions may be shallow, an economic contraction is underway,” strategist Jeremy Batstone-Carr of the US banking institution Raymond James Financial explained to CNBC.

Indeed, economists have warned that the November growth figure might not necessarily be a sign of things to come, and that the long-expected UK recession might be delayed instead of averted. Naturally, this begs the question of when exactly the country should emerge from recession.

What have economic experts predicted about the UK economy?

One projection from the Bank of England has the UK experiencing a recession lasting at least four financial quarters – and Batstone-Carr has pointed out that “the effects of the Bank’s monetary tightening are still to feed through the economy fully.”

Furthermore, as the ONS has noted, UK GDP still ultimately fell by 0.3% across the three-month period running up to the end of November.

Batstone-Carr has continued: “Together with the corporation tax increase to 25% and the expiration of the tax reduction on new investments, the economy only stands to contract further.”

As for when exactly the recession will come to an end, a Reaction article written by Ian Stewart – Deloitte’s Chief Economist in the UK – forecasts that the UK will not recommence economic growth until 2023’s fourth quarter.

Deloitte expects UK GDP to drop by 1.4% overall in 2023. Stewart acknowledges that this would mark a “rather deeper downturn” than that predicted by economists on average, who anticipate the negative growth figure clocking in at 1.0% instead.

Graphics Tablet Phone Office Company Workplace

How can UK businesses help to protect themselves against headwinds in 2023?

Though the UK has hardly been alone among major economies in battling inflation and rising energy costs, more than half a million workers in the UK have opted for early retirement since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

This situation has hampered the country’s productive capacity, while Brexit has made trading with the EU more expensive for many British businesses.    

The onus is therefore on companies across the country to look for ways to budget more effectively – ideally, of course, without sacrificing the quality of the products or services provided.  

You could seriously consider renting what is known as a serviced office. The Startups. website explains that a serviced office “comes ready-furnished, with internet and phone lines pre-connected and devices already equipped.”  

Though you might be reticent about spending time looking for a new workplace, keep in mind that you can do so time-effectively with help from an office broker. One of these is Office Freedom, which can peruse the choice of serviced offices in Soho, for example, on your behalf.

Basing your business in a well-connected London area like this can also make it easier for you to source new supplies regularly.  

Pros and Cons of Using an Automated Attendant Vs. Answering Your Calls

Dana R
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Pros and Cons of Using an Automated Attendant Vs. Answering Your Calls

When it comes to customer service, in our tech-savvy society, we can now expect new technologies to assist customer service teams in reducing their workload and improving overall efficiency. For example, chatbots are one way customer support teams are using tech to their advantage.

Another way is through an automated attendant who answers calls instead of a customer service representative answering it straight away. For busy customer service teams, an automated attendant can make a very big difference.

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using an automated attendant in comparison to a customer service rep answering the call?

Pros

With an automated attendant, also known as interactive voice response (IVR), businesses can reap a myriad of benefits of which include (but are not limited to):

  • No missed calls 

A big problem for the customer service department is that as soon as it starts getting busy, with calls coming through constantly, there is the possibility that calls may be missed. This may be especially true for smaller teams who do not have enough representatives to cover the amount of calls that they receive. IVR fixes this problem as it automatically answers each and every call that comes through 24/7.

  • Not just for customer service

Although customer service has been mentioned a lot in this blog regarding IVR, using an automated attendant is not only beneficial for the customer support department, but also for businesses in general. As such, businesses should leverage platforms such as Microsoft Teams. Whether that’s for B2B communication, B2C communication, or communication between employees, Microsoft Teams telephony is the new way of collaboration on Microsoft Teams.

  • Personalised

IVR allows for a personalised caller experience – it enables the caller to navigate through options via keypad selection, and depending on what they have pressed, their call is routed to a specific department or personnel for their query. For use in customer service, this can be extremely helpful as it directly routes customers’ calls to the appropriate advisor. This solves business inefficiencies and may improve customer satisfaction and experience.

Cons

Unfortunately, using automated attendants also comes with a few drawbacks that you should take into consideration. In particular, some disadvantages of IVR are:

  • Loss of human connection

Many people prefer talking to a live person instead of an answering machine. Using an automated attendant makes callers lose out on a human connection that simply cannot be replicated with IVR. With a live person, human feelings such as understanding and empathy can be fostered, whereas, this is not possible with an automated attendant. Customers want to feel heard and listened to.

  • Poor customer experience

One study conducted in 2019 found that 85% of customers abandoned at least one call because they reached an automated attendant. This shows that perhaps an IVR may actually contribute to poor customer experience. This could possibly be due to the fact that customers have to listen to a range of options before pressing the number that their query relates to. This can confuse customers and instead of having their questions answered instantly, they are waiting for the automated attendant to list out the available options again.

How To Succeed As A Sole Trader

Dana R
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<strong>How To Succeed As A Sole Trader</strong>

Many people like the idea of becoming a sole trader, and it is easy to see why. As a sole trader, you are your own boss, and you can operate your business exactly how you wish. In addition to giving you control over your business, this can also help you to build a healthy work-life balance and choose your own schedule. Operating as a sole trader is also unique and different from running a regular business, which means that you need to know how to succeed with this business model. With this in mind, this article will offer advice for a sole trader that should prove to be useful.

Know How To Network

One of the most important skills that any sole trader can have is networking. To find continued success with your business, you need to build a large network and maintain this network over time. Meeting people face-to-face is the best way to make a positive and lasting impression, and then using social media to maintain these relationships over time is effective. Having a large network can help you to discover new customers/clients, improve your brand reputation, and allow you to find new opportunities.

Outsource

There are many benefits to running your own business, but one of the challenges is that it is up to you to keep on top of all business tasks. For many, this can take away from the service and key competencies that you provide. If you are a builder, for example, then you do not want to be using your time messing around with bookkeeping and marketing! This is why it is a good idea to outsource these areas so that you can focus on other areas while getting these tasks completed by a specialist. A few areas to outsource include:

  • Accounting
  • Digital marketing
  • IT and cybersecurity
  • Admin

Make Sure You Have Insurance

You might wonder do sole traders need insurance. Absolutely, especially as you are liablefor any losses or debts incurred. Without proper coverage in place, you would be responsible to cover any damages, and this could ruin both your business and life. With insurance in place, you can protect your income, property, and personal assets and enjoy peace of mind. The kind of insurance that you need for your business will depend on the type of operation, but a few of the most common types include:

  • Income protection
  • Professional indemnity
  • Public liability
  • Tool and equipment

You will want to establish what your risks are and shop around to find the best deals for insurance.

Have An Emergency Fund

Leading on from this, it is also a good idea to have an emergency fund both for the business and for your personal finances (always keep your finances separate). The money that the business brings in can fluctuate over the course of a year, so you need to be able to manage any quiet periods. It is generally recommended to have at least three months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund, which will help you to stay afloat if you have any issues.

There are many benefits to being a sole trader, but it also has unique challenges, and you need to know how to prepare for these.

Lisa Marie Presley Dies Aged 54

Sonia Pantiss
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Lisa Marie Presley Dies Aged 54

The only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie, has died at the age of 54, her mother has announced.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla Presley said.

Lisa Marie Presley, also a singer, was rushed to hospital on January 12. According to media reports, she suffered cardiac arrest.

She was found unresponsive at her home in Calabasas, California, sources told TMZ.

“She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known,” Priscilla Presley said in a statement.

“We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss.”

Her mother gave no details about the possible cause of death.

Image source: Getty Images

Citing a source close to Lisa Marie Presley, TMZ reported that the star was found unresponsive in her bedroom. At about the same time her former husband Danny Keough, who also lives at the property, arrived and performed CPR.

The outlet said that the singer had suffered a “full arrest” before a bystander administered epinephrine – commonly known as adrenaline – to help her regain a pulse.

Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards, taking her to hospital.

Born in 1968, Lisa Marie Presley went on to follow in her father’s footsteps and forged a career in music. She released three albums, with her 2003 debut studio album selling hundreds of thousands of copies and receiving generally positive reviews.

Lisa Marie Presley was also well known for a series of high-profile marriages to pop legend Michael Jackson, actor Nicholas Cage and musicians Danny Keough and Michael Lockwood.

She had four children, including the actress Riley Keough. Presley’s son, Benjamin Keough, killed himself in 2020.

Lisa Marie Presley was last seen in public at the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.

Accompanied by her mother, the pair were seen breaking down in tears as they watched Austin Butler win the Best Actor prize for his portrayal of her father.

Understanding How to Save & Invest Your Money in the Modern Era

Clyde K. Valle
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Understanding How to Save & Invest Your Money in the Modern Era
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

With the world becoming increasingly digital and interconnected, it’s more important than ever to understand how to save and invest your money. Unfortunately, many people don’t have a basic understanding of financial literacy and thus may think they know what they are doing but in reality, their actions could be detrimental to their future wealth.

This blog post seeks to address this problem by providing an overview of saving and investing basics for today’s modern era. We’ll start by discussing why having good financial habits is so important, then delve into the different types of investments available and provide guidance on how you can make informed decisions about where to put your hard-earned cash. Finally, we will discuss some strategies for managing risk when it comes to investing as well as some tips for building long-term wealth that you can use over time. So if you are ready to learn more about how to save and invest your money, read on!

Pick The Right Saving Account

When it comes to your finances, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different people have different needs, so it’s important to find a savings account that works for you and meets your requirements. Picking the right savings account can be a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, you can make an informed decision about which type of account will best suit your needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your savings account:

• Interest Rate –  Depending on the bank, different types of savings accounts will offer different interest rates. It’s important to compare the rates offered by different banks and pick an account that offers a competitive rate of return. As seen at https://joywallet.com/article/best-high-yield-savings-accounts, high-yield savings accounts generally offer the best interest rates and can help you build your wealth more quickly. Just make sure to read the fine print and understand any additional fees or requirements associated with these types of accounts.

• Accessibility And Convenience – It’s important to consider how easy it is to access your money when selecting a savings account. Some banks offer online banking, while others may require you to visit a branch in person before making a withdrawal. Additionally, many banks now offer mobile banking, allowing you to access your accounts from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet.

• Safety – It’s important to choose a savings account that is protected by FDIC insurance or the equivalent to ensure that your money is safe and secure. Make sure to confirm that the bank you are considering is FDIC insured before opening an account. Also, if you intend to keep a large sum of money in your savings account, you may want to consider opening a separate account with online-only banks that offer higher interest rates, as they are generally more secure than traditional banks.

• Fees –  Many banks charge fees for a variety of services, such as minimum balance requirements or overdraft protection. It’s important to read the fine print and understand all of the fees associated with any account you are considering before making a decision.

Understand Different Investment Strategies

Investing can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have the right information. Knowing different investment strategies is key to making informed decisions when it comes to your finances. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular investment strategies you should know about:

Stock Market Investing

The stock market is one of the most popular and widely used investment strategies. It involves buying and selling stocks, which are shares of ownership in a company. When you purchase stocks, you’re essentially hoping that their value will increase over time so you can sell them at a profit.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are a type of professionally managed investment option where your money is pooled with other investors and invested in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities. This allows you to benefit from the expertise of professional managers who manage the mutual fund’s investments. Depending on the mutual fund you choose, you may be able to invest in a variety of different asset classes like stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities.

ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)

ETFs are similar to mutual funds in that they are professionally managed investments and can contain a variety of different asset classes. The main difference between ETFs and mutual funds is that  ETFs are traded on exchanges like stocks, so they can be bought and sold throughout the day. This means that you can buy and sell ETFs quickly and easily, allowing you to take advantage of market fluctuations.

Real Estate Investing

Real estate investing involves buying, selling, leasing, and managing real estate properties such as houses and apartment buildings. This type of investing can be profitable if done correctly but is also more complex than other types of investments due to the wide variety of factors that can affect the value of a property.

Consider Tax Implications

When it comes to investing and saving, taxes are always a consideration. Depending on where you live and the type of investments you make, the taxes you owe can be very different. Investing in stocks, for example, may result in capital gains tax if you sell your stock at a profit. Additionally, different types of accounts like traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs may have restrictions on how much money you can contribute each year and what types of investments are allowed to qualify for tax benefits. It’s important to understand all of the potential tax implications before making any decisions about investing or saving your money.

Diversify Your Investments

Diversification is an important part of any investment strategy. This means investing in a variety of different asset classes to reduce risk and increase your chances of earning returns. When you diversify, you should consider stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, real estate investments, and other alternatives. This allows you to spread out your investments so that if one fails or performs poorly, it won’t have as big an impact on your overall portfolio.

Monitor Your Progress

Once you’ve made the initial decisions about what types of investments to make and how much money to invest or save, it’s important to monitor your progress over time. You should track the performance of each investment and review your overall portfolio regularly to make sure you’re still on track to reach your financial goals. Luckily you can use a variety of tools, such as budgeting software or a financial adviser, to help you stay on top of your investments.

Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash

As you can see, when it comes to investing and saving, there are many different options and considerations. Doing your research and understanding the basics of each type of investment can help you make the best decisions for your situation. With a little bit of planning and discipline, you can ensure that you’re on the path to financial success.

Top Benefits Of Having An Awning At Your Porch

Kathryn R. Bown
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Top Benefits Of Having An Awning At Your Porch
Photo by Athena

The idea of having an awning on your porch is surprisingly not new. It has been used for centuries, with archeological findings from the ancient Greeks and Romans depicting primitive versions of awnings. Today, however, thanks to advancements in technology and materials, awnings have become more sophisticated and provide many benefits. From providing shade on hot summer days to blocking harmful UV rays that can cause sun damage, the right awning can help you enjoy your porch even more than before. Let’s explore some of the benefits of an awning on your porch.

Increased Comfort

Awnings are a great way to add comfort and convenience to any porch or patio area. An awning can provide shade, protection from the elements, and even protection from insects. When you install an awning on your porch, it will increase the amount of comfort available in the space and create a visually appealing addition that can improve curb appeal and property value.

Shade is one of the main benefits of having an awning installed on your porch. By providing extra shade coverage for outdoor areas, you can drastically reduce the direct sunlight that hits your furniture and guests during certain hours of the day. This helps keep everyone comfortable and prevents sun damage from occurring on items such as wooden chairs and tables.

Additionally, an awning can provide much-needed protection from rain and other elements. Chicago, for instance, has significant seasonal contrasts in terms of temperature and weather conditions. During the summer, the sun can be scorching and unbearable, while temperatures can plummet to below freezing during the winter. An awning from a Chicago awning company effectively regulates these temperatures and makes your porch more comfortable for yourself and visitors year-round. Strong winds, rain, snow, and ice can damage furniture and ruin outdoor gatherings without the proper coverage. With an awning in place, you don’t have to worry about inclement weather ruining your plans or damaging any belongings outside.

Finally, an awning can also help keep out unwanted insects, such as mosquitoes that can make spending time outdoors unpleasant. By blocking or reducing their access to certain porch areas, it will be much easier for everyone to enjoy their time in an insect-free zone.

Added Privacy

Having an awning on your porch is like having your own private space outdoors. An awning-up is a barrier between you and the outside world, allowing for added privacy in your outdoor area. This extra layer of security gives you more peace of mind when spending time outdoors with family or friends. Whether you are just looking to relax on the porch swing, host a BBQ party, or enjoy some fresh air, having an awning can give you the added privacy and comfort needed to make the most out of any outdoor activity.

The additional coverage also keeps unwanted guests away from your outdoor living area. An awning will provide shade and protection from prying eyes while allowing natural light and air to flow through your outdoor space. This allows you to make the most of your outdoor living area without worrying about who may be watching or listening in on your private conversations.

Improved Aesthetics

When you have an awning installed on your porch, it can add much more than just protection from the elements. Because of its structure and design, an awning can also help improve your porch area’s aesthetics. A well-chosen and expertly installed awning can become a beautiful focal point that adds visual interest to your outdoor space. This is especially true if you choose a vibrant color or unique pattern that coordinates with other elements in the surrounding landscape. Not only will this make your porch look inviting and attractive, but it could also boost the value of your home by increasing curb appeal.

Cost Savings

An awning on your porch can save you money in many ways. It not only provides shade from the sun and protection from rain, but it also helps reduce energy bills by blocking out heat and preventing air conditioning units from working overtime during hot days. Additionally, awnings are typically made of durable materials that don’t require frequent maintenance or repairs, thus helping you save on repair costs. Furthermore, certain types of awnings may even offer tax benefits! Finally, investing in an awning today could help you save more money over time due to its added value to your home when it comes time to sell.

Reduced Sun Damage

Having an awning on your porch can provide you with many benefits, but one of the most beneficial is reduced sun damage. Sun exposure damages the skin, contributes to premature aging and increases the risk of skin cancer. You can reduce this risk by blocking out harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching your porch and home with an awning. An awning also helps to keep your furniture and other items on the porch from fading due to excess sunlight. In addition, an awning provides excellent shade when you want to enjoy spending time outside without being directly exposed to strong sunlight. This makes it more enjoyable outdoors and reduces glare and heat penetration inside the house.

Increased Resale Value

Installing an awning on your porch is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your home. An awning can add charm and style to your exterior, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It’s also proven to be a great way to save money in energy expenses by providing shade that helps reduce cooling costs during hot days. An awning on your porch can also significantly boost your property’s resale price.

Awnings are highly durable and long-lasting, which makes them stand out when it comes to increasing the value of your property. Since they protect from sun damage and excessive rain, they can maintain good condition even after many years of use. The benefits of having an awning on your porch extend beyond the enhanced resale value. As mentioned earlier, it also adds aesthetic appeal to your home. Improved curb appeal makes your property more attractive, leading to increased demand and higher sale prices in the future.

Photo by Luke Witter on Unsplash

Having an awning on your porch can provide many benefits. From increased comfort and privacy to cost savings and improved aesthetics, there’s no doubt that the right awning can take your outdoor space to the next level. So if you’re looking for ways to spruce up your porch area, consider investing in a quality awning today! You won’t regret it.

4 Tips for Coloring Your Hair at Home

Kathryn R. Bown
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4 Tips for Coloring Your Hair at Home

Looking for a simple way to change up your look in the new year? It might be time to dye your hair!

Changing your hair color is a simple way to give yourself a quick makeover and can help boost self confidence; unfortunately, getting this done at a salon can be both pricey and time consuming. While some expert hair stylists might advise against coloring your hair at home, the truth is that it can be done successfully with the right preparation and precautions in place.

Ready to color your own hair at home? Read these tips and tricks to ensure that your hair will turn out correctly and safely, so that you can avoid an emergency trip to the salon or to a medical clinic like ThriveMD.

Photo by Jonas Svidras form PxHere

Always Test a Strand

While many people ignore the “test strand” part of hair dye instructions, this is actually one of the most important steps in ensuring that your DIY hair color will turn out the right shade, and to avoid negative or even allergic reactions of the skin. Testing a strand of hair before dyeing your full head might be an extra step that adds a little time to the overall coloring process, but it will be worth it when you get the exact shade you wanted with no difficulty the first time you apply dye.

Don’t Mix Shades

While some beauty influencers in online tutorials might recommend mixing different colors of hair dye in order to get your perfect shade, this is not recommended! Hair dyes can interact with one another in a way that creates a completely different shade than you anticipate once applied to your hair, and can quickly result in a disaster. Instead, ask an employee at your local beauty store to help you find the closest available shade to the color you want.

Use Vaseline to Protect Skin

If you’re worried about getting dye on your skin, applying Vaseline to your face, ears, and other exposed areas can help prevent dye from staining your skin. Additionally, you can apply this product to countertops, sinks, and other parts of your home to keep dye from staining as much as possible.

Apply Coconut Oil

To keep your hair feeling soft and healthy even while being colored with harmful dye, apply coconut oil before applying color! This will create a barrier between your hair and the harmful chemicals in the dye, to reduce the amount of damage being done to your strands while keeping them feeling soft and silky.

Happy New Year! 2023 Welcomed Around the World

Nancy Clayson
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Happy New Year! 2023 Welcomed Around the World

Happy New Year to Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei and Perth!

As the new year sweeps across the globe, 2023 is now being welcomed in Asia.

The South Korean capital of Seoul the latest city to celebrate.

Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, which has just entered 2023, saw its official New Year’s Eve fireworks display cancelled due to severe winds and rain across the region.

2022 has been quite a year, and now it’s time to welcome a brand new one; we’ll guide you through the day as 2023 is marked around the globe

Among the first places to see in the new year was Kiritimati Island in the central Pacific Ocean.

Auckland in New Zealand became the first major city to start celebrations welcoming in 2023, with fireworks launched from the city’s Sky Tower

Sydney has also entered the new year, the city’s fireworks launched from its Harbour Bridge, Opera House and barges in its famous harbour

Happy New Year to those of you living in Queensland, Australia.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast have becomes the latest cities to welcome in 2023.

New York’s Times Square is set to reach full capacity for the first time in two years when crowds gather to watch the annual ball drop on New Year’s Eve later today.

The event is one of many new year festivities across the globe to be scaled back in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Revellers were allowed to attend last year’s celebrations but crowd numbers were limited to 15,000.

Attendees had to show proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid test if exempt. In 2020, it was closed to spectators but a small number of health workers were allowed into the square for the event.

The spectacle will go ahead this year without any restrictions.

The ball, made up of nearly 2,700 Waterford crystals, will be placed at the top of the pole in Times Square just before 18:00 EST.

The drop, will begin at a minute to midnight and takes exactly 60 seconds.Replacements for the ball’s crystal panels have been made by hand by Irish craftsmen at Waterford Crystal.

Each year a new theme is chosen and this year’s theme is the “Gift of Love”.

Happy New Year!

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Dies Aged 95

Diane A. Wade
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Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Dies Aged 95

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, almost a decade after he resigned because of ailing health.

Former Pope Benedict XVI led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

He spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican where he passed away at 09:34 on Saturday, December 31.

His successor Pope Francis will lead the funeral on January 5.

The Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter’s Basilica from January 2 for “the greeting of the faithful”.

Bells rang out from Munich cathedral and a single bell was heard ringing from St Peter’s Square in Rome after the former pope’s death was announced.

Benedict XVI was already 78 when he became Pope in 2005. Age and ill health quickly took their toll, prompting his resignation less than eight years later.

No other pope had stepped down since Gregory XII in 1415 and Benedict was the first to do so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294.

Pope Benedict XVI has announced today his resignation after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85

When he became 265th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church it was the culmination of the rapid, and highly controversial, rise of Joseph Ratzinger.

Supporters portrayed him as a highly intellectual man who laboured to protect the spiritual inheritance bequeathed to him by Pope John Paul II.

To his critics Benedict XVI was the ultimate exponent and guardian of the Church’s dogmatic approach to issues like abortion and contraception. The outrage he sometimes caused seemed typical of a man who was never afraid of upsetting people – if he believed something had to be said or done.

Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger was born into a profoundly Catholic family on 16 April 1927, in the southern German state of Bavaria. He was the son of a police officer with, as he later put it, “simple country roots”.

His youth was indelibly marked by World War Two. Forced to join the Hitler Youth, he served in an anti-aircraft unit which defended a BMW plant outside Munich.

Joseph Ratzinger became a prime candidate for rapid advancement and it was no surprise when his ideological soul-mate Pope Paul VI appointed him Archbishop of Munich, and then cardinal, in 1977.

The call to Rome was not long in coming. In 1981, Pope John Paul II appointed Ratzinger as prefect of the Vatican’s office to protect the purity of Church theology – once known as the notorious Holy Inquisition.

Ratzinger had criticised the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as “an all too smoothly functioning [body] which prejudged every question almost before it had come up for discussion”.

But he took to his work with typically energetic enthusiasm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLpzjxT4OSA

Pele: Brazilian Soccer Legend Dies at the Age of 82

Clyde K. Valle
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Pele: Brazilian Soccer Legend Dies at the Age of 82

Soccer legend Pele, arguably the greatest player ever, has died at the age of 82.

The Brazilian player is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.

Pele was the only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He was named FIFA’s Player of the Century in 2000.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has declared three days of national mourning.

Pele had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years. He had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento was born on 23 October 1940 in Tres Coracoes, a city in south-eastern Brazil.

His birth certificate states he was born on 21 October, but Pele insisted that was incorrect: “In Brazil we’re not so fussy about accuracy.”

He was named after the inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, because, according to Pele, electricity arrived at his home just before he did.

Later his parents dropped the “i” from his name.

He grew up in relative poverty in the city of Bauru, and contributed to the family income by getting part-time jobs in local cafes.

His father taught him to play soccer, but the family could not afford a ball – so the young Pele often kicked a rolled-up sock around the street.

He made his international debut against Argentina at the Maracana, where Brazil lost 2-1.

Their goal was scored by a 16-year-old Pele, making him the youngest player to score in an international.

His hopes of playing for Brazil in the 1958 World Cup seemed to have been dashed when he suffered a knee injury.

But his team-mates pressured the management to select him and he made his World Cup debut against the USSR.

Inevitably, he became the youngest player to score a World Cup goal, putting one past Wales in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-final, Brazil were leading 2-1 against France when Pele scored a second-half hat-trick to put the match beyond doubt.

It seemed he could do no wrong as he stroked two goals past Sweden in the final, as Brazil won 5-2.

Pele’s name is a brand,it is instantly recognised by those who have no interest in or knowledge of football.

He once even joked that there were only three truly international brands: Jesus, Coca Cola and Pele.

He was one of those rare figures who transcended his sport to become known across the world.

In later life, he struggled to overcome the effects of a hip operation: appearing in a wheelchair and often unable to walk.

Bomb Cyclone: North America Winter Storm Pushes Million into Darkness on Christmas Day

Diane A. Wade
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Bomb Cyclone: North America Winter Storm Pushes Million into Darkness on Christmas Day
Image source: PxHere

A massive winter storm left more than one million Americans and Canadians facing Christmas Day without power.

A bomb cyclone, when atmospheric pressure plummets, has brought snow, strong winds and freezing temperatures.

Nearly 250 million are affected, and at least 19 deaths have been linked to the storm that extends more than 2,000 miles from Quebec to Texas.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled during the festive period.

The western US state of Montana is the worst hit by the cold, with temperatures dropping to -50F.

Near white-out conditions have been reported in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan. In the city of Buffalo, New York state, the US National Weather Service (NWS) reported “zero mile” visibility.

In the Pacific Northwest, some residents ice-skated on frozen streets in Seattle and Portland.

Coastal flooding has been seen in America’s north-eastern New England region, inundating communities and downing power lines.

Even the usually milder southern states of Florida and Georgia are experiencing hard-freeze warnings.

The only region that has largely been spared the cold weather is California where continental mountain ranges are helping to protect the Golden State.

In Canada, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec were bearing the brunt of the Arctic blast.

Much of the rest of the country, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, was under extreme cold and winter storm warnings.

A number of the storm-related fatalities have involved road traffic accidents, including a 50-car pile-up in Ohio that killed four motorists. Another four died in separate crashes in the state.

Travel problems across the country were being exacerbated by a shortage of snowplough operators, with low pay rates being blamed.

The NWS says more than 100 daily cold temperature records could be tied or broken over the next few days.

3 Tips for Self Care After the Holidays

Kathryn R. Bown
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<strong>3 Tips for Self Care After the Holidays</strong>

The holiday season can be tough. From spending excessive amounts of money on presents for friends and family to traveling around the country to visit loved ones, the months surrounding the holiday season can be a lot for some people. After all the excitement of visiting family, opening gifts, and ringing in the New Year, it is understandable to feel drained. Taking the time to incorporate a little extra self care into your daily routine at the start of the year can help revive you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Keep reading to learn a few simple but effective tips for self-care after the long holiday months.

Image from PxHere
  1. Sleep

This might seem obvious, but many people do not get enough sleep in the months leading up to the Holiday season. From working around the clock to buy and wrap presents, decorating your home, preparing baked goods and even gourmet meals for guests, and traveling to visit friends and family, it’s normal to feel a bit deprived of sleep. For a few weeks after the holidays, free up your plans in the evening to allow for an early bed time, or give yourself permission to sleep in extra late. This is a great way to regulate your mental, physical, and emotional health, and give yourself the extra care you need.

  1. Treat Yourself

After spending months shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones, why not splurge on a little gift for yourself? Whether it’s the luxury hair tool you’ve been eyeing since before Christmas or skincare treatments from inhstl.com, don’t shy away from treating yourself to a physical gift or indulgent experience to reward yourself for pulling off the perfect Holiday season.

  1. Practice Mindfulness

Even after the holiday season has come to a close, you might find yourself dealing with leftover stress from dealing with the hustle and bustle of holiday prep. To help yourself unwind and regulate your emotions, it can be helpful to meditate in order to ground yourself and allow your mind to return to the present. If you’re new to meditation, there are plenty of tutorials and guided sessions you can follow on YouTube or even on special meditation apps like Headspace. If you are struggling to relax and unwind after the chaos of the Christmas season, doing a short, guided meditation can help immensely.

4 Ecommerce Tips for Improving Your Product Pages

Clyde K. Valle
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4 Ecommerce Tips for Improving Your Product Pages

When selling online, the product pages are perhaps some of the most important pages on your website. While you can wow with your homepage, about us page, and other pages on your site such as an informative business blog, the truth is that the product page is going to have one of the biggest impacts on your customers when it comes to them making the decision whether or not they want to buy from you. Because of this, improving your product pages is one of the most important things to do on a regular basis. Revisiting your product pages to ensure that they provide all the information that customers expect and are easy to use is crucial. Keep reading for some tips on how to improve your product pages.

Keep the Navigation Easy

Many eCommerce website owners focus heavily on making sure that it’s easy to navigate their site, but how easy are your product pages themselves to navigate? When designing a product page, it’s crucial to ensure that users are easily able to find their way around that page, especially if you are selling products that have a lot of specs and use different sections of the product page or a table with different tabs in order to provide users with all the information that they need on the product.

Add Reviews

While users can probably find reviews of your overall business and website online at Google and many other third-party review sites, it’s a good idea to add reviews to each product page, something that’s demonstrated well here by an online retailer focusing on bulk pricing. Adding the option for customers to leave a review on individual product pages is a great way to provide more information about the product itself, including what others think of it. Ultimately, being able to read the opinions of other customers on the specific product could be what encourages some users to add the product to their cart and buy it.

Use Product Videos

While online shopping is one of the most popular ways to buy things and it’s certainly here to stay for a long time, one of the drawbacks of shopping online is that customers do not have the chance to see the product in action, as they might if they were shopping at a retail store. While there is no way for eCommerce stores to offer the same kind of experience that they would be able to in-person, one of the best ways to get around this is to offer product videos. Videos are a great way for any product to be showcased in action, giving the customer a better idea of what to expect compared to if they were only viewing static images.

Keep Content Short and to the Point

When writing product descriptions for your product pages, it’s important to consider how much text you are using. If you are passionate about your products, it’s only natural that you might want to make sure that customers have as much information on them as possible. However, you should try to condense your product descriptions as much as possible and keep them short and to the point. Any further information, such as specifications, can be added further down the product page in a bullet point list or in a table for customers who are interested in learning more about them.

Good product pages are essential to getting more sales from your eCommerce store and turning visitors into paying customers. Regularly revisiting and improving your product pages is essential for any good eCommerce store. Keep these tips in mind if your product pages are in need of a revamp.

How Young Adults Can Better Manage Their Money

Clyde K. Valle
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How Young Adults Can Better Manage Their Money

Understanding how to manage your money can set you up for financial success, especially if you start building healthy habits as a young adult. Learning about some basic financial rules will help you make the most of your money.

Image source Max Pixel

Look for Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Spending

The lower your cost of living, the more likely you are to be able to save for other goals, like homeownership or retirement, even if you are working an entry-level position. Creating a budget can help with this. One of the most common monthly expenses for young adults is student loans. Making multiple payments each month can be a drain on your finances, and it can be hard to keep up with them, and if you miss one, it could impact your credit score. But refinancing your loans into one loan can simplify finances and reduce how much you have to pay each month.

Educate Yourself to Avoid Bad Advice

If you don’t know how to manage your money, you could fall victim to bad advice. Some may have bad advice, such as financial planners looking to benefit themselves. Others may have good intentions but not fully understand your circumstances. Some relatives may pressure you to buy a home, even if they don’t know you are in debt. Instead of taking this type of advice, educate yourself so you can be in charge of your finances yourself. Read up on personal finance and don’t let anyone throw you off track, whether it’s friends who want you to go out with them or a significant other who wants you to support them.

Create a Budget

One of the most common pieces of financial advice is to create a budget, which can prevent your finances from exceeding income. A budget is a personal spending plan that helps you see how much you have coming in and how much you have going out. As you track your spending, you may realize how much those little habits can add up. You might be too tired to cook at the end of a long day and find yourself ordering out.

However, unlike a raise at work, it is up to you what changes you choose to implement at home. Implementing changes, like cooking for yourself, can have a large impact on your finances. Keeping other monthly expenses low can help save even more. Even if you enjoy living in a place with many amenities, finding someplace simpler lets you put aside cash that might allow you to own a home much sooner than you expected.

Create an Emergency Fund

Saving money for your future can help you stay out of financial trouble, and it might give you greater peace of mind at night. Even if you have a tight budget, you can still make sure you are putting at least something toward your emergency fund. If you are already in the habit of putting aside money each month, you are less likely to treat your saving as optional.

Why Waterbrook Builders Is Getting So Many Negative Reviews

Nancy Clayson
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<strong>Why Waterbrook Builders Is Getting So Many Negative Reviews</strong>

Waterbrook Builders is a real estate development company based in South Florida. However, it serves clients all over Broward and Palm Beach County. Waterbook Builders has built homes in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano, Lighthouse Point, and many other cities across South Florida. The company is owned by Thomas Yianilos. The company has been building homes and commercial properties in South Florida for many years. However, the company has been getting a lot of bad press recently for homes Tommy Yianilos built that were so defective that two of his clients had to sue him and are battling with him to make over 1 million dollars in changes and repairs to their damaged homes before they are even able to move in according to court records and documents.

There are numerous complaints online about Waterbrook calling them crooks, scammers, ripoffs, and more. It’s important to note that this review is solely based on sharing the experiences of others who have used the builder and public court records that talk about the Tommy’s past bankruptcy filings and lawsuits. You can see the details at the Waterbrook Builders Complaint site that share the details.

Photo by Mohamed Hassan form PxHere

Bankruptcy History

In 2008, Waterbrook Builders filed for bankruptcy during the real estate market crash. In the Chapter 11 filing, Thomas Yianilos, a real estate developer and businessman, was listed as the principal signing. Chapter 11 calls for liquidation because an entity or individual lacks sufficient income to service their debts. In the Chapter 11 filing, Thomas Yianilos listed $10 million in company assets and $50 million in liabilities. The top unsecured creditor in the filing was Vercon Construction Company which was owed $3 million. Palm Beach County and the City of Boynton Beach came in second and third with claims of $129,000 and $47,000 respectively.

Pending Lawsuits

Waterbrook Builders has recently had some serious issues with their clients.  Some of the disgruntled clients have filed lawsuits in court against Thomas and the LLC. Currently, there are two notable pending lawsuits.

1. Jamie A. Danburg vs. Waterbrook Builders LLC

This pending lawsuit was filed electronically on November 19, 2021. So far, eSummons have been issued and a request for submission made. A motion to compel was submitted on February 3, 2022. The outcome of the case is yet to be determined.

2. James Verillo vs. Waterbrook Builders LLC

This is yet another pending lawsuit that was filed on October 4, 2021. It was filed electronically, but no other motion has been filed since then. The case is still pending in court.

More details regarding these two lawsuits can be obtained online. All you need to do is put your internet searching skills to good use.

Negative Reviews

A history of bankruptcy and pending lawsuits in court are two of the warning signs that consumers should always look for. However, customer reviews should also be read before a decision can be made. Yelp and Google Reviews are some of the most informative.

i) Jeff G. from Boca Raton, Florida

Jeff G. hired Tommy Yianilos and Waterbrook Builders LLC to build his home. On the first day of occupancy, Jeff discovered that he had a leaking shower. The water was leaking through the ceiling below. According to insurance adjusters and expert engineers, the leaks were due to poor installation of linear drains and shower pans by Waterbrook Builders.

ii) S. L. from Illinois

These business owners from Illinois hired Waterbrook Builders to build a house in Fort Lauderdale. The company gave them a lot of promises, which they were never able to fulfill. They claimed they would complete construction within 12 months, but 21 months later, the project was incomplete.

Golden Visa Options for Citizenship in the EU

Nancy Clayson
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<strong>Golden Visa Options for Citizenship in the EU</strong>

A lot of global citizens are attracted to the many opportunities the European Union offers. Golden Visa programs operated by some European countries are one particular way to help you get citizenship in the EU.

What is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is an immigration route by making an investment in a specific country that offers you and your family a temporary residency permit. Those with a Golden Visa in the EU can continue to renew as long as they keep their investment, or until they qualify for permanent residency. In general, the programs require either a capital transfer, investing in a local company, real estate acquisition, or a charitable donation that benefits the host country.

Basic requirements for EU Golden Visas:

Here are some most common requirements to apply for a Golden Visa in the EU:

●      You must be a non-EU citizen who is at least 18 years old

●      You must own and have proof of the funds you’re going to invest

●      The funds must be proved to be from a legal source

●      There should be no criminal record on you or your family

●      You must have resources to sustain yourself and your family for the time you plan to live in the EU country

●      A valid health insurance

Note: The specific requirements vary according to various countries.

The most popular Golden Visa options in the EU

Spain

The Golden Visa program was launched in Spain in 2013. After obtaining the visa, you can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years. To apply for citizenship, you need to spend majority of your time in Spain during the 10-year period.

Investment options for Spanish Golden Visa:

●      Make an investment of €500,000 or more in real estate

●      €2 million in Spanish government bonds

●      €1 million in bank deposits in a Spanish bank, or invest into a business

Portugal

The residency by investment program launched in 2012 is one of the most popular Golden Visas in Europe. It gives an opportunity to apply for citizenship or permanent residency after five years of getting your first residency card. The difference from the Spanish program is the very minimal stay requirement, you only have to spend on average seven days in the country.

Most popular routes to Portuguese Golden Visa:

●      Real estate purchase starting from €280,000

●      Making a €500,000 investment in an investment fund

Greece

The Greece Golden Visa has increased in popularity in recent years. There is no minimum stay requirement for residency. However, if you want to get a citizenship after 10 years, you’ll have to spend minimum 183 days in the country and become a tax resident for at least seven years. You’ll also have to pass a citizenship test.

Investment options:

●      A minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate

●      Capital transfer of €400,000

Some other European countries that offer Golden Visas

Ireland

Ireland is a popular choice because of its stable economy, technological advancements and better career options. However, the capital contribution needs to be at least €500,000 to get a Golden Visa, and there is no real estate purchase option. Additionally, your net worth needs to be at least €2,000,000.

After living in Ireland at least for five years, paying taxes and passing the test, you can get a citizenship. However, the investment only needs to be kept for 3 years. If permanent residency is your goal, then you only need to spend one day per calendar year in Ireland.

 Italy

To get the Golden Visa to Italy, you’ll have to make a donation or invest minimum €500,000 in an Italian company, or €250,000 if the company is a start-up. Similarly to the Irish program, you can’t acquire this visa via real estate purchase. Alternatively,  you can make a €1,000,000 donation towards education, research, arts, or heritage preservation.

This visa programme has a ten years citizenship requirement. After five years, you and your family can apply for permanent residency in Italy, and there is no need to keep the investment further from this point.

Malta

The Malta Golden Visa has two main routes through real estate: either buying or long-term renting property for a period of five years. The price depends on location, but the purchase price needs to be at least €300,000 and rent at least €10,000. Malta also offers attractive tax system.

Something to consider on top of the investment is high administrative fees in Malta. There’s one-time fee of €40,000 to Maltese government that everyone needs to pay, plus €28,000 when purchasing property, or €58,000 for renting.

Malta also offers a so-called Golden Passport program, where you can apply for citizenship after two or even one year by making an investment into national developement fund. For this, the investment amount is at least double starting from €600,000

There are more Golden Visa programs in Europe, but these have been the most favored ones offering permanent residency or citizenship options for nationalities outside the EU.

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