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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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Air miles are a type of credit card bonus related to airlines. The cardholder earns air miles with each purchase. An air miles credit card helps earn miles for every dollar spent and uses to book future flight trips in the first, economy, or business class cabin. The more you purchase, eat, and fly, the more air miles you earn.
Credit card companies work with airline companies to offer cards that reward customers for their purchases. Some businesses provide customers with a specific number of airline miles in exchange for applying for a credit card. Others allow customers to earn bonus miles for spending in specified categories. If you have a lot of flying points, you can use them to get a plane ticket. The air miles you earn depends on the terms of your credit card.
You can redeem your air miles points by finding airlines that allow you to use them. Several air miles programs have blackout dates. You cannot use your miles for travel during this time. These dates are usually close to major holidays when flight travel is at a peak.
An annual fee is charged by the majority of credit cards that provide air mile benefits. When using a card to purchase a flight ticket, have a look at the airfares, deals, and discounts. To make the most of your credit card, pay off the dues every month to prevent paying interest. Check to determine whether your air mile credit card is a smart buy.
How do air miles work?
If you’re looking for a way to save money on travel, a credit card that grants air miles is one possibility. Suppose your credit card requires 20,000 frequent flyer points to cover a domestic round-trip ticket. You will receive 5,000 air miles as a one-time bonus on opening the account. Each $1 spent on air travel earns you 10 air miles, whereas every $1 purchased elsewhere earns you two air miles.
Over six months, you would spend $1,200 on airline travel and $12,000 on some other expenses. Flying earns you 12,000 air miles, and additional purchases earn you another 12,000 air miles.
What are the advantages of having air miles credit card?
Domestic and international transactions allow you to accumulate miles redeemable for future flights. There is no necessity to spend much money when flying the next time. The total number of miles that you will obtain is limitless. Other perks include a free airport transfer service, travel insurance, and an airport lounge.
Some points to consider while selecting a mile credit card?
You are also required to keep these points in mind:
Mileage earning rate – How many air miles will you get for every dollar you spend?
What classes will provide you with the most mileage for your money?
How much is the yearly charge, and do you need to pay it?
Aviation partners – Would the bank provide a loyalty program?
For instance, the DBS Altitude Credit Card offers you flight miles accumulated that will never expire. The card rewards you with three air miles for every dollar spent on hotel and airline reservations online, two miles for every dollar spent abroad, and 1.2 miles for every dollar spent domestically. To add more, the card comes with a far greater earn rate of 10 miles for every $1 spent on Kaligo or Agoda, and 6 miles for every $1 spent on Expedia flight and hotel bookings.
Who are eligible for a mileage card?
Nothing beats collecting and using credits for a “free” flight if you enjoy traveling. Chasing miles can be a rewarding endeavour if you enjoy traveling. Can you not afford to pay more for a non-economy seat? A rewards card may enable you to buy a first-class ticket on Singapore Airlines. Several air miles credit cards also offer free lounge access.
A large-ticket purchase helps you to expedite your air miles journey, especially when combined with the bonus miles perks provided by some credit cards. Air miles credit cards are generally used for international travel but not for flying within the country.
It’s no secret that to achieve business goals, a successful marketing strategy is essential. But what many businesses don’t realize is just how important it is to have a well-thought-out and executed marketing plan. Without one, your business will undoubtedly struggle to reach its full potential.
This article will discuss the importance of having a successful marketing strategy in achieving business goals. It’ll also provide tips on how to create an effective marketing plan and outline some of the most common mistakes businesses make when it comes to marketing. So if you’re looking for ways to take your business to the next level, keep reading!
One of the most important benefits of having a successful marketing strategy is that it can help you to achieve better brand awareness. In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s more important than ever to make sure your target audience is aware of your brand and what you have to offer. A well-executed marketing plan will help you to reach a larger audience and create a positive association with your brand. SEO is the number one tool that will improve your brand visibility and awareness. By hiring a reliable SEO company, you can ensure that your website is ranking high for relevant keywords, making it more likely to be seen by potential customers. In addition to SEO, there are several other marketing channels you can use to reach your target audience and improve brand awareness. Social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing are all great options for reaching a wider audience and creating a positive association with your brand.
Generate More Leads
Another key benefit of having a successful marketing strategy is that it can help you generate more leads. To grow your business, you need to continuously bring in new leads. A well-executed marketing plan will help you attract more leads and convert them into customers. There are several different ways you can generate leads, but one of the most effective is through content marketing.
By creating high-quality blog posts, infographics, eBooks, and other types of content, you can attract new leads and encourage them to take action. In addition to content marketing, lead generation can also be achieved through SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing.
Improve Customer Retention
In addition to generating new leads, a successful marketing strategy can also help you improve customer retention. It’s not enough to just bring in new customers – you need to keep them coming back for more. A well-executed marketing plan will help you create long-lasting relationships with your customers. There are several different ways to improve customer retention, but one of the most effective is through email marketing.
By sending out regular newsletters, you can stay top of mind and keep your customers updated on what’s new with your business. You can also use email marketing to promote loyalty programs, special offers, and other initiatives that will encourage customers to keep coming back.
Increase Sales
S successful marketing strategy can also help you increase sales. This is the ultimate goal of any business, and a well-executed marketing plan is essential for achieving it. There are several different ways to increase sales, but one of the most effective is through content marketing. By creating high-quality blog posts, infographics, eBooks, and other types of content, you can attract new leads and encourage them to make a purchase. In addition to content marketing, lead generation can also be achieved through other digital marketing channels.
When And Where To Incorporate Traditional Marketing Strategies
Traditional marketing refers to any type of marketing that is not done online. This includes things like print ads, television commercials, radio ads, and more. While traditional marketing can be effective, it’s important to incorporate it into your overall marketing strategy. Traditional marketing should be used in addition to digital marketing, not as a replacement for it. There are several different ways to incorporate traditional marketing into your plan.
One way is to use it to supplement your digital marketing efforts. For example, if you’re running a social media campaign, you can also include print ads in local publications. This will help you reach a wider audience and maximize your results.
Another way to incorporate traditional marketing into your strategy is to use it to target a specific demographic. For example, if you’re trying to reach senior citizens, you might use traditional marketing channels like direct mail or print ads.
Why Content Is Crucial
Quality content, whether it be video, text, photo, or audio content, needs to be a key component of your marketing strategy. Not only does quality content give your brand an edge over competitors, but it also helps to build trust with potential and current customers. Some of the most prominent benefits of creating quality content include:
Improved SEO Rankings – This is because search engines like Google place high importance on relevant and keyword-rich content. When you create content that is optimized for search engines, you are more likely to rank higher in search results, which can lead to more website visitors.
Greater Engagement With Customers – By providing informative and interesting content, you encourage customers to interact with your brand. This interaction can lead to greater customer loyalty and conversions.
Increased Social Shares – Quality content is more likely to be shared on social media, which can help to increase your brand’s reach and expand your customer base.
Generates More Leads – Content that is relevant to your products or services, as well as your overall marketing strategy, can help generate leads for your business. By providing valuable information, you can encourage potential customers to contact you about your products or services.
A successful marketing strategy should include a mix of both traditional and digital marketing techniques. While digital marketing is essential for reaching a wide audience, traditional marketing can be used to supplement your efforts. Quality content should also be a key component of your strategy, as it can help improve your SEO rankings, engage customers, and generate leads. Whichever strategy you choose, make sure to monitor your results so you can adjust your plan as needed.
Former President Donald Trump has announced his presidential candidacy on November 15, declaring: “America’s comeback starts right now.”
At his Mar-a-Lago estate, Donald Trump, 76, said: “We have to save our country.”
His announcement comes as some fellow Republicans blame him for the party’s lacklustre performance in last week’s midterm elections.
President Joe Biden, who defeated Donald Trump two years ago, has said he may run for re-election in 2024.
Speaking to an invited crowd from the ballroom of his Mar-a-Lago private club in Palm Beach, Donald Trump said: “We are a nation in decline.
“For millions of Americans, the past two years under Joe Biden have been a time of pain, hardship, anxiety and despair.”
He continued: “In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.”
“Donald Trump” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
Shortly before the speech, the former president filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission formally declaring his presidential candidacy and setting up a fundraising account.
Meanwhile, outside Mar-a-Lago, supporters gathered to wave Trump 2024 flags.
Donald Trump’s speech lasted for more than an hour and touched on many of the same themes he has been repeating on stage for months.
These included border security, energy independence and crime, as well as attacks on Joe Biden’s record in office.
His wife, Melania Trump, joined him on stage at the end of the speech. But there were fewer family members present than at some of his past events and Ivanka Trump and Donald Jr did not attend.
At the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, President Biden was asked whether he had a reaction to Donald Trump’s announcement.
“No, not really,” he said. Last week, he was filmed laughing when a reporter suggested Donald Trump’s support base remained strong.
Donald Trump’s unusually early declaration for the election of November 5, 2024 is being seen as a tactic to steal a march on potential rivals for the Republicans’ White House nomination.
Although he is the first to enter the race and instantly becomes the front-runner, he is expected to face challengers.
They may include his own former VP Mike Pence, 63, and rising star Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 44.
In his remarks, Donald Trump largely steered clear of rehashing his baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him by mass voter fraud.
He left office after one term in 2021, refusing to acknowledge his defeat by seven million votes.
His debunked conspiracy theories riled up supporters who rioted at Capitol Hill in the final days of his presidency as lawmakers met to certify President Biden’s victory.
Donald Trump became the first president ever to be impeached twice, although congressional Democrats were thwarted in their bid to remove him from office by Senate Republicans.
Jay Leno says he is “OK” after being burned in a fire on November 12 when a vehicle at his Los Angeles garage burst into flames.
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire,” he said in a brief statement on November 14, adding: “Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”
The former host of The Tonight Show suffered burns to his face and hands.
Jay Leno was scheduled to appear at an event on November 13, but canceled due to a “serious medical emergency”.
According to TMZ, flames burned the left side of the comedian’s face, but “did not penetrate his eye or his ear”.
Jay Leno, 72, was taken to the Grossman Burn Center where he is continuing to receive treatment.
A spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement that Jay Leno “wants everyone to know that he is in stable condition and receiving treatment” for injuries from a gasoline accident in his garage over the weekend.
“He is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes [and] wants to let everyone know he is doing well.”
The Burbank Fire Department said in a statement it responded to an emergency call at 12:28 local time on November 12, where they “assessed and treated one adult male patient”.
Jay Leno left The Tonight Show in 2014. In 2015 he launched a TV programme called Jay Leno’s Garage, where he drives and discusses rare and vintage cars with celebrities.
In an episode last month, President Joe Biden appeared and raced a 1967 Stingray Corvette, reaching speeds of 118mph.
Jay Leno owns more than 180 vehicles, according to a US News & World Report magazine.
