Sunday, December 21, 2025
Newsletter
Home Blog Page 53

Don’t Let Cold Weather Stop Your Running Goals

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Don’t Let Cold Weather Stop Your Running Goals

Let’s be honest. When it comes to running, there’s almost nothing worse for your motivation than running in temperatures that make you want to crawl back in bed. In fact, for most of us during the cooler months, it can be easy to forego our training plans entirely in favor of staying cozy indoors. And while there’s always a time and place for cozy relaxing, when it comes to hitting our training goals, there’s nothing worse than breaking the promises we make to ourselves.

Thankfully, the Olympian-founded, ethically produced activewear brand, Boathouse Sports, has lots of great options for runners looking to upgrade their sportswear and seek new inspiration in order to reach their fitness goals this winter.

We have outlined some of our favorite items that are sure to help add motivation behind those chilly runs:

True North Unisex Waterproof Helium Ultra-Light Jacket

This jacket is the perfect addition to your runner’s uniform. The ultra-lightweight, packable, and reflective jacket provides waterproof and wind protection and features an adjustable hood with a cord lock. The Helium fabric also allows for a breathable, 2-say comfort stretch fit, making it the perfect final layer for your fit. It comes in a hi-vis yellow, which is great for staying safe during that early morning or late-night run.

Quarter-Zip Compression Top ($74)

If you’re looking for a non-bulky layer that provides maximal warmth, this compression top fits nicely under the Helium Ultra-Light Jacket or your preferred running jacket. The Quarter-Zip Compression Top, which is available for men and women, is made with form-fitting fabric that provides gentle compression that still allows for flexible movement, while wicking away moisture to keep you dry and warm.

Tailwind Hoodie ($98).
This Tailwind Hoodie has been a Boathouse classic for years, according to our sources. With a new year comes a new style, and this staple now comes with a fun navy swirl accent inside the hood. Whether you’re on a long run, in frigid temperatures, or need something cozy for active recovery, this piece is your catch all. The stretch-lite performance fabric is engineered to provide you with the flexibility and durability to meet all your training demands. And, when the wind gets bad, the raised neckline and Scuba hoodie provide unrestricting, 360-degree range of motion so you are able to take in all of your surroundings.

Boathouse Demin Wash Accel II Rowing Trou ($42),

Last but not least on the list is the iconic Trou, which comes in a fun denim wash – perfect to pair with the Tailwind Hoodie and that navy swirl hoodie. Trou may sound counter intuitive to the cold weather, but hear us out. If you are a runner, you know your glutes are one of the most valuable muscle groups in your body. It’s where the bulk of your power resides. Cold glutes can lead to slower pace and even worse, injury. Trou are one of my favorite layering hacks to protect my glutes during runs on colder days.  If you want to up your training game, add these to your running attire to perfect your training goals.

The best thing about Boathouse Sports apparel is that it is made by athletes for athletes, so you know you are getting a product that is designed to meet your fitness needs.

A Comprehensive List of Gifts For Women of Faith

Nancy Clayson
-
0
A Comprehensive List of Gifts For Women of Faith

Is your mother, daughter, best friend, or wife a woman of faith? Whether it is Christmas, her birthday, or a special anniversary, you want to get her a gift that not only celebrates her beliefs but also makes her feel loved and appreciated. Shopping for the religious woman in your life is easier than you think once you know what to look for. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of gifts for women of faith.

Image source: PxHere

Bible Covers

The Christian woman in your life probably cherishes her bible more than anything else. So she would really appreciate a bible cover to protect her most treasured possession. You will surely find one that appeals to her since they come in various colors and designs. Most covers come with a pocket that she can use for her highlighters or pens.

Prayer Journal

A prayer journal includes inspirational bible verses and blank pages which she can use in bible studies, to reflect on her prayers, or to write her thoughts. They are both durable and very stylish. To make this gift even more personalized, you can get her a nice engraved pen with the cross or the name Jesus on it.

Psalm Wall Art

Another perfect gift that she will surely love is Psalm wall art. It is usually a print or a canvas with a verse from the book of Psalms. It is a sweet gift that will remind her that God is always there and will bring her comfort in times of uncertainty. This wall art comes in different colors and sizes. 

Image source: PxHere

Rosary Beads

You can’t find a Catholic person of faith without a bead. They use it to count their prayers, thank God for His blessings, pray for someone, or to ask God for something. Naturally, you’d want to get her a stylish bead, and the different beads at this url are beautiful, modern, and made from natural materials. Rosary beads also come with a beautiful cross at their end. Every time she uses her new bead to pray, she will definitely think of you and pray for you as well.

Jewelry

All women love jewelry, and luckily there are many pieces that are perfect for a Christain woman. You can get her a cross necklace. They usually come in all materials like yellow gold, white gold, or silver. You can also opt for a necklace or bracelet with the scripture “I am with you always.” There are also beautiful bracelets with another beautiful scripture “Don’t fear, I am with you”. The options are limitless and she will surely fall in love with whatever you choose.

Our faith is very important to us. In the strange and uncertain times that we live in, we need to constantly be reminded that God’s love will save us. Any of the gifts mentioned here won’t only bring her comfort but will also make her feel accepted. She will know that you love her as she is and that you respect her faith. Anytime she turns to God to pray, she will remember your thoughtful gift and how special you have made her feel.

Ukraine Crisis: EU, US and Allies to Cut Off Some Russian Banks from SWIFT

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Ukraine Crisis: EU, US and Allies to Cut Off Some Russian Banks from SWIFT
Image source Wikimedia

The European Union, United States and their allies have agreed to cut off a number of Russian banks from the main international payment system, SWIFT.

A German government spokesman said: “This is intended to cut off these institutions from international financial flows, which will massively restrict their global operations.”

Russia is heavily reliant on the Swift system for its oil and gas exports.

However, the move could also harm Western businesses doing business with Russia.

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), is a secure messaging system that makes fast, cross-border payments possible, enabling international trade.

The banks set to be affected are “all those already sanctioned by the international community, as well as other institutions, if necessary”, the German spokesman said.

Russia-Ukraine War: France Seizes Russian-Flagged Ship Targeted by US Sanctions

Russia-Ukraine War: More European Countries Close Airspace to Russian Flights

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said the allies would stop Russia from “using its war chest,” by paralysing the assets of its central bank. They also agreed to freezing its transactions and prevent the central bank from liquidating its assets.

She added there would be a crackdown on so-called “golden passports” that “let wealthy Russians connected to the Russian government become citizens of our countries and gain access to our financial systems”.

UK PM Boris Johnson said Britain had taken “decisive action”, tweeting: “We will keep working together to ensure Putin pays the price for his aggression.”

The measures were agreed by the US, UK, Europe and Canada.

It is the latest round of sanctions to hit Russia since it launched an invasion of Ukraine this week.

Removing banks from Swift is deemed to be a severe curb because almost all banks use the system.

Russia-Ukraine War: France Seizes Russian-Flagged Ship Targeted by US Sanctions

Roy Siemens
-
0
Russia-Ukraine War: France Seizes Russian-Flagged Ship Targeted by US Sanctions
Image source: Getty Images

France has intercepted and impounded a Russian-flagged car cargo ship suspected of breaching sanctions imposed because of the invasion of Ukraine.

The Baltic Leader ship was heading from the north-western French city of Rouen to St Petersburg in Russia with a cargo of new cars.

It is being held at the Channel port of Boulogne.

According to the Russian state media, the vessel is owned by a subsidiary of a bank targeted in recent EU and US sanctions.

A regional French official said such a measure was rare, but called it a sign of firmness.

The U.S. says the ship was linked to the son of a former Russian spy chief, in one of the first visible displays of the West enforcing sanctions on Moscow over its Ukraine invasion.

The US Treasury Department has issued blocking sanctions against the vessel, saying it is owned by a subsidiary of Promsvyazbank, one of the Russian financial institutions hit by sanctions.

However, the bank has said it no longer owns the Baltic Leader. It told Reuters that the ship was sold to another firm before the sanctions were imposed.

French officials said they were checking whether the vessel was linked to Russian financial interests and that the crew were “being co-operative”.

The process could take up to 48 hours, they added.

The Russian embassy in Paris said it would send a note of protest to the French foreign ministry over the seizure.

Russia-Ukraine War: More European Countries Close Airspace to Russian Flights

Roy Siemens
-
0
Russia-Ukraine War: More European Countries Close Airspace to Russian Flights
Image source: Wikimedia

More European countries have closed their airspace to Russian flights, as Moscow faces rising pressure over the invasion of Ukraine.

Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia and Romania announced on February 26 they were banning some flights from Russia.

Russia earlier said it would close its airspace to flights from Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic after they issued a ban on Russian jets.

Meanwhile, Russian-owned planes can no longer enter UK airspace.

Estonian PM Kaja Kallas urged other EU countries to issue similar restrictions on Twitter, adding: “There is no place for planes of the aggressor state in democratic skies.”

Slovenian PM Janez Jansa quoted Kallas’s tweet saying that “Slovenia will do the same”.

Latvian Transport Minister Talis Linkaits also said on Twitter that “Latvia will close its airspace to Russian-registered airlines for commercial flights,” adding that the decision would be formally approved at the next cabinet meeting.

The restriction on Russian flights over large swathes of eastern Europe will require Russian airlines to take circuitous routes.

One Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Budapest on February 26 logged a flight time about 75 minutes longer than usual, according to the Flightradar24 tracking website, with a route avoiding Poland.

Commercial airlines are also avoiding airspace around Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus following Russia’s invasion. As the Kyiv airport is closed, many foreigners stuck in Ukraine cannot return home.

In the United States, Delta Air Lines said it would suspend a code-sharing agreement with Russia’s Aeroflot.

The UK’s ban on Russian flights, including Aeroflot planes and private jets, led Moscow to retaliate with a similar curb on British planes.

Virgin Atlantic said avoiding Russia would add between 15 minutes and an hour to its flights between the UK and India and Pakistan.

Ways to Save on a Mortgage Refinance

Dana R
-
0
Ways to Save on a Mortgage Refinance

When it comes to saving some money all of us jump right on board. If you can cut some costs off your variable rate mortgage you would be better off. Not just better off today, but for the long haul. That is, of course, if you approach the refinance correctly. The extra money that you can get, due to the increase in the value of your home, is calling to you. It is hard to resist, but you must refrain from making your life more hectic than it already is.

With that being said, lets go over a few tips that can help you stay on the correct path. Just remember, it is important to know why you need the mortgage refinance. It could mean the difference of taking out another 30-year loan, or not.

Mortgage House Loan Website Login Graphic Concept
Picture Details: https://www.rawpixel.com/image/806738/free-image-rawpixel
  • Increase Your Credit Score: You need to work on increasing your credit score and history. Every loan that you get will go off this number. Everything that you do that deals with the financial world revolves around this score. Do what you can to increase it as much as possible. You need to have some type of revolving credit, such as a credit card or two. Do not spend over 30% of your limits, otherwise it works against you. Charge some things. Pay it off in full each month. That is one way to increase your score, there are many other things that you can do.
  • Compare: The most important thing that you can do when looking to save on your mortgage refinance is to shop around. It may be beneficial to stay with the lender that you have a long history with, but you still need to shop around. You need to not only check the rates, but you need to ask, “What is a refinance home loan?” and “How will you help me?” It is your money, and your loan, so take the helm. That means you need to be in control of your own future, so if a mortgage lender is not willing to meet your needs, do not be afraid to move on to the next option. You do not owe anyone your business. They need to earn your time and money.
  • Cash-Out Mortgage Refinance: Unless this is why you are trying to get the loan you will want to refrain from taking the cash-out. It will give you some money that you can use, but you will once again increase the amount of money that you owe on your house. If your point is to pay off the loan sooner, or get a better interest rate to help you decrease some bills, you will want to borrow just enough money to pay off your current loan.
  • No-Closing Cost Mortgage Refinance: This is a viable route to take in some instances. For the most part, though, you will want to avoid this as well. Yes, it will prevent you from having to pay two or three percent on closing costs, but it will be added onto your interest rates. This way will usually cost you more in the long run, and since you are trying to save money on your refinance solution should avoid this tactic.

Trying to save money on your mortgage refinance loans can be a fantastic way to decrease your rates and your length of time to make payments. It can also be a terrific way to get yourself into trouble. Do not take a loan for more than you can pay off, and do not take advantage of some of the “offers” that the lenders will give you. Many of them sound good up front, but when trying to save money it may not be feasible to take an easy way out. As the old saying goes, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

We Must Stop Gun Violence!

James J. Williams
-
0
We Must Stop Gun Violence!
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Now and then, we come across fearful news of mass shootings and alarming gun violence. And, amidst all this, we must be aware of how we can control this violence. The timely information regarding gun violence is that there are some great ways by which we can handle this to a significant extent. In this essay, we are going to discuss how we can curb the raging pestilence of gun violence and stop the violence from spreading any further.

Without any shadow of a doubt, many people lose their lives by gun killings. And keeping all the other reasons away, we must prevent this before it goes out of hand for the sake of humanity only.

According to gun violence statistics, more than 30,000 people lose their lives every day worldwide due to a bullet lodged in their bodies.

We can not deny the fact that these deaths happen due to the lack of will by the governance or underinvestment aimed to prevent these killings.

Pass Gun Laws That Actually Reduce Gun Laws

Gun violence results from a lack of intervention of stern laws against it.

5% of the homicides are even done with military-grade rifles, which shows the flaws in the laws. According to gun control essay examples published in known magazines like JAMA, showed that countries with strict laws and restrictions against multiple and easy purchases of guns recorded lower rates of gun-related homicide.

The right-to-carry laws are becoming dangerous. The right to carry guns for citizens with evidential requirements has spiked killings by at least 15%.

Orders regarding gun-violence restraining is another point of attraction for lawmakers. This law will enforce a temporary bar on a person who seems at risk of possessing any firearms. Police are allowed to seize firearms whenever they want to.

These laws can certainly lower gun-related crimes, and many studies have proved it.

Nonetheless, the most prominent shortcoming of laws is that there are some evident loopholes to evade them. Gun killings have even crept their way to education sectors. Some weapons are being available to underage students. The news of gun violence in schools and colleges is simply heart-wrenching.

Photo by Jakson Martins from Pexels

Invest In Smart Gun Technology

In January 2013 press conference, U.S. President Barack Obama had said that “If we can set it up so you can’t unlock your phone unless you have got the right fingerprint, then why can’t we do the same for our guns?”

This particular saying from the President had spiked the idea of making smart gun technology. Guns are way smarter than they were before. Nowadays, firearms can be monitored, controlled, and regulated exactly like mobile phones. However, the technology is still under supervision and has a path to get more trustworthy. In fact, there are no smart guns as of yet in the United States.

The main concern behind this is that the gun makers, as well as the users, believe that the technology will fail during utmost requirement. And hence acceptance of smart guns is pretty low.

End Legal Immunity For Gun Violence

Federal laws have been protecting the gun industry.

There were lawsuits passed in the past that had certainly helped gun violence to increase. Experts say that if laws hold the manufacturers responsible for misusing any of their products, they will be instinctive towards making safer firearms.

Fund Gun Violence Prevention Research

More research on guns to make them safer will automatically lower the probabilities of violent homicides.

According to a study by American Medical Association, research regarding gun violence should have received 1.4 billion dollars, but currently, only 22 million dollars were funded to it. This is around 1.6% of the money they should have been received by now.

The yearly budget should a lot immediate hike in money expenditure in this field of research against firearm violence. 

Conclusion

We, along with our society, are being used to these types of violence day by day. Tragedies such as gun killings are homicides are being a sort of day-to-day routine.

But, this has to step one day or the other. If not completely stopped, we can try our best to prevent it to a significant extent. This is our right to enjoy a weekend in our house, send our children to playgrounds, go to offices, drive our cars back home and shop at shopping malls, stroll all around our loved city without any fear of being shot.

Hand-in-hand together, we can create an unfathomable barricade against gun-related violence and change our society for the better.

Australia Reopens International Borders After Two Years

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Australia Reopens International Borders After Two Years
Image source Public Domain Pictures

Australia is now reopening its borders tot the rest of the world for the first time in nearly two years, bringing joyful family reunions and a boost to tourism.

Australia imposed some of the world’s strictest travel bans after shutting itself off in March 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic.

Australians and some others were allowed to return from late last year, but most foreigners have had to wait.

On February 21, there were tearful reunions at Sydney Airport as hundreds of people began arriving on flights.

Double-vaccinated visitors do not need to quarantine, but unvaccinated travellers must do so in a hotel for up to 14 days at their own expense.

Novak Djokovic Set to Be Deported from Australia After Loosing Visa Battle

More than 50 international flights were due to land on February 21. Travellers can enter all states except Western Australia, which remains closed until March 3 and will require three jabs.

“What wonderful, wonderful news for our tourism industry and the 660,000 people employed in it,” said Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan

Australia had about 9.5 million overseas visitors in 2019.

Dan Tehan said he hoped for a strong rebound in the tourism sector, which has been hit by domestic travel bans too.

Australia’s strict measures drew criticism for separating families and stifling businesses, but they were also credited with preventing many deaths before vaccines were available.

Australia has had about 4,900 Covid deaths.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO1kTiIT0xk

Is Ketamine Therapy for PTSD the Right Option for You?

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
Is Ketamine Therapy for PTSD the Right Option for You?

Anyone who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will know that it can have a huge negative impact on their lives in many ways. If you want to avoid the many pitfalls of this condition, you need to ensure you seek medical assistance and get the right treatment for you. This can help to minimize the impact of PTSD on your day-to-day life, and it can make a huge positive difference in terms of your life quality.

Of course, people respond to different treatments for their health issues, and the same is true of PTSD. A lot of people these days turn to ketamine therapy for PTSD, and this has proven to be an ideal and very effective treatment for many. When you seek advice from your healthcare provider, they will look at various treatment options after you have been assessed. Some people are not familiar with ketamine therapy and are unsure whether it is the right option for them. In this article, we will look at some of the benefits to help you reach an informed decision.

Image source Wikimedia

The Benefits to Keep in Mind

In order to determine whether ketamine therapy for PTSD is the right option for you, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the benefits. Some of the main ones are:

Many People Achieve Success

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to this treatment is that many people have achieved success with it even after other treatments have failed. The response rate with this treatment is very good, and this means that you may find it is ideal for you even if you have tried other treatments and found them to be ineffective. The high success rate is one of the things that makes this treatment an appealing option for a lot of sufferers.

It Helps with Many Symptoms

There are many serious symptoms associated with PTSD, and these can prove to be debilitating and distressing. From hypervigilance and emotional detachment to sleep problems, aggressive behaviors, and self-harm, there are lots of negative ways in which this condition can affect your life. The right treatment can help to combat and control many of these serious symptoms, which means that you can get your life back on track. Ketamine therapy has proven to be very effective in helping those who experience symptoms such as these.

You Benefit from Greater Ease and Convenience

One of the other benefits to keep in mind is that ketamine therapy offers ease and convenience, as it can be administered at home. Many people who suffer from PTSD struggle to go out and get treatment at unfamiliar facilities with strangers. However, with this treatment, it can be administered in the safety, comfort, and security of your own home, which makes it a far better option for a lot of people with this condition.

These are some of the many benefits that you should keep in mind if you are still unsure about ketamine therapy.

Business Advice: How to Make the Move From Contractor to CEO

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Business Advice: How to Make the Move From Contractor to CEO

Being a contractor can be a pretty lucrative source of income. If you’re working freelance, you most likely get to work at your own pace, choose which projects to work on, and go on leave when you need or want to. It’s a dream job for many, especially if the goal is to be your own boss. But if this is indeed your professional goal, why not go all the way and make the move from contractor to CEO?

Having the CEO title can elevate your contractor position in more ways than one. You get to own the business, build a team of your own, and manage the firm from the four corners of your executive office. However, before you get to the glamorous part, you first need to figure out how to make the move efficiently. (1)

Adopting the CEO mindset

If you are ready to take the leap into becoming the CEO of your own business, you’ll need confidence in your own ability and a highly focused strategy.

To give you a head start, here are some contractor business tips to help you along the way:

  • Invest in the right digital tools

Nowadays, few businesses can thrive without the help of digital tools and platforms. If you’re in the roofing industry, or any field service sector for that matter, software like the one offered by Jobber can streamline your internal workflows and processes. Your productivity on other tasks can be increased, as well as the quality of your overall output. If you’re considering making the move to setting up your own business, you would be well advised to invest in the right technology that can make this easier for you. (2)

No matter what contractor industry you may be in, you’ll be able to find bespoke resources designed specifically for your business niche. (2)

  • Start building a great team

A company needs its own set of employees that’ll help you complete jobs, market the business, take care of recruitment, and much more. As you make the transition from being a contractor to CEO, start scouting for your team as early as you can. Remember that you’ll need to hire not just other contractors but also professionals that’ll be able to take care of different specialisms in your company, including human resources, accounting, customer relations, and marketing. (1)(3)

Be thorough when recruiting new members of your team, as you want your employees to represent your business. For that reason, they should be highly skilled and experienced enough for the position they’re applying for.

  • Be consistent with your marketing efforts

Marketing your services will be very different now that you’ll be embarking on a new journey as an entrepreneur. While word of mouth still proves to be effective on so many levels, there’s no harm in strategizing your marketing efforts so you can reach a wider audience. You can tap into the power of digital marketing, specifically social media, SEO, and content marketing. To create better awareness, and ensure your company’s mission and vision align with your ads and campaigns. (1)

  • Keep on improving yourself

Now that you’re about to become a CEO, it’ll take more than your contractor expertise to keep your company afloat, let alone to make it profitable and a success. It would be highly beneficial on your end if you could invest in education, training, and upskilling to equip yourself with the right skills and business acumen.

If acquiring a college degree seems too daunting for you, you can consider short online courses that major in business and management. That way, you can continue learning and improving yourself, allowing you to gain the right mindset and sharpness that a CEO should possess in the long run. (4)

  • Widen your social and business circle

As a contractor, you know that connections and networking can go a long way in getting new leads and clients. The same goes when you’re already the head of a company. You’ll be rubbing elbows with other businesspeople, and you should take every opportunity you can get to build a strong network. (5)

Fortunately, there are several networking events for entrepreneurs you can attend. City council meetings, industry events and seminars, luncheon or breakfast meetings, trade shows, as well as fundraisers are some of the things you can participate in. These will inevitably lead you to get more connections that might help your business grow. (3)(5)

Final words

Making the move from contractor to CEO is no easy feat. Don’t let the challenge discourage you, though, because, as they say, fortune favors the bold. The decision to start your own company could be a brilliant one that may lead to more stability, professional growth, and financial freedom. Hopefully, the above-mentioned tips can help you stay in the right lane.

References

  1. “6 Tips For Growing Your Contractor Business”, Source: https://www.youngupstarts.com/2018/01/30/6-tips-for-growing-your-contractor-business/
  2.  “15 Tips for Growing a Long-Lasting Contractor Business”, Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/285633
  3. “Top 10 Rules Adopting A CEO Mindset In Your Small Business”, Source: https://ceoentrepreneur.com/top-10-rules-adopting-a-ceo-mindset-in-your-small-business/
  4. “How To Become A CEO: These Are The Steps You Should Take”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christianstadler/2015/03/12/how-to-become-a-ceo-these-are-the-steps-you-should-take/?sh=565591bf1217
  5. “It’s the CEO Mindset that will Make Your Business Grow”, Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/339041

5 Ways on How to Improve Sleep Quality

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
5 Ways on How to Improve Sleep Quality

Sleep has a significant impact on one’s life as it ensures mental and physical well-being. However, sometimes it’s not possible to get good quality and quantity of sleep, and this can make you feel groggy and drained. There are many factors that can contribute to poor sleep quality, and you can always take some measures to overcome them. For example, if you have sleep anxiety, specifically engineered weighted blankets for adults can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety for deep, restorative sleep.

Below, we have mentioned five ways that can help you improve your sleep quality naturally and fall asleep instantly. Keep reading to know!

1.   Limit the Intake of Unhealthy Foods and Drinks before Bedtime

Unhealthy fast food can cause stomach acidity and heartburn, which can disrupt a good night’s sleep. Hence, it’s vital to replace unhealthy food or even snacks with healthy ones by evening. You should also not binge on food as this can make you feel super full and uncomfortable.

Additionally, you should completely restrict the consumption of caffeine and caffeinated drinks because they are sleep inhibitors. Natural, fresh juices or simply water are excellent alternatives.

2.   Create a Soothing and Adequate Sleep Environment

Usually, the ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool. However, it can vary from person to person, so you should create an environment that best suits your preferences.

The use of dark blinds, an air conditioner, earplugs, and a white noise machine can all make the perfect sleep environment for you. You should also never overlook the importance of comfortable bedding.

3.   Limit Daytime Naps

It’s true that power naps can immediately recharge and rejuvenate your body. However, you should only limit your naps to “naps”. Typically, naps shouldn’t be more than 20 minutes, and if your “naps” exceed this time limit, then your sleep cycle will be disrupted. 

In return, you will feel exhausted, cranky, and confused. Moreover, you will also have to go through countless tosses and turns at night before finally dozing off.

4.   Follow Your Sleep Schedule

Just like your muscles get trained enough to not get sore after a few months of working out, the same is the case with your brain. After a while, your brain gets trained on when it goes to sleep and wakes up. This is basically called the circadian rhythm.

A healthy recommended sleep quantity is seven to eight hours for adults. So, you should make sure to sleep and get up at a certain time. For instance, if you sleep at 11 at night, you should always wake up at 7 in the morning. You shouldn’t get off track on holidays and weekends in order to maintain your circadian rhythm.

5.   Deal With Your Worries and Anxiety

Most of the time, you are not able to fall asleep quickly because of several stress factors. It could be related to your work or personal life.

Whatever it is, you need to make sure you deal with them before going to bed. Otherwise, your brain will be active, and your sleep quality will be adversely affected. You can either journal or meditate before going to bed to resolve your worries and anxiety.

If you’re depressed or you have any other mental health issue that is making you sleep-deprived, it’s important to visit a therapist as they can understand you better and help you cope with your issues easily.

How Art Investment Funds Work

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
How Art Investment Funds Work

Perhaps you’re interested in using an art investment fund to participate in the art market, but you’re a little cloudy on the basics.

Here’s how art investment funds work.

What is an Art Fund?

Essentially, art funds are privately offered investment funds that seek to generate returns through the buying, holding, and selling of art. As compensation, they are paid a management fee, as well as a percentage of the returns the fund delivers.

Beyond that, each art fund has its own characteristics, including size, strategies, holding duration, and portfolio restrictions. Also note that investors are dependent on the fund in terms of art selection and strategy. They have no independent say in terms of how any of that is handled.

Image source Max Pixel

What Art Fund Managers Do

Investment management firms are typically made up of a blend of established art market professionals and investment advisors. Because art fund managers usually have capital of their own invested in the funds they manage, they line up their interests with those of their investors’. Or, said more precisely, potential investors can usually find a fund that lines up with their interests.

Fund managers’ responsibilities include:

— Looking for prospective acquisitions

— Raising fund capital

— Handling investor relations

— Taking care of fund administrative compliance 

— Providing loans to museums and mounting exhibitions to promote the portfolio 

— Storing and insuring the works

— Monitoring the art market as well as the fund’s artists

— Tending to the orderly disposition of the fund’s portfolio 

How Fund Managers Are Paid

Performance primarily determines the fees fund managers receive. Usually, such annual fees are between 1% and 3% of either the portfolio’s net asset value or the overall fund investors’ capital commitments. Art fund managers usually also charge a performance fee that comes out to 20% of any profits from the art portfolio’s disposition.

Art Fund Investment Strategies

There are an almost unlimited variety of strategies that managers can employ to invest in art.  Why? Because they differ from mutual funds and the like in that contract or law does not restrict them. The fact is that most art fund managers use varied strategic approaches in order to capitalize on opportunities and market trends.

It’s a Growing Marketplace

Most of the growth over the last few years has been pegged to investors’ collective realization that the art market continues to benefit from marked price appreciation. Meanwhile, traditional investments in stocks and bonds over the last decade or so have yielded comparatively lower returns. 

The number of art funds is also proliferating because of the recognition that, unlike with stocks, art investment is not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. What’s more, the investor community sees that the lack of art market regulation offers unique investment opportunities.

Further, because an art fund manager’s compensation is largely tied to performance, excellent art market professionals are increasingly opting to go the art fund route. This enables them to share in pay arrangements that can surpass those of more conventional positions.

Now that you know how investment funds work, you can decide whether such an investment is right for you. Scores of investors do very well with such art funds, and as you can see, the number of art investment funds continues to increase.

Even better, you get all of the benefit of art as an investment, without the concerns of physically owning and caring for and exceptionally valuable work of art on your own. There are security concerns, maintenance concerns and insurance concerns with which you must contend.  This approach gets you the return on the investment, while sparing you the efforts associated with owning rare and valuable works of art.

The Best Way to Consolidate Your Bills

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
The Best Way to Consolidate Your Bills

If you’re having a challenging time juggling your bills, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average expenditure of a U.S. household was $61,334 annually. Of those bills, 9 of the 14 major expenditures rose in 2020 and continue to rise. With the rise in costs, people are looking for helpful ways to cut and consolidate bills. However, finding the best way to consolidate your bills isn’t easy.

Image source: Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

Does Bill Consolidation Work?

Bill consolidation works as long as you don’t use the opportunity to spend more money. When you consolidate bills, you group enough of your bills together to make payments more manageable. Rather than working with different creditors, varying interests rates, and due dates, bill consolidation organizes it all into one fixed monthly payment, as you’ll learn at https://www.bills.com.

Step One: Start to Consolidate Bills

To consolidate bills, you must know the extent of your debt and how much income you have to meet those payments. You’ll have to list your credit cards, loans, and understand what their interest rates are. In addition, you’ll identify your sources of income and compare them to your monthly payments.

Step Two: Choose a Debt-Relief Option

Fortunately, there exists a variety of options to help you consolidate bills. The challenging part is choosing the right one for your situation. The following are the most common options for bill consolidation.

Balance Transfer Credit Card

A balance transfer credit card is a great choice for someone with a small amount of debt on high-interest credit cards. Credit cards with high interest rates can quickly drown you in balances if you’re not extremely careful. Data shows that 98% of credit cards charge hefty late fees and penalties. Using a balance transfer card to lower interest rates and make payments manageable work to consolidate bills from credit cards.

Bill Consolidation Loan

A bill consolidation loan is typically a personal loan from a bank. After taking out the bill consolidation loan, you would use the money to pay off the balance for credit card bills or other high-interest loans. The interest rates for bill consolidation loans rely on your credit score and you must meet the lenders qualifications.

Personal Loan from Friends and Family Members

Most people choose not to borrow money from friends or family members because it can risk relationships if things go south. That said, a personal loan from someone you know is an affordable way to help consolidate bills, especially if your credit is less than perfect. Making the loan more formal — by creating a promissory note, repayment plan, and even an interest rate — can help to make borrowing less from friends or family less awkward.

Home Equity Loan

If you own a home, you might have the option of using it to consolidate bills. A home equity loan uses your home as collateral for a loan. What makes home equity loans appealing are their interest rates, as they’re typically lower than those used for credit cards and car loans. Before looking into a home equity loan, however, you should know that defaulting could result in home foreclosure.

Debt Management Program

A debt management program is not a loan and you don’t need to put up your home as collateral. Rather, a debt management program helps your assess your finances, create a budget, and help you determine how to pay off your debt in a reasonable amount of time. Credit counselors answer your questions about the program and reach out to your creditors for you. The debt management program works with you to devise an affordable monthly payment, and they disburse these funds to pay your bills.

The Final Step: Making it Happen

Choosing a path to consolidate bills is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re looking for debt relief, Bills.com can answer your questions and help you choose the best way to consolidate your bills.

Oscar Nominations 2022: Full List

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Oscar Nominations 2022: Full List

The 94th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will honor the best films released between March 1 and December 31, 2021, and is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, on March 27, 2022

Here is the full list of this year’s Oscar nominations:

Best picture

  • The Power of the Dog
  • West Side Story
  • Belfast
  • Dune
  • Licorice Pizza
  • King Richard
  • CODA
  • Don’t Look Up
  • Drive My Car
  • Nightmare Alley

Best actress

  • Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter
  • Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos
  • Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye
  • Kristen Stewart – Spencer
  • Penelope Cruz – Parallel Mothers

Best actor

  • Will Smith – King Richard
  • Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog
  • Andrew Garfield – Tick, Tick… Boom!
  • Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth
  • Javier Bardem – Being the Ricardos

Best supporting actress

  • Ariana DeBose – West Side Story
  • Kirsten Dunst – The Power of the Dog
  • Aunjanue Ellis – King Richard
  • Dame Judi Dench – Belfast
  • Jessie Buckley – The Lost Daughter

Best supporting actor

  • Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Power of the Dog
  • Ciarán Hinds – Belfast
  • Troy Kotsur – Coda
  • Jesse Plemons – The Power of the Dog
  • JK Simmons – Being the Ricardos

Best director

  • Jane Campion – The Power of the Dog
  • Paul Thomas Anderson – Licorice Pizza
  • Steven Spielberg – West Side Story
  • Sir Kenneth Branagh – Belfast
  • Ryusuke Hamaguchi – Drive My Car

Best original screenplay

  • Licorice Pizza – Paul Thomas Anderson
  • Belfast – Sir Kenneth Branagh
  • King Richard – Zach Baylin
  • Don’t Look Up – Adam McKay (story by McKay and David Sirota)
  • The Worst Person in the World – Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt

Best adapted screenplay

  • The Power of the Dog – Jane Campion
  • The Lost Daughter – Maggie Gyllenhaal
  • CODA – Sian Heder
  • Dune – Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth
  • Drive My Car – Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Takamasa Oe

Best animated feature

  • Encanto
  • Luca
  • The Mitchells vs the Machines
  • Flee
  • Raya and the Last Dragon

Best documentary feature

  • Summer of Soul
  • Flee
  • Ascension
  • Attica
  • Writing with Fire

Best international feature

  • Drive My Car (Japan)
  • The Worst Person in the World (Norway)
  • Flee (Denmark)
  • The Hand of God (Italy)
  • Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan)

Best original song

  • No Time to Die – No Time to Die (Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell)
  • Dos Oruguitas – Encanto (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
  • Be Alive – King Richard (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Dixson)
  • Belfast – Down to Joy (Van Morrison)
  • Somehow You Do – Four Good Days (Diane Warren)

Best original score

  • The Power of the Dog – Jonny Greenwood
  • Dune – Hans Zimmer
  • Don’t Look Up – Nicholas Britell
  • Encanto – Germaine Franco
  • Parallel Mothers – Alberto Iglesias

Best cinematography

  • Dune – Greig Fraser
  • The Power of the Dog – Ari Wegner
  • The Tragedy of Macbeth – Bruno Delbonnel
  • Nightmare Alley – Dan Laustsen
  • West Side Story – Janusz Kaminski

Best visual effects

  • Dune – Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor, Gerd Nefzer
  • Free Guy – Swen Gillberg, Bryan Grill, Nikos Kalaitzidis, Dan Sudick
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home – Kelly Port, Chris Waegner, Scott Edelstein and Dan Sudick
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Christopher Townsend, Joe Farrell, Sean Noel Walker and Dan Oliver
  • No Time to Die – Charlie Noble, Joel Green, Jonathan Fawkner, Chris Corbould

Best film editing

  • Dune – Joe Walker
  • The Power of the Dog – Peter Sciberras‎
  • Don’t Look Up – Hank Corwin
  • King Richard – Pamela Martin
  • ick, Tick… Boom! – Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum

Best costume design

  • Cruella – Jenny Beavan
  • Dune – Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan
  • West Side Story – Paul Tazewell
  • Nightmare Alley – Luis Sequeira
  • Cyrano – Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran

Best sound

  • Dune – Mac Ruth, Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett
  • West Side Story – Tod A Maitland, Gary Rydstrom, Brian Chumney, Andy Nelson and Shawn Murphy
  • No Time to Die – Simon Hayes, Oliver Tarney, James Harrison, Paul Massey and Mark Taylor
  • Belfast – Denise Yarde, Simon Chase, James Mather and Niv Adiri
  • The Power of the Dog – Richard Flynn, Robert Mackenzie and Tara Webb

Best production design

  • Dune – Patrice Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos
  • Nightmare Alley – Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau
  • West Side Story – Adam Stockhausen and Rena DeAngelo
  • The Tragedy of Macbeth – Stefan Dechant and Nancy Haigh
  • The Power of the Dog – Grant Major and Amber Richards

Best make-up and hairstyling

  • The Eyes of Tammy Faye – Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh
  • Dune – Donald Mowat, Love Larson and Eva von Bahr
  • Cruella – Nadia Stacey, Naomi Donne and Julia Vernon
  • Coming 2 America – Mike Marino, Stacey Morris and Carla Farmer
  • House of Gucci – Goran Lundstrom, Anna Carin Lock and Frederic Aspiras

Best live action short

  • Ala Kachuu – Take and Run
  • The Dress
  • The Long Goodbye
  • On My Mind
  • Please Hold

Best animated short

  • Affairs of the Art
  • Bestia
  • Boxballet
  • Robin Robin
  • The Windshield Wiper

Best documentary short

  • Audible
  • Lead Me Home
  • The Queen of Basketball
  • Three Songs for Benazir
  • When We Were Bullies

Rayan: Moroccan Boy Retrieved from Well, But His Condition Is Unclear

Roy Siemens
-
0
Rayan: Moroccan Boy Retrieved from Well, But His Condition Is Unclear

Moroccan rescuers retrieved a 5-year-old boy from a well where he had been stuck for five days, state media reported late on February 5, but it was not clear if he had survived the ordeal.

They worked through the night to reach the boy, named by local media as Rayan, who plunged 32m (104ft) through the well’s narrow opening four days ago.

Rescuers said they were in an access tunnel less than a metre from the boy.

Fears of a possible landslide complicated the task. At that moment, a rescue official was unsure Rayan was still alive.

Chief rescuer Abdelhadi Tamrani told AFP that the camera showed him from behind lying on his side.

“It is not possible to determine the child’s condition at all at this time. But we hope to God that the child is alive,” he told local TV.

Footage on February 3 from a camera lowered into the well showed that Rayan was alive and conscious, although he appeared to be suffering from some minor head injuries.

Rescue workers have lowered an oxygen mask, food and water into the well but it was unclear whether the boy had been able to use the supplies.

A medical team is also on site, ready to treat the boy. A helicopter has also arrived at the scene.

The rescue effort has gripped the North African country for days, and thousands have gathered at the scene and have been encouraging rescuers.

The mixture of rocky and sandy soils has meant rescuers deem opening the water well’s narrow shaft to be too dangerous.

Instead, bulldozers were used to cut a huge trench next to the well. Rescuers then started digging horizontally to reach the boy.

Image source: Getty Images

Led by Morocco’s Civil Protection Directorate, rescue operations in the small northern town of Tamorot, around 60 miles from the city of Chefchaouen, have been ongoing since February 1.

Rayan’s father was repairing the well at the time of the accident, and has said he and Rayan’s mother were “devastated and very worried”.

“In that one moment I took my eyes off him, the little one fell into the well. I haven’t slept a wink,” he told news site le360 on February 2.

Speaking to Moroccan media with tears in her eyes, Rayan’s mother said: “The whole family went out to look for him. Then we realised that he’d fallen down the well. I’m still keeping up hope that we’ll get him out alive.”

On Moroccan social media, the #SaveRayan has been trending across the country as thousands of people have followed updates from local media and onlookers at the scene.

Mike Pence: “President Trump Was Wrong to Seek to Overturn Biden Win”

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Mike Pence: “President Trump Was Wrong to Seek to Overturn Biden Win”
Photo Getty Images

Mike Pence has dismissed claims by Donald Trump that he could have stopped Joe Biden becoming president.

In his strongest rebuttal yet, the former vice-president said Donald Trump was wrong to suggest he had had the right to overturn the election.

Separately the Republican Party censured two of its top lawmakers for investigating the Capitol riots.

A mob stormed the Capitol as lawmakers met to confirm President Joe Biden’s poll win on January 6, 2021.

Four people died during the riots, and a police officer who suffered two strokes while defending the building died the following day.

The two legislators, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, are the only Republicans on a congressional select committee investigating the riots.

The statement by the Republican National Committee (RNC) accused Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger of helping to persecute “ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse”.

The RNC appeared to suggest rioters had been involved in legitimate political actions but RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel clarified that it was a reference to “legitimate political discourse that had nothing to do with violence at the Capitol”.

Who Stormed Capitol Building?

According to recent reports, the vote was passed by an overwhelming majority of the 168 RNC members at their winter meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The committee said it would “immediately cease any and all support of them” as party members without removing them from the party.

Both lawmakers issued statements in advance of the vote.

“The leaders of the Republican Party have made themselves willing hostages to a man who admits he tried to overturn a presidential election and suggests he would pardon January 6 defendants, some of whom have been charged with seditious conspiracy,” Liz Cheney said.

They also received support from other opponents of Donald Trump in the party. 

Senator Mitt Romney tweeted: “Shame falls on a party that would censure persons of conscience, who seek truth in the face of vitriol.”

Speaking in Orlando, Florida, Mike Pence was responding to Donald Trump’s comments on January 30 that he could have overturned the election if he had wanted to.

Donald Trump has falsely claimed that the election was stolen by Joe Biden.

Days later Donald Trump said the select committee should be investigating Mike Pence instead of the rioters.

Mike Pence responded: “President Trump is wrong. I had no right to overturn the election. The presidency belongs to the American people, and the American people alone.

“And [current Vice-President] Kamala Harris will have no right to overturn the election when we beat them in 2024.”

5 Hacks for Reaching Your Summer Fitness Goals

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
5 Hacks for Reaching Your Summer Fitness Goals

Have you set a variety of fitness goals for yourself that you want to achieve by summer? Are you hoping to feel and look your best so you can enjoy all summer has to offer? If so, there is no time like the present to get started on reaching those goals. They can seem a bit intimidating at first, which is why it’s a good idea to have some basic tips and hacks that you can embrace to help you achieve them. Here are five you can get started with.

Image by Wenisa Ng from Pixabay

Make Sure Your Goals are Realistic

The first tip is to ensure the goals are realistic. That doesn’t mean they have to be small goals; it just means they need to be realistic. There needs to be a clear path that makes reaching that goal possible. Just remember, if you reach your goal early, you can always reassess and tweak your goal.

Create a Workout Plan

In order to reach your fitness goals, it will be absolutely necessary to include working out. Even if you don’t need or want to lose weight, working out will help to build endurance, strength, balance, flexibility and tone your muscles. All of these factors will better your health. On the same note, it’s important to recognize that working out doesn’t have to be done at the gym since there are many effective workouts you can do at home.

For newbies that haven’t created a workout plan in the past, it can be helpful to use a workout app. They can provide tips and suggestions where training and exercise is concerned. They will track your activity, you can set reminders and goals, and you can use the app as a motivational tool.

If you want to make your workout fun yet effective you can try such activities as:

  • Biking
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Dance classes
  • Yoga

The goal should be at least 30 minutes of continuous activity, at least four times a week.

Look into Supplements That Can Help

You may also want to look into supplements that can help you to achieve your goals faster and more effectively, such as Turk. Look for things that can build muscle and improve your strength, which will allow you to get more from your workout. Other supplements that can help you to achieve your fitness goals include:

  • Fish oil
  • Creatine
  • Vitamin D
  • Protein
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin K2

Find Yourself a Workout Buddy

For many people, the problem isn’t a lack of a plan or lack of realistic goals; it’s lack of motivation. It’s very easy to put things off, tell yourself you’ll work out the next day, or that your workout doesn’t need to be so long or intense. One of the best ways to create accountability is to find a workout buddy that has similar goals. The two of you can motivate each other, keep each other focused and celebrate each other’s achievements.

If you don’t have someone that can act as a workout buddy, try a workout forum online or, again, use one of the workout/health based apps that have a community feature in them. A digital workout buddy can still be effective.

Change Your Diet

The final hack is to change your diet. This doesn’t mean you need to embrace the latest fad diet; instead, it means eating a healthy well-balanced mix of foods. Pay close attention to portion sizes to ensure you’re not eating too many calories per day.

By using each of these hacks you’ll be well on your way to reaching your summer fitness goals in time for the warm weather.

Self-Care Advice for Living in California

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Self-Care Advice for Living in California

Whether you have lived in California all your life, or have recently moved, there may be a number of things that you love about the state. However, at times, it is normal to feel despondent, especially if local or national news, or even your own personal problems, get you down. There are a number of ways that you can take better care of yourself while making the most of what California has to offer. In doing so, you could really boost your overall wellbeing and even fall in love with your state all over again.

Cutting down on going out can be a great way of making yourself feel that bit more financially secure, and could even help to reduce some of the strain on your family. Rather than attempting to take on more work, or even a second job, to get by, you could consider your current bills and figure out which could benefit from a significant change.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Switching to pay-per-mile insurance in California can be one way to make a big difference in your household. This can reduce the amount you pay for your insurance premium simply by using telematics to figure out how much driving you actually do. Many traditional policies could simply set out a blanket price for a number of miles which, more often than not, you may have estimated greater than you actually do. Saving tens, if not hundreds, of dollars on your car insurance could cause less stress, meaning you may feel better within yourself, and even have fewer problems sleeping.

Another form of self-care that you could certainly undertake while living in The Golden State can be to get plenty of fresh air and exercise. While there are a number of gyms and leisure facilities throughout the state, sometimes it can be a good idea to venture into the great outdoors. California has many areas of natural beauty that can be perfect for hiking. You could opt to find some inner peace on a waterfall trail, ground yourself next to the mighty Redwood trees, or even take an amble with your family along some of the gorgeous coves and beaches. Getting yourself outside, and engaging in physical activity, could help your body to release endorphins, which can make you feel a lot happier.

It is quite well-known that California can be a hotspot for celebrities to live in. This does not, however, mean that you need to keep up with all the fashions and trends. It can be difficult to see others having luxuries, especially if you live or work in a city that is known for excess, or people having a lot of money. Attempting to mirror their lifestyle choices could make you feel low, or even cause you severe financial strain. Opting to reduce how much you follow celebrity culture, and finding ways to feel more confident with who you are, could allow you to still appreciate living in a star-studded environment, without the need to feel self-conscious.

Practicing self-care can help you to feel better about yourself. This could involve considering your finances, but also making the most of the sights and attractions that California has to offer.

Qualities of the Best Workday Implementation Partners

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Qualities of the Best Workday Implementation Partners

It’s likely you’ve at least heard of Workday. And if you’re looking for a Workday implementation partner, you probably already have some idea of its capabilities. But how should you know which Workday implementation partner is right for your organization? Here are some of the qualities of the best Workday implementation partners.

Image source: www.workday.com

What Is Workday?

Workday offers several compelling enterprise cloud-based applications—focused mainly on financial, human resources, and lifecycle management. These are some of the most useful tools in the whole world of enterprise software. There are several reasons why Workday is such a workhorse when it comes to administrative duties:

  • With everything under one roof, Workday allows for comprehensive management of the departments that drive your organization—all while collecting data for analysis and realizing greater efficiencies.
  • Being a cloud-based service provider, Workday’s suite of applications comes in at a lower price point than many of its competitors’ offerings. Without having to invest in upfront infrastructure and IT spend, Workday can deliver more immediate return.
  • Workday is a software provider you can trust. Management has a long history of delivering top-level products and results. Furthermore, Workday is used by the largest enterprises in the world because it’s able to pass the most stringent of security audits.
  • There are some applications that don’t change with the times. Workday isn’t one of them. The ability to always be striving for more, and continuously improving, are two of the defining characteristics of Workday.

Clearly, there are benefits to adopting Workday. But how is your organization going to extract the most value from its deployment? This is where a Workday implementation partner comes into play.

What Is a Workday Implementation Partner?

There are plenty of reasons why it makes sense for enterprises to utilize Workday solutions. But doing so comes with its own set of challenges. The range of outcomes for Workday implementation is incredibly wide. Those who make the right moves deploying and using Workday over the long term will achieve better results than those who take less optimal paths. No matter the quality of software applications, there’s still a level of responsibility that rests with the user.

This is where Workday partners come into play. Essentially, you don’t have to go at it alone when utilizing Workday. There are organizations that offer Workday-related services that run the gamut from on-boarding to continuing support. Choosing a winning Workday partner can help your organization get much better results. These are a few of the ways a Workday partner can assist in this process:

  • Translate your needs into action – You know what you need from Workday; but do you know how to accomplish it? Moreover, do you know how to go above and beyond what you originally imagined to realize new efficiencies? This is exactly what you can expect from a great Workday partner.
  • Show you full platform capabilities – It can take a long time to figure out how to make a software application conform to your needs. Utilizing a Workday partner will allow you to get the full benefits of the platform in less time, which will help both with operations and finances.
  • Have someone guide you through updates – As already mentioned; Workday is a suite of applications allergic to stagnation. While this keeps Workday services constantly on the cusp of what’s useful and productive for teams, it also requires active engagement on the user end. A Workday partner will keep you up-to-date on all current best practices and uses for the Workday platform.

A Workday partner can be a positive influence on your adoption and ongoing use of the Workday suite. Yet, not all Workday partners are going to offer the same level of services. Let’s investigate what to look for when seeking a Workday partner.

What Are the Qualities of the Best Workday Implementation Partners?

Now that you know a Workday partner can play a vital role in its successful implementation, you need to get an idea for what qualities make the best Workday partners. These are some things you should look for and expect from Workday implementation partners:

  • Ability to further increase ROI – When evaluating anything in the business world, it’s essential to carefully consider return on investment (ROI) before allocating capital. Workday is known to be a terrific investment, as it consistently creates return for enterprises. You want your Workday implementation partner to take this to an even greater degree. Workday partners can accomplish this through improving your internal data usage, getting your system up and operational in less time, and knowing how to manage the platform more efficiently. Ensure a Workday partner can show how they’ve created value through their services in the past through quantifiable return figures.
  • Knowledge and services through the whole lifecycle – The process of deploying Workday isn’t just a finish line you cross and then call it a day. It’s an ongoing process, constantly requiring optimization, configuration, and support. Can your Workday partner handle all that? Going with a Workday implementation partner that has broad, but also specialized, experience will help guarantee you’re getting the most out of the platform, while reaching cost parity and return sooner.
  • Proven track record of successful deployment – This should go without saying, but it’s still something that’s mistakenly overlooked at times. You only want a Workday partner that has a proven track record of getting deployed at other enterprises at your scale and in your industry. While this might not be as critical of a concern for all organizations, some businesses, such as those that operate in highly regulated areas, need to be extra vigilant about data security. A botched platform deployment can leave enterprise data vulnerable to malicious parties, which can be catastrophic for groups that deal with highly sensitive data. Only trust a time-tested Workday partner with your precious digital assets.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the right Workday implementation partner can significantly affect the speed, quality, and long-term success of Workday deployment. Make sure you look for the best qualities in a Workday partner during your search.

What is the Origin of the BlackLivesMatter Movement?

James J. Williams
-
0
What is the Origin of the BlackLivesMatter Movement?

The BlackLivesMatter movement is something you must have heard at one point in time. It rocked the US and the world to its core when this movement started. Every college and university student has to know about this movement now as it has changed history in its way and is an integral part of education now.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

What was the Original Structure of the Black Lives Matter Movement?

The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 by three black female organizers: Opal Tometi, Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was started as a reaction to a situation these powerful women knew needed looking into. It was formed due to the unjust killing of Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman’s neighbourhood watch shot an unarmed, black teenager walking around a district.

Zimmerman called the police about a black man looking “suspicious,” but Zimmerman had shot the budding youth before law enforcement could arrive. This cold-blooded murder led to a tasking case where Zimmerman was acquitted of the second-degree murder charge he was charged with. The Black Lives Matter movement started as a hashtag on social media and quickly gained ground due to this acquittal. The original structure of the organization was as an information platform and an organizing tool. A tool dedicated to fighting anti-black violence, racism, unfair treatment, and other affiliations black people face.

What’s Changed about the BLM Structure since then?

The BLM movement has risen to become one of the biggest civil movements in the United States. The moment in 2020 when millions of US citizens decided to come forward in a March, a BLM protest under the #Black Lives Matter or #BLM slogan, the game changed, and the movement became more prominent than ever. It quickly rose to a greater level, and it has become more traditional in the process. It’s like there is a new hierarchy in the movement.

Members typically see the movement as decentralized with no clear superior in charge. But now, it seems like power got to the head of some members and their behavioural patterns changed towards others. Coupled with the fact that some members are more recognized, the structure took a hierarchical structure. There are many essay examples about the movement online.

Photo by Kelly L from Pexels

How is Public Opinion about BLM Changing and Why?

When the movement started, it was solid, and it led to a very new mindset, showing masses how terrible and rampant police brutality is among blacks. But now, it seems like the hype is falling. Studies have shown that more people are putting their trust in US law enforcement in the USA. Some surveys showed how many white Americans aged 47 to 55 have the highest percentage of those who dropped the cause. When Trayvon was shot, the movement was very solid. Then after a couple of years, enthusiasm started dropping among the white folks. Till Floyd’s killings happened, and interest piqued up again. But dropped after a while.

The Black American movement is still solid; interests are not dying down across all genders, ages and individuality. The people dropping back had a couple of reasons; some said it was because things would never change, some changed because of a new thing they saw online.

Is this Evolution of Black Lives Matter Typical of Social Movement?

The evolution of the BLM movement is quite typical and not typical of a social movement. An excellent social movement will gain recognition and more attention because people can relate to them. This is what happened with the BLM movement. But after a while, people’s interests will start to wane. People are dynamic and cannot stay at the same frequency for a long time. The movement is not so typical because it gained tremendous coverage and members in a ridiculously little time. Many social movements don’t get to the stage of power and prominence the BLM movement have reached.

Is it all Clear what Structure BLM will or should have in the Future?

Humans are dynamic, and no one can exactly tell what will happen in the future. But there is speculation the movement will continue in its hierarchical form and maybe expand the idea to all its facets. The situation has already been set in stone, and some members already have titles, distinguishing them from the rest.

Conclusion

The BLM movement will always be a prominent and powerful political force in the US and other parts of the world. With branches and headquarters in different countries and cities, it is safe to say that this movement is here to stay.

Meat Loaf Dies Aged 74

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Meat Loaf Dies Aged 74
Photo Twitter

Dallas-born singer and actor Meat Loaf has died at the age of 74.

His Bat Out Of Hell album is one of the best-selling of all time.

The news of his death was confirmed on the star’s Facebook page by his family.

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side,” a message read.

Meat Loaf sold 100 million albums worldwide and also appeared in movies like Fight Club, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wayne’s World.

“Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours,” his family continued.

“We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.”

“We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time.

“From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”

Meat Loaf was born Marvin Lee Aday but also known as Michael, and got his nickname when his dad said he looked as red as meat at birth, before a high school football coach added the “loaf”.

He was best known for his Bat Out Of Hell trilogy, which sold millions of albums worldwide.

Meat Loaf released a string of other albums in the late 1970s and 1980s, most notably notably Dead Ringer and Midnight at the Lost and Found.

Cher, who duetted with him on the 1981 track Dead Ringer for Love, recalled having “had so much fun” with the singer on the track.

In the 90s, Meat Loaf’s hit I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) was the UK’s best-selling single of 1993 and earned him a Grammy Award.

On screen, Meat Loaf played Eddie in 1975 musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, was bouncer Tiny in 1992’s Wayne’s World, and appeared opposite Brad Pitt as bodybuilder Robert Paulsen in 1999’s Fight Club.

Bat Out Of Hell – which remains one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums ever, alongside LPs by Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and the Eagles – was also adapted as a stage musical, written by long-time collaborator Jim Steinman.

Tributes have been paid from the world of entertainment.

Bonnie Tyler, who recorded an album with Meat Loaf in 1989, said he was “a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality.”

Meat Loaf had his battles with illness and injuries over the years.

In 1978, he broke his leg jumping off a stage in Ottawa, Canada, finishing his tour performing in a wheelchair.

The star also fainted on stage while performing in Pittsburgh in 2011 and then collapsed on stage during a concert in Canada in 2016.

Three years later, Meat Loaf broke his collar bone falling off an interview stage at a convention in Texas.

When Jim Steinman died last year Meat Loaf paid tribute, posting: “Coming here soon, my brother Jimmy.”

Novak Djokovic Set to Be Deported from Australia After Loosing Visa Battle

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Novak Djokovic Set to Be Deported from Australia After Loosing Visa Battle

Tennis star Novak Djokovic is set to be deported from Australia after losing a last-ditch court bid to stay in the country.

Judges rejected the Serbian’s challenge to the government’s decision to cancel his visa on “health and good order” grounds.

The world number one’s hopes of defending his Australian Open title and winning a record 21st Grand Slam in Melbourne are over.

Novak Djokovic, 34, said he was “extremely disappointed” but accepted the ruling.

He said in a statement: “I will co-operate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.”

It was not immediately clear when he would leave.

Novak Djokovic’s supporters fell silent outside the courtroom as the decision was announced.

Australian PM Scott Morrison welcomed “the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe”.

“Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected,” he said.

Novak Djokovic launched the case after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his ministerial powers to cancel the unvaccinated player’s visa, arguing that his presence in the country risked fanning anti-vaccine sentiment.

It was the second time Novak Djokovic’s visa had been revoked, after a first cancelation over not following Covid entry rules was overturned by a different judge.

Image source Reuters

Novak Djokovic in Detention Ahead of Visa Appeal Hearing

Novak Djokovic’s Australia Visa Revoked for Second Time

Novak Djokovic’s Australia Entry Delayed over Visa Issue

Coronavirus: Novak Djokovic Tests Positive for Covid-19

During January 16 court hearing before a three-judge panel, Novak Djokovic’s defense unsuccessfully argued that the grounds given by the government were “invalid and illogical”.

Chief Justice James Allsop said the federal court’s ruling was based on the lawfulness and legality of the minister’s decision, not on the “merits or wisdom of that decision”.

Full reasoning for the ruling will be made public in the coming days, he said.

Deportation orders usually include a three-year ban on returning to Australia, though this can be waived in certain circumstances.

The January 16 decision marks the end of a 10-day saga over Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa.

There has been much public anger in Australia over the player’s attempt to enter the country unvaccinated. The federal government has repeatedly said people must comply with the strict laws in place to deal with the pandemic, and that no-one is “above the law”.

Novak Djokovic was originally granted a medical exemption to enter Australia by two different independent health panels – one commissioned by Tennis Australia, the other by the state government of Victoria – after testing positive for coronavirus in mid-December.

However, the Australian Border Force detained him on January 5 for not meeting federal coronavirus requirements.

A judge later overturned that decision, but the government stepped in on January 14 to revoke the visa again, saying doing so was in the public interest.

Although Novak Djokovic is not vaccinated against Covid-19, he has not actively promoted anti-vax disinformation. However, Australian anti-vaxxers have been using the hashtag #IStandWithDjokovic on social media.

Australian opposition politician Kristina Keneally accused the government of a “litany of failures” in dealing with Djokovic’s visa application, as she questioned why the tennis player was granted a visa to begin with.

The government “mishandled Novak Djokovic’s case, undermined Australia’s border security settings, and provided a lightning rod for the anti-vaccination movement”, she argued.

In his statement on January 16, Novak Djokovic said he was “uncomfortable” with the focus placed on him because of the visa row.

“I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” he said.

Italy’s Salvatore Caruso, who is ranked 150th in the world, will now replace Novak Djokovic in his match against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic on January 17.

Italian Fashion Designer Nino Cerruti Dies Aged 91

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Italian Fashion Designer Nino Cerruti Dies Aged 91
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Nino Cerruti, one of the great Italian designers and fashion entrepreneurs, has died at the age 91.

According to local reports, Nino Cerruti passed away in hospital in Piedmont where he had checked in for a hip operation.

The fashion pioneer always insisted on trying on his own creations first. Many of them were kept at the textile factory his grandfather founded in the town of Biella in 1881.

“I have always dressed the same person, myself,” Nini Cerruti once said, according to AFP news agency.

Fashion Tips and Tricks to Look Fabulous This Winter

Best Fashion Trends of All Times

With his experience in producing excellent fabrics at his family’s textile mill, Cerruti went into the clothing business in the late 1950s.

He opened his first boutique in Paris in 1967.

When he asked male and female models to walk down the catwalk in the same clothes, Nino Cerruti revolutionized fashion, AFP notes.

In the ’80s, Nino Cerruti branched out into Hollywood, designing clothes for stars including Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOpq-TyzJ8o

Useful Tips on How to Start Your Fitness Journey in 2022

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
Useful Tips on How to Start Your Fitness Journey in 2022
Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

New year, new body! That should be your mantra and motivation to stay fit. Staying fit is important, not just because your body gets to look better but also because it generally enhances your health and keeps your body’s mind and soul in check. This is essential as it helps your life get better as unfitness is a leading cause of many terminal diseases. Therefore, as the year unravels, it is important to start a fitness journey so that you’ll be able to have a hitch-free year health-wise.

How Do I Start My Fitness Journey?

There are vital steps you need to take to start your fitness journey. If these steps are followed religiously and done properly, you will attain your fitness goal for the year. They include:

Get A Gym Membership

There is a lot of working out that needs to be done to stay fit. And sometimes, you may need to use certain equipment to aid your exercise routine. However, these types of equipment are not cheap, so buying them for personal use will not be recommended. Instead, it is advisable to subscribe to a gym membership to access different equipment and tools for a small monthly fee. A gym membership will also go a long way in motivating you and giving you a detailed and well-organized routine to achieve your fitness goal.

Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash

Exercise Daily

After getting your gym membership, you should exercise for at least an hour each day. It doesn’t have to be strenuous and exhausting. It could just be moderate physical activities that you could include in your everyday life. However, if your goal is to shed a few pounds, you must do a higher-level intensive workout. For example, you could take a brisk walk for an hour. Or even jog and set certain intervals to sprint during that hour. As you do all of these, ensure that you are not undergoing any form of pain during your workout session apart from the muscle ache that is bound to occur when you undergo high-intensity workouts.

Keep Track of Daily Calories and Food Consumption

To keep fit, you have to keep track of how many calories you consume or burn in a day. This will go a long way in planning out your physical exercise. This is the reason why bodybuilders’ can amass so much body mass. By simply planning out their meals and taking in more calories than the average person, they can achieve their body goals. On the other hand, if you intend to lose weight because you want a skinnier physique, you will cut down the calories you consume.

Get Sufficient  Sleep

This is very important, but it is very neglected. The fact that many people have busy schedules that cannot be compromised cannot be ignored, but it is extremely important to get sufficient sleep to recharge the body’s batteries. Having an average of six to eight hours of sleep will keep the body going throughout the day, but it is important to take a break and get a nap if you are experiencing fatigue and tiredness. Ensure that you have rested a bit before delving into your routine if you intend to exercise.

Stay Motivated

This is the most important part of your fitness journey. Staying motivated is key to sustaining your fitness journey all year round. If you can stay positive, you will push yourself to get that fit body you’ve always wanted.

Your fitness should be your priority as it determines your general well-being. You owe it to yourself to always stay fit and healthy. Therefore, make your fitness your priority.

Novak Djokovic in Detention Ahead of Visa Appeal Hearing

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Novak Djokovic in Detention Ahead of Visa Appeal Hearing

Novak Djokovic has been detained in Australia ahead of a court hearing that will determine whether he can stay in the country.

The men’s tennis No 1 faces deportation after his visa was canceled for a second time, with the government labelling him a threat to public health.

Novak Djokovic’s lawyers are appealing against what they called an “irrational” decision, with the hearing set for January 16.

The 34-year-old unvaccinated tennis star is still scheduled to play the Australian Open on January 17 in Melbourne.

If the Serbian were to win the tournament, he would become the most successful men’s tennis player in the history of the sport with 21 major titles.

However, January 16 hearing, which has been scheduled for 09:30 local time, is crucial if Djokovic is to be able to compete just hours later.

If he loses the appeal, the world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player faces deportation and a three-year visa ban.

On January 15, shortly after an online pre-trial hearing, Novak Djokovic returned to the immigration detention hotel where he was held earlier this week. He will remain there until his final appeal on January 16.

Photo Getty Images

Novak Djokovic’s Australia Visa Revoked for Second Time

Novak Djokovic’s Australia Entry Delayed over Visa Issue

Coronavirus: Novak Djokovic Tests Positive for Covid-19

Novak Djokovic’s visa was first revoked shortly after his arrival in Melbourne on January 6, after Australian Border Force officials said he had “failed to provide appropriate evidence” to receive a vaccine exemption.

The tennis star was detained for days at an immigration hotel, before his visa was reinstated by a judge, who ordered his release, ruling that border officials ignored correct procedure when he arrived.

On January 14, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke once again canceled Novak Djokovic’s visa under separate powers in Australia’s Migration Act.

The act allows the minister to deport anyone he deems a potential risk to “the health, safety or good order of the Australian community”.

PM Scott Morrison said the decision followed “careful consideration”.

Alluding to the heavy criticism his government has faced for allowing the unvaccinated player into Australia, Scott Morrison said: “Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected.”

Court documents were released on January 15 that showed Alex Hawke chose to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa because – in his view – the unvaccinated player’s presence could fuel opposition to Covid-19 vaccination.

“[I] consider that his presence may be a risk to the health of the Australian community,” he wrote in a letter to Novak Djokovic and his lawyers, adding that he believed it could also provoke “civil unrest” because he is “a person of influence and status”.

Novak Djokovic’s legal team say their grounds for appeal will centre on the “invalid and illogical” rationale of Alex Hawke’s decision, which lawyer Nick Wood said was based on the threat of “exciting anti-vax sentiment”.

Nick Wood said he believed deporting the Serbian player would potentially do the same thing.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, meanwhile, condemned the Australian minister’s decision, telling Novak Djokovic in an Instagram message: “Novak, we stand by you.”

“If you wanted to ban Novak Djokovic from winning the 10th trophy in Melbourne why didn’t you return him immediately, why didn’t you tell him ‘it is impossible to obtain a visa’?” President Vucic added.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, one of Novak Djokovic’s biggest rivals, said on January 15: “[The] Australian Open is much more important than any player. If he’s playing finally, okay. If he’s not playing, the Australian Open will be great… with or without him.”

Japanese player Naomi Osaka described the controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic as “an unfortunate situation”.

“He’s such a great player and it’s kind of sad that some people might remember [him] in this way. But I also think it’s… up to the government how Australia is deciding to handle it,” she added.

1...525354...1,227Page 53 of 1,227