title: Forks, Knives and Spoons

text:
Forks, Knives and Spoons
Almost two decades after “Sex and the City” premiered, stories about the romance of female friendships are still compelling. Shows such as “Girls” and “Pretty Little Liars” use the twists, turns and triumphs of lasting friendships as the backdrop to their drama. In her debut novel, FORKS, KNIVES, AND SPOONS, Leah DeCesare adds her insight to this trend of coming-of-age stories.
DeCesare’s previous accomplishments are in a very different genre: parenting. Her two Naked Parenting books and other online writings on the subject range from advice for new parents to advice for parents of young adults. All of this knowledge comes into play in her novel. She answers the questions of how to weather the storms of growing up with an experienced, encouraging and enlightened tone.
FORKS, KNIVES, AND SPOONS opens with the two protagonists beginning their freshman year of college in 1988. Amy and Veronica are set to be roommates and quickly become inseparable friends. Amy explains her father’s classification system for men, which becomes the defining metaphor of the book. “There are three types of guys: forks, knives, and spoons…. The forks…are the guys that won’t care about you. They will make you think they care, but they won’t have any problem playing the field…. The ideal guy is a knife…they have an edge and can be sharp when they need to be…. Then you have the spoons. Simply put, these are the nerds, the geeks. They don’t poke, they don’t have edge, they’re maybe even bland.” The Utensil Classification System is used on each boyfriend and male friend the girls encounter in the novel with the aim of fulfilling Amy’s father’s wish of “bringing home a good knife.” Read more…


tier: cub

shelf: civic-law

title: The Last Will and Testament

text:
The Last Will and Testament
Estate planning may seem overly complex and unnecessary for those who feel that they do not have the finances or assets to justify drafting a will. However, at Donaldson Stewart, P.C., in Chandler, Arizona, we encourage our clients in Maricopa County and throughout the Phoenix Metro area to think of their future and the future of their family members in creating a Last Will and Testament.
Creating a will is one of the simplest forms of estate planning. Essentially, through a will you can tell the court in writing, with certain formalities, how you want your assets distributed and who will be responsible for making the distributions. A will also tells the court who you want to be named as the guardian of your minor children in the event the other parent is unable or unwilling to care for them.
Helping Clients Draft Their Wills
At Donaldson Stewart, P.C., we help our clients by drafting a will to meet their needs and wishes. Wills are not just about “who gets what.” You may have minor children that would need to be cared for should something happen to you. Your will can designate a guardian for your child. You can even designate who you want to be a caretaker for your beloved pet.
Perhaps the most important aspect of your will comes in selecting the person responsible for administering your estate. That trusted individual, known as a personal representative or executor, will respect the wishes set forth in your will when working on your behalf to distribute your assets or establish a guardianship for your minor children.
The Purpose and Benefit of Pour-Over Wills
If you have created a living trust, we can create a special type of will for you. This document, called a pour-over will, instructs that any property not funded to your trust prior to the time of your death will be transferred into that trust upon your death through the probate process. From there, your selected trustee has the distribution authority. This helps to ensure that no asset is left unaccounted for or otherwise subject to the probate process.
Contact an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney Today
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced attorney regarding the drafting of a will, please contact us today.


shelf: science-engineering

title: According to p.97 of the user manual:

text:
According to p.97 of the user manual:
"The date and time settings will be returned to the factory default settings if the camera is left without the battery for approximately 1 day. The settings will be canceled more quickly if the battery was only loaded in the camera for a short time before being removed. Before taking important pictures, check that the date and time settings are correct."
With most cameras that state this, it usually means that there is a capacitor mounted on the motherboard that is used to maintain the date and time settings when the battery has been removed. It is kept charged by the battery.
Other cameras can say that the date and time will be maintained for 10 days, 14 days or even 1 month in some cases but they usually have a rechargeable coin cell battery mounted on the motherboard and this is why they can maintain the date and time settings longer when the main battery is removed from the camera.
If the date and time defaults very soon after the battery has been removed the capacitor most probably is faulty or there's a problem with its charging circuit or even the battery if it doesn't last that long either from the fully charged state.
With regards to the memory card it could be a faulty card reader not latching the card properly or even bent pins in the card reader. Worst case would be a faulty motherboard
Unfortunately I cannot find a service manual or even a teardown video online for the camera which may help to open the camera so that it can be checked.
War diese Antwort hilfreich?


shelf: software-docs

text:
What’s new and coming in SQL Server 2016
Today at Ignite, Microsoft announced the soon to be released preview of SQL Server 2016.
That’ right – SQL Server v.Next has a name, it’s SQL Server 2016
I am very excited about the continuing announcements brought into the key areas of mission critical, data insights, and a cloud first/mobile focus.
Some of the announcements where actually already at Build, last week and have been covered in the blog by Corporate Vise President. T.K Ranga.
SQL Database – Stretch DB
One of the amazing features on Azure SQL Database is the Stretch Database, a new technology to dynamically stretch data to Microsoft Azure, with enhancements from in-memory being used on the platform for real time analytics. Torsten Grabs will be running a presentation on later this week.
As expected by the Revolution-R acquisition it is actually no surprise that SQL Server will have in-database analytics and R integration in the database.
Enhancements to column store indexing and in-memory OLTP
Columstore indexing was already fast, and provided blazing fast performance, with SQL Server 2016, based on the Ignite shown demo it will be even faster. I can’t wait for the session presented by Sunil Agarwal later in the week that drills down into the in memory architecture. I’ve always found in-memory to be phenomenal on the way it was integrated, directly into the engine of SQL Server compared to separate products or technologies by competitive vendors.
Polybase coming to SQL Server 2016
In SQL Server Parallel Datawarehouse (APS), you have the opportunity to query in T-SQL across structured and unstructured data with data stored on Hadoop Clusters. It’s just great to see this feature becoming mainstream with direct integration in SQL Server 2016. Now this might not be significant to people, but for those integrating Hadoop just imagine, being able to query in a single statement, all based on the T-SQL Syntax you are familiar with.
Row level security and data masking
Compared to other database products, it took quite some effort to have row-level security to work in SQL Server. Looks like that is no longer an issue with SQL Server 2016, and actually the feature is now in preview as part of Azure SQL Database. Really Cool!
SQL Server Data Tools has recently been subject to a lot of confusion and frustration. I wrote a series of blogs on it prior on where to download, where to install. Being able to bring a new version of SQL Server Data Tools that fully integrates a both Database Projects and the BI project capabilities will finally put the tooling back on track like they initially should have been intended to be. Can’t wait to play with SSDT in Visual Studio 2015
Major other areas of investments
I heard some rumors that SQL Server 2016 was going to be a big and major release, and looks like that’s happening. Some of the other features that will get love and improvement:
- Native JSON support (woohoo! They are getting serious)
- Enhancements to Analysis Services making it Enterprise Grade
- Enhancements to MDS and SSIS
- Azure Virtual Machines templates allowing you to even deploy a fully integrated AlwaysOn scenario including domain controller, a really cool feature on which I will be writing a blog pretty soon.
- Always Encrypted


shelf: health

title: Orthodontic treatment

text:
You may have already heard about orthodontic treatments by dentists or orthodontists to straighten teeth. In this blog, we’ll discuss all the options to correct bite problems involving your teeth and jaws. See it as a comprehensive guide to better understand orthodontic problems, how these teeth problems can be solved or even how braces could cause other issues.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
When a patient wants to straighten teeth, they can opt for orthodontic treatment. There are various types of braces treatment options, and they generally work by putting a gentle pressure on your teeth to push and pull them in the desired position. Whether you opt for removable clear aligners or fixed braces, on your lower, upper teeth or both; orthodontics can help achieve your dream smile and help make it easier to maintain your oral health.
When Is It Needed?
As with many things, ‘need’ is a broad concept. The most common reason for people to opt for their orthodontic treatments, is simply preferring the look of it. There is a range of bites, teeth positions and dental problems that orthodontics can solve:
Crowded teeth and crooked teeth are very common. The term already gives an indication of how this teeth bite is caused: by the lack of space in the mouth to fit all of the teeth. Apart from aesthetics, crooked teeth may make it harder to look after your oral health. So, getting braces can straighten crooked teeth and also make it easier to maintain a healthy smile.
A narrow smile is when a person’s upper jaw and palate have a more tapered shape than the average mouth. You can recognise a narrow bite when a smile reveals around 6 front teeth. Missing teeth can also cause a smile to appear narrow. If you’re looking to correct a smile like this, you often can do so with orthodontic treatment.
When the upper and lower teeth do not make contact in the front or back of the mouth, even when the jaw is shut, it’s called an open bite. This can cause difficulties when biting down and maintaining a healthy smile. While not all open bites can be corrected through orthodontic treatment, many can, so it’s always worth chatting to an orthodontist if you’re looking at orthodontics Australia.
An under bite is a term for a case you can recognise as lower teeth that extend outward further than the upper front teeth. If you’re looking to align an under bite, an orthodontist can examine your mouth and see what treatment would suit you best.
Unsurprisingly, an over bite is when the upper arch extend outward further than the lower jaw. Most people would have a slight overbite, and in most cases no treatments are required for slight overbite. However, if you have a severe over bite issues, this can lead to poor oral health or pain in your jaws.
Similar to an under- or even an open bite, when the issue stems from the jaw joints, it may prove more tricky to fix by simply wearing braces.
Also referred to as gapped teeth, spacing simply refers to where there are gaps between the teeth, without missing teeth. In children, permanent teeth often appear spaced out at first, but often gaps naturally close. For adults who are conscious about spacing in your smile and want to change the appearance of their smile, an orthodontist can help with a suitable orthodontic treatment.
Getting orthodontic treatment may effect both your teeth and jaws. So when you experience pain in your jaws, it may mean orthodontic treatment suits you too. A Temporomandibular Disorder diagnosis may mean the joint where your lower jaws meet the upper jaw can cause you discomfort. In some cases, orthodontic treatment to treat your teeth problems can also help relieve these pains.
What Happens During The Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is all about moving teeth into their desired position. Whether this is through invisible braces or traditional metal braces, through consistent, gentle pressure they correct your teeth. There are different types of treatment options, or sometimes a combination of orthodontic treatments are used.
Different people, different treatments.
A dentist may involve plaster models, while an orthodontist may rely on different tools to reveal your current bite. While not every journey is the same, your orthodontist at Smile Team is here to make sure you understand every step along the way and are comfortable with the treatment that corrects teeth for you.
How Long Does It Take?
Regardless of what some of the other websites say, the time for the treatment depends on the severity of each patient. Your orthodontic treatment can take anywhere between a few months to a year or more. Your orthodontist or dentist can give you a clearer idea of the time it’ll take to straighten your teeth.
What Are The Benefits?
Completing your smile journey has two main benefits, for both adults and children:
Improved Oral Health
Straighter teeth are easier to properly clean through brushing and flossing, but also for your dentist at general checkups. Food particles can get stuck in hard to reach places, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
While improving the health of your teeth and gums is the biggest benefit you get from wearing braces, there is more: aesthetics. A straight smile can change your overall appearance. Plus, if you’re happier about the appearance of your smile, you’re likely to smile more as a result – which is good for your overall health too!
What Are The Risks?
All orthodontic treatments have some risks and limitations too. These are very manageable, but the most common ones are lined out below:
Oral health risks
While we previously mentioned straight teeth can improve your oral health, braces and wires make cleaning the teeth more difficult. This may increase the chance of tooth decay and permanent marks. It is important that teeth are cleaned thoroughly twice a day during orthodontic treatment to avoid these problems.
Soft tissue injury
Usually getting braces simply feel strange at the beginning, as they can take some getting used to. However, in some cases traditional braces may dig into the gums, causing damage to the soft tissues. But thanks to modern developments in this type of treatment, this is happening less and less.
Who Carries Out the Treatment?
While some general dentists offer orthodontics Australia, it’s recommended to visit an orthodontist. While dentists are the experts for your mouth, an orthodontist is specialised in aligning your teeth, with extensive experience and more in-depth knowledge about the orthodontic treatment needed to correct problems, especially for those with more severe problems.
How Do You Take Care Of Your Teeth During and After The Treatment?
Taking care of your new smile is key, both during and after the treatment. Here are ways to help make sure you get the most from your orthodontic treatment, no matter which journey suits you best. Mind you: your orthodontist will explain in detail how to best look after your teeth and gums during treatment too.
During The Treatment
The last thing you want when your new smile is revealed is to see staining on a tooth or multiple teeth. We want your orthodontic treatment to correct problems, not cause them. So looking after your oral health is absolutely key during your treatment. That doesn’t only mean brushing and flossing, but also minimising the chance of tooth decay and gum disease by not eating too much sugary food or indulging in soft drink.
While the main focus with clear aligners is wearing them consistently, it’s incredibly important to clean them once you take them out of your mouth. If not, the aligners can lock in the food particles causing staining or decay on your tooth or teeth. If something gets stuck in your tooth, it’s easier to get out thanks to the fact you can simply remove the aligners fully.
While flossing may be tricky with traditional braces, brushing is still such an important way to look after your dental health during your treatment. Plus, if you get something stuck in your tooth, just grab an interdental brush to make sure it doesn’t cause any problems.
After The Treatment
Keep the good habits
Once you have the smile you’ve always dreamt of, don’t skip all the good habits you’ve built during your orthodontic treatment! Look after your pearly whites the normal way: brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist.
Additionally, your orthodontist is likely to give you a set of night retainers. It’s key to wear them for as long as they recommended doing so, to make sure your teeth don’t move back.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted
There are so many people, both adults and children, who can benefit from orthodontic treatments. Not all bites need treatment, but straightened teeth can help you both emotionally, but mostly physically.
Start your journey today.
If you’re keen to talk to a specialist for a diagnosis, discuss treatment options and which option would suit you or your child best: Smile Team’s friendly team is here to help! Get in touch to arrange a complimentary smile consultation.


shelf: finance

title: Learn on how a tax attorney works

text:
Filing taxes is a confusing and complex process start off with for us. Making errors will happen from in order to time, nevertheless the one thing you would not want to do is understate the income you make. Underreporting earnings is one to get the IRS hopping mad.
When big amounts of tax due are involved, this takes awhile for your compromise regarding agreed. Taxpayer should keep clear with this situation, since the device entails more expenses since a tax lawyer’s services are inevitably needed. And this is the platform for two reasons; one, to get a compromise for due relief; two, to avoid incarceration as being a result xnxx.
Structured Entity Tax Credit – The government is attacking an inventive scheme involving state conservation tax loans. The strategy works by having people set up partnerships that invest in state conservation credits. The credits are eventually dried-up and a K-1 is disseminated to the partners who then go ahead and take credits on their personal yield. The IRS is arguing that there isn’t legitimate business purpose for that partnership, so that the strategy fraudulent.
B) Interest earned, although paid, during a bond year, must be accrued after the bond year and reported as taxable income for that calendar year in how the bond year ends.
You had to file a tax return for that particular year twenty-four before the bankruptcy. Staying eligible to wipe the debt, you need to have filed a taxes for the government or State debt you want to discharge at least two years before bankruptcy. Thus, despite the fact that the debt is over four years old, products and solutions filed the return late and these two years has not yet passed, transfer pricing an individual cannot get rid of the Internal revenue service or State tax your debt.
These figures seem so you can use the argument that countries with high tax rates take good their home owners. Israel, however, consists of tax rate that peaks at 47%, very nearly equal to it of Belgium and Austria, yet few would contend that it in an identical class related to civil birth.
In 2003 the JGTRRA, or Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, was passed, expanding the 10% income tax bracket and accelerating some of the changes passed in the 2001 EGTRRA.


shelf: education

title: Custom hole configuration

text:
Golf is all about adaptability. From adjusting to changing course conditions to tweaking your club selection, flexibility is key. That’s why VPAR’s Custom Hole Configuration feature is such a game-changer, allowing you to set a start hole and an end hole before you even tee off.
Why This Feature Matters
Whether you’re playing a casual round, competing in a shotgun start, or tackling a unique routing at your local course, being able to predefine your hole sequence provides a seamless experience. No more manually skipping holes or trying to remember where you should be heading next—VPAR has you covered.
Ideal for Twilight & Time-Sensitive Rounds
Sometimes, you don’t have time for a full 18 holes. Maybe you’re squeezing in a quick nine before sunset or playing an abbreviated round due to course conditions. This feature lets you define exactly how many holes you plan to play and ensures your scorecard reflects your custom routing.
Stay in Sync with Your Playing Partners
If you’re joining a group already mid-round or splitting a round across multiple sessions, having the ability to set a specific start and end hole ensures your scorecard stays aligned with the group. Everyone sees the same leaderboard, making competitive and social play more streamlined than ever.
Enhances Course Variety & Personal Challenges
Want to shake things up and play the back nine first? Or maybe try an alternate routing for fresh challenges? The Custom Hole Configuration feature allows you to personalize your golf experience beyond the traditional front-to-back setup.
How to Use It
Setting up your custom holes in VPAR is quick and easy:
Create a game in the VPAR app.
Select your course and confirm your players.
Choose your starting hole and end hole before teeing off.
Play your round with live scoring perfectly mapped to your customized route.
With this feature, your golf round is as flexible as your schedule, ensuring every game feels tailored to your needs.
Try It Today
Next time you hit the course, take advantage of the Custom Hole Configuration feature in VPAR. Whether you’re navigating a shotgun start, squeezing in a quick round, or crafting a unique challenge, this feature ensures your game runs smoothly, no matter how you play.
Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.
A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!


shelf: home-craft

title: By Army Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

text:
By Army Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell
Task Force Bastogne
Maybe that’s because waiting for the enemy to attack in a hastily built fighting position in the Hindu Kush Mountains makes everybody whisper, or maybe it’s because he just doesn't get that excited anymore.
Whatever the reason, Wood rarely raises his voice when asked about his three combat tours during his seven years in the Army. Rarely that is, until he starts talking about blowing things up.
"I don't like troops in contact, but I enjoy dropping rounds and knowing that most of the time I hit the enemy," Wood said. "It's awesome to fire. It's just a thrill to drop explosives. The enemy stops firing after you drop your rounds and that's just a great feeling."
Wood, a mortarman from Pontotoc , Miss. , assigned to 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, comes alive when asked about his job firing mortars in eastern Afghanistan 's Kunar province.
"Out here, we play a pretty big role," Wood said. "Usually when the troops get in contact, the mortars are there. They call us in to provide indirect fire on enemy locations to either destroy or disrupt them so we can move or gain fire superiority."
Just then Wood got a call. He began preparing fuses on the mortar rounds and punching numbers into his handheld computer.
Wood raised the pitch of his voice ever so slightly when he explained the technical specifications of his job and what's necessary to prepare for another fire mission.
Next, he fired a few rounds at the enemy, listened for impact and plunked back down into his fighting position to wait for more instructions from his forward observer.
Settled, he continued his conversation in his calm, relaxing southern accent.
"I almost got a bullet to the face once," Wood recalled. "It went right past my face and hit the wall behind me and cut my face up from the rock. I thought I was shot.
"That was probably the closest I've come to a bullet," he said. "I could feel the burn on my face for about 10 minutes. That was pretty intense, but we actually killed three dudes with a mortar round. That ended the fight there and I walked out of that valley."
He chuckled and had a faraway look on his face.
"I've had bullets crack around my face, around my cover. I mean, we all have. We've all been in some crazy firefights," Wood said.
But not everybody has done what Wood did a few months ago while in one of those firefights.
"We were walking through the Ghaki Valley ," Wood said. "Our group took contact and, as we bounded back to hard structures, my platoon leader fell. I was about a 100 meters ahead of him. I turned around and saw that he fell. I ran back under heavy fire, picked him up and took him to safety."
He didn't raise his voice when talking about the incident. It was almost like he was explaining what he had for lunch.
"Later, another Afghan National Army soldier was walking around in the middle of the firefight with a bullet wound to his head," Wood explained. "I ran out with another soldier and we picked him up and put him behind some vehicles to let the medic patch him up.
"You just do it. You're just trained to do it. I didn't want to leave a friend out there," Wood continued. "I don't know, you just react to things and do what you're trained to do: to go help soldiers whenever you can, whether you're under fire or not."
He didn't seem especially impressed that he was awarded a Bronze Star with valor for these actions. For Wood, it was just another day deployed.
"The [platoon leader] I saved said that, as I was running, he could see bullets bouncing around my feet and around my head on the mountainside," Wood recalled. "I really wasn't paying attention to it, but it was pretty effective fire. It was pretty close. It was ricocheting off the vehicles and across the ground. You could hear it whizzing by your head. I don't know, I just remember running and picking him up. I wasn't thinking about the bullets. It was pretty heavy fire, though."
For a guy who joined the Army right out of high school because he wanted to do something different, this mortarman has seen a lot.


shelf: history-culture

text:
Discover the Majesty of the Nile: A Luxor to Aswan and Aswan to Luxor Cruise Experience
Embarking on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and vice versa is an unforgettable journey that immerses travelers in Egypt’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This iconic route along Egypt’s lifeblood river offers a perfect blend of archaeological wonders, scenic vistas, and luxurious comfort, making it a must-do experience for history enthusiasts and leisure travelers alike.
The Allure of the Nile River
The Nile, often called the “Gift of the Nile,” has been the cradle of Egyptian civilization for thousands of years. Its gentle flow winds through the heart of Egypt, revealing a tapestry of ancient temples, tombs, and villages. A cruise along this historic waterway provides a unique perspective, allowing travelers to witness the country’s timeless beauty from the comfort of a floating hotel.
Luxor to Aswan: A Journey Through Ancient Egypt
Starting in Luxor, known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, travelers can explore the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Colossi of Memnon. As the cruise departs southward, it passes through scenic landscapes dotted with traditional villages and lush orchards.
The journey from Luxor to Aswan typically takes 3-4 days, during which passengers can relax on deck, enjoy onboard entertainment, and participate in guided excursions. Along the way, stops at notable sites such as Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo’s double temple enrich the experience, offering insights into Egypt’s religious and architectural history.
Aswan to Luxor: Retracing the Ancient Routes
Traveling from Aswan back to Luxor offers a different perspective of Egypt’s Nile Valley. Aswan, famous for the Aswan High Dam and the stunning Philae Temple, serves as a gateway to Nubian culture and history. Visitors can explore the vibrant Nubian villages, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, or take a boat trip to the picturesque Elephantine Island.
The cruise from Aswan to Luxor often includes visits to the Temple of Isis at Philae, the magnificent Abu Simbel temples (accessible via optional land tours), and the scenic Nile islands. This reverse route provides an opportunity to see Egypt’s ancient landmarks from a different vantage point, highlighting the diversity of the region’s archaeological sites.
Onboard Experience and Amenities
Modern Nile cruises are designed to provide maximum comfort and entertainment. Passengers can indulge in luxurious cabins, gourmet dining, and onboard amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and entertainment lounges. Daily excursions are guided by expert Egyptologists, offering in-depth historical context and insights.
Evenings aboard the cruise are often filled with cultural shows, traditional music, and dance performances, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere. The combination of excellent service, historical exploration, and scenic beauty makes Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan and back a truly enriching experience.
Best Time to Embark on a Nile Cruise
The optimal time to take a Nile cruise is during Egypt’s cooler months, from October to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, making outdoor excursions and sightseeing more enjoyable. Summer months can be extremely hot, but many cruises offer shaded decks and air-conditioned amenities to ensure passenger comfort.
Why Choose a Nile Cruise?
A Nile cruise provides a unique opportunity to explore Egypt’s top archaeological sites at a leisurely pace while enjoying the luxurious comforts of a floating hotel. It’s a seamless way to combine history, relaxation, and adventure, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and history buffs.
A cruise along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back is more than just a travel itinerary; it’s a voyage through time. Witnessing ancient temples, tombs, and monuments floating past lush landscapes creates a profound connection to Egypt’s glorious past. Whether you start your journey in Luxor or Aswan, this cruise promises an enriching experience filled with discovery, relaxation, and awe-inspiring sights. Book your Nile cruise today and step into the world’s most fascinating historical waterway.


title: Judges form parallel committee monitor elections

text:
The vice president of the Court of Cassation said the integrity of the presidential election set for Wednesday and Thursday is secure, and that judges would form an independent, parallel committee to monitor the poll.
Ahmed Mekky said historically Egyptian elections, whether parliamentary or presidential, are rigged by a direct presidential order. He added that Egypt has never had fair elections aside from 1924 under King Fouad, 1950 and 1951 under King Farouk, and 1976 under President Anwar Sadat, saying that those rulers wanted elections to be fair.
“Judicial supervision exposes fraud,” Mekky said. He said in 2005, when former President Hosni Mubarak wanted to rig parliamentary elections, Egyptian judges threatened to involve the army.
“And the army was against rigging the will of the people,” he added.
He stressed that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces would not rig the upcoming contest. “This is against the nature of the Egyptian army,” he said.
Judge Zakaria Abdel Aziz, who initially proposed the idea of a parallel judicial monitoring committee, said its purpose would be to further reassure those who have lost confidence in the elections since 1952.
The committee, which comprises 300 judges, would ask the judges tasked with supervising polling stations to sign and seal ballots, allow the media and civil society organizations to monitor all stages of the electoral process, and verify voters’ identities, especially since the names of some deceased citizens and army and police personnel legally prohibited from voting remain on registered voting lists.
Abdel Aziz also said the parallel committee would form a movement called “We Are Monitoring It” in collaboration with civil society organizations, and then give the monitoring results to the media.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm


title: Bad alternator vs bad battery

text:
*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclaimer for additional details.
For sure, you know that the alternator and battery are different parts of your car. But then, sometimes, when either of them is faulty, they show similar symptoms, and figuring out what is wrong with your vehicle can be a drag.
For one, if your car’s engine refuses to start, your battery or your alternator may be the problem. But how do you know the actual fault?
Bad alternator vs. bad battery – what’s the difference?
One of the quickest ways to tell the difference between a bad alternator and a bad battery is to check the dashboard lights. When your car’s ignition system comes on, the dashboard lights should light up if the battery is okay without starting the engine. If the lights are dim or off, the battery may be faulty, not the alternator.
You would agree that cars are a bit complex, and sometimes just one sign/symptom is not enough to figure out what’s wrong. So, beyond what we’ve stated above, we discuss more differences between a bad alternator and a bad battery in the rest of this article.
Table of Contents
Signs of a Bad Car Battery
Before you make any conclusions about your battery, ensure there are no loose connections, corroded terminals, or damaged cables. With these out of the way, your inferences about the battery should be more accurate.
The following are some signs of a bad car battery:
1. The Dashboard Lights or Headlights Are Dim or Off
The electrical accessories run on power from the battery when the engine is not running.
If the dashboard lights come on but are dim, the battery is low. However, if they do not come on, the battery is dead. The same applies to headlights.
2. Engine Takes Time to Start but Keeps Running After Jumpstarting
If your engine takes longer than usual to start, the battery may be faulty. Jumpstarting the vehicle should start the engine in such a case.
However, if the battery is really the problem, the engine will keep running. But the next time you try to start the engine, it will not start.
In other words, with a faulty battery, your engine can keep running after a jumpstart. But once the engine goes off, it will not start until you jumpstart it again.
3. Battery Age
Whenever you have issues starting your car’s engine, you should suspect the battery first. Batteries have a shorter lifespan than alternators – about 3 to 5 years.
As batteries age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes. So, they become less efficient. As time passes, the charge retention ability keeps dropping until the battery cannot save enough power to start the car.
Since the lifespan of car batteries is typically around 3 to 5 years, you should suspect your battery if it is older than 2 years.
4. Battery Terminal Corrosion
Battery terminal corrosion impedes current flow from the alternator to the battery. So, when there is rust on your battery’s terminals, it will not get sufficient charge from the alternator.
Of course, if the battery is not getting sufficient charge, it will not have enough power to start the car.
If the corrosion is minimal, you may be able to wipe it off and get the battery running. However, you may need professional services or a battery change for extensive corrosion.
5. Odd Battery Shape
You can verify if the battery is faulty by examining the battery box. If the battery box has a shape different from its usual rectangular shape, it is defective.
The battery could explode at any time, and if it does, the content may spill on you or other car parts. The contents of a car battery are corrosive, so they could burn you or other parts of the car. So, instead of starting the car, get professional help at once.
When car batteries become malformed, replace them. So, prepare for a replacement if you notice such.
6. Unusual Smell From the Battery
A faulty lead-acid car battery may leak sulfuric gases, and you may perceive a rotten-egg smell when it does.
When car batteries leak their contents, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Signs of a Faulty Alternator
Generally, if you are confident that the battery is in good condition, the alternator may be faulty. While the dashboard battery light indicates an issue with the battery’s charging system, it does not necessarily show that the alternator is defective. Sometimes, the dashboard battery light may indicate a problem with the battery.
The following are some signs of a defective alternator:
1. Your Engine Stalls Almost Immediately After a Jumpstart
When your alternator goes bad, your battery will not charge as it should. Consequently, it will not hold enough power to start your engine.
When your engine stalls, you may have a defective alternator or battery. The difference between both conditions reveals itself after you jumpstart the car.
If you jumpstart a car with a faulty battery, the engine will keep running until you stop it. Contrarily, if you jumpstart a vehicle with a defective alternator, the engine will stall shortly after.
Besides that, your alternator may be turning defective if your engine stalls frequently.
2. Flickering Headlights
Your headlights will flicker when your alternator cannot sustain its power delivery. Besides flickering, the headlights may also be too bright or too dim.
You can confirm the status of your alternator through your headlights by revving the engine.
3. Interior Lights Go Dim Gradually
A faulty alternator will make your interior lights and dashboard lights go dim gradually while the engine is running.
Gradually dimming lights indicate that the alternator cannot sustain sufficient power delivery to the lightings.
4. Electrical Accessories Malfunction
A faulty alternator can disrupt the electrical circuits in your car. When this happens, the car’s electrical accessories may malfunction.
For example, your stereo may start giving off unusual sounds. Also, your speedometers may go haywire, your power window may roll slowly, and your heating and cooling may also malfunction.
The alternator prioritizes power to some accessories over others. So, when your alternator starts losing function, it may affect non-essential accessories like the music system first.
5. Odd Noises
Odd noises such as squealing and growling indicate a possible alternator failure. So, if your car squeals and the squealing intensifies when the stereo or heating system is on, your alternator is faulty.
The squealing noise typically emanates from a misaligned alternator belt scraping past the alternator’s pulley.
If you hear a fuzzy sound when you rev your engine while your AM radio is on a low dial with no music, the alternator is becoming defective.
6. Burning Smell
When your alternator works excessively, it may overheat. When it overheats, you may perceive the smell of burning or hot wire. If this is the case, replace the alternator.
The said smell may also show up when the wires in the alternator become defective. But no matter the cause, you should replace the alternator.
Unsurprisingly, the burning wire smell may also come from the alternator belt. This belt works under constant friction and tension, so it ordinarily generates heat. But apart from that, it is pretty close to a hot engine. So, when the belt gets old and starts wasting away, it starts smelling burnt due to all the heat around it.
Differences Between Bad Alternator and Bad Battery
Signs of a Bad Battery | Signs of a Bad Alternator |
Engine keeps running after jumpstarting. | Engine stalls soon after jumpstarting. |
Dashboard lights and headlights go dim or do not come on. | Dashboard lights go dim gradually while headlights flicker or become unstable. |
Rotten egg smell from leaking lead-acid battery. | Burning wire or hot wire smell from the alternator. |
Odd battery box shape. | Odd engine noises. |
Battery terminal corrosion. | Electrical accessories malfunction. |
Old battery. |
Alternators and batteries are mutually dependent. So, if either becomes defective, the signs are pretty similar. Nonetheless, bad alternators and batteries differ in how long a jumpstarted car stays running.
If your engine continues running after jumpstarting it, the battery is the issue. However, the alternator is the problem if the vehicle goes off soon after jumpstarting it.


title: Amadey info stealer exploiting n day vulnerabilities

text:
The continued prevalence of Malware as a Service (MaaS) across the cyber threat landscape means that even the most inexperienced of would-be malicious actors are able to carry out damaging and wide-spread cyber-attacks with relative ease. Among these commonly employed MaaS are information stealers, or info-stealers, a type of malware that infects a device and attempts to gather sensitive information before exfiltrating it to the attacker. Info-stealers typically target confidential information, such as login credentials and bank details, and attempt to lie low on a compromised device, allowing access to sensitive data for longer periods of time.
It is essential for organizations to have efficient security measures in place to defend their networks from attackers in an increasing versatile and accessible threat landscape, however incident response alone is not enough. Having an autonomous decision maker able to not only detect suspicious activity, but also take action against it in real time, is of the upmost importance to defend against significant network compromise.
Between August and December 2022, Darktrace detected the Amadey info-stealer on more than 30 customer environments, spanning various regions and industry verticals across the customer base. This shows a continual presence and overlap of info-stealer indicators of compromise (IOCs) across the cyber threat landscape, such as RacoonStealer, which we discussed last November (Part 1 and Part 2).
Background on Amadey
Amadey Bot, a malware that was first discovered in 2018, is capable of stealing sensitive information and installing additional malware by receiving commands from the attacker. Like other malware strains, it is being sold in illegal forums as MaaS starting from $500 USD .
Researchers at AhnLab found that Amadey is typically distributed via existing SmokeLoader loader malware campaigns. Downloading cracked versions of legitimate software causes SmokeLoader to inject malicious payload into Windows Explorer processes and proceeds to download Amadey.
The botnet has also been used for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and as a vector to install malware spam campaigns, such as LockBit 3.0 . Regardless of the delivery techniques, similar patterns of activity were observed across multiple customer environments.
Amadey’s primary function is to steal information and further distribute malware. It aims to extract a variety of information from infected devices and attempts to evade the detection of security measures by reducing the volume of data exfiltration compared to that seen in other malicious instances.
Darktrace DETECT/Network™ and its built-in features, such as Wireshark Packet Captures (PCAP), identified Amadey activity on customer networks, whilst Darktrace RESPOND/Network™ autonomously intervened to halt its progress.
User engagement with malicious email attachments or cracked software results in direct execution of the SmokeLoader loader malware on a device. Once the loader has executed its payload, it is then able to download additional malware, including the Amadey info-stealer.
Unusual Outbound Connections
After initial access by the loader and download of additional malware, the Amadey info-stealer captures screenshots of network information and sends them to Amadey command and control (C2) servers via HTTP POST requests with no GET to a .php URI. An example of this can be seen in Figure 2.
The infected device continues to make repeated connections out to this Amadey endpoint. Amadey's C2 server will respond with instructions to download additional plugins in the form of dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), such as "/Mb1sDv3/Plugins/cred64.dll", or attempt to download secondary info-stealers such as RedLine or RaccoonStealer.
The device downloads executable and DLL files, or stealer configuration files to steal additional network information from software including RealVNC and Outlook. Most compromised accounts were observed downloading additional malware following commands received from the attacker.
The stolen information is then sent out via high volumes of HTTP connection. It makes HTTP POSTs to malicious .php URIs again, this time exfiltrating more data such as the Amadey version, device names, and any anti-malware software installed on the system.
How did the attackers bypass the rest of the security stack?
Existing N-Day vulnerabilities are leveraged to launch new attacks on customer networks and potentially bypass other tools in the security stack. Additionally, exfiltrating data via low and slow HTTP connections, rather than large file transfers to cloud storage platforms, is an effective means of evading the detection of traditional security tools which often look for large data transfers, sometimes to a specific list of identified “bad” endpoints.
Amadey activity was autonomously identified by DETECT and the Cyber AI Analyst. A list of DETECT models that were triggered on deployments during this kill chain can be found in the Appendices.
Various Amadey activities were detected and highlighted in DETECT model breaches and their model breach event logs. Figure 3 shows a compromised device making suspicious HTTP POST requests, causing the ‘Anomalous Connection / Posting HTTP to IP Without Hostname’ model to breach. It also downloaded an executable file (.exe) from the same IP.
DETECT’s built-in features also assisted with detecting the data exfiltration. Using the PCAP integration, the exfiltrated data was captured for analysis. Figure 4 shows a connection made to the Amadey endpoint, in which information about the infected device, such as system ID and computer name, were sent.
Further information about the infected system can be seen in the above PCAP. As outlined by researchers at Ahnlab and shown in Figure 5, additional system information sent includes the Amadey version (vs=), the device’s admin privilege status (ar=), and any installed anti-malware or anti-virus software installed on the infected environment (av=) .
Darktrace’s AI Analyst was also able to connect commonalities between model breaches on a device and present them as a connected incident made up of separate events. Figure 6 shows the AI Analyst incident log for a device having breached multiple models indicative of the Amadey kill chain. It displays the timeline of these events, the specific IOCs, and the associated attack tactic, in this case ‘Command and Control’.
When enabled on customer’s deployments, RESPOND was able to take immediate action against Amadey to mitigate its impact on customer networks. RESPOND models that breached include:
- Antigena / Network / Significant Anomaly / Antigena Significant Anomaly from Client Block
- Antigena / Network / External Threat / Antigena Suspicious File Block
- Antigena / Network / Significant Anomaly / Antigena Controlled and Model Breach
On one customer’s environment, a device made a POST request with no GET to URI ‘/p84Nls2/index.php’ and unepeureyore[.]xyz. RESPOND autonomously enforced a previously established pattern of life on the device twice for 30 minutes each and blocked all outgoing traffic from the device for 10 minutes. Enforcing a device’s pattern of life restricts it to conduct activity within the device and/or user’s expected pattern of behavior and blocks anything anomalous or unexpected, enabling normal business operations to continue. This response is intended to reduce the potential scale of attacks by disrupting the kill chain, whilst ensuring business disruption is kept to a minimum.
The Darktrace Threat Research team conducted thorough investigations into Amadey activity observed across the customer base. They were able to identify and contextualize this threat across the fleet, enriching AI insights with collaborative human analysis. Pivoting from AI insights as their primary source of information, the Threat Research team were able to provide layered analysis to confirm this campaign-like activity and assess the threat across multiple unique environments, providing a holistic assessment to customers with contextualized insights.
The presence of the Amadey info-stealer in multiple customer environments highlights the continuing prevalence of MaaS and info-stealers across the threat landscape. The Amadey info-stealer in particular demonstrates that by evading N-day vulnerability patches, threat actors routinely launch new attacks. These malicious actors are then able to evade detection by traditional security tools by employing low and slow data exfiltration techniques, as opposed to large file transfers.
Crucially, Darktrace’s AI insights were coupled with expert human analysis to detect, respond, and provide contextualized insights to notify customers of Amadey activity effectively. DETECT captured Amadey activity taking place on customer deployments, and where enabled, RESPOND’s autonomous technology was able to take immediate action to reduce the scale of such attacks. Finally, the Threat Research team were in place to provide enhanced analysis for affected customers to help security teams future-proof against similar attacks.
Darktrace Model Detections
Anomalous File / EXE from Rare External Location
Device / Initial Breach Chain Compromise
Anomalous Connection / Posting HTTP to IP Without Hostname
Anomalous Connection / POST to PHP on New External Host
Anomalous Connection / Multiple HTTP POSTs to Rare Hostname
Compromise / Beaconing Activity To External Rare
Compromise / Slow Beaconing Activity To External Rare
Anomalous Connection / Multiple Failed Connections to Rare Endpoint
List of IOCs
f0ce8614cc2c3ae1fcba93bc4a8b82196e7139f7 - SHA1 - Amadey DLL File Hash
e487edceeef3a41e2a8eea1e684bcbc3b39adb97 - SHA1 - Amadey DLL File Hash
0f9006d8f09e91bbd459b8254dd945e4fbae25d9 - SHA1 - Amadey DLL File Hash
4069fdad04f5e41b36945cc871eb87a309fd3442 - SHA1 - Amadey DLL File Hash
193.106.191[.]201 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
77.73.134[.]66 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
78.153.144[.]60 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
62.204.41[.]252 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
45.153.240[.]94 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
185.215.113[.]204 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
85.209.135[.]11 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
185.215.113[.]205 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
31.41.244[.]146 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
5.154.181[.]119 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
45.130.151[.]191 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
193.106.191[.]184 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
31.41.244[.]15 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
77.73.133[.]72 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
89.163.249[.]231 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
193.56.146[.]243 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
31.41.244[.]158 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
85.209.135[.]109 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
77.73.134[.]45 - IP - Amadey C2 Endpoint
moscow12[.]at - Hostname - Amadey C2 Endpoint
moscow13[.]at - Hostname - Amadey C2 Endpoint
unepeureyore[.]xyz - Hostname - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/fb73jc3/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/panelis/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/panelis/index.php?scr=1 - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/panel/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/panel/index.php?scr=1 - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/panel/Plugins/cred.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/jg94cVd30f/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/jg94cVd30f/index.php?scr=1 - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/o7Vsjd3a2f/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/o7Vsjd3a2f/index.php?scr=1 - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/o7Vsjd3a2f/Plugins/cred64.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/gjend7w/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/hfk3vK9/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/v3S1dl2/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/f9v33dkSXm/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/p84Nls2/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/p84Nls2/Plugins/cred.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/nB8cWack3/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/rest/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/Mb1sDv3/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/Mb1sDv3/index.php?scr=1 - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/Mb1sDv3/Plugins/cred64.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/h8V2cQlbd3/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/f5OknW/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/rSbFldr23/index.php - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/rSbFldr23/index.php?scr=1 - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/jg94cVd30f/Plugins/cred64.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/mBsjv2swweP/Plugins/cred64.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/rSbFldr23/Plugins/cred64.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
/Plugins/cred64.dll - URI - Amadey C2 Endpoint
Mitre Attack and Mapping
T1185 - Man the Browser
Initial Access and Resource Development:
T1189 - Drive-by Compromise
T1588.001 - Malware
T1176 - Browser Extensions
Command and Control:
T1071 - Application Layer Protocol
T1071.001 - Web Protocols
T1090.002 - External Proxy
T1095 - Non-Application Layer Protocol
T1571 - Non-Standard Port
T1105 - Ingress Tool Transfer


title: Why female doctors are essential in healthcare

text:
Healthcare can feel intimidating, especially when seeking treatment or advice on sensitive issues. Many women find that seeing female doctors makes them feel more at ease and understood. For patients seeking individualized care, the compassion and empathy of female doctors are just as important as their medical expertise. Female doctors often create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns, leading to better communication and trust in the treatment process. Their ability to understand the emotional and medical aspects of women’s health makes a significant difference in providing comprehensive care.
Why Female Doctors Are Preferred by Women
When it comes to specific health issues, especially those about pregnancy, hormones, and reproductive health, more and more women are choosing to see female doctors. The whole healthcare experience can be much improved by the comfort that comes from talking to someone who has gone through similar things.
Furthermore, people tend to view female doctors as more sympathetic and understanding regarding women’s health, which fosters confidence and trust. This is especially crucial for patients who are reluctant or ashamed to discuss specific subjects with a male physician.
Knowledge That Attends to Particular Health Needs
Female doctors are skilled in treating various medical issues, from standard checkups to more specialized treatments. Doctors must be knowledgeable about all aspects of women’s health, from menstruation and contraception to menopause and postpartum care. The best lady doctor in Indore is exceptional at offering all-encompassing treatment customized to a woman’s changing demands while ensuring all facets of health are considered.
Female doctors are prepared to give treatment that honors the particular health issues that women experience, whether that care involves managing chronic disorders, treating infections, or giving reproductive counsel. Women receive the most excellent medical care possible because of their vast expertise in these fields.
Developing a Relationship of Trust Between Physician and Patient
The relationship of trust that frequently forms is one of the most significant advantages of seeing a female doctor. Open communication, which eventually results in improved health outcomes, depends on a positive doctor-patient relationship. Patients find it easier to voice concerns without fear of repercussions since female doctors are more sensitive to the emotional and medical complexities of women’s health.
Trust is essential for patients to feel at ease discussing their medical histories, symptoms, or concerns. It is frequently more manageable for women to talk about delicate topics with a female doctor who can relate to them personally, such as gynecological disorders, menopausal symptoms, or reproductive troubles.
Seeking Professional Assistance for Women’s Medical Needs
The best female doctor in town combines experience, sensitivity, and knowledge. These characteristics guarantee that patients receive holistic treatment that considers their physical and mental health rather than only treating a single ailment. A woman should be treated with respect and have a doctor who truly understands her worries when she seeks medical attention.
Physicians with expertise in women’s health are prepared to provide individualized treatment for all life stages, including adolescence, adulthood, and beyond. These professionals are crucial to preserving health, whether handling a pregnancy, addressing hormone abnormalities, or offering guidance throughout menopausal changes.
In summary, the best lady doctor in Indore provides more than just medical care; they also create a space where women feel heard, understood, and at ease. Their capacity to competently and sympathetically handle the particular health issues that women encounter is priceless. Women may confidently approach healthcare when they have a trusted female doctor by their side, knowing they are getting the finest treatment possible for their unique requirements.


title: Retirement

text:
Annuity Purchase, where the client wants no individual responsibility for investment risk going forward. They are happy to give their pension fund to an insurance company in exchange for a set level of income. This income may remain level or increase annually. It can be income for the planholder only or include a spouse’s benefit should the planholder die first. Once an annuity is purchased the terms cannot be altered so it is imperative to make the right choices at the outset.
In the event of death, if no additional benefits have been selected, the planholders income ceases and is lost to the insurer.
James Phillips & Co’s task is to find the best rates available from the annuity market. These may be the standard rates generally available or enhanced rates that can be obtained by having the client medically underwritten or if the client is a cigarette smoker.
Income Drawdown, where the client accepts individual responsibility for investment risk going forward. They are happy to withdraw their pension income entitlement from an invested pension fund account. This income is reviewed 3-yearly and so has the opportunity to increase should underlying investments maintain their value or prosper. There is no need to provide a spouses pension either as the spouse may replace the pensioner should he/she die. Income withdrawals may be altered at any time (to between 0%-100% of the plan value). An annuity may be bought at any time from the income drawdown fund.
In the event of death, the spouse or another nominated beneficiary may continue to drawdown in the place of the planholder. Alternatively, the plan may be wound up. Tax does not apply if the original pensioner died before their 75th birthday. If after 75 then the beneficiary is taxed at their personal marginal rate.
James Phillips & Co’s task is to put together a plan that is invested in line with the clients stated acceptable level of risk. Investments may be accessed from across the market, not tied to just one provider. Advice will then be provided as to the need for any tax free capital withdrawals required before income withdrawals commence.
The plans are reviewed formally with the client twice yearly to ensure that both income and underlying asset values remain within acceptable parameters.
Phased Retirement. The ability to take withdrawals as part income and part tax free cash. This has the advantage of only converting part of your fund to ‘income drawdown’ and thereby allows a regular income of which only 75% is subject to income tax.
Please contact Patrick McGee by clicking here…


title: Giving back in the sacred valley asosacion sol y luna

text:
At Aracari, we dedicate ourselves not only to providing the best experience for our travelers, but also by supporting local initiatives that make a positive impact in the regions we serve. One of our favorite initiatives is from the Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa, which aside from being a gorgeous luxury property in the lush Sacred Valley not only supports the Asociación Sol y Luna educational initiative, but it was the very reason that founder Petit Miribel founded it with her husband – precisely to generate sustainable funding for the educational projects of the Association.
Petit Miribel is a French ex-pat who moved to Peru 20 years ago to work in mining, though since early childhood had always felt a profound desire to advance social justice. About one year after moving to Peru, she was inspired to work in education in the Sacred Valley, where she has lived ever since and committs her work and efforts to the improvement of educational opportunities in the area. Petit was disappointed in the state of schools when she first moved to Peru, well before tourism in the region had developed as much as it has today. There were 200 students without no bathrooms, the roofs were falling down, and getting the most basic needs met was a struggle. With the public schools’ inaction, she decided to take matters into her own hands and start a school of her own to deliver quality education in an inclusive environment. This last point is particularly important for Petit’s vision for equal opportunities: her own children attend the school and are educated alongside children from the wider community; only those who can afford to pay full fees.
The Sacred Valley was hardly a tourist destination two decades ago, so it complicated to lay the groundwork for Petit’s vision. Nevertheless, the Asociación Sol y Luna was officially established 18 years ago with the goal of bringing better education to the students in the area. The hotel was established 3 years later – after the social project – In order to raise funds for the school developing a social enterprise initiative. Since then, the organization has been involved in important education, sportive, and cultural programs in order to promote a higher quality of life in the neighborhoods surrounding the luxury spa and lodge.
Though the Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa is a gorgeous property, the school is Sol y Luna’s most important project and the reason the hotel first came about. It has special programs in place for students with special needs, but it is truly an integrative program for all kinds of kids from around the world. The foundation spearheaded a number of side projects before the school got its footing, but now it’s focused exclusively on el Colegio Sol y Luna.
“There’s a system of life within the school,” Petit explained with respect to the school’s unique integrative philosophy, whereby children with physical and developmental disabilities that would normally be ignored in small rural schooling systems are taught in conjunction with the greater student body. Because the student body is so diverse, the goals are different for every student. Some are academic, but others are emotional. Petit describes the deep pride she felt when one young girl from an abusive background started coming out of her shell over the course of the past year. “We taught her to live without fear,” Petit mused.
El Colegio Sol y Luna has recently hit major milestones. Last year, a few of the school’s alumni traveled to Lima to take the Cambridge English exam — and they all passed. Of course, the project has also met a number of challenges. One persisting issue is the lack of space; it is hard to create the perfect environment for kids with disabilities with limited resources. The school is also trying to institute a breakfast and lunch program to make sure students coming from impoverished rural areas are not distracted from their studies by hunger. Despite the challenges, the project’s founders are optimistic, driven by the purpose of the foundation since its initiation 18 years prior. “The children have a right to be agents of their own destiny,” Petit says. “Every day is an achievement for every child.”
There are various ways to help the Asosación Sol y Luna. The principal ways are to donate directly or to stay at the lodge and visit the school. If you are interested in traveling to the Sacred Valley to visit Sol y Luna and stay at the hotel, contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
Double Concept Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles opening new store in Orlando
Jan 12, 2024
3 min read
Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles are opening in Orlando, at 12615 W Colonial Drive, Winter Garden.
Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles has announced that they are opening their newest restaurant in Orlando early this year, bringing a fusion of flavors and culinary creativity to the heart of the Sunshine State.
Once open the Orlando restaurant will offer poke bowls, sushi burritos, and build your own options, together with sushi pizza, donuts, and even a twist on the American classic, sushi corn dog.
Lifting Noodle, part of the dual concept features a variety of ramen including the 1-UP bowl with kale noodles swimming in creamy vegetarian broth with crispy tofu, and the Angry Zuko bowl with black mushroom and pork belly in a spicy pork broth.
The Orlando restaurant will be open for dine-in, takeout, and will offer delivery from UberEATS or Doordash. It will also feature a full bar. For updates on events, secret menu items, and more, follow them on Instagram at pokeburriorlando.
Sam Brown, the visionary owner operator of Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles, brings a passion for culinary innovation and a commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience. With a successful track record in the restaurant industry, Brown is excited to bring his unique concept to Orlando.
The new store is located at 12615 W Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, and while no date has been revealed just yet, we can expect an announcement soon!
Here is what you can expect when Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles open in Winter Garden.
Aunique blend of traditional sushi and pizza, creating an innovative dining experience.
Fresh and customizable poke bowls featuring high-quality ingredients and a burst of flavors.
A visually stunning and delicious twist on traditional sushi, served in the shape of donuts.
Sushi Corn Dogs
Classic comfort food gets an exciting makeover with gourmet sushi corn dogs stuffed with house crab salad.
A marriage of sushi and burritos, offering a satisfying and portable meal option.
Authentic ramen bowls crafted with care and precision.
For the adventurous food enthusiasts, you can explore a secret menu with items that are sure to surprise and delight.
For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In OrlandoThis Month, Events & Things To Do In OrlandoThis Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In OrlandoThis Weekend.
For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions Newsclick here.


title: Created by gpt-4 on 2024-12-21

text:
Created by gpt-4 on 2024-12-21
The image you provided is a black and white illustration with a distinct classical or vintage style. The artwork features a group of people on a boat. The style of the clothing suggests that the scene is set in a historical period, possibly the 18th or 19th centuries.
There are at least seven individuals visible in the boat. In the foreground, there's a man sitting on the left side of the boat, leaning over with his hands seemingly occupied with an object that is not quite clear from the image. Near the center of the boat, there's a man seated and playing a stringed instrument that resembles a harp, adding an artistic or cultural dynamic to the scene. Behind him, several individuals are engaged in conversation or observation. The man at the far right is holding what appears to be a rifle, looking out over the water.
The setting is nautical, as evidenced by the presence of the boat and water around it. In the background, there's a coastline with rocky formations and what appears to be a structure or ruin, possibly indicating they are near a shore or passing by some historical landmarks or ruins.
Beneath the image is text in German, possibly a poem or excerpt that relates to the scene portrayed above. The text is in an old-style German script and, combined with the imagery, suggests that this might be from a literary source or an illustration related to a specific story or folklore.
There is a signature or notation at the bottom left corner that reads "Ernst Fuchs 1928", identifying the artist and the year the illustration was likely produced. Ernst Fuchs was an Austrian painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, architect, stage designer, composer, poet, and one of the founders of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism, which may explain the surreal and intricate style of the image.
Please note that despite the date in the signature, Ernst Fuchs was born in 1930, and therefore this date may reflect something other than the production date of the artwork, or there may be a misunderstanding regarding the artist's identity based on the information in the image.
Created by gpt-4o-2024-05-13 on 2024-12-21
The image appears to be an etching or line drawing depicting a group of people in a boat, likely in a historical or literary context. The scene is set against what looks like a mountainous, possibly European, landscape with a castle or large structure on a hill in the background.
In the boat, there are several figures, both men and women, engaged in various activities:
- One person is playing a harp, suggesting a musical or storytelling theme.
- There are people who appear to be conversing or interacting with each other.
- Some of the figures are in relaxed or thoughtful poses, adding a contemplative mood to the scene.
Below the image, there is a block of text in German. The text seems to be a poem or song, likely related to the scene depicted above. The poem is titled "Der Wanderer" ("The Wanderer") and the verses speak about themes of travel, nature, and divine guidance.
Here is a translation of the poem:
The Wanderer Song
When God wants true joy,
He sends it into the wide world!
Then he wants his wanderer to sit
in the paths and forests by brook and field.
He enjoys the splendid view,
the vistas from the mountains.
The larks’ jubilant song of praise,
hearing them sing with all their might and fresh joy.
Dear God, let me wander,
through forest and valley and field,
forever held in your protection.
The imagery and poem together suggest themes of wanderlust, appreciation of nature, and seeking divine inspiration or protection during one's travels. The overall tone is serene and reflective, capturing a moment of peaceful journeying and artistic expression.


title: 29546

text:
As a children`s ministry volunteer, it is vital to have a volunteer agreement in place. This agreement outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and commitments of both the volunteer and the ministry.
Starting with the basics, a volunteer agreement includes the volunteer`s personal information such as their name, address, and contact information. It also identifies the specific ministry they will be serving in, and the dates and times they will be volunteering.
Next, the agreement will outline the volunteer`s responsibilities. This may include attending training sessions, helping to set up and clean up the ministry area, interacting with children in a positive and appropriate manner, and following the ministry`s policies and procedures.
Safety is a significant concern in any children`s ministry, so the agreement will also address issues such as child protection and consent to background checks. Volunteers may be required to undergo a background check before being allowed to work with children, and the agreement should specify that the volunteer understands and consents to this requirement.
Confidentiality is another important issue that should be addressed in the volunteer agreement. Volunteers may come into contact with sensitive information about children and their families, and it is crucial that they understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
Finally, the agreement should include a section outlining the volunteer`s commitment to the ministry. This may include a statement agreeing to serve for a specific length of time, or a commitment to attend a certain number of events or activities.
Overall, a children`s ministry volunteer agreement is an essential tool for ensuring the safety of the children, protecting the ministry, and creating a positive and productive experience for both the volunteers and the children they serve. As a professional, it is crucial to ensure that the agreement is written clearly and concisely, using appropriate keywords and phrases that will help it rank well in search engine results.


title: Kitchenaid 24 undercounter refrigerator with glass door kurr214ksb

text:
This Undercounter Refrigerator makes room for party essentials on the glass shelves inside. Motion-Activated LED Lighting turns on as you approach, so you can see through the UV-Protected Thermal Glass Door to what’s inside, and a Temperature Monitoring System with sensor alert adds peace of mind. Fully Flush Installation with Hidden Hinges provides a built-in look within cabinetry.
Top 3 Features
Fully Flush Installation with Hidden Hingesprovides a built-in look within a standard 24" base cabinet, so your style stands out, not the appliance. Hidden hinges allow the refrigerator door to sit flush with surrounding cabinet fronts when closed yet easily swing open a full 115 degrees.
Temperature Monitoring Systemuses sensors to monitor temperatures inside the refrigerator for added peace of mind. If the system detects temperatures above 45°F for more than 4 hours, an over-temp alarm and indicator light will alert you that service is needed.
Motion-Activated LED Lightingturns on inside the refrigerator as you approach, so you can see what's inside without opening the door. Lights will gradually dim and turn off when no longer needed.
UV-Protected Thermal Glass Doorfilters UV rays to protect the contents of your beverage center from the damaging effects of heat and light.
Glass Shelvesbring distinctive style inside with a solid glass design that makes it easy to wipe up spills.
5.2 Cu. Ft. Capacityfeatures two full-width glass shelves and one half shelf, making it easy to find a place for items of different shapes and sizes, even wide platters and tall pitchers.
Door Alarmautomatically alerts you when the door has been left open before items inside rise above their ideal temperature. The alarm sounds after fives minutes and goes off every two minutes until the door has been closed or the controls have been pressed.
Backlit Touch Controlslocated inside the refrigerator make it easy to choose settings for what you're storing. The lighted control panel displays the current temperature and other status alerts.
Energy Star Certifiedto exceed government standards for energy efficiency, supporting sustainability and helping to save money on utility bills.
Automatic Defrostcycles automatically to help reduce frost build-up, freeing you from having to regularly empty the appliance and manually defrost.
Number Of Temperature Controlled Zones1
Dual Temperature Controlled ZonesNo
Extended Service Plan ParentEW08IW4Y, EW08IW2Y, EW08IW1Y
Handle TypeReach-Through Handle
Shelf Description1 Fixed Half Depth Shelf; 2 Fixed Full Depth Shelves
Zone 1 Temperature Range32F to 42F
Depth Closed Excluding Handles23.63"
Depth Closed Including Handles26.44"
Depth With Door Open 90 Degree48.0"
Depth Excluding Doors21.69"
Height To Top Of Door Hinge34.38"


title: Sql collation overview

text:
Collations in SQL Server provide sorting rules, case, and accent sensitivity properties for your data. Collation also keep information about CodePage (character set). So it hold combination of Character Set and Rule governing those characters. Rules for how strings of character data are stored, sorted and compared in SQL Server. At low level, through selection of CodePage it specifies the bit patterns that represent each character and the rules by which characters are sorted and compared.
Collation and CodePages
CodePage is set of non-unicode characters with their binary representation (also called character set). Most of the CodePages uses one byte of character, so can only support maximum of 256 characters. But for languages that require more characters, some CodePages exist with two bytes per character (double-byte character set (DBCS)). One Collation can point to one Code Page, and different Collations can use same Code Page. If different collations are using same Code Page, that means, same character set is being governed by different set of rules.
Please note that Unicode characters are different and does not use any CodePage. Some SQL data types use unicode characters, and so are independent of CodePage.
Examples of non-Unicode SQL Data Types using CodePage: char, varchar and text
Examples of unicode SQL Data Types using CodePage: nchar, nvarchar, and ntext
How it effects?
Collation Affects following:
- Characters supported: - i.e. Collation has the Code page information, that will be used for non-Unicode characters. Different collations are actually pointing to different CodePages and so supporting different characters and different languages.
- Number of Bytes per character: It depend directly on CodePage being used, and indirectly change of collation / CodePage might result in different number of bytes per character. Please note that most of the CodePage is of one byte character set, and only supports 256 different characters, but for some languages, where more than 256 characters are required, a character is of 2 bytes, and so the code page is of two byte character set. A two byte character can support up to 65536 (216) characters.
- Sorting: Collation defines multilevel comparisons of the character set in code page.
- Performance: Some Collations perform better than others in certain situations. And use of Collate keyword in query will certainly add the performance penalty. For more information refer to Arvind Shyamsundar’s post.
- Collation mismatches can be dangerous – worst case, they can cause data loss or errors to occur (if coercion is disallowed) or in many cases can (at the very least) cause performance problems.
- The usage of the COLLATE clause can introduce a potential performance penalty. If this clause is applied on top of a table column inside a predicate, it may mean that any indexes might not be used (or we may have to do a lot of work using the GetRangeThroughConvert() function.)
- Lastly, if you are using cross-database references in a batch, beware of the collation assigned to each local variable – they inherit the same database collation of the last USE database prior to the first DECLARE.
What is CodePage?
There are either Unicode characters or non-Unicode characters. Unicode character set is designed to accommodate all different characters and symbols of all the different languages together in one big set. Since one character in Unicode is of four bytes size, so it can contain 232 different characters. While non-Unicode characters are usually one byte, and one byte can only support 256 (28) different characters.
In a computer, characters are represented by different patterns of bits being either ON or OFF. There are 8 bits in a byte, and the 8 bits can be turned ON and OFF in 256 different patterns. A program that uses 1 byte to store each character can therefore represent up to 256 different characters by assigning a character to each of the bit patterns. There are 16 bits in 2 bytes, and 16 bits can be turned ON and OFF in 65,536 unique patterns. A program that uses 2 bytes to represent each character can represent up to 65,536 characters.
Single-byte code pages are definitions of the characters mapped to each of the 256 bit patterns possible in a byte. Code pages define bit patterns for uppercase and lowercase characters, digits, symbols, and special characters such as the exclamation point (!), the at sign (@), the number sign (#), or percent (%). Each European language, such as German or Spanish, has its own single-byte code page. Although the bit patterns used to represent the Latin alphabet characters A through Z are the same for all the code pages, the bit patterns used to represent accented characters vary from one code page to the next.
Single-byte character sets cannot store all the characters used by many languages. Some Asian languages have thousands of characters; therefore, they must use 2 bytes per character. Double-byte character sets have been defined for these languages, and code pages have also been defined around them.
How to find out Collation for your data?
To check the collation of database:
To check the collation of columns or one column in a table:
To get collation for all the columns for a table, you can query sys.columns table. i.e.
select name As ColumnName,collation_name from sys.columns where object_id = object_id('[Person].[Address]')
Or alternatively filter by column name to get collation of individual column:
select collation_name from sys.columns where object_id = object_id('[Person].[Address]') AND name='AddressLine1'
Using SQL Server Management Studio:
Database Collation: In SQL Server Management Studio, go to database properties, and you can find the collation on properties page: Database Properties –> General –> Collation
Table Collation: Open Table Properties –> Extended Properties –> Collation
Column Collation: Column Properties –> Collation
Get list of all collations
In SQL Server, use following method to get list of all collations:
select * from fn_helpcollations()
Collation Properties (Sensitivities):
you can notice abbreviated codes in collation names like of CS, CI, AS, KS etc. These codes represent different properties of collation. For example:
Case Sensitivity: Abbreviated as CS for Case Sensitive and CI for Case Insensitive.
Accent Sensitivity: Abbreviated as AS for Accent Sensitive and AI for Access Insensitive
Kanatype Sensitivity: Abbreviated as KS for Kanatype Sensitive and KI for Kanatype Insensitive
Width Sensitivity: Abbreviated as WS for Width Sensitive and WI for Width Insensitive
Supplementary Characters: Abbreviated as SC for Supplementary Characters supported.
So you can get idea about the collation properties by looking at its name. e.g.
Collation SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS roughly translates to
Latin1-General, case-insensitive, accent-sensitive, kanatype-insensitive, width-insensitive
Dealing with Collation
There are many levels at which Collation can be defined. By default Collation defined at high level, will be used, unless defined otherwise at lower level. Collation defined at lower level explicitly overrides inheriting collation.
Collation have scope over whole Database server. It will be used as default collation for any database created in server,
Default collation for database. Will be used as Default for any Tables created in DB.
Collation for individual column. It can be used to change individual column collation and override any inherited from higher level.
Collation can be explicitly defined for expressions (including column) in T-SQL queries.
Its better to stick with one global collation across server and even over multiple servers. Multiple collations should not be used, until required due to specific requirements. There are benefits associated with sticking with one collation, so always try to pre-empt any future data usage, and choose collation well before creating database(s).
Study more about collation::


title: Raytown

text:
Welcome to Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice in Raytown, a haven of rejuvenation and self-care. Led by the renowned Dr. Chow and his team of expert practitioners, our practice offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic and wellness services to help you look and feel your best.
Whether you’re seeking skin rejuvenation, facial enhancements, body sculpting, laser treatments, or wellness therapies, we are dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs. Immerse yourself in our serene environment, where your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. Experience the exceptional care and transformative results that await you at Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice in Raytown.
Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice offers an array of skin treatments to enhance your complexion. The Hydrafacial, a fan-favorite, combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant infusion for a revitalized appearance.
We also offer Signature Facials, Dermaplaning, Chemical Peels, and Microneedling tailored to address specific skin concerns and promote a smoother, more youthful complexion, as well as IPL Photorejuvenation Treatment and Laser and RF Skin Resurfacing to target uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and fine lines.
Rejuvenate your face with the help of neurotoxins such as Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport – these injectable treatment options effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Dermal Fillers provide volume restoration, contouring, and a more youthful appearance.
To those seeking a non-surgical alternative to a traditional facelift, we perform PDO Thread Lifts — a skin tightening procedure that provides a subtle lifted effect. For a non-surgical nose job or hand rejuvenation, we provide Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty and Myellevate treatments.
Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice provides a range of body treatments to address specific concerns. Neck Tightening and Neck Lifting using Myellevate offer impressive results in improving the appearance of the neck area. Facetite & Accutite, Bodytite, and Liposuction procedures are available for those seeking body contouring and skin tightening on one or several areas of the body.
Beautifill Laser Lipo, Morpheus8, RF Body Treatment, CoolSculpting, Fotona Laser Tightsculpting, and PDO Body Thread Lift are additional options to achieve your desired body goals.
Experience the benefits of advanced laser treatments at Dr. Chow’s Practice. Laser Hair Removal offers a long-lasting solution for unwanted hair. Fotona Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring is designed to improve the appearance of acne scars. For those struggling with snoring, Fotona Nighlaser can provide relief. Vaginal Rejuvenation treatments help improve intimate wellness, while laser treatments for cellulite and stretch marks offer solutions for skin texture and appearance.
In addition to aesthetic treatments, Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice offers wellness services to support your overall well-being. Medical Weight Loss with the help of Semaglutide provides personalized plans for effective and sustainable weight management. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy addresses hormonal imbalances, while Hair Loss Treatment helps combat thinning hair. The Climax Shot offers a non-surgical option for women seeking improved sexual wellness.
Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice in Raytown is your destination for transformative aesthetic and wellness experiences. With an extensive range of services, including skin treatments, facial enhancements, body contouring, laser therapies, and wellness offerings, the practice caters to all your rejuvenation needs.
Trust in the expertise and skill of Dr. Chow and his dedicated team to guide you through a personalized journey towards your desired results. Take the first step towards a more confident and revitalized you by contacting Dr. Chow’s Rejuvenation Practice today. Your transformation awaits!


title: What Is Real Estate Investing?

text:
What Is Real Estate Investing?
Real Estate Investing is a great way to earn passive income. It can be very profitable, especially if you if you invest wisely.
There are a lot of different ways to invest in real estate. But when done right, it can be a very profitable business venture that will put money back into your pocket month after month.
Top 10 Benefits of Investing In Real Estate in Nigeria
If you’re looking for passive income, then it might be time to consider making an investment in Nigerian property. Below are the top 10 benefits of investing in real estate in Nigeria even as a new investor.
1. High return on investment
One of the biggest reasons people choose to invest in real estate is because it offers a high return on investment.
However, even before taking into account tax benefits, it’s possible for investors to realize a 10-100% annual return on their investments(ROI).
That sort of potential return is significantly higher than what you’d get from most other types of investments out there.
2. Huge market
With a growing population and continued urbanization, it’s no surprise that many people are choosing to invest in residential property in Lagos, Nigeria.
If you look at any city or town, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from studio apartments to multi-story family homes.
This is because there are many people looking for places to live and it makes sense if they choose your property! That’s why it pays to invest wisely: pick a sought-after area with lots of potential renters.
3. Steady income
You can generate an income from renting out your property and even obtain tax advantages. Owning real estate is a good way to build wealth and provide passive income throughout your life, including retirement.
It is possible to buy a property for less than rent it out. This means you can build equity faster, as you will be gaining profits on your property’s appreciation.
When considering potential investments, stability is crucial for older generations who need a reliable source of income during retirement. The average return on investment from an appreciating property will surpass that of any other investment class.
4. No large initial investments
While you don’t need millions to invest in property, it is a good idea to start small. The best way to do that is by buying with someone else own, typically, another member of your family or a close friend. That way, you won’t be on your own financially if things go south and you have trouble selling.
5. Low management fees
There are many property management companies that can help you out for a small fee. Low management fees make it easier to keep your money safe. Get expert help when you need it, but don’t lose your shirt because of excessive fees.
6. Asset Appreciation
Property investments are a great way to grow your wealth, especially if you’re looking for long-term growth. Property values tend to appreciate more over time than other types of investments, like stocks and bonds. Even if your property isn’t increasing in value, you’ll at least be able to pay off your loan faster by collecting rent.
7. Passive Income
As your business grows, one of your goals is to earn more than you spend. Passive income may be just what you need. It’s easy to create and maintain passive income streams while you’re earning money while you sleep.
Although it’s not a replacement for a full-time job, passive income will bring in extra cash that can help to supplement your regular earnings or cover expenses as they come up.
8. Instant equity from rental income
Let’s face it: renting is a much more affordable option than buying. When you buy a home, you need to wait until you’ve paid off your mortgage before any money goes straight into your pocket.
You may have some rental income during that time, but it will be relatively small compared to what you pay each month on your loan. When you invest in property with keysight Real Estate, however, there’s no long wait before your initial investment starts producing returns.
9. Excellent hedging against inflation
Inflation makes our money worth less. Property investment with Keysight property can help you hedge against inflation since you can sell it when inflation is low and buy again when it’s high. In addition, property investments usually grow at a rate higher than inflation. So not only do you have a hedge, but you have a growth strategy as well.
10. Easy way to diversify your assets
If you’re looking for a way to diversify your assets, then look no further than real estate with Keysight property you are at a safe hands. While it is easier said than done, following these simple tips can help make your first-time home-buying experience as stress-free as possible.
There are many reasons why Lagos (Epe),Nigerian is turning to property investment as a safe and secure way to build wealth – so what are you waiting for?
The best benefit of investing in real estate in Lagos, Nigeria is the fact that it has a high return on investment. While you may think buying real estate property in Lagos, Nigeria is not worth it, there are lots of benefits if you want to get started. If you really want to purchase property in Lagos or anywhere else in Nigeria and take advantage of these tax benefits, contact us at Keysight property.
For more information on investing in real estate call 07031185157, 07032136269.
Or visit us at our social media handles


tier: polar

title: The workplace wellbeing wheel

text:
Completing the wheel gives you the opportunity to reflect on various aspects of work and evaluate what is working well or maybe not so well. You then have the opportunity to consider what can be done to make a difference.
The Wellbeing Wheel is based on an evidence-based set of management standards that were developed through academic research commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive.
The standards are six domains that have been found to impact on wellbeing at work. These are:
This is about understanding your role and responsibilities, being clear about what is expected and knowing the systems, processes and people who can respond to any individual concerns.
This includes issues like workload, work patterns and your work environment. It might also include remote working, working from home or flexible working. Here you consider whether the demands of the job are balanced by adequate personal and system resources.
This area measures how much say you have in the way you do your work. For example, can you make decisions about when and how you do jobs within the scope of getting the job done efficiently?
This area recognises that strong positive colleague and manager relationships help staff to withstand pressure and ensure unacceptable behaviours are managed effectively.
Whilst nothing today is cast in stone and change is inevitable, this area considers whether the organisation engages with staff effectively when experiencing change and that systems are in place to respond to concerns.
This includes the encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues. It considers whether adequate information and support is available from your colleagues and managers.
Often personal life and work life overlap and influence one another. So we have added another category that you might want to consider:
Are there any other issues, concerns or stressors outside of work that it would be valuable to take account of? This could include unexpected life changes, health issues, caring responsibilities, difficulties at home or home working.
Please follow the links for each category to read more about all of the factors that make up the Wellbeing Wheel. Once you have done so, you can download the Workplace Wellbeing Wheel to make a start.
We have a variety of resources available for staff to help you develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to manage your own wellbeing. This is a developing area and our resources will grow in time. If you have any questions or comments, please contact email@example.com.