City Traveling with the Upcoming ETIAS Visa

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new visa that allows travelers from certain countries to visit the European Union (EU) for short stays. It will be implemented in 2023 and is designed to improve security and streamline the process for visiting the EU. Here’s what you need to know about city traveling with the ETIAS visa.

What is the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS visa is an electronic authorization that allows citizens of eligible countries to visit the EU for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or medical reasons. It is similar to the ESTA visa in the United States and the eTA visa in Canada.

To obtain an ETIAS visa, travelers will need to fill out an online application and pay a fee. The application will require personal and passport information, as well as security-related questions. Once approved, the ETIAS visa will be valid for three years and can be used for multiple trips to the EU.

Which countries are eligible for the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS visa will be available to citizens of 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most countries in Europe and South America. A complete list of eligible countries can be found on the ETIAS website.

How do I apply for the ETIAS visa?

You will need to have a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity. The application process should take about 20 minutes to complete.

Once you have completed the application, you will receive a confirmation email. If your application is approved, you will receive your ETIAS visa electronically, which you will need to present at the border when you enter the EU.

What do I need to do while traveling in the EU with the ETIAS visa?

While traveling in the EU with the ETIAS visa, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. First, you are only allowed to stay in the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you cannot stay in the EU for more than three months out of every six months.

You will also need to have a valid passport with at least six months remaining on it when you enter the EU. You may also be required to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket when you enter the EU.

Finally, you should register with the local authorities if you are staying in a private residence or rental property while in the EU. This is a requirement in many countries and will help authorities to locate you in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

The ETIAS visa allows citizens of eligible countries to easily apply for an authorization online and streamlines the process for visiting the EU. While traveling with the ETIAS visa, it is important to remember to follow the guidelines for staying within the allowed length of stay and to have a valid passport and potentially provide proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket. It is also important to register with local authorities if staying in a private residence or rental property.

Lifestyle Changes After Filing for Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is sometimes your only option when you are having financial trouble, but it also forces you to make a few lifestyle changes. Many people view bankruptcy as being a terrible, last-resort option that will ruin your life. While it does damage your credit score which can affect other aspects of your life like trying to get a loan, there are some positives to it.

One of the largest positive aspects of filing for bankruptcy is that the weight of looming debt has been lifted off your shoulders. You get to start over and build financial habits that will keep you from having trouble again in the future. Here are some changes you can make after bankruptcy.

Living Within Your Means

One of the largest lifestyle changes you will have to make after bankruptcy is to live within your means. If you filed for bankruptcy over debt or spending issues, this might be one of the hardest adjustments you will have to make, because you are going to have to learn how to spend less than you were used to.

The best way to do this is to create a monthly or even weekly budget that you follow. The first thing you should do is figure out all of the expenses you have to pay for each month. This is anything that you cannot go without paying such as rent or mortgage payments, car insurance, health insurance, utilities, and more.

Once you have determined these you can move on to the other expenses you have for the month. This is where you will divide your income into certain categories. The first category should be whatever you plan to save each month, the golden rule is to save 10 to 20 percent of your paycheck but this can vary depending on your situation. After you have set this amount aside you are left with your luxury expenses. If you want to save more, you may have to spend less on luxuries.

Rely Less on Your Credit Card

After bankruptcy, you will need to rebuild your credit score, so while credit cards can be dangerous it is important to still use one for some of your purchases. However, using your credit card for specific purchases only and buying everything else with cash can help you avoid overspending and building debt.

It is best to use your credit card for fixed payments, or ones that do not vary greatly from month to month. This is so you can be sure that you have the correct amount in your bank account to pay for it at the end. For example, you might only use your credit card to buy groceries or to pay certain bills.

You also want to make sure that you are not spending too much, which is why budgeting for these things is important. Keep track of your spending throughout the month so that you don’t end up having to carry over the credit card payment. For example, if you use your credit card to buy gas, but you have to drive a bit more one month, make sure you are keeping track of it. Keeping track of your spending might be new to you but it is something you should definitely do to avoid debt.

Do Not Touch Your Savings

If you had to deal with debt and bankruptcy it is very likely that you exhausted your savings or did not have any at all. Moving forward, you should focus some of your budget on building your savings back up so that you can avoid having to use a credit card if an emergency comes up. It is smart to have some money set aside in case something unexpected happens and you have to pay for it. Paying with a credit card because you don’t have the money can quickly snowball into debt.

Roni Davis is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area

Why You Should Get Your Degree Online

Getting a degree can help advance your skills and your career, but it can also require a lot of changes that many are not able to commit to for various reasons – whether that be due to schedules, time, or cost.

Getting your degree online can help remove some of these problems and make it much more attainable to achieve a qualification while removing many of the stresses and strains.

This piece is going to discuss why you should get your degree online rather than through in-person learning, and the benefits that come with that.

Read this piece to find out more!

 

There Is No Need for Relocation

One of the most difficult aspects of undertaking a degree is that a lot of the time, in-person learning requires you to relocate so you can go to the university you need or want to go to.

Relocation can be extremely difficult or not even an option for those who have responsibilities such as a family or a job in a certain place. Not to mention the cost that it takes to move somewhere else or commute to somewhere which is not on your doorstep.  

Choosing an online program means you are able to stay just where you are to get your qualification. There is no need to worry about relocating and all of the complications that go along with it, and you can work around your current commitments and responsibilities without having to sacrifice anything.

If you are interested in doing an online program, then https://www.tuw.edu/ offers a variety of programs for you to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you.

Lower Cost

Online programs are generally less of a financial commitment than traditional in-person learning. In-person learning requires institutions to cover their overhead costs, such as the building, utilities, supplies, and other essentials.

Online learning allows educational institutions to forgo all of those extra costs, with means that the cost of learning is lowered significantly for the student. Not only that, but students that learn from home will find that they save extra money that often goes unthought of, such as not needing to buy lunch on campus or having those extra on-the-go coffees.

Flexible Workload

When you have other commitments, it can be difficult to try and fit everything in – especially when, in some cases, you are not able to move certain obligations around. When you choose an online program, you can work around everything else and enjoy flexible learning. Many programs will allow you to work at your own pace, which means if you do need extra time, it is there for you to take.

Online learning is a great way to obtain your degree because of the many benefits it can offer. It is flexible, more financially friendly than traditional programs, and can help you achieve your degree from the comfort of your own home, fit around your personal circumstances and schedule, without you having to make significant sacrifices.

5 Things You Will Learn With A Special Education Qualification

There is a lot to be said about the world of education, particularly regarding younger children or those with special educational needs.

The curriculum of many countries has been criticized repeatedly for failing to integrate different learning styles, thus discriminating against children who may need additional support. In short, there has long been a call for more variety when it comes to teaching children, especially those who have special needs linked to autism spectrum (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

So, if you are a teacher or teacher-to-be who wants to help this group of students, you may wonder what skills you will gain from earning a special education qualification. Read on to find out.

Identifying Issues

OK, so it’s fair to say that most children with ASD, ADD, or ODD will have issues with mainstream learning environments. While you are learning how to teach this group, you will be trained in more sensitive areas, too, such as how to identify if they are having problems at home or at school, which they may not be able to articulate. This is part of most special education qualifications, like the ones found at https://online.bankstreet.edu/.  

Problem Solving

Working with children, in general, will require you to have great problem-solving skills. When you are looking to work with children who have special educational needs, this requirement will be ramped up. You will be able to solve issues related to clearer communication, conflict resolution, and building a rapport with the children you are working with and their parents, making the environment better overall.

Better Time Management 

Time management is crucial when it comes to education, as each lesson will have a plan relating to teaching, assessing, and reviewing. This may seem like something that won’t be needed as much when working in special needs. Still, there is a surprising amount of emphasis on time management in this area, relating to meeting deadlines and ensuring that the children complete work. Also, being able to identify when children are falling behind and how best for them to catch up is another part of your role too, and this skill will develop as time goes on.

Flexible Learning

As mentioned earlier, there is a lot to be said about improvements being made in standard education. That is, if you have a child or children that are not able to copy down notes from a board or answer questions, they will need a different approach to learning. As a special education teacher, you will learn more interactive kinds of teaching, which may involve more games, and fewer quizzes and could revolve around more computer or television time. It all depends on the kids!

Alternative Assessments

Similarly, it is unlikely that a child who has ADHD or ASD is going to be able to sit through an hour-long exam, ticking boxes and writing paragraphs, especially if they are younger. So, as part of your training, you will be taught how to provide alternative assessments, to ensure that they are learning.

Truck Accident Lawyer Characteristics

When choosing a truck accident lawyer, you should consider several characteristics that you should look for. These include: Experience, Caseload, Trucking laws knowledge, and willingness to go to trial. Read on to learn more. To get started, read our list of characteristics. Listed below are some of the most important ones. You will find the best truck accident lawyer for your case! And don’t forget to ask them questions! We have answers for all of your questions!

Experience

Truck accidents can be complicated legal cases. Truck drivers and their companies are subject to different regulations than passenger cars. Additionally, truck accidents can involve third party freight brokers. In order to win your case, you must hire a truck accident lawyer with experience in handling these types of cases. These professionals are trained to preserve evidence that might show negligence on the part of a truck driver. Here are some important things to consider when choosing a truck accident lawyer.

An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to build a strong case. An experienced lawyer knows how to track down documents and will know how to aggressively take on the big trucking company and their insurer. An injured person may find courtrooms intimidating, but a truck accident lawyer can make the process easy for you. An experienced lawyer is able to handle the legal side of the case while you focus on recovering from the trauma. Experience is invaluable when filing a case.

Caseload

Before hiring a truck accident lawyer, you should know what to look for. While you do not need to hire someone you know well, it is important to find one with a moderate caseload so that you have the time, energy, and resources to work on your case. If you cannot afford a lawyer with an extreme caseload, you may want to choose someone who is compatible with you. Read reviews online and find testimonials from former clients.

It is also important to look for attorneys with a low or moderate caseload. Lawyers with a low caseload can devote more time to your case and prepare for trial. The caseload of a lawyer is critical because this type of litigation requires a lot of preparation. Moreover, you want someone who is supportive, understanding, and listens to your needs. That way, you can be sure that your lawyer will be able to fight for you if it comes to the legal matter.

Knowledge of trucking laws

A truck accident attorney is well-versed in the rules and regulations of the trucking industry and the unique aspects of commercial vehicle litigation. Their expertise extends beyond knowledge of the rules and regulations of the trucking industry to knowledge of trucking companies, insurance, and the trucking industry’s products and practices. A truck accident lawyer also has a thorough understanding of the federal and state laws and regulations.

Trucking law is complex and requires a knowledgeable lawyer with extensive experience in handling trucking accidents. Trucking accidents often involve more than one liable party. Trucking companies and drivers are held to stricter regulations than passenger vehicles, making it important for a lawyer with experience handling these cases to be familiar with them. In addition, trucking accidents are particularly complex due to third-party freight brokers. A truck accident attorney understands these regulations and how to preserve evidence of violations.

Willingness to go to trial

If you are considering hiring a truck accident lawyer, you should make sure you choose one who is willing to go to trial. Many lawyers will not take cases to trial if they are uncomfortable with it. The decision to hire a lawyer who will not go to trial is often driven by the nature of the case. If a truck accident lawyer has never tried a case before, it is best to find someone else.

A reputable truck accident lawyer will be ready to go to trial if the case cannot be settled out of court. Even if the accident isn’t worth much, an experienced truck accident attorney is likely to be able to effectively advocate for you in court. By letting the insurance company know that they are willing to take a case to trial, they are more likely to settle for a fair amount.

Common Circumstances That Require the Services of a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The common circumstances that require the services of a workers’ compensation lawyer are discussed in this article. Then, you’ll learn what requirements you must meet in order to hire a workers’ compensation attorney, and what the contingency fee method means. This type of lawyer will charge a percentage of the compensation award, or a flat fee, depending on the circumstances of your case. The contingency fee is an option for many cases, but you should be aware of the terms and conditions that apply to your specific situation.

Common circumstances that require a workers’ compensation lawyer

Injuries that happen at work can result in the need for the services of a workers’ compensation attorney. While workers are supposed to have the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained on the job, some employers try to limit or deny the benefits of workers’ compensation benefits. Some companies will argue that the injuries occurred off-the-job and were not as severe as what the injured worker claimed. In cases such as these, a workers’ compensation lawyer can be extremely helpful.

When you fail to file your claim within the prescribed time, you will forfeit your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This could mean a loss of income or job. In such a situation, it is best to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to fight the denial. A good workers’ compensation attorney can advise you on other benefits available to you, such as long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, and Social Security disability insurance benefits.

Requirements to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer

When an employee sustains an injury at work, they may want to file a personal injury lawsuit. While the workers’ compensation program shields employers from liability for the employee’s injuries, intentional injuries may warrant a civil lawsuit against the company. In such cases, the worker may be able to obtain a larger settlement and/or noneconomic damages. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to determine what steps to take on the injured employee’s behalf.

To qualify for workers’ compensation, the employee must have been injured in the course and scope of employment. The law defines “course and scope” as the period of employment that primarily caused the injury. In most cases, this means that the employee was at work during the time of the accident. In other words, the injury occurred on the job. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In some cases, the injury may have occurred due to a faulty product or procedure, or a defective product.

Cost of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer

Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney is an excellent way to pursue the benefits you deserve after a work-related accident. Most workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay only if you win your case. This way, you don’t have to worry about up-front fees, and the lawyers will work to maximize your benefits. In addition, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a high bill.

workers’ compensation lawyer’s fees will vary, but typically run about five to ten percent of the settlement. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which lasts about 30 minutes. California law requires lawyers to provide this consultation, and some offer it to all potential clients. If your lawyer doesn’t provide this service, be sure to check with other attorneys in the area. You may find a better deal elsewhere.

Worker’s compensation lawyer’s contingency fee

If you’re unsure about how to select a workers’ compensation attorney, consider asking about their contingency fee. Workers’ comp lawyers typically charge a percentage of the settlement or benefits they win, but you may be able to negotiate a lower fee. The fee can be as high as 33% of the settlement, but it should be at least 10%. In addition, it’s important to note that many states cap attorneys’ fees at a lower percentage, which means you might not have to pay them unless you win the case.

In California, for example, the state board will review any fees for a workers’ comp attorney. The board’s approval of these fees is required by the state’s workers’ compensation law. The fee will vary depending on whether the case settles before a hearing or goes to trial. A lawyer may be able to charge as low as nine percent of the total compensation awarded, or the board may require a higher fee for a more involved case.

Who is at Fault in a Rear-End Collission?

There are several different theories of liability when it comes to a rear-end collision. These theories include Sudden-emergency doctrine and Negligence. This article will examine the legal theory of each of these theories and help you decide who is at fault. It also discusses the relative percentages of fault and how they affect damages. This article will discuss both the Rear-end driver and the Front-end driver.

Negligence

The most common cause of rear-end collisions is the negligence of the driver behind you. This may be due to speeding, following too closely, or distracted driving. In any case, the victim’s injuries can result from the collision. A jury can find that the rear driver was partly at fault for the collision. The jury will also consider the actions of all parties in the accident. Here are some of the most common reasons why rear-end collisions happen.

Sudden-emergency doctrine

A defendant can use the sudden-emergency defense in a rear-end collision case if the underlying circumstances were unusual. Often, this defense involves a medical emergency that was unforeseeable, such as a car stopping suddenly for an oncoming child. The burden of proof is on the driver who claims this defense, so it’s best to hire a lawyer who has experience in this type of case.

Who is at fault in a rear-end collision? The answer is usually very simple but circumstances can make it difficult. 

Front-end driver

When it comes to rear-end collisions, the front driver of a car may assume that the rear vehicle is at fault. This can be a common mistake, but the front driver must also be found at fault. If the rear driver follows too closely or is distracted, this may not be enough to hold the front driver accountable. In these cases, it is imperative for the front driver to take appropriate defensive measures to avoid hitting the rear vehicle.

Rear-end driver

Rear-end collisions often result in different levels of vehicle damage, from dented bumpers and caved trunks to misaligned steering columns. In worse cases, multiple vehicles may be involved in a pileup and totaled vehicles. In such cases, it is crucial to prove that the other driver was negligent by gathering evidence of fault, such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, or vehicle damage records.

Other factors

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accidents. They cause the most damage. The driver on the receiving end of the collision is often at fault. They may not notice a red light or stopped vehicle or be distracted while driving. A chain reaction may also cause a rear-end collision. In a rear-end collision, the driver on the receiving end is responsible for the damages. Other factors in a rear-end collision include the following.

Things To Know About Injury Lawyers

If you are in the market for an injury lawyer, you might be wondering what the fees will be. This article covers the stages of a personal injury case, the costs of hiring a lawyer, and the types of compensation available. Then, it covers the types of personal injury cases and the injury law firms that specialize in them. Read on to learn more. Injury lawyers are important to the success of your case. Good Peabody, MA injury lawyers will be patient and helpful, helping you afford your medical care and determining whether or not your treatment is working. They will also negotiate the full cost of treatment with insurance companies.

Costs of hiring an injury lawyer

There are several costs to consider when hiring an injury lawyer. Some personal injury lawyers charge up-front fees, while others draw costs from the settlement. Others deduct their fees from the final financial award, making their fee a higher percentage of the settlement than their initial fee. In any case, there is an opportunity cost associated with hiring an injury lawyer. The costs of hiring an injury attorney can be substantial, and it is worth researching the costs before you hire one.

Regardless of your case type, personal injury lawyers are required by Georgia’s Rules of Professional Responsibility to put any contingency fee agreements in writing. Contingency fee agreements should clearly spell out what each party is expected to pay, and how much they will retain. A good personal injury lawyer will explain to you exactly how much he or she will charge you in advance, as well as how much they expect from you, and when you must make payment.

Stages of a personal injury case

A personal injury lawsuit starts with a formal pleading known as a complaint. This document explains the nature of the incident and details the damages and relief sought. The defendant responds to the complaint with an answer, which either admits or denies the allegations made in the complaint. A counterclaim may also be filed by the defendant if he or she feels they were injured as a result of the plaintiff’s actions. The plaintiff can then respond to the counterclaim. During this time, discovery is taken, a process by which personal injury lawyers gather evidence and build their case.

The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are settled by a settlement, which can be reached as early as days before trial. However, if the settlement is unsuccessful, the case will proceed to trial, where a jury will evaluate the evidence and decide whether or not the defendant is at fault. The jury will then decide whether or not the injured person deserves compensation. Most personal injury lawsuits are tried before juries, which means it is possible that you will need to hire a lawyer who is experienced in trial litigation.

Compensation for pain and suffering

Injuries can cause both physical and psychological pain and suffering. It can be both long-term and temporary. It can also involve emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. Injury attorneys often include pain and suffering damages in their cases. The full value of pain and suffering varies from one injury to the next. In general, the range is higher for severe injuries. Injury lawyers will use a combination of different methods to calculate the full value of pain and suffering.

When calculating pain and suffering damages, lawyers will use the per-diem method, which assigns a monetary value to each day of pain and suffering incurred due to the injury. This method is applied from the day of the accident until the date the victim reaches maximum medical improvement. The maximum medical improvement is the date on which the victim regains full health after the accident. Injury attorneys will work with you to assess the full value of your suffering, including mental anguish.

Ways to Honour a Deceased Family Member

Free photos of Artist

As the famous line goes, “No man is an island.” We all have people we hold close to our hearts – people we trust implicitly; people who know our deepest, darkest secrets; people who know us from our young age; and people who love every fibre of our being. They may be our parents, relatives, friends, or even casual acquaintances. It’s always a sad time when someone dear to us passes away as it seems they take a part of us with their passing.

We can always honour their memories and show others how they lived their lives in various ways. It could be as simple as a random act of kindness or as grand as having their name or likeness tattooed on your body or naming a grant or building after them. Regardless of how you want to honour your deceased family member, what’s important is that their memories will continue to live on through you.

Here are a few ways to honour a dearly departed family member.

Cremation diamond

Consider wearing your loved ones for the rest of your life by making their ashes into diamonds. You can ask for assistance from an experienced funeral services company like carrollandcarrollfunerals.co.uk that can guide you about the process. Your beloved’s ashes will undergo several procedures that will turn them into laboratory-grown diamonds that you can set on any piece of jewellery. You’ll always have them by your side if you so choose.

Donate to a cause dear to them

One way to honour the deceased is by donating a sum to one of their favourite charities or organisations that support a particular advocacy close to their hearts. If the donation is a sizable sum, perhaps you could arrange for an annual endowment in the deceased’s name so they’ll be remembered constantly.

Keep their things as mementoes

You can also keep some of their things as mementoes so you won’t easily forget them. Perhaps turn some of their shirts into pillow cases or throw rugs or a quilt. Spritz their favourite perfume on them, so you can remember how they smelled. Sentimentality will be a great way to remember your loved ones. Remember, they’ll always be on your mind if something will remind you of them.

Hang pictures and memorialise them online

Another alternative way to honour your loved ones is to hang their pictures around the house so you’ll get reminded of their presence. You can also scan and upload their old photos to albums online so you can browse them at your convenience. They’ll always be close by, although they’re no longer around.

Have their names or likeness tattooed

If you want to be a tad extreme, why not tattoo their name or likeness on your body? Select your favourite picture of them and have an experienced tattoo artist immortalise them in ink. They’ll be with you everywhere you go, and you’ll certainly remember them.

Takeaway

Honouring your beloved deceased family members is a worthwhile endeavour. You can do several things to remember how they lived their lives and how they influenced you.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/artist-tattoo-creative-tattooist-2238780/

THE HERD THAT CANCELLED DEPP

On September 22, 2021, Johnny Depp went on record as ‘a victim of cancel culture’ – a social epidemic and virus so infectious that no celebrity eminence may be immune to its virulence. Its transmission promulgates lepers out of icons formerly merited pedestals, casting them from the heights of social adulation and respective media platforms, to stigmatized bubbles of guilt and shame: JK Rowling, Shawn Dawson, Ellen DeGeneres…Johnny Depp. Depp went on to comment, ahead of receiving the honorary Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival: “It can be seen as an event in history that lasted for however long it lasted, this cancel culture, this instant rush to judgement based on what essentially amounts to polluted air.”

What surfaces when we put a microscope to the disease? For the last six weeks, one courtroom in a North Virginian courthouse has garnered more investigation, inspection, and cross-examination than a penicillin Petri dish of a Fleming laboratory. All while jurors, lawyers and the public have laboured to discern the pathogenic bacteria from the salubrious as the microcosm of Depp and Heard’s previous lives, misdemeanours, testimonies, and characters have been subjected to veritable scrutiny. Numerous accounts are probed by lawyers – morally unyielding pipettes – their mouths dispensing beads of venom that have gone on to fuel acrimonious external observation and public judgement – a more insidious poison proliferates outside the walls of the court. 

In 2018, following a Washington Post op-ed, a herd of deferential followers blindly united to mount Amber Heard upon an inviolable podium that would amplify the tenuous cries of a ‘self-proclaimed’ survivor from an unassailable summit. Four years on and those crusaders, the fanatics that sought to erect her venerable pedestal – are tearing it down with their own hands. A predicament that echoes Depp’s fall from grace with a mocking familiarity that reverberates with ironic justice, as public scrutiny renders Heard, officially, canceled. The verdict already cast: the jury, judge, and courtroom – redundant components of a superfluous trial, when its audience comprise the solely valid arbiters. Depp never needed a win, hell, he never needed the fifty million dollars, he needed to be uncancelled. And we don’t rescind cancelation through revoke or repeal of defamation. No, the public appetite is insatiable and demands to be fed…we cancel someone else. Heard was sentenced before she had the opportunity to open her mouth. And perhaps this is justice. She’s hardly exemplified the paradigm of innocence so voraciously broadcasted – the face of domestic violence. And yet was it not you, I, the rest of the world who, of our own volition, chose to uncritically endorse that misnomer in the first place?

Op-ed: ‘An opinion piece, written by a person with a unique perspective on the subject.’ An opinion. This was her opinion, her truth, written to inveigle the reader of her prevailing righteousness, but still, nothing beyond an opinion. As in, this was an article uncorroborated by enquiry, tangible facts, empirical data, investigation, scrutiny…evidence. Yet public condemnation was cast against Depp in merciless alacrity. Heard was the catalyst, we threw the stones. There have been numerous testimonies now that expose Heard’s predisposition to violence, to cruelty, verbal, vitriolic rage, the unremitting diatribes hurled at respective partners and employees, the narcissistic impulses…sufficient material to accumulate a plethora of ‘opinion pieces.’ So how did her true character evade us all for so long? We read an excerpt, an op-ed, and sanctioned it gospel truth. Depp and his distinguished career – crucified in an instant, we failed to question or interrogate the legitimacy of any of it…until ultimately the whole thing landed up in court. A product of our own blind acceptance, and our insatiable appetites for schadenfreude. Cancel culture. Do accounts such as these have to reach globally publicised trials before being subjected to veracity? And I know what you’re going to say: WE SHOULD BELIEVE ALL WOMEN WHO CLAIM TO HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO ABUSE! Well, should we?…We should listen to all women (and men), sure, we should take all accounts seriously and treat them with empathy, but believe? If we by default validate the victim, we instinctively denounce the accused. Belief…conviction… synonymous, and they generally go hand in hand with retribution – and we have a justice system in place for that.

Where Heard’s defence have resorted to some of the most outlandish, ridiculous even, sources, calling tabloids ‘The Sun,’ and ‘The Daily Mail’ out at the stand, Depp’s lawyers have rebutted with a ‘are you seriously going there’ side-glance. Way to undermine your own credibility, guys, because these sources have none. And that’s totally valid, we’re supposed to take stories that litter tabloids with a pinch of salt…they’re not peer reviewed, they’re hearsay, or “Heardsay,” let’s say. Still, this sensationalised propagation of Heard’s fabricated bruises, Moss’ tumble down-the-stairs, the salacious bedroom specifics, Depp’s volatile relationship history…all this tabloid trash has accumulated a gravity of intrigue. A substantial amount of this unsubstantiated drivel has found itself at the forefront of the trial…and that’s ultimately because the public gobbled it up with a greed and sightlessness that rendered Depp cancelled in the first place. We invested in this tabloid debris; we attributed it the credibility that steeped Depp in lawsuits for years, Heard was just the facilitator. We’ve seen an influx of articles now that rail against the misogynistic implications of vilifying Heard, instead of criticizing the onslaught of this online cruelty, they fixate on the imminent threat of interminable misogyny afflicting our society and deterring other victims from coming forward. They decry ‘misogyny’ all whilst alluding to Heard’s prevailing innocence on the mere basis of her gender…feminism advocates for equality though, not female hegemony – that’s misandry.  We are rarely exposed to balanced perspectives – if it’s not polarising, it ain’t getting a platform. Surely a feminist perspective would support Depp to an extent…not on account of the abuse that has been testified to, but on account of the evidence provided exposing Heard’s shrewd malice in defaming Depp, through what appears to be a calculated exploitation of the upsurge of the ‘me too’ movement. It feels as though we have lost sight of the fact that this is a defamation case though, not an abuse case, and Depp is not responsible for the hateful and pejorative commentary, we are.

Our societal perception of abuse is extremely binary, with minimal negotiation between oppressed and oppressor, it’s a reductionist approach that negates what system’s theories and numerous social-science studies have elicited for decades; that duality exists in all of us to an extent. And that dichotomy is exhibited throughout this trial. Fanaticism does not yield balance though. It’s clear that both Depp and Heard engaged in destructive, cruel, and toxic behaviour, Depp himself does not deny this. Yet here we are again, drowning in a public cry, but one now that rallies blindly for Depp’s exoneration, and he can do no wrong, as far as the public are concerned. Heard has driven him to drugs, hindered his sobriety and plagued his mind with jealousy, while some of the commentary has descended to the realms of the ridiculous in its claims – she is responsible for his profanities, his weight gain, his ageing, his thinning hair, his eyelashes have lost their volume and his ears have grown – a Darwinian defence against the perpetual threat of glass bottles hurled at his skull, no doubt. The woman literally cannot blink an eyelid without being subject to public scorn. Is Amber Heard not a victim in her own way, of mental illness, at least? Her behaviour undeniably congruent with cluster B personality types, so we’ve heard. We’ve witnessed testimony to her lack of impulse regulation, emotional instability, her inexorable struggles with dysfunctional relationships and addiction. Mental illness is only sympathised with when it’s socially palatable. Public opinion consigns its compassion to mental illness cases that conform to neat packages of vulnerability, hosts that are unpolemical and do nothing to infringe on the security and well-being of the majority. We have no humility for a blemished character. And yet, mental illnesses typically manifest themselves in ugly, socially repugnant ways…that’s usually what warrants a diagnosis in the first place – poor and socially non-conforming behavioural choices. But the virtue signalling won’t cease; the indefatigable ambush of moral slurs we wake up to everyday employed by brands, corporations, and public figures, conceptualised to lure us all into a collective sense of awareness surrounding the sanctity of mental health. And the general consensus pertains to this idea that we’re all suffering, to some extent. If we’re all saddled with mental health issues though, what are the implications for people suffering from BPD, bipolar, anorexia, schizophrenia, ASPD…PTSD? They’re put into the same boxes, the same waitlists and afforded the same degrees of tolerance and compassion as everyone else…divergent perspectives and feelings remain invalidated, and deviant behaviour ostracised.

The culmination of my DV trial landed my ex in prison: GBH, ABH, rape, and wounding. Those are concrete, legitimate terms, speculation does not enter the equation, this is what he was charged with and prosecuted for, it just is what it is. There was an additional charge, to which he was found not guilty, so I exclude it from mention. If his name or an allusion to was mentioned in a published article, I would be expected to substantiate those claims with proof. Throughout this trial, we have been barraged with commentary plagued with – ‘look what Heard’s done to ACTUAL survivors of domestic abuse!’ – I don’t know if she has done all that much to me, personally, to be perfectly candid. I didn’t really take much stead in her whole spiel in the first place…perhaps the reason for all this vehemence is that so many of us did. The comments on the other hand, the ones where we deride her fragile state of mental health, memes of her getting slapped, the general ridicule propounded against her displays of emotion, yeah those are pretty cutting, perhaps triggering even. I know of other survivors who similarly look upon accounts of victimhood with an invariable skepticism when they are void of tangible evidence. They find it acutely uncomfortable to read or hear accounts that are elusive as to what actually went on…this term ‘abuse’ – holds an amorphous ubiquity that is contentious – because what do you mean, when you say ‘abuse’, it’s vague, what are you referring to? – Malicious communications, verbal…assault – common, actual? Aggravated, grievous, battery, false imprisonment, wounding? – An official terminology for this stuff, that varies by jurisdiction, exists, and if you’re not even loosely exercising it, what moral authority do we have to arbitrate? A perpetrator of common assault does not receive as punitive a sentence as a person found guilty of grievous bodily harm. I was listening to a podcast recently on the topic of workplace violence and survivorship, the hosts were mollifying an actor who claimed to have been abused on set, the whole account was extremely obscure, but referred to a ‘truly horrific incident, a violation of the worst kind.’ The language being used seriously insinuated that a rape or some kind of sexual assault had occurred. The victim later went on to claim that ‘there were witnesses who heard what he said too’ – I mean, why do this? Why broadcast ‘abuse’ and not substantiate it with anything, no context was given, the listener just expected to take everything said at face value. It’s not fun for rape survivors to listen to accounts of survivorship that align verbal abuse with ‘a violation of the worst kind.’ When someone resonates with the term ‘survivor’ it’s not for me to refute or invalidate that, but it’s frustrating to have public attitude blindly endorse it. What do accounts of survivorship, when they vary so significantly in the severity of abuse inflicted, do for other survivors?

Has Heard made it harder for DV victims to come forward? Has she taken the ‘me too’ movement back…by decades? Personally conflicted on that one – it feels too much a sentiment wielded for the justification of the diatribes and hostility spurned at her. We read and champion enough editorials written by champagne socialists who release excerpts that bleed in victimhood…and hypocrisy, while they carouse and run around in their playgrounds of fast cars and luxury. And that’s not to suggest a celebrity status is any more capable than the rest of us plebs in evading abuse, perhaps it just feels more wounding somehow. To read the accounts of these paradigms of aesthetic beauty, altruists, do-gooders, and immaculate perfection, imploring for change and for justice from the cavernous realms of their sanctimonious, golden-lined lungs. So as a survivor, I never appreciated her article in the first place. She never epitomised the pillar of model survivorship for me. Socially, we pander to it all though, we provide the platforms…but only to the ‘righteous,’ and it’s ironic, because I’m not reckless or brave enough to actually supply examples (MANY come to mind)…someone might actually read this one day, and cancel my ass. My survival heroes have been the women I’ve encountered on tenuous recovery paths, usually amidst poverty, although that shouldn’t be a prerequisite. But they are women who’ve wrestled with their own demons in the aftermath of the clutches and wrath of shame and PTSD. A PTSD that drove them to abuse substances, commit inordinate and inexcusable mistakes, socially marginalise them and ostracise them from their loved ones as result of their own poor choices. Abuse is cyclic, PTSD has repercussions, hurt people – hurt people, and all too often the victims become the perpetrators. And they are my heroes, my heroines, because in spite of all the humiliation, the human error, the hurt committed unto others in the wake of their PTSD, they acknowledged their mistakes, their wrong-doings and they strove to change and to redeem. I’m not interested in entertaining articles penned by picture perfect archetypes of survivors, who claim to be entirely faultless in the face of the wake and wrath of PTSD. Victims of DV are not homogenous, but surviving violence and abuse carries its own implications, most of us didn’t wake up from our horror stories brimming with boundless love and care for humankind. For a lot of us, our self-esteem was down the pan, we disregarded our health, our hygiene, our skin broke out, our hair was ravaged, we were distrusting and confrontational, we didn’t smile demurely at passersby, we weren’t warm, approachable, or endearing. I never wanted to see this perfectly-put -together woman – no misdemeanours, flawless conduct, unblemished character parading on the cover of magazines as the ‘face of domestic violence.’ When you’ve worked so hard just to be able to trust people, to look people in the eye, to smile at people, to eat food, to sleep, to exercise, to nourish your body, to forgive yourself for the hurt inflicted upon others, to redeem for it, to address a lack of impulse control and emotional regulation, to love others and allow them to love you back, to be kind…that “bar” of survivorship makes you feel like a failure. Because it’s women like Heard who get the badge, the survivor badge. This is how the public want to perceive victimhood. And that’s not Heard’s fault…it’s a product of our society’s binary-bounded mentality. We don’t have to start denying self-confirmed survivors of their marque, we don’t have to deride or debase their choice of lexicon. But we can still choose how we interpret it. We can choose to discern between the accounts and the language put before us, to not jump to conclusions, we can choose to challenge our pre-determined biases or indulge them. To rush to unite in cancelling mass hysteria, or to…what’s the antithesis? – By default, if we don’t cancel, we endorse?…Our social positionality has become so binary, and we are culpable of that – it’s our responsibility to recalibrate, to confront the parameters of our own ‘herd fragility.’  We don’t have to conflate unquestioned, unchallenged compassion of domestic violence, survivorship and mental illness with understanding of it. Heard’s words only take the ‘me too’ movement backwards if you, if we allow her too.

Heard threw Depp to the wolves, knowing they would take the bait. A cancelled Depp, a then vilified, ‘had-been’, maligned underdog, unleashes his bark and the pack turn. We turn on the hand that fed us the succulent kernels of celebrity moral turpitude, we bite at Heard’s heels, ravenous for blood, easy prey for she is muzzled now, and her words hold no meat. She is ousted, finished, cancelled. And perhaps that’s the way it should be. Just providing we come to accept – we’re the predators, the wolves…or perhaps, more aptly, sheep.

A Brief History of the Western Belt Buckle

Western attire is characterized by several easily recognizable accessories. There is, of course, the classic cowboy hat and boots. No western outfit is complete without those. Rugged jeans and shirts with snaps and perhaps a bolo tie are also standard. One of the most noticeable accessories is the oversize belt buckle that the wearer displays with pride. In fact, they are often given as prizes to rodeo event winners. How did these extra-large buckles become so popular?

Roots in the Military

There is a large assortment of western belt buckles in vogue. Most are metal but there are other materials such as a bronco leather buckle. The trend started during the Civil War. Members of the cavalry wore large, shiny buckles as a standard part of their uniforms. This practice was adopted from European military tradition. The buckles were a great symbol of the pride they had in their service and their cavalry units. After the war, when rodeos became popular, veterans wore their buckles while competing and often had new buckles made in a similar style but depicting western themes.

Influenced by Hollywood

Cowboys and rodeo became part of show business with traveling shows such as the one run by Buffalo Bill Cody. In the 20th Century, the film industry began and westerns were a popular genre right from the start. Early silent stars like Tom Mix were fitted with large, ornate, silver belt buckles. This continued as other western stars such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers become icons. The flashy buckle became firmly associated with cowboy attire. Rodeo stars were quick to adopt the trend and what prize could be better for the best ropers and riders than a big shiny buckle.

Oversized belt buckles are now firmly established as an essential part of western wear. The bigger and shinier the better. It’s like a trophy always on display for a rodeo star.

Does Depression Lead to Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people in the United States alone. While it is considered a multifactorial disease with various etymologies, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is the cause of most dry eye cases diagnosed in the clinical setting.

Dry eye syndrome’s other identified risk factors include aging, gender, genetics, stress, smoking, anxiety, and depression. Among all these causative factors, depression has received widespread attention as the condition influencing the interventions and success rate of an individualized treatment plan. Let’s look at the causes and effects of depression on individuals diagnosed with dry eye syndrome.

Dry eyes can affect your mood

The chronic pressure on the eyelids due to absent or reduced oil production can alter a person’s mood. Though one may feel acclimated to having dry eyes, it can lead to depressed individuals suffering from acute depression attacks. Therefore, the best treatment for dry eye conditions entails a holistic approach that includes addressing the mood changes arising from dealing with the condition. 

Impending vision loss may result in acute depressive attacks 

Dry eye syndrome typically starts with minor signs and symptoms and vision loss when left untreated. The blockage of the Meibomian glands, infection, or low sebum production can often lead to permanent corneal, conjunctival, and eyelid damage. These complications predispose an individual to suffer from permanent vision loss sooner or later. Without proper management and treatment, depressed individuals often feel hopeless and fall deeper into depression instead of finding a treatment option that can help them manage their condition effectively. 

Necessary lifestyle changes

Dry eye syndrome is often diagnosed in its last stages as most individuals are asymptomatic during the early stages of the illness. Apart from eye dryness, there are many other associated symptoms, including itchiness in one or both eyes, eyelid inflammation, irritation, swollen eyelids, and the sensation of having a foreign object in your eye. Dry eye symptoms may be overwhelming for those who suffer from chronic depression. As a result, individuals who fail to perform their routines with the utmost proficiency are more likely to suffer from frequent anxiety attacks. 

Reduced social interactions

Individuals with dry eye syndrome experience blurry vision that can be a safety hazard when walking or driving vehicles. To avoid accidents or exacerbation of symptoms, they choose to isolate themselves instead. In some cases, people undergoing treatment refrain from social interactions until all unwanted signs and symptoms disappear. 

Effective management of dry eye syndrome and depression is key

Many dry eye syndrome patients suffering from depression must receive a comprehensive treatment plan to resolve both conditions. Apart from receiving the right set of management interventions to alleviate the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome, patients are encouraged to seek the expertise of therapists to treat mood swings and depressive episodes.

Final thoughts

While dry eye syndrome is a non-terminal illness, individuals must be treated promptly to prevent the disease from becoming serious. The impending threat of vision loss can negatively impact one’s state of mind; hence, proper psychological evaluation and treatment must also be implemented to ensure a positive and speedy recovery.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/AFaMbjb9sDM

What Does Delta 8 Contain?

Delta 8 does not contain contaminants or toxic chemicals. They are pure, non-GMO, and made from organic hemp. They taste great, too. If you’re curious about Delta 8, read on.  You can also check out different websites to see where some of these products are sold. Click here to visit the official website of Deltamunchies.

Are Delta 8 gummies edible?

What makes Delta-8 gummies so special? The cannabinoid Delta-8 is responsible for the unique effects these gummies have. Ingesting this cannabinoid produces a relaxing high, which can significantly affect an individual’s mood. Delta 8 gummies can help a person achieve complete relaxation, while the THC content of this edible will jeopardize the individual differently. While Delta-8 gummies are known to have a relaxing effect on the body, their results depend on how frequently they are consumed, their age, and the amount of THC they have absorbed. Whether you are looking for a relaxing high or just want to clear your mind from work, Delta 8 gummies can help you achieve your goals.

To be sure your gummies contain the correct amount of Delta-8, look for brands that have third-party lab testing performed. This is the only way to ensure the purity of your final product. Make sure the company you purchase your Delta 8 gummies from conducts third-party lab tests and conducts its own. To avoid buying from unreliable sources, you can also check the labels of your favorite Delta 8 brands. Generally, Delta-8 gummies have a purity level of up to 96%.

For those who want to consume their CBD gummies, Exhale offers delta-8 gummies that contain no THC. These gummies are produced from hemp grown in the United States and come in three flavors: blue raspberry, peach, and watermelon. These gummies are also available as subscriptions.

How long does it take to kick in?

When you start using Delta 8, you may be curious how long it takes to get the desired effect. Many companies have a variety of dosage options. The best way to find out how much Delta 8 is to take is to do a little bit at a time. You should start by taking half of the recommended serving size and slowly work your way up to the recommended dose. You may experience a short-lived lack of energy or a feeling of tiredness, but these effects should wear off as the supplement works.

The effects of Delta-8 depend on how often you vape. If you vape every day, it will take approximately five days to clear your system. It may take up to 10 days for THC metabolites to be eliminated from your system. As you may have guessed, Delta-8 THC will show up in a drug test if you are still in your system. As long as you take your medication according to instructions, the effects of Delta-8 THC will wear off after around a week.

The effects of delta 8 THC take about 45 minutes to three hours to full effect. The time to start feeling the results may differ for everyone, so you should consult your physician. While you should consume edibles at least 60 minutes before taking a cigarette, it can take up to three hours to experience the drug’s full effects. While this is longer than the duration of a vape session, it’s worth remembering that Delta 8 THC tinctures take about 60 minutes to absorb into your system and are fully effective.

Side effects Delta 8 Gummies

If you’re thinking about trying Delta-8 gummies, you need to know what they can do to your body. This cannabis supplement can cause a temporary dry mouth and eyes, but these are relatively mild side effects. The dry mouth is not a sign of dehydration but rather the effects of the compound on the salivary glands. A dry mouth can lead to red eyes and discomfort, but moisturizing eye drops can remedy dry vision.

Delta 8 gummies are a popular form of cannabis. They contain spirulina, an active ingredient that boosts white blood cells and other healthy functions. In addition, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates homeostasis. These gummies also contain the chemical delta-8 THC, which has many positive effects on the body. However, some users have reported that the drug may cause anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.

Delta 8 can cause users to feel groggy or out of it. While the effects are less pronounced than THC, delta 8 can result in a feeling of grogginess or a strong desire to sleep. These side effects occur when people take too much of the drug. If you are concerned about the impact, be sure to microdose. Those side effects will be mild and temporary.

Use of Coupons Help You to Save Money and Get Better Discount

If you’re interested in buying sports apparel online, you’ve come to the right place. This online store features a list of popular brands and models and offers quick, easy comparison shopping. Choose your size, color, and other details to find the perfect sportswear for you. Delivery is also free within India. You can purchase your sports apparel with confidence. Here are some tips on how to buy the right type of sports gear for your style.

Using Coupons Can Save You A Lot Of Money:

They help you buy more expensive items at a lower price. You can also use them to purchase rival brand products. It will be great if you can get a few of them and accumulate them. You can also create a savings account to save money for emergencies. However, it will be important for you to understand the rules for couponing. Here are some of the benefits of using coupons.

Using the Nike promo code is an easy way to track your savings. By comparing prices with and without coupons, you can see which products are more affordable. Sometimes, you may be able to save a lot of money when you use a coupon. This way, you can save more money on your next purchase. Moreover, you can track how much you save every time you use a coupon. You can even compare prices with different discounts.

Easily Used by Customers:

Another benefit of using coupons is that they can be easily used by customers. You can use them to try out new things that you normally wouldn’t try. You can even get a freebie, which is no less than a gift. This way, you’ll be able to try out something that you never thought possible for yourself. This way, you’ll be rewarded with an opportunity to enjoy something for free. You’ll be happy you did.

Another advantage of using coupons is that they can help your business gain more awareness. The consumer is likely to remember a coupon with your company name and address, which will increase your sales. People will also be more likely to visit your store or website. By providing the names and addresses of the businesses, you can save a lot of money on marketing. In addition to saving money, coupons are good for those who are just starting their business or don’t have a street presence.

Using coupons can also help you save money on everyday items. Most of the time, these items are already on sale, so you can get them at a lower price. So, you can also get a better sense of accomplishment by using coupons. And, you’ll be helping your community at the same time. And it’s worth it to try using these tips to save money. It will be a great benefit for you.

Reduce Your Bill:

Using coupons is a great way to save money. They can help you reduce your grocery bill by as much as 50%. You can use these savings to save on bigger items, like clothes or furniture. It is also possible to find a good coupon for a product that you regularly use. This way, you can be sure to save money on the products you need the most. This is a good way to make more money on the things that you already buy.

Essential Factors to Consider While Relocating Your Business

Entrepreneurs should give business relocation keen attention because it is not easy to do. It would be best if you considered some critical factors to ensure that you make the right decision for the success of your business.

Some of the essential factors include:

Customers

Customers determine the success of every business. So, when you are relocating your business to another location, you need to be sure that you will get enough new customers or that your current customers will still easily access the new area.

With large numbers of customers buying your products, you can be sure of making profits that can help you expand your business. Experts say it would be better to move closer to your customers than move away from them.

Moving closer to your clients makes it convenient to access your products. As a result, your sales volume will increase as you make good profits.

Location

The location you choose will determine the success of your business. Therefore, you need to ask yourself the following crucial questions before you move:

  • Is the new area safe for your business?
  • Will you get sufficient customers for your goods and services?
  • Does the new location have good infrastructure to support your business?
  • Will you find enough workforce in the area?

If the answer is ‘yes,’ you can relocate your company to the new area.

Taxes 

Different states or countries charge different amounts of taxes, which will significantly impact your business. If the tax rate is higher, you will likely make lower or no profits. So, you need to get a location with low tax rates to help you lower costs as you maximize profits.

Relocation Cost

While moving to a new location, check the cost of living so that you don’t end up having more expenses than savings. For instance, if the cost of living is high, you will pay more for rent and workforce than if the cost is lower.

What are the Basics of Dressing?

How you dress tells a lot about your character, making it essential to consider the outfits you decide to share with the world. You must understand the basics of dressing and what you can and cannot wear, among other essential tips, when considering your outfit. Local research shows employees who dress better than their employers have a better chance at rising through the ranks and replacing their supervisors. Here are fashion aspects you need to know to dress ideally according to the theme and essence of your planned activities.

Basics of Dressing

Avoid Playing the Part

Your outfit needs to reflect your personality and not give away what you do. Only specific professions require their workforce to have a particular dress code; it may be color-specific or company-assigned uniforms. Other organizations with the freedom to wear clothing allow you to experiment in various designs and express yourself according to how you want to be perceived.

Avoid Cloning

It is not an offense to copy an outfit you find attractive from your colleague, but it would be best to avoid overdoing it. You can observe the styles, colors, patterns, and prints that others wear and make an effort to be unique each day. Psychologists also recommend switching to tie, shirt, and suit combinations frequently to ensure those close to you do not typecast your appearance. If there is anyone you should try cloning, it is the boss; they will take it as an effort to try and look like them.

Quality Over Quantity

Quality over quantity is another fundamental aspect of dressing. Try to keep your outfit as simple as possible by including quality and genuine pieces to increase the chances of your dress standing out. Pick clothes that fit right, are well made, and look as good as new; you will feel shabby with oversized options, while tight ones are restrictive. You will find that quantity-focused outfits are mobile and can move with you quickly while their counterparts are bulky; Lulalu delivers quality bras for every woman.

Other Dressing Tips You May Need

  • It would help if you always closed the middle button on a jacket and never closed the lower one. You can button or unbutton the upper one depending on your current mood and how you want others to perceive you.
  • Do not unbutton more than two buttons when wearing a blouse or shirt.
  • If you have a tie on, ensure it reaches and crosses your waist just a little bit. Wearing a tie will depend on if you have a jacket or not; a tie is unnecessary without a coat.
  • Ladies should settle for either cleavage or a mini skirt when picking out their office outfits. Pairing the two dressing aspects will leave you looking too vulgar and less professional.
  • Ensure you have a belt on if you tuck in your shirt. Also, ensure your belt and shoes match colors for a professional appeal.

Understanding the basics of dressing is the first step to unlocking flawless outfits for work. Every individual needs to know the information shared in this article to maintain a consistent and professional dress code. Do not be afraid to accessorize; ensure you do not overdo.

How to Increase Your Fleet Efficiency

The way in which your fleet operates will directly impact your company’s ongoing profitability, reputation, and sustainability. If you want your company vehicles to play an active role in the ongoing growth of your organization, it’s highly recommended that you go above and beyond to improve their overall efficiency levels.

Advice on how to increase your fleet efficiency can be found in the article below.

Equip yourself with the right tools

If you’re to stand a chance at providing a fleet service that is truly befitting of today, it’s highly recommended that you equip yourself with a whole host of modern tech tools.

Crucially in this instance, you should seriously consider investing in driver assist technology. This tech solution will actively scan the road ahead for potential dangers. The cutting-edge algorithm will examine the oncoming scene, its overall goal being to detect other vehicles, lane changes, and pedestrians before they manifest into safety hazards. With this extra set of eyes at their disposal, your drivers will be far more likely to operate your company vehicles in an alert, astute, and ultimately efficient fashion. To find the very latest and best deals on driver-assist technology, be sure to check out iLink.

Be incredibly fuel-efficient

Your vehicles aren’t going to play a major role in your company’s ongoing growth if they are constantly breaking down. To ensure that you aren’t blighted by fleet downtime, going above and beyond to improve your fuel efficiency is advised.

There are a number of things that you can do to enhance the efficiency of your refueling operation, one of which is to plan periodic fuel stops. As soon as you know what routes your drivers are going to be taking, you should take some time to unearth fuel stations along the way. This will help to keep your vehicles on a timely course as they travel across the country, and it will also help to fend off potential wear-and-tear issues in the fuel filter.

Remain in contact with your drivers at all times

Retaining a clear, coherent, and concise flow of communication with your drivers is very much advised. By remaining in contact with your driving workforce, you will have the capacity to keep them engaged, alert, and efficient over a sustained period of time. What’s more, you will also have the ability to warn them of any traffic delays that may be awaiting them ahead.

To ensure that your drivers are capable of safely taking your calls while they’re out there on the open road, you should consider providing them with robust in-vehicle smartphone holders.

If you’re serious about taking your business from strength to strength over the course of the coming year, improving the overall efficiency of your fleet operation should be one of your top priorities. When you decide to take on this all-important challenge, be sure to remember all of the advice and guidance listed above. Do that, and you’ll be sure to build a productive driving workforce in no time.

How to Choose the Best CBG Products?

While millions of people are already huge fans of the benefits of CBD, when in search to improve their wellbeing, another cannabinoid that is perhaps not as well known yet, but that can present you with the same equal health benefits is CBG. CBG or cannabigerol might share a few similarities with CBD, still, there are a few differences between them. However, just like CBD, CBG products have the potential to change your life. If you are interested in knowing how here, you will know more about CBG.

Why Should You Consider CBG Products? 

Every living organism that has a spinal column possesses an endocannabinoid system, which is a biological system that manages most of your body’s functions. Cannabinoids interact with the receptors located in different parts of the human body that control different processes. When you consume CBG, this will impact your health by promoting those receptors to work faster and release more cannabinoids naturally, which will result in an improvement of many health issues. 

How to Choose the Best CBG Products? 

Finding good CBG products can be difficult, as it can be challenging to find more than CBD. And because neither CBG nor CBD are regulated by the FDA, it might be a little harder to find high-quality CBG products. Fortunately, established businesses such as Raw Botanics offer trusted CBG products, which include: 

Taking CBG orally can be one of the best ways to grasp the benefits of CBG. Plus, it can also be the longest-lasting way to absorb CBG.

Firearm Fashion: Concealed Carry Clothing

If you’re a gun enthusiast, you may enjoy the ease and convenience of clothing specifically designed for concealed carry. Concealed carry clothing eliminates the need for an extra accessory because it has built-in holsters that adhere to the legal guidelines of most states. There are many styles to choose from depending on your personal needs.

Shorts

Concealed carry shorts come in several varieties for men and women. There are tight-fitting spandex shorts that can be worn under other clothing or as biking-style athletic wear. The elastic gun belt sewn into the waistband fits most sizes and models of handguns, making them versatile as well as practical. There are also tactical cargo shorts with holsters sewn into either the outside or the inside.

Jackets

Jackets, coats, sportscoats, and vests designed for concealed carry have a holster sewn into the inside chest area. The gun rests in a similar position to that of a shoulder holster. Additional internal pockets provide a safe place for your phone, keys, wallet, and extra magazines. Be careful not to leave this jacket on the back of a chair somewhere, though.

Purses

Most concealed carry licensing instructors strongly advise against off-person carry, though most recognize that it’s unavoidable at times. Women especially often have difficulty with on-person carry when wearing certain outfits. This is why there are hundreds of purses and other bags with built-in holsters designed for concealing a handgun.

Athletic Tank Tops

Athletic tank tops, undershirts, and sports bras have snug elastic holsters sewn into the side under the arm. Lifting your shirt to draw may be a bit cumbersome, but this carry method is still safe and secure and much less restrictive of your body movements than a belly band that holds the gun in a similar position.

Boots

Boots with built-in holsters are easier to manage than an ankle holster and come in tactical, fashion, and cowboy styles, so you’re sure to find a pair to fit your taste and your gun. Be aware, though, that any leg or ankle holster is best suited for smaller, light-weight handgun models.

Jeans

Of course, no collection is complete without a classic pair of jeans. Some styles have holsters in the waistband while others have cargo pockets with similar functionality to a thigh holster.

Whatever your style of fashion expression or firearm carry, be sure you are familiar with the specific laws in your state regarding firearms, holsters, and concealed carry.

Reasons To Try Mediation Divorce

Divorce may have unanimously been branded as a messy affair, but it does not have to be. While it marks the end of a chapter, it also marks a new beginning that needs to be handled with care. Mediation divorce can help with this, allowing you and your partner to get a smooth transition and an amicable agreement. Luckily, this is just one of the reasons to consider settling for mediation.

Your Children Will Be Your First Priority

While numerous court battles are bent on picking a winner, mediation divorce focuses on doing what is best for the children. The mediator will help the conflicting parties reach an agreement that favors the couple and the children in question. This can often mean educating you and your partner on sensitive ways to settle your dispute to ensure you reach neutral agreements. While court trials often call children to appear in court proceedings, therefore, exposing them to the ongoing conflict, mediation empowers you to settle any custody disputes on your terms.

You Get One on One Attention

Mediation comes with the benefit of personal attention, helping your mediator focus solely on your case without any distractions. Mediators will work hand in hand with the parties and families involved in this process, allowing them to develop a close connection. Due to this, they get detailed information about each party, opening up room for proper evaluation. Your mediator can then help you explore feasible options enabling you to reach a cordial agreement suitable for everyone involved.

It Is Less Stressful

Mediation focuses on problem-solving between the parties involved, prioritizing neutrality rather than fuelling any hate favoring one party. This allows you to address issues put forth by both parties to ensure you achieve a satisfactory agreement. Your mediator will often raise points to help both parties, allowing you to view your disagreement from your partner’s perspective. This opens up room for compromise, with the result being a less stressful and adversarial process.

It Is Cheaper

Since mediation utilizes an out-of-court process, it eliminates the costly fees associated with legal representation. It also comes in handy in avoiding the lengthy back and forth trials that often come with tedious paperwork, all of which comes at a fee. By choosing mediation, you and your partner will only need to pay for the services of your mediator.

Takes Less Time

On average, the mediation process will often take just a few weeks, allowing you to get back to your life without any significant setbacks. This contrasts with court trials that may take years, with back and forth trials likely to drain your finances.

Creates Post-Divorce Stability

Post-divorce life matters and your divorce process will often set the tone of how well your children and family relate with your partner. If you are looking for stability post-divorce, mediation divorce ensures that you get a smooth transition into the next phase of your life. Due to its reliance, mediation helps you maintain an open and friendly line of communication with your spouse.

If you also need to resolve any future conflict, mediation is a suitable go-to for settling further disputes. Your mediator can also help you modify your divorce agreement when any changes in your life come up and help you clarify matters that need to be reviewed. Since they are already familiar with your agreement, post-divorce conflict can be handled in a matter of days, saving you time and additional expenses.

Mediation is one of the most overlooked ways to handle a divorce, with the above-listed reasons acting as proof that amicable agreements are possible for any underlying disputes.

Alu Chaat (Potato tangy snack)

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I had a few days off work this week so it was great to have a relaxing weekend and pretend that I was on holiday. My husband and I were chatting about the foods we used to make when we went on foreign holidays during the days when the Indian ingredients and spices weren’t available in certain countries. One of our favourite meals involved spicing up boiled potatoes to make a chaat. We used to pack a lot of Indian spices and bottles of sauces such as sweet and sour chili sauce or tamarind sauce when we went on holiday. By adding a concoction of these spices and sauces to the boiled potatoes we always managed to make up an exciting snack. We made the chaat this weekend to relive our holiday meals.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

  • 6-8 medium new potatoes
  • 1 red onion
  • 2-3 green chillies
  • 2 tbls olive oil
  • 1 tbls. tamarind sauce
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin and coriander powder
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • handful of chopped coriander
  • handful of sev mamra (You can get ready packs of Bombay mix or Gujarati mix  in most supermarkets)
  • some nuts such as almonds, peanuts etc. (optional)

Method:

1. Wash and boil the potatoes with the skin on.

2. Once boiled, peel the potatoes and chop them into small cubes.

3. Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Once the seeds get dark, add the chopped potatoes and toss them lightly. Add the salt. chili powder, cumin and coriander powder, sugar, lemon juice, tamarind sauce and chopped coriander and allow this to cook until the potatoes look nice and crispy.

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4. Remove the potatoes into 2 serving bowls. Chop the onion finely and sprinkle it on the potatoes. Top this with sev mamra, nuts and finely chopped green chilies to give it a bit of crunch and heat. You can add more tamarind sauce to the alu chaat if you like your potatoes to be a bit tangy.

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Do you have any favourite holiday snacks you love making?

Blackberry Jam

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This summer, I have tried to make jam out of the favourite summer fruits. The recipe for all is very similar. Most recipes tend to suggest using sugar the same weight as the fruit but I always try and reduce the amount of sugar used as the summer fruits are also sweet. This jam took 12 minutes to make in the microwave.

Ingredients:

  • 350 gms blackberries
  • 200 gms granulated sugar (I found the jam very sweet so would suggest reducing the sugar to 150gms for next time)
  • 2 tbls fresh lemon juice

Method

1. Wash the blackberries and chop then into two or three small pieces.

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2.  Add the sugar and cook uncovered at high in the microwave (900 watts) for 5 minutes and stir.

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3. Cook again for 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and cook for a further two minutes. Allow the jam to cool and transfer to a sterilised bottle.

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Really simple recipe which gives such an incredible taste.

Rosecoco (borlotti) beans curry

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Rosecoco Beans (also called borlotti beans) are normally found in their dried form.  Their deep pink colour skin is flecked with beige and brown spots. They need to be soaked overnight and cooked until soft. Once cooked, they look very similar to peanuts.  Cooking them in a pressure cooker saves time.  If you are in a hurry, you can get these pre boiled in cans in some supermarkets.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups of boiled Rosecoco (or borlotti) beans (note that this is the cooked/boiled amount.  you will need only one cup which when soaked will double).
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes/canned tomato or passata (I used a mixture of fresh tomatoes and passata)
  • 2 tsbls oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 small sticks of cinnamon
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbls jaggery
  • 1-2 fresh green chillies
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  •  small bunch fresh coriander
  • 1 tbls lemon juice
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic

Method:

1.  Once the rosecoco beans have boiled in plenty of water- drain and  rinse out the water as it will be discoloured.  Allow them to cool.

 

2.  Heat the oil and add in the mustard, cinnamon and cloves.  As soon as they stop popping, add the tomatoes.  If you are using fresh tomatoes, make sure that you remove the outer skin.  To do this, make a slit in the tomatoes and cook them for a couple of minutes in boiling water.  This will loosen the skin. Immerse the cooked tomatoes in cold water and peel off the skin.  Then chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Once they are added to the oil, stir them and cook until soft. Now add all the spices – salt, turmeric, chili powder, jaggery, lemon juice, half the coriander, ginger, garlic and green chillies.  Add half a cup of water.

3.  Once it is simmering, add the boiled rosecoco beans and stir. If your gravy feels too thick you can add some water.  If the gravy feels too watery, you can add blend a teaspoon of chick pea flour (besan) with the gravy in a cup and add it to the curry.  This will thicken the gravy.

4.  Garnish the curry with coriander or fresh green chillies.  Serve this hot with any rice.  We cooked saffron rice. rosecoco

 

How do you cook your Rosecoco or borlotti  beans? Do share your recipes.

Want to pull off a jumpsuit? Look great with these four tips!

Jumpsuits are a great way to stand out from the crowd while looking confident. However, many women avoid wearing them because they (mistakenly) believe they don’t have the right body type. With jumpsuits coming in many colors and styles, there is something perfect for women of all shapes and sizes. It’s just a matter of choosing the right style and accessories. Here are a few tips to get you started. 

Tip #1: Choose a solid color 

While patterns can be fun, not everyone feels comfortable wearing them from head to toe. On the contrary, dark, solid colors suit almost everyone. Whether you are looking for regular, plus-sized, or petite jumpsuits, it’s hard to go wrong with black or navy blue. 

Tip #2: Pair with a short jacket

Winter is coming, and the wrong jacket can throw off your whole look. For a flattering outfit that lengthens your legs while shortening your torso, pair your jumpsuit with a cropped blazer or cardigan.  

Tip #3: Accessorize! 

The right accessories can help you showcase your waist and legs – and even make you look taller! In her blog, fashion writer Gabrielle Aruda shows off how simple accessories can make a huge difference. Women looking for style inspiration can try the following:

  • Long necklaces
  • Waist-syncing belt
  • Pointed heels
  • Crossbody bags

Tip #4: Be Confident!

No matter how you choose to style your jumpsuit, the most important thing is that you feel confident at the end of the night. Even if you don’t fall in love with them, jumpsuits are still a fun alternative to dresses and suits and great for sparking creativity! 

What to Know About Legal Weed in Maine

Whether you are a new Maine resident, a long-time Mainer who is just getting into cannabis, or someone just exploring New England on vacation, it’s good to learn about Maine’s cannabis laws. Maine is one of a handful of states that allows both medical and recreational use of marijuana. Take a quick look through our explainer to find out what you need to know about legal weed in Maine.

Does Maine have medical cannabis?

Yes. Maine has been a medical marijuana state since 1999. Ballot Question 2, also known as the Maine Medical Marijuana for Specific Illnesses, passed that year to give people with serious health conditions access. The 2009 Maine Medical Marijuana Act expanded access and also decriminalized possession of up to 2.5 ounces of flower.

There are no qualifying conditions for getting medical cannabis in Maine. If you and your physician agree that you need it, you can get a card.

Maine also has reciprocal agreements with other medical cannabis states. This means that if you have a medical cannabis card in your home state, you can purchase weed in Maine for medical purposes.

What about adult use?

In 2016, Maine voters passed An Act to Legalize Marijuana, which allows adults 21 or older to possess, consume, and cultivate cannabis for personal use. Under the law, residents and visitors can purchase marijuana in licensed dispensaries. As with any regulated substance, there are a few caveats to be aware of:

  • you have to be 21 or over to buy or possess marijuana in the state.
  • consumption, whether it’s edibles, flower, or vapes, is not legal in public. This includes resorts, music venues, restaurants, and public places like sidewalks and parks.
  • you can be charged with an OUI if you consume marijuana then get behind the wheel.
  • you cannot cross state lines with cannabis.
  • you cannot bring it into federal property like a national park. These are under federal jurisdiction.
  • Maine has possession limits. Recreational users can have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 5 grams of concentrate.

As long as you are aware of the limitations, you can relax and enjoy adult use marijuana in the state of Maine.

Where can I buy cannabis in Maine?

While it is legal to grow up to three mature and 12 immature cannabis plants in Maine, there are restrictions on where it can be legally bought and sold. People can and are prosecuted for black market trade of cannabis. To stay on the right side of the law (and to know what you’re getting) purchase cannabis only from licensed dispensaries in Maine

What to know before you go.

You will need a photo ID that confirms that you are over the age of 21 to enter an adult use dispensary in Maine. You can use ID from any state, as long as it is legal and up to date.

Before you visit a Maine dispensary, double check to see that dispensary’s policies. Some are cash only, others accept debit and credit cards.

The rules are pretty accommodating. Take a bit of time to acquaint yourself, then enjoy what the state has to offer.