General

It’s been quite a tumultuous time for the movie industry of late, with many projects either delayed slightly, pushed backed to some unknown date or cancelled altogether. Still, the show must go on, and we will be treated to a raft of new releases in the coming weeks or months as the industry finally gets back to something near normal.

Indeed, lest we forget: We are living in the time of the Hollywood sequel, with literally 100s of sequels and reboots in the works – or rumored to be so – in the coming years. While 2020 can’t be said to have been a great year for movies, we still have some intriguing films coming out soon. Notably some interesting sequels. Below we pick out five that will hit the screens before Christmas:

Bill and Ted Face the Music – September 1st

Arriving in theaters and an on-demand release in a few days, Bill and Ted Face the Music has been almost a decade in the making since fans learned a new script was in the works. A direct sequel to 1991’s Bogus Journey, only a slight delay in release by a couple of weeks will not have bothered fans too much. The question, however, remains about the appetite for the shtick delivered by the most excellent duo. Interestingly, IGT released a Bill and Ted slot game, which you can play here at this site: https://www.casino.com/casino-games/. That was well-received by players, but will we say the same for the new movie? You see, Bill and Ted is very much a child of the optimism of the late 80s and early 90s. How will that message be received in the cynical 2020s?

Wonder Woman 1984 – October 20th

You get the feeling that it’s going to be a pivotal couple of years for the DCEU, and the superhero movie business (see below) in general. And, it’s going to be interesting to see how Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman fits into DC’s future, especially with hints at darker stories and characters. Still, we expect to see some fine swashbuckling action as Patty Jenkins once again takes the director’s chair to spin a tale of Wonder Woman battling baddies in the Cold-War era. Incredibly, filming wrapped on this movie all the way back in 2018; it feels like a lot has happened since then.

Black Widow – November 6th

As with Wonder Woman above, Marvel’s Black Widow arrives at what feels like a watershed moment for the business of putting superheroes on screen. However, there is a sense that Black Widow should have been made before the release of Avengers: Endgame, and, as such, fans should be able to compartmentalize it and not worry too much about how it fits into future Marvel films. Still, Scarlett Johannson probably doesn’t get enough credit for her role as Black Widow, and she more than deserves the standalone story to round out the character.

No Time to Die – November 20th

Bond No. 25 will hit the screens in the last fall, after its initial April 2020 release was pushed back. What do we get with this one, then? More of the same, of course, with Daniel Craig’s edgy James Bond coming out of retirement to face foes new and familiar. Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) gets the nod as the chief villain, Safin, but there is also a return for Christoph Waltz as the dastardly Blofeld. This will be Craig’s last Bond movie, and there is sure to be rampant speculation as to who fills the role next.

Coming 2 America – December 18th

Like Bill and Ted, it’s really going to be interesting to see how this sequel fits into the world we live in today. The original Coming to America was charming, in its way, but managed to be simultaneously offensive and reverential about the characters’ African origins. Craig Brewer, who directed Eddie Murphy in the brilliant Dolemite Is My Name, is in the director’s chair, and you can be sure there will be a bit more regard for sensibilities than original director John Landis. Our prediction is that it will be a surprise hit, and further raise the idea that Eddie Murphy is back in the big time.

Online education is beneficial to students in multiple ways: distance learning, convenience and access to international student resources are a few of the benefits of enrollment into online learning courses and full fledged university education. Not only do students and executives benefit from gaining new skills and learning new concepts from the comfort of their homes, but also by gaining access to a lot of online resources that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise due to an obvious geographical distance. Additionally, owing to the current pandemic, almost every institution has shifted online and its high time that the image of a traditional brick and mortar university transcended to a digitized one.

Online education has been getting a lot of acceptance and positive nods in recent years. Earlier it was frowned upon to receive an online degree, but owing to the current pandemic, people’s perspectives have changed greatly. Online education is seen as a convenient and smarter way of learning as opposed to traditional education. Following are the benefits of enrolling in short online courses and online university courses:

• Online courses give one flexibility

Students or executives attending online courses have a lot of flexibility in determining their overall schedule and class timings. In a brick and mortar class, students are bound by time and have to attend classes when and where dictated by their faculty and administration, and they have to schedule the rest of their daily work and chores around their classes. However, online education gives you the liberty of viewing coursework when you have time and then delegating your time to your work and careers too.

• Online courses are cheaper in tuition fees

In comparison with traditional universities, online education is much cheaper in tuition fees due to a number of reasons. Firstly because the infrastructure and venue isn’t needed and lowers costs of the institution itself. Secondly because an unlimited number of individuals can sign up for and attend an online course and the number of students is essentially unlimited. Also, along with tuition fees student also incur other expenses such as accommodation and transport while studying a traditional university, and online education removes those expenses as well. 

• Online courses allow students to network across borders

Given the diversity of students and executives able to enroll in online courses, the opportunities for students to connect with their fellows and peers are great and beyond. Not only does this allow for increased collaboration in terms of business opportunities and project implementation, it also helps students understand different cultures and societies much better. It allows students to receive exposure they otherwise wouldn’t have had access to.

• Online courses allow students to get access to resources

While in traditional universities, a significant part of the student’s budget is dedicated to buying big and expensive books, with online courses, they get access to e-books, case studies and documentaries at a much cheaper price. In addition to that, all the data used for teaching gets stored online and students can access it at anytime. Any discussions, debates, training material or course material is all shared with students to facilitate their learning.

• Online courses give students access to expertise

Online courses and online university education give students from around the world access to experts and their learning material that they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. Especially in countries where the centers of learning or educational institutions aren’t very well developed and students are limited by finances, online education plays a great in facilitating them and helping them build their skills and knowledge. Students belonging to every country and every financial level are able to access and benefit from online education.

Electric Installation Condition Report or EICR is the report produced by a certified electrician after carrying out a thorough inspection of your property’s electrics. The report either approves the electric installation condition on your property or labels it unsatisfactory, pointing out the flaws which you can then get rectified within 28 days.

If you are confused or uninformed about the importance and benefits of the residential electrical installation condition report, read below.

EICR Is Mandatory Now

Yes, you read that correctly. According to The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all landlords are legally required to get the electrical systems and installations on their property tested by a certified electrician at least once every 5 years, or sooner if specified by the electrician. Furthermore, as a landlord, you are required to provide the tenants with a copy of the Electric Installation Condition Report.

It Ensures Your Safety And Your Tenants’

EICR is a snapshot of your property’s electrical installations – it helps prove that the cables, the switchboards, earth bonding, the fuse board and all the other parts of the electrical system are safe and in accordance with the regulations. According to statistics, each day, almost 4 people are killed or injured due to fires caused by electrical issues. With a regular EICR check, you can be sure that the electrics on your property are safe and any faults or potential risks are taken care of in time. Hence, a regular EICR testing can save lives.

Places You In A Favorable Position For Insurance

It is a fact that most good insurance companies demand a valid EICR on your property before giving cover. In case your Electrical Installation Condition Report expires, and you do not get it renewed, one accident could have serious consequences, and your insurer will refuse all claims. In other words, without a valid EICR, you are skating on thin ice every day.

Reduces The Risks Of Electrical Accidents

Every year, more than 19,000 accidental domestic fires are caused by electrical faults in the UK, nearly 70 people are killed, and more than 300,000 people are severely injured because of electrical faults. These alarming numbers are a major reason why an EICR must cover all your electrical installations. In this thorough testing, a competent and certified individual will determine whether devices are protected against electric shock and fires, make sure if sufficient bonding and earthing are in place, identify any faulty cables and electrical fittings, and look for any other potential risks that could compromise safety. If they find any fault or potential risk, the electrician will mention that in the report, and you will have 28 days to get the issue resolved.

Adds Value To Your Property

Believe it or not, having a valid EICR adds substantial value to your property; each time a new tenant rents your property, an Electric Installation Condition Report will assure them that your property is safe and well-maintained. Peace of mind on both sides sounds like a pretty good deal to anyone.

What It All Boils Down To

Getting the property’s electrics tested regularly and having a valid EICR is a good practice that all responsible landlords have been doing for years. Now that it’s a legal requirement, there are even more reasons to take EICR seriously for protecting your property, keeping your tenants safe and adding value to your property. EICR makes you a worthy contribution to the housing market.

A graduation ceremony or commencement is a perfect time to honor someone important in your life. You can do that by giving them special gifts that represent how happy and proud you are of them.

Interestingly, the word commencement means “the time when something begins.” Whether it is graduation from high school, college, or even a master’s program, that someone close to your heart is about to face new beginnings and new opportunities.

Graduation serves a milestone as it reflects perseverance and hard work. So, students who are about to graduate deserve recognition. Before they enter their next journey, it’s a nice idea to give them graduation gifts.

In this post, you’ll get to know about graduation gift etiquette and various gift ideas.

When Are Graduation Gifts Appropriate?

As graduation season gets closer, don’t be surprised to receive a number of graduation announcements or graduation party invitations.

Receiving a graduation announcement or party invitation does not necessarily mean a gift is expected of you. Announcements are a way of sharing exciting news to everyone. While you are not obliged to send a gift, you may choose to do so.

In case you are invited to attend the commencement ceremony or graduation party, you have to bring a gift together with a graduation card. If you can’t make it to the ceremony or party, you may still be able to send your gift or card via mail.

Being invited to a graduation celebration means you are important to the host. Whether it’s a small or big gift, acknowledge that invitation with a gift.

If you are unsure which gift to send, consider the factors below:

• Type of Graduation and the Degree of Achievement
• Relationship with the Honoree
• Needs of the Graduate

When Is the Best Time to Send Graduation Gifts?

Don’t worry about the time to send a graduation gift because there are no set rules for this. After receiving the announcement, you can send the gift anytime. Nevertheless, the sooner you send it, the better. In case you did not receive a graduation announcement or invitation, but you want to honor the accomplishments of the graduate, then feel free to send a gift.

What Are the Top Graduation Gift Ideas?

Now, it’s time to reveal the popular graduation gifts you can try. Considering the factors when choosing a graduation gift above, you can choose from the following gift ideas. Remember that no matter what the price or size of the gift is, it’s the thought of acknowledging the achievements of the graduate that really counts.

Flowers: Lei or Bouquet

Flowers also mean “to grow in a successful way.” That’s what makes them perfect graduation gifts.

Expensive gifts are not necessary as long as you want to let the graduate know how proud and happy you are. Traditionally, flowers serve as a gift to many of life’s celebrations and occasions. So, graduation celebrations are also a perfect time to splurge graduates with flowers.

Before the scheduled commencement ceremony, you can give a flower to the graduate in the form of a lei. In case you plan to give a flower after a ceremony, a bouquet of flowers is ideal. Whether you will be there in-person or not, beautiful bouquets are among the easiest ways to celebrate the graduate’s milestone.

When it comes to the variety of flowers, orchids, roses, and carnations are the top flower bouquets for graduation. You can also go for flowers that will match the colors of the school or the honoree’s favorite flowers. Besides, you can try flowers that are great for keepsakes. These flowers can be saved between the photo albums’ pages when dried.

Personalized Items

There are plenty of personalized gifts for graduation to choose from.

For high school graduates who are about to enter the college life and need to move away from their home to have a space of their own, you can give them a personalized gift that can make their dorm feel like home. As for the college graduates who are about to enter the working world, you can send them gifts that can remind them of the memories of their life as a student.

Photo albums can be a classic graduation gift, but its meaning remains incomparable. Since the graduates are going to make countless memories of their new adventures, you can help them keep track of them with a photo book. While they may have their photos on their smartphones or social media accounts, having a place for storing their favorite photos in printer form will be extra special.

Other than desk plaques, home decorating pieces, and custom photo books, you can try more personalized gifts like 3d crystal printing items. With 3d printing gift ideas, it’s a lot easier to keep the memories alive. You can go for 3d crystal picture cube, crystal portrait, wine stopper crystal, or 3d photo crystal key chains.

Money

Another common graduation gift is money. Most graduates prefer money as a gift as they can use it in starting their next journey in life.

You may simply give cash ranging from $20-$100 if you are not too close to the graduate. If you have a close relationship with the graduate, then you can give a larger amount of monetary gifts.

You can add a creative touch with your cash, other than slipping the cash into the graduation card. You can try the following graduation money gift ideas:

• Money bouquet (can be mixed with flowers)
• Money lei
• Money calendar (attach money to each month)
• Money tree

Conclusion

When you want to send a practical or trendy graduation gift, make sure that the gift is useful to the honoree. Besides, it should represent sincerity and a heartfelt message of how happy you are for them. The gifts should remind them of the adventures and dreams that lie ahead.

Whether you are entering a video-conference, creating music, running a podcast or producing videos, having quality audio recording is essential for professionalism. Sounding crisp and clear makes the world of difference in keeping people’s attention to get your message across.

The first upgrade to your home office audio equipment should be a high-quality microphone.  One microphone that has proven to truly serve gaming, vocal recording, voice-over, streaming, voice recognition, YouTube video and Zoom meetings is TONOR’s TC-777 USB Microphone.

Installing the TONOR USB microphone is made easy with a driver-free and plug-and-play design. Plus the cardioid microphone capsule inside provides reliable and accurate pickup.

Getting set up is simple as well, just unfold the tripod stand and adjust the position of the pop filter to get started. The pop filter that comes with the USB microphone effectively eliminates the popping sounds caused by the impact of fast-moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing.

Once you have invested in a microphone, it is time to level up with an official microphone stand.

TONOR just came out with their, T20 Microphone Suspension Scissor Arm Stand, worthy of The Campus Socialite Stamp of Approval.

Coming in at 1.78 pounds, stretching 27.55 inches, capable of a 360 degree rotation and able to support a 3.96 pound mic with its steel frame, the T20 microphone arm stand transforms your home office into a recording studio. The microphone arm stand can clamp onto any desk allowing you to set up anywhere at home or in the field.

Having a professional  setup that the TONOR’s microphone and stand provides is a competitive advantage. For one, the stand makes you feel more professional, which will shine through your work. Secondly, when broadcasting live people will take you more professionally hence will feel more inclined to listen to your message. It is safe to say, the tangle and intangible benefits of a proper audio equipment is well worth the investment.

Eighteen-wheelers are very large and dangerous vehicles, and they have the potential to cause shocking lethal auto accidents. Something as simple as a tire blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control and collide with other vehicles.

Objects or cargo from these large trucks can also come loose if not properly secured, and cause damage the truck driver may not even be aware of. When trucks get involved in an accident or experience mechanical failure, other people can suffer devastating consequences. You should learn more about these incidents so you’ll know how to protect yourself or get help if they occur.

Recent fatal truck accident in California

One of the most recent fatal semi accidents that made news headlines occurred in Los Angeles. A veteran LAPD officer with 10 years’ experience was driving with his rookie partner when their cruiser collided with a semi on a residential street.

The truck driver and rookie officer survived the crash with injuries, but the veteran officer did not. The cause of the accident was reported as mechanical failure on the part of the 18-wheeler, though police did not specify what kind of failure occurred.

What is known is that the police cruiser was crushed beyond repair, and the deceased officer’s partner was lucky to walk away with her life. This kind of accident is not uncommon; in fact, large truck accidents and malfunctions are one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the US.

Drive with caution

While you can’t control the vehicles around you, or how other drivers behave on the road, you can drive carefully to minimize incidents. Here are some safety tips for driving around semi trucks:

• Stay visible

• Give the space

• Be extra careful in bad weather

• Drive completely off the road when you pull over

Semis are very large, and have much larger blind spots and more difficulty braking than a car does. By maintaining a safe distance and always staying visible to the driver of a semi, you’ll keep yourself farther out of harm’s way.

If you need to pass a big truck, do it quickly and safely. Don’t linger alongside the truck, where the driver will have difficulty seeing you. Also, driving more carefully in bad weather is always a good practice, but especially near an 18-wheeler.

These tips can help you avoid incidents with these trucks as much as possible.

Seek legal assistance

One of the best ways to protect yourself when you have been involved in an accident involving a semi truck is to seek the help of an attorney. A majority of tractor-trailer accidents are the fault of the commercial driver, and that means you are probably entitled to compensation for the damage caused to your property, as well as any resulting medical bills.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with, because they tend to offer you as little claim money as possible to maintain their profits. You may need to take the insurer to court to get fair payment, and maneuvering through the legal system can be difficult if you’re not experienced in these matters.

Hiring an attorney will ensure that you are properly represented in court, and raise your odds of obtaining fair compensation.

College is a great place where students learn how to make it in the real world. They’re educated on their desired field of work and study, and they learn valuable lessons.

At least they’d better learn valuable lessons, for all the money you pay the university every semester!

What college is teaching your students is a question you might ask when you receive yet another text from your 20-year-old using the word “your/you’re” incorrectly. Maybe you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that college is not teaching exactly what you thought.

1. College teaches good eating habits

Actually, college doesn’t teach good eating habits. It teaches an eating lesson: You can’t eat whatever you want.

College students might think French fries, pizza, and beer are all they need to survive, but once they realize their clothes don’t fit anymore, they’ll understand that eating whatever you want is probably not the greatest idea.

2. Going to class does matter

Your kids will learn quickly that showing up and actually paying attention to lectures does matter. Even if mom and dad aren’t there to force them into going to class each morning, the drop in grades will teach them that they have to show up.

Getting notes from other students isn’t always a good idea; especially if your friends have the same idea as you about skipping class for an extra-long nap.

3. You have to stay motivated

Being in college means you’re no longer beneath the microscopic lens of your parents and teachers. Your professors don’t actually care whether you show up or not. They’re going about their life teaching the students who actually do care to learn something.

Your kids are learning quickly in college that they have to motivate themselves to be mature and responsible. It’s probably one of the best lessons they’ll learn, especially when they enter the real world and have to make a living of their own … unless they plan on hitting it big in the stock market, in which case they can retire after graduation.

It might not be exactly what you’re paying for each semester, but some of the lessons college teaches your kids aren’t so bad. They’re actually pretty useful. Besides, there are calculators and Google searches for most things your kids need to know.

The lessons they learn in college can’t be taught on the Internet or through a textbook. There’s no need to fear that they’re not taking anything away from their college experience.

So you’re in college now, huh? Ready to be all grown up and professional yet? We hope not. Enjoy your time in college, and discover who you want to be!

But with that at the back of your mind, it’s helpful to have a few go-to tactics that you can practice for being classy and looking sophisticated, so you’re ready to make it a habit in the real world. And that real world, well, it’s coming sooner than you expect. So have some fun with playing at being classy now, while you still can!

Here’s four ways to be classy on campus.

1. Help

We’re not asking for help here; we’re asking you to help someone else. Specifically, think of ways to help people in ways that are chivalrous and classy. Some folks might argue that the code of chivalry is dying, or even long dead, but you can set an example that it’s not, and you can bet your fellow students will notice.

Who knows, maybe you’ll end up helping out someone who becomes your special someone, as a result. What are some examples of classy chivalry? Here are a few:

— Open a door for someone.

— Open a door for someone you’re not attracted to. More people will notice this one, and it’ll feel better.

— Always have an umbrella, and always offer it to someone else when it rains. You’ll get wet, but you’ll have a friend forever.

— Thank people with a firm handshake and a smile. This seems basic, yet too many people do neither.

2. Dress well, sometimes

You don’t have to dress up every day, but do it every once in a while. Especially on days when nobody else does. You’ll look real classy by contrast.

3. Volunteer to be a designated driver

Nothing says classy like being in control of yourself for an entire night, which is something not every college student can manage. When you give friends a ride home at 2 a.m., you’re earning great karma credits with them, and you’re looking (and being) classy.

4. When you’re not the driver, drink in a classy way

Whether it’s a fancy grown-up drink like a dirty martini, or a stainless steel bottle opener that’s quite a bit nicer than everyone else’s cheap keychain implement, there are all kinds of ways to be classy while you drink. Assuming you’re of legal age, of course!

Trading is serious business. It can be difficult to know when to make the next move. Being a successful trader takes much experience and dedication. Just as with any beloved profession or avocation, trading requires a certain mindset — a certain type of skill.

There are three winning traits of a successful online trader, so study these carefully.

1. Always learning

To be a successful online trader, the key is to educate yourself. When you come to the point where you realize there is always something more to learn, then you are becoming a successful trader.

There are always new tactics and data, and tips to learn from others — and lessons from your failures, as well. Your ability to learn is also dependent on how much perseverance you can maintain. Having a mentor is one of the best ways to learn hands-on trading skills and develop a strategy for your passion of online trading.

2. A safety net

One very important trait of a successful online trader is having a back-up plan or risk management strategy. In case of losses, you have to know what to do.

Having a risk management plan doesn’t always involve knowing what to do after a loss; it also entails putting limits on trading where you see weaknesses in yourself. For instance, maintaining self-control, self-discipline, and being able to clear your mind, are ways of setting the stage for success.

Having the right attitude about online trading will prevent failures, thus preserving your position as an investor.

3. Natural instincts

To some extent, in order to become a successful online trader, it takes the right instincts. Whether we are born with the ability to trade effectively or we have studied the market for years, our instincts are an essential factor in our success.

Many traders know exactly when to buy and when to sell as if they can feel the future of the market. With experience or natural abilities, the market can become more easy to read. People with the instinct to trade appear to be natural winners, possessed of an uncanny amount of luck. They just seem to have the natural instincts to succeed.

So what are the traits of a successful online trader? To know the market, you must know your passions and abilities, and preserve an openness to learning new tactics. Never assume you have found the magic key to trading; the market is an ever-changing, ever-evolving entity.

Don’t stop learning as long as you live.

Addiction is a scary word. No one wants to become the victim of addiction, and no one wants to find out that a loved one suffers from any form of addiction. While porn addiction might not seem as dangerous or harmful as addiction to alcohol or drugs, it does have its pitfalls and it can be dangerous.

Porn addiction can ruin your social life. It can ruin your family life, and it can adversely affect your work life. It can cause you to become reclusive and secretive, and it can force your family to stop trusting you and believing in you. If you think you suffer from porn addiction, it’s imperative for you to find a way to get the help you need to overcome this condition.

Focus on the consequences

The next time you want to indulge in a little pornography, stop and focus on the consequences of your actions. For example, how do you really feel once the initial excitement of looking at porn wears off? More than likely, you feel ashamed, embarrassed, and disgusted with yourself.

Before you turn on the computer or open a magazine, focus on that shame. If you need to, focus on the consequences of your family and friends finding out about your addiction and use that as the motivation you need to walk away and not look at porn.

Argue with yourself

It’s easy to tell yourself that what you’re doing is not dangerous because plenty of other people look at porn. However, what you really need to do is argue with that mentality. Remind yourself that plenty of people use drugs and drive under the influence of alcohol, but that doesn’t make it right.

Sometimes all you need is a reality check to help you remember that just because you’re not the only one doing it, it makes it right. Plenty of people commit property crimes or adultery, and harm themselves in other ways, and that doesn’t make any of it right.

Know your triggers

Take the time to make notes that document when you most feel like looking at pornography. Before long, you will begin to notice a pattern. Once you know your triggers, you can recognize them before they consume you and turn to an alternative method of action to help you deal with your emotions.

For example, if porn is something you want to look at most when you are stressed, then you need to find a new way to deal with the stress. When you begin to feel overwhelmed, do something productive such as heading to the gym or taking a yoga class.

Distract yourself

Instead of watching porn when you’re bored, find something more interesting to do. Go for a walk or call your friends and make a plan to go out. When you distract yourself from the release porn provides, you can find that release elsewhere. Distraction can make you forget that you even needed porn in the first place.

Get professional help

If you can’t break your own addiction, consider seeking professional help to overcome your porn addiction. Much like any other type of professional care, treatment can help you learn more about yourself and about how to overcome your addiction. It could be the catalyst that saves your family or job.

Porn addiction is very real. Just because it won’t kill your brain cells or cause you to lose control behind the wheel of the car due to a slower reaction time doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Porn can ruin your life. If you suffer from addiction to porn, it’s time to make yourself accountable for your actions and get some help.