Monthly Archives: December 2021

Gaming

Cures For The Corona Virus Blues

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The stay at home orders for the coronavirus has been extended in most cities, and for many of us who thought it would only be a few weeks, we are realizing that these orders might be for a lot longer than that. 
 
What we thought might be a nice break from the grind of overworking has turned into a situation where we do not know what to do with ourselves. We have watched every series and film on Netflix that we missed and reruns of our favorite sports teams just ain’t cutting it the way we thought they would. 

Online Casino Gaming

You might be tired of watching Netflix, and perhaps you are done with not having any interaction with your entertainment. This will push you perhaps toward playing interactive games. These can be great, but most are aimed toward young people, and they do not have any real-world consequences. As a result, they can get pretty boring after a while. 
 

Casino Background Stock Photos And Images - 123RF


If you want something to do that is both interactive and has consequences, gambling at casinos online like Casimba is an excellent choice for some entertaining fun. This interactive website and mobile app gives you access to all of your favorite casino games, including slots, craps, roulette, blackjack, bingo, Bacharach, and every form of poker that you can imagine. And unlike traditional casinos, you don’t have to travel in order to play your favorite games.

You can use your desktop, laptop, or tablet computer, or your smartphone. As long as you have an internet connection, you have access to all the amazing casino games. And to make things serious, you play for real money. So the stakes can get pretty high, and so can the entertainment when you play online casino gambling.

Learning a New Language

Most people would love to learn a new language. When they hear people able to move from one language to another, it is always cool. However, most people feel that learning a new language is difficult and extremely time-consuming. Well because of the coronavirus lockdown, you got lots of time on your hands. And today there is software like Babel that specializes in helping anyone to quickly learn a new language. The lessons are all online, and you can move at your own speed. Also, the company has dozens of languages for you to learn. Imagine coming out of the coronavirus lockdown able to speak a new language.
 

Meditation

Too many people think that meditation is an eastern practice that is not effective in the western world. The reality is that meditation is both wonderful at reducing stress, and is effective no matter where you are. Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and wherever it is introduced, it becomes part of society. In Western societies, even traditional doctors and medical institutions are now advising patients to indulge in meditation on a regular basis. Meditating is simple. You only need to sit in a quiet place and clear your mind. Steady breathing helps. It will take a while for you to do it, but after some practice you will find this simple exercise relieves stress and lifts your spirit.

Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Relieve Anxiety And Depression ...

The coronavirus has caused lots of stress and feelings of lost control. This is a natural response to a situation that takes you out of your normal routine. Invest some time in the endeavors included here and it will help you to relieve the coronavirus blues. For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff.

Culture

5 Home Renos That Add The Most Home Value

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Whether you wish to improve your living space or you are going to sell your home, a home renovation will add instant value to your property. 

Many home buyers are looking for homes that are ‘move in ready’ and don’t require much or any work prior to moving in. Because of this desirability, many homeowners are deciding to make upgrades to their home to increase the resale value. If you have a number of projects in mind that are on your ‘wish list’, but aren’t sure which one to start with, you might find these suggestions helpful. 

  1. Kitchen Remodel – This is probably the biggest project that you will undergo, but the one that has the most impact. The kitchen is the most used room in a house and the central hub for most activities. Thus, it makes sense to have a kitchen that is both functional and attractive. If the cabinets are old looking and the countertops are in poor condition, it is hard to overlook. For some, a major renovation might be out of reach, but there are smaller scale options that will also work to spruce up the appearance. You can add a fresh coat of paint or even just reface the cabinetry with new wood panels and hardware. Overall, you can likely recoup 60% to 80% of the cost of the kitchen remodel. 
     
  1. Garage Door Replacement – A garage door makes a great design element to your home as it is one of the first things people see when they come to your home. Although it doesn’t always top the list of most popular projects, it should not be overlooked in terms of overall home value and curb appeal. Over 80% of Realtors believe a new garage door can impact home value – all the more reason to take on this project. 
     
  1. Fiberglass Entry Door Replacement – Nothing makes a more impactful statement than the attractiveness of your front door. Replacing the standard fiberglass entry door to something more stylized to your home will add to the ‘first impression’ element of your home. There are many attractive alternatives for a front door and finding a suitable design that goes with the home will add value straight away without having to undergo a major renovation. According to a recent study, replacing your front door has an average ROI of 75%.   
     
  1. Window Replacement – Having old windows with cracked or chipped frames greatly affects the look of your home. Potential buyers will notice them and so do appraisers. If you’ve got questions about buying new windows, get the answer from a reputable company before you buy. Replacing the windows in your home can add thousands of dollars to its market value, and with an average  ROI of up to 85%, so it makes sense to consider it as a priority upgrade option, especially if you are planning on selling in the near future.  
     
  1. Deck Addition – A wood deck addition falls on the inexpensive side of remodeling projects, but it’s one of the more valuable. In fact, some experts claim that installing a deck can increase the value of your home significantly more than if you were to add another bathroom or living room at a fraction of the cost. The overall cost of installing a deck will largely depend on the size of the deck and material you use. However, most homeowners will recoup nearly 70% of the build cost after they have sold their home.  

If you want to take on any of these home improvement projects, but don’t have the immediate cash on hand to make them a reality, then a home improvement loan might be something to consider.  

3 Best Steps To Find The Best Home Renovation Contractor For Your House | listofinformation

What is a home improvement loan? 

A home improvement loan can be a home equity loan, a HELOC loan, or any loan using home equity used for home improvement purposes. Borrowers will typically use these types of loans to access the capital they need to build on their investment. 

According to a recent study, the value of residential mortgage loans from alternative lenders is steadily growing. Canadians are choosing to opt-out of traditional lenders’ extended waiting periods and paperwork and are finding that working with a mortgage broker is an easier, more streamlined process that saves time, effort and money. If you are a homeowner considering a renovation to your home, a reputable broker such as Burke Financial can help you with every stage of the process.  

Culture

Canada Fights Food Crises By Committing highest-ever funding to UN agency IFAD

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Rome, December 2021 – At a time when rural people in low-income countries face steep increases in food prices and the devastating impacts of climate change are contributing to a rise in hunger and poverty, Canada has announced today its commitment to support the resilience of small-scale farmers and the prosperity of rural communities by increasing its funding to the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Canadian Minister of International Development, Harjit S. Sajjan, announced at a side event of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit today that Canada will commit an extra CA$37.5 million (about US$27.7 million) in support of IFAD’s Twelfth Replenishment – a process whereby Member States commit funds to the organization for its work over three years beginning in 2022. 

This represents a 50 percent increase to the government’s initial pledge of CA$75 million (approximately US$55.5 million) bringing the total contribution of Canada to CA$112.5 million (about US$83.2 million).

In addition, Canada contributed a loan on very favorable terms amounting to CA$340 million (around US$255 million) to support climate smart and gender-sensitive agriculture approaches. Actions like this will help IFAD meet its commitment to double its impact by 2030 while making much-needed progress on reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG#1 (no poverty) and SDG#2 (zero hunger).

 “Canada and IFAD have a long-standing partnership to end poverty and hunger in rural areas. We would like to sincerely thank Canada for stepping up its commitment to help the world’s most vulnerable people build their resilience and ability to adapt to the devastation created by climate change and other recent shocks,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD. 

“With this support, more small-scale producers, particularly women, will be able to increase food production, bring more nutritious and affordable food to markets and improve rural income opportunities.”

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“Canada is promoting innovative, gender-responsive financing, including through our efforts to advance women’s rights, leadership and decision-making in agriculture and food systems. We look forward to continuing our work with IFAD to achieve a low-carbon, food secure, and climate-resilient future for us all—especially for those working on the forefront: rural women,” said Minister Harjit S. Sajjan.

The Canadian contribution will be used by IFAD to help finance its programme of loans and grants which is expected to total up to US$3.5 billion over the next three years. This will help approximately 110 million rural people increase their production and raise their incomes through better market access and rural financial services. It will also increase climate resilience and contribute to creating employment, particularly for women and youth, while improving food security and nutrition for the world’s most vulnerable people.

Canada is a founding member of IFAD.

Over the years, it has committed more than US$551 million to the Fund’s core resources, with a particular focus on initiatives for women’s empowerment and gender equality, improved rural livelihoods, better nutrition and climate adaptation. With Canada’s strong support, IFAD has become a leader in rural women’s empowerment, with women now accounting for a full 50 percent of participants in IFAD-funded programs and projects.

IFAD is an international financial institution and specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. It is focused on transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems by making them more inclusive, productive, resilient to climate shocks and sustainable.

Eight out of 10 of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas, and most depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Culture

World’s first esports coaching course launches

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A new first-of-its-kind degree course from the University of Portsmouth is set to train the next generation of coaches and performance experts for esports.

Esports is competitive gaming and represents one of the fastest growing sectors globally.

Tournaments can attract millions of spectators and large stadium crowds, to watch high-profile players compete for cash prizes and global recognition – such as the global Fortnite World Cup, which has a prize pool of upwards of $17million USD.

Esports comprises games from several different genres and players can play one-on-one or in teams. Much like in traditional sports, there are large sponsorship deals and, increasingly, transfer fees for players. Esports sponsorship revenue reached $641 million usd in 2021, thanks in part to sponsorship from global companies like Coca-Cola, Gillette and Nike.

This new BSc (Hons) in Esports Coaching and Performance degree at the University of Portsmouth merges an understanding of gaming and technological skills with the psychology of sport and coaching in high performance environments – not dissimilar to the skillset of coaches in traditional sports.

Designed and delivered in partnership with IFoEC, the training partner of the International Federation of Esports Coaches, the new degree is a great next step for those who want to gain entry into a rapidly developing industry, develop a career as a coach in the field or acquire a range of transferable skills in leadership, communication and research, amongst others.

The course includes theory, research and practical experience to understand how to coach players to peak performance, and creating connections to the sector through expert lecturers and industry work experience placement to get hands-on experience.

The University of Portsmouth plans on expanding the size of the eSports bench.

David Price, course leader for BSc (Hons) in Esports Coaching and Performance, said: “The introduction of this course reflects the huge global interest in esports, and puts the University of Portsmouth firmly at the forefront of a fast-developing field. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students in September 2022, to help them become the next generation of coaches and performance experts in this exciting industry.”

Transportation

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe at Auction

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ December , 2021 – Barrett-Jackson will celebrate 50 years of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions with an extraordinary docket filled with uniquely collectible vehicles, all selling at No Reserve, including a restored 1955 300SL Gullwing Coupe (Lot #1415) during the annual Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale, January 22-30, 2022. One of only 855 made in 1955, the Gullwing was initially delivered to Havana, Cuba, and subsequently rallied by professional race car driver Santiago “Chaquito” Gonzales.

“Some of the star collectible vehicles crossing the block at No Reserve in Scottsdale come with significant provenance,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “The 1955 300SL Gullwing Coupe is one of those vehicles that we’re truly excited to offer at No Reserve. Not only is this Gullwing one of just 1,400 of a total production run, but its pedigree also includes a first-place win at the 1957 Havana Gran Premio National Race. This is an incredible chance to not just own a significant vehicle but help write the next chapter in its evolving legacy.”

Special ordered from the factory with Strawberry Red Metallic paint, the 1955 300SL Gullwing Coupe (Lot #1415) was delivered to the initial owner, the Ministry of Police in Havana Cuba, on June 16, 1955. After being rallied during the first part of its life, it was purchased in 1961 and imported to the United States. Optional features included factory beige leather, VDO gauges, wood steering wheel and custom aftermarket luggage. It is powered by the original matching-numbers M198 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This 300SL was restored by the third owner in the 1990s followed by a full engine rebuild by the fourth owner in 2003, and currently has only 59,265 miles.

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS “Cutaway” Coupe (Lot #1369) is one of only two known “cutaway” promotional display cars used in 1968. Referred to as the “Double Header Car,” it was used by Chevrolet in 1968 to promote the new 1969 Camaro model. The Camaro’s body is a “first day of production body” and much of it is still in its original condition from the time it was modified for display. It features one of the original GM straight-6 cutaway engines and has been kept privately and out of the public eye for 52 years.

“Our bidders will not only have the chance to take home an incredible vehicle from Scottsdale, but also a true piece of automotive history,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “A rich heritage combined with exceptional collectability, many of these vehicles will be the centerpiece of any collection.”

The 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne Fleetmaster 409 (Lot #1291) is reportedly the world’s only 2-door version built and powered by the 409ci engine. It is the only documented 409 Biscayne Fleetmaster known and was ordered new by drag racer Allen May at Capitol Chevrolet in Salem, Oregon. 

1962 Porsche 356 - 1600 B T6 Roadster Coachwork by D'Ieteren | Classic Driver Market

Lot #1312 is one of only 248 1962 Porsche 356B Roadsters that received coachwork by D’Leteren Freres. Finished in black over a tan interior, it is powered by a matching-numbers flat 4-cylinder engine with 4-speed manual transmission. For more information contact marketingdirector@thesilo.ca

Fashion

Jewelry combines Diamonds with NFts

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MIAMI, FLA – Diamond NFTs are forever, and Addison Taylor Fine Jewelry have several Diamonds with their NFT digital images with the amazing 18 Million Dollar Trinity Collection.

The entire Trinity Collection of unique diamond jewelry pieces will be auctioned by ViciNFT and also bidding online. Plus two additional diamond NFTs.

The Trinity Collection

The Trinity Collection symbolizes the Ceremony of Peace. This collection features the Rare Chameleon Diamond Necklace, the Exquisite Fancy Diamond Ring, and the Elegant Heart Shaped Diamond.

1. Rare Chameleon Diamond and Necklace 

The Trinity Collection Chameleon Diamond and Necklace is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The Chameleon Diamond, one of the rarest diamonds in the world, is a G.I.A. certified natural 8.50 carat Pear-Modified Brilliant cut VVS1 diamond. The Chameleon is the focal point of this masterpiece. 

The necklace features fifty-nine G.I.A certified natural fancy-colored diamonds, a total weight of 30.99 carats, and is accented with one thousand and seventy-one ideal round brilliant cut diamonds, a total weight of 5.58 carats, and is further accented by seventy vivid yellow ideal cut round brilliant diamonds, a total weight of 0.33 carats. The necklace, designed by Scott Berger, was hand fabricated in 18k white gold. This masterpiece, which took three and a half years to complete, contains a combined diamond weight of 45.40 carats, and can never be recreated. 

2. Exquisite Fancy Diamond Ring

The Trinity Collection Ring features a 15.36 carat G.I.A. certified Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut Natural Fancy Light Gray-Greenish Yellow VVS2 Diamond. This is a one-of-a-kind diamond ring. The ring, handmade by a master jeweler in platinum and 22k green gold, features two half-moon cut diamonds on each side that are D in color, VS1 in clarity, a total weight of 1.24 carats.

This ring is accented with fourteen ideal cut round brilliant diamonds that are E in color, VS1 in clarity, a total weight of 0.92 carats. The overall diamond weight is 17.52 carats. This masterpiece, inspired by the Art Deco Era, took seven months to complete.

3. Elegant Heart Shaped Diamond 

The Trinity Collection Heart Shape Diamond is a G.I.A. certified 40.02 carat Heart Modified Brilliant Cut Natural Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow VS1 Diamond. This perfectly cut, one-of-a-kind diamond, can be a stand-alone jewel, or the centerpiece of a tiara, necklace, or any other masterpiece.

The NFT of the Trinity collection incorporates the certificate of authenticity and presents indisputable proof of ownership. The NFT changes hands together with the jewelry, and thus helps maintain an unbroken record of the Trinity collection provenance.

Diamond Dolphin Pendant and its Authentication NFT

The Pave’ Diamond Dolphin Pendant features (578) white and (3) black round brilliant cut diamonds, a total weight of 5.64 carats. The buyer receives the Dolphin Diamond Pendant and the NFT that authenticates its provenance. According to the standards of the “Dolphin Leadership,” this handcrafted, custom designed Dolphin piece was approved per their scale after spending one and a half years of research in concert with the leading Veterinarians of Sea World, and in Hawaii, to ensure this piece was anatomically correct. This dolphin diamond pendant is a one-of-a kind.

Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring and its Authentication NFT

The ring, exclusively designed for NFT BZL in Miami, consists of a fancy yellow G.I.A. certified 11.91 carat radiant cut diamond. The buyer receives the Fancy Yellow Diamond ring and the NFT that authenticates its provenance.

Supplemental

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The rise of digital NFT diamonds is justified: Rapper Lil Pump and his limited NFT necklace.
Finance

How to Use Your Home Equity to Deal with Unexpected Housing Costs

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If you don’t have any available savings, your home equity can provide an immediate source of funds. 

Even the most responsible homeowners can find themselves faced with an unexpected home emergency repair or maintenance issue without the cash on hand to deal with it. If this is you, you are not alone. There are solutions available that can help you tap into your home equity to fund those projects without having to take out an expensive loan with the bank. 

Consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) 

A Home Equity Line of Credit enables homeowners to access up to 85% of the value of their home for what they need. If you have owned your home for a number of years, then you have built up equity that can be used as collateral.  

A Home Equity Line of Credit is designed specifically to help homeowners cover these unexpected costs without worrying about their level of savings or credit score. Taking out a HELOC is a fast and convenient borrowing option because you can access the funds you need, pay it off and borrow again if needed. 

To calculate your home equity, simply follow this equation: 

The value of your property – the balance remaining on your mortgage = your home equity 

In many cases, you will pay less to borrow against your home equity than if you were to get an unsecured loan or line of credit. When you choose to work with a mortgage broker instead of the bank, you can get access to more lending options and at a lower interest rate.  

Take Out a Second Mortgage 

Many homeowners are aware of HELOCs but haven’t considered that second mortgages are also an available option. Essentially, a second mortgage functions as an additional mortgage loan. Both mortgages will need to eventually be paid off but because they normally come with much lower interest rates than unsecured loans, they can be an appealing option to borrow much needed funds. 

With the value of Ontario homes increasing due to the booming real estate market, many homeowners are using this opportunity to access the value of their home.  

You can use your second mortgage for anything as long as you continue to make your repayments. So, if you have a home maintenance or renovation project in mind, then it’s a good idea to consider a second mortgage now instead of waiting until it becomes an emergency situation. 

Work with a Trusted Mortgage Broker 

A mortgage broker acts as the intermediary between the financial institution offering the loan and the individual seeking the loan to buy real estate. The mortgage broker works with both parties to ensure the loan gets approved. The main benefit of working with an experienced mortgage broker is that he or she can work with a wide variety of lenders to find the best terms and rates. 

For those who are self-employed or don’t have stellar credit, working with a mortgage broker is advantageous because they are experienced at working with complex situations. This is especially critical for anyone who requires fast funding and has been turned down for a loan by the bank. 

A mortgage broker like Burke Financial specializes in handing challenging applications and works with people who have varying needs and circumstances.  

Regardless of whatever life problem you are facing, a mortgage broker can help you explore your options and find a solution to your problem so you can get back to other life tasks. For the Silo by our friends at Burke Financial.