Everyone already knows Kimera Koffee’s for its finest ground coffee, highest quality beans, and some of the best flavors on the market. Now Kimera Koffee is growing the family with its limited edition Phase 1 Peaberry Whole Bean Koffee and Kimera Koconut Oil.
The Kimera Koffee Pase 1 Peaberry Whole Bean Koffee is grown in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. Using some of the finest beans, this blend uses the plants’ yield of 3%-5% peaberry beans, each hand selected and sorted. Peaberry beans are unique in that they are the only bean in the cherry (rather than two), therefore receiving all of the plant’s nutrients in a concentrated dose.
Peaberry beans roast differently partly because they have a single coffee bean within a single coffee cherry (fruit), instead of the usual two half-beans per cherry.
Peaberry beans are regarded as naturally sweeter, more aromatic, and more pleasant in taste than regular coffee beans.
This limited edition flavor packs a punch to your morning routine with some of the freshest, most potent whole beans you can find.
Kimera’s other new addition is the Kimera Koconut Oil. This handcrafted, pure coconut oil is sure to pack a delicious punch with any drink or cooking need. Kimera’s Koconut Oil is extra virgin and cold pressed, giving you the finest, most high quality oil on the market. The oil is non-GMO and unrefined for the best flavor and potency money can buy.
As well as Kimera Koffee’s dedication to proving the high quality products on the market, they are aslo are proud supporters of the Belarminio Ramirez Foundation, which uses their donations to provide school materials, clothes, food, and basic household appliances to communities in the Dominican Republic’s farming towns. Every Kimera Koffee purchase helps aid this fight for a better future. Featured image- cronkite.asu.edu For the Silo, Katie Lapinski.
Kimera Koffee can be purchased online through their website at kimerakoffee.com or Amazon, as well as at select retailers in the USA, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Supplemental- The many great health benefits, both physical and mental, of MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil.
Once projected to list for $500 million USD, this LA home is for sale at a still staggering $295 million USD.
“America’s Most Expensive Home – Twice As Big as the White House”
One of the world’s most expensive homes, appropriately named “The One,” has just hit the market. Construction ran several years late causing financial issues for the developer. If The One sells anywhere near the $295 million USD ask, it would be the most expensive home ever sold in California, well over the $177 million USD that venture-capitalist Marc Andreessen paid for his Malibu mansion in 2021 and the $165 million USD that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos paid in 2020 for his Beverly Hills estate.
Perched on a promontory with 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains, the Bel Air mansion is surrounded on three sides by a moat and measures in at a mind-boggling 105,000 square feet – almost twice as big as the White House. Located on 3.8 acres, the house, which was actually raised during construction to further optimize the views, includes 21 bedrooms and 49 baths.
Highlights of The One include five outdoor and indoor swimming pools with the moat encircling three quarters of the exterior, a massive nightclub, full-service beauty salon, wellness spa, 10,000-square-foot sky deck, 400-foot private outdoor running track with a glass-walled view of the city, and a private theater with seating for over 40.
In addition to ownership of one of the world’s most spectacular homes, the property also includes butterfly artwork by Stephen Wilson, an Oto Murano chandelier by Vistosi, a rotating statue by Mike Fields, and a glass sculpture by Italian artist Simone Cenedese. There is also a two-story library/office with a balcony and water features touching three windowed walls, and parquet flooring. Add in a custom bar with a smoked-mirror backsplash and marble countertops, a cigar lounge, four-lane bowling alley, putting green, wellness center, gym, a 64-foot (19.5 Meter) indoor pool with juice bar, tennis court, 10,000-bottle wine cellar, and a 30-plus car garage with two car-display turntables.
Entertaining in such unique luxury might draw some interesting Bel Air neighbors such as Jennifer Lawrence, who moved there last year, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Liam Hemsworth, Miley Cyrus and Kylie Jenner to name just a few.
The property is listed by Aaron Kirman of Compass, Beverly Hills and Branden and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates, Beverly Hills, and will go to Concierge Auctions, which if not sold prior, will be held online on February 28th. For The Silo, Terry Walsh/Top Ten Real Estate Deals.com.
When Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took to Capitol Hill to explain user data retention almost four years ago, he essentially sat in the hot seat on behalf of every entity that has ever collected and used personal information to craft better products. If that sounds like a massive catch-all, that’s because it is. However, Systems America, Inc. President Adesh Tyagi says it’s not as nefarious as it may sound. As the head of a global information technology services company, Tyagi knows that “Big Data” can be collected, applied and benefit the general public all at the same time.
Big data is exactly what it sounds like, says Tyagi, who has more than two decades of experience in this sector and whose company was previously awarded for being one of the fastest-growing in America.
It’s a compilation of information broken out by software that makes sense of the traits and behavior of service users. With a background that includes cloud computing and analytics plus Mobil Oil and McDonald-Douglas (now Boeing) among former clients, Tyagi says that any company can request an in-depth study of customer information to better design upcoming offerings.
This is sheer advertising at its core and it’s exactly what companies that work with Facebook do when they buy ad space on the social media platform. Do not confuse this with the fact that a third party was able to get its hands on 87 million Facebook accounts and use it as part of presidential election subterfuge. This occurrence is prolific on a global level, recently the Indian government expressed a sincere concern that third parties may have influenced the country’s elections. Similar concerns have been expressed by the Kenyan & Nigerian governments.
Tyagi says that this is inexcusable and a result of either over-confidence and laid-back oversight and provides an illustration of how technology can be used against the greater good of mankind.
Why big businesses buy into big data. They believe insight gleaned from big data analysis offers:
Happier users and larger returns due to consistently in-tune goods and services.
Learning more about which goods and services are going to use while others are ignored and why.
Real numbers to pair with real-world efforts to show investors regarding current efforts.
Adesh Tyagi.
“You basically employ different analytical tools to come up with the best services or tools for that particular customer,” says Tyagi. An example he points to as it pertains to data-driven solutions are financial products being deployed by a bank such as insurance programs or a new credit card. By retaining Systems America before launch, an enormous amount of information about members can be broken down by geography, income history, account balances and more. In his view, this is no different from a grocery store looking at what people are buying and deciding which products to purchase when restocking the shelves. For the Silo, Greg Adomaitis.
Searching for a mortgage broker can seem like an overwhelming process and you might not know where to begin.
The search can be lengthy and if you are faced with an emergency situation and need fast funding, you might not have much time to do the proper research. Below is a list of the top things to consider when searching for the right mortgage broker for your needs.
Choose Someone Who Offers Solutions To Your Problems – Not all mortgage brokers are created equal. Some mortgage brokers have training in specialized areas like stopping power of sale or debt consolidation. Additionally, if you have been turned down by the bank due to poor credit, you will have a greater chance at securing a mortgage loan through a subprime mortgage broker as they have the skills and experience in dealing with complex applications. Thus, it’s important to select someone who can help provide a solution to the problem you are facing.
Do They Have A Good Reputation? – Check out their website, read their testimonials and reviews and preview their social media profiles. Mortgage brokers will at the very least have a website. View the company’s About Us or Team page to get a sense for who you will be working with and if they seem trustworthy.
Is The Brokerage Registered With the Better Business Bureau? –Ideally, the brokerage should be registered with the Better Business Bureau. A BBB accreditation means the business has met all the requirements to be granted accreditation status including completing an application form, undergoing a thorough business check and meeting the BBB’s standards.
Ask Them About Past Clients in Similar Situations – The brokerage’s approach to providing solutions is very important and they should be dedicated to a high level of customer service. Ask the mortgage broker if they have helped others with the same borrowing needs. The mortgage broker should have your best interest at heart – if not, look elsewhere!
Pick Someone Who Has Done Work Before in Your City or Area –Because you will be working closely with the mortgage broker, it makes sense to deal with someone who lives and works in your area because they will most likely have a strong connection with the community and can offer a more personalized approach to handing your application.
Mortgage Brokers are becoming increasingly popular over banks and credit unions because of their ability to access a large number of lenders to secure the best rates. If you are unable to obtain a referral from a friend or family member, then by following these 5 tips, you’ll be sure to find the right individual that suits your needs. If you’ve done your research properly, then you should feel confident that you have chosen the right person to work with.
Having a strong relationship with your mortgage broker is important in making sure they understand your unique needs and can provide the right advise. After all, it’s your financial wellbeing that is the greatest priority, so having an experienced person on your side who is dedicated to your needs is the most important. Featured image: Shutterstock
Claustrophobia. Few feelings create anxiety more than being trapped in a small confined space. Many films take advantage of this discomfort, often being filmed in one location or room for the entire movie.
We look here at some of the best, ranked in order of their claustrophobic factor.
Did we miss one? Do you disagree with our ranking? Leave us a video comment by clicking the record button- we’d love to hear what you think.
The Morgan Motor Company announces the launch of the Plus Four LM62, a model which celebrates the company’s legendary class win in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans. Based on the standard Morgan Plus Four and limited to just 62 examples, it pays tribute to the Morgan Plus 4 SuperSports – known by its registration TOK 258 – which took victory in the 2.0-litre class of the gruelling endurance race six decades ago.
The renowned TOK 258 was finished in dark green, while a particular shade of red was popular on motorsport Morgan vehicles of the time, and these two colours have inspired the hues available on the Plus Four LM62. A Heritage White hardtop – just like the one fitted to the famous race car – comes as standard, marking the first time this item has been available for the model. Further paying homage to the victorious Morgan is an LM62 graphics pack, which includes roundels with the number ’29’ – as per TOK 258 – as well as an LM62 rear badge, silver-painted wire wheels, a Le Mans-style fuel filler cap and a domed rear panel. These touches are complemented by driving spot lights, body-coloured A-pillars, a black splitter and cowl mesh, polished stoneguard, black mohair sidescreens, a sidescreen bag embroidered with the LM62 logo, and an active sports exhaust with black tailpipes.
Inside, the model is adorned with an LM62 metal plaque, displaying the car’s unique build number from its run of 62 examples, along with LM62 laser-engraved black saddle-leather door pulls and headrests embroidered with the specially designed LM62 graphic. Bespoke satin lacquer rubber mats with black vinyl edges, painted steering-wheel centre, and a Tawny wood centre-tunnel top and dashboard come fitted to the LM62 as standard, while heated black leather Comfort Plus seats with horizontal pleating, perforated seat centres and matching stitch colour, complete with leather wrapped seat backs complete the interior aesthetic.
To further personalise your Plus Four LM62, options include a soft-top hood, LM62-specific photographic build record, and an LM62 accessory pack which includes two-eared wheel spinners, a Moto-Lita steering wheel, headlight tape, and a chrome interior rear-view mirror.
Steve Morris, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Motor Company, said: “The 1962 Le Mans class-winning Morgan Plus 4 holds a special place in the hearts of Morgan enthusiasts, employees and owners around the world. It marked one of Morgan’s greatest motorsport achievements, the car covering more than 2,200 miles at an average running speed of almost 94mph, and triumphing – like David vs Goliath – over our bigger, and better funded, rivals of the time.
“With the Morgan Plus Four LM62, we pay homage to this famous vehicle and incredible moment in time, 60 years on. Limited to just 62 individually numbered examples, the bespoke touches and enhanced level of standard specification make these cars an enticing proposition for customers wanting a piece of Morgan history.”
The Plus Four LM62 is available from Morgan Dealers globally, in left- or right-hand drive, and with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, the Plus Four LM62 is on sale now. In the UK, it’s priced from £78,995 ($134,224.81 cad). For pricing in other regions please consult your local Dealer.
About Morgan Motor Company:
Morgan Motor Company is a British manufacturer of handcrafted sports cars. Located in Malvern Link, UK. The world-famous Morgan vehicles offer a unique blend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance. Morgan has been handcrafting coach built traditional British sports cars that are thrilling to drive and unique within the marketplace since 1909. In March 2019, Investindustrial purchased a majority share of the company, and by doing so invested in the long-term future of the Morgan Motor Company building cars in Britain. The Morgan family, along with the senior management team and the wider workforce, retain a shareholding of the company and work alongside Investindustrial. Morgan produces around 850 models, of which over 70% is exported. Its model range – comprising of the 3 Wheeler, Plus Four and Plus Six – is sold through 50 official dealerships in 32 countries.
Almost 6 billion accounts affected in data breaches in 2021
The year 2021 was record-breaking in terms of the sheer size of data breaches. According to the data collected and analyzed by the Atlas VPN team, 5.9 billion accounts were affected by data breaches throughout 2021.
Atlas VPN has retrieved and calculated the numbers of breached accounts based on multiple publicly available sources. The total count includes worldwide data breaches that took place from January 1st, 2021, to December 31st, 2021.
February saw the biggest data breach of all-time — COMB, or in other words, the Compilation of Many Breaches, which is responsible for the leak of a whopping 3.2 billion unique cleartext email and password combinations.
The breach was named this way because it is not a result of a single hack of a specific organization but rather combines leaked data from a number of different breaches spanning five years, including Netflix, LinkedIn, and others.
The breached data was first offered for sale on RaidForums, an underground database sharing and marketplace forum, for just $2 in February. Other breaches that made it to the top five biggest data leaks of 2021 include LinkedIn (700 million people), Facebook (533 million people), Brazil’s Ministry of Health (220 million people), and SocialArks (214 million people).
Cybersecurity writer and researcher at Atlas VPN Ruta Cizinauskaite shares her thoughts on 2021 data breach trends: “Even with data breaches becoming a growing threat, it seems organizations are still not putting enough effort in protecting the personal information of their users. One of the first things every organization should do is evaluate the amount of sensitive user data it collects — the less sensitive data is stored, the lesser the risk of it being leaked.”
In 1981 RCA introduced Selectavision even though they knew they had little chance of getting these things into most people’s homes. Laserdiscs had been on the market for several years and video cassette recorders were starting to become more affordable and popular. But RCA had invested millions of dollars and spent 17 years engineering a way to extend the playing time of the LP record and embed full color, full motion video. The fact that they were successful seems incredible given the age of the vinyl medium. It had been around for a long time.
That’s part of what makes this format so wonderful.
It’s an analog medium and when properly set up and viewed it can create a rich, warm viewing experience, far closer to a movie theater showing film than DVD. Yes I said that and I know there will be many that will think I am wrong. If you are one of them leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will be happy to send you screen shots and a couple of reasons why what I’m saying makes sense. This is what family cinema was meant to be. It isn’t about lines of resolution and eight channels of sound, it’s about experiencing film as nostalgia, as fun, as intimacy, together as a family, even as art. Consider how a painting compares to the print or the digital copy of that painting. The original painting has a richness and a vivid quality that is difficult to describe in words. It has an immediacy and a temperature. Prints and digital images, although fine for technical analysis, do not create the same connection with the viewer.
There are other ways that collectors of CED’s (Capacitance Electronic Discs or Selectavision for short) connect with this unique format. They take special pride in the jukebox like mechanism that extracts the vinyl disc from its protective plastic jacket. They appreciate the fantastic sound quality of stereo transfers- most stereo discs carry the Dolby Stereo/Surround information signal which can be decoded with modern receivers. They admire technicolor movies that have a certain ‘glow’ on this format. (Still image screenshots do not demonstrate this strength because the effect is accumulative via moving images and scene transitions.) They enjoy watching classic movies on classic 4:3 television screens. They reminisce and appreciate a time when small screen sizes meant watching movies and shows from a physically closer position- circled around a TV in a cozy nook.
These folks probably never gave up their vinyl record collections and who can blame them? They’re laughing on that one, by the way. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
The manufacturing process.
-Unaltered CED Movie Screenshots-
The Thomas Crown Affair 1968 director Norman Jewison
Rocky2 1979 director Sylvester Stallone
TRON 1982 Director Steven Lisberger
Black Orpheus 1959 Director Marcel Camus
Superman The Movie 1978 Director Richard Donner
The Hound of the Baskervilles 1959 Director Terrance Fisher
Playboy Collectors Video #2
Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979 Director Robert Wise
Do you have trouble using your smart device in the cold?
Here’s some good news for you- we’ve improved our knitted touchscreen gloves, raising the bar again with the introduction of the Single Layered and Double Layered Touchscreen Gloves. Featuring an updated nanotechnology design that includes a leather wrist strap, leather cuff boards, upgraded material for increased durability and maximized grip and a magnetic snap closure ensuring strong holding power while reducing tension on the strap during opening / closing. Here’s the story behind these innovative gloves-
There’s a new kid on the block, a brand new addition to Mujjo’s highly appraised line of Leather Touchscreen Gloves. Fitted with a fold-over closure and marked with the brand’s familiar slant line, the new Leather Touchscreen Gloves are a bold statement with an iconic look.
Crafted with poise and quality
Designed by Remy Nagelmaeker (Co-founder) with subtleness in mind, the new gloves were formed according to Mujjo’s signature aesthetics. Crafted with poise and quality, the gloves present characteristics of masculinity with carefully considered materials. The matte finishing of the leather allows for a well-balanced iconic look in uniform dark tones along with a few areas of contrast intensifying the low-key design.These gloves are equipped with a magnetic snap closure, ensuring strong holding power while reducing tension on the strap during opening / closing.
Powered by nanotechnology
Powered by state of the art nanotechnology, which mimics the conductive properties of the human skin, Mujjo’s touchscreen gloves offer an unrestricted touchscreen experience and enable the user to utilize all fingers and even the palm of their hand.
To make the gloves compatible with touchscreen, nanotechnology is infused into premium Ethiopian lambskin known for offering the best isolation properties of any kind of leather. The technology functions independently from the human skin which enables us to fully insulate the gloves with a soft and warm cashmere lining.
A great gift for someone
There’s no doubt our product would make for a great gift for someone, which is why we’ve put serious effort into designing the gift box. It is important to us that the high-quality of these leather gloves radiates through the packaging. The gift box package embodies the low-key personality of the gloves, delicate yet striking. Made with attention to detail, the materials are of uniform dark tones and contrasting textures.
The Story
Mujjo pioneered unrestricted touchscreen gloves and has continued to improve and evolve on all aspects of the designs ever since. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
The Picnic Pizza Station saves time, money, and labor by streamlining pizza prep without compromising quality.
An intuitive system makes training and operating a breeze. The Picnic Pizza Station is the essential back-of-house makeline. The modular food prep system fits into any kitchen and uses the owner’s unique recipe, delivering perfect pizza every time. Requiring only one operator, the system can produce up to 100 pizzas per hour which saves labor costs and increases yield through decreased food waste.
Combining sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and granular topping modules into any preferred configuration complements existing kitchen Pizza take out and restaurant operations. Further streamline production by connecting the station directly with an existing oven.
Picnic software solutions integrate with your POS system and includes an intuitive touch screen interface for ordering pizza and a dashboard to track ingredients and predict inventory needs.
Advantages of the Picnic Pizza Station
Reduced labor costs: One operator can make up to 100 pizzas per hour. Reduced food waste: Apply precise amounts of toppings with less than 2% food waste. Consistent product: Use your recipe to create uniform, consistent pizzas every time. Increased hygiene: Contactless assembly system, minimal operator ingredient handling.
• Small footprint. No special hook-ups • Typical install is 86” (218 cm) W X 56” (142 cm) H X 40” (102 cm) D • Easy to install with limited build-out • Modular, configurable design • Commercial-grade; built for food service • Easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe • Intuitive assembly and disassembly • Free delivery. Free installation • Free on-site maintenance checks • Robotics-as-a-service subscription model • Touch-screen interface • Integrates into existing POS • Quick to learn and no-hassle operation • Customized software to meet your needs • Temperature-controlled assembly line • Fresh sliced pepperoni; never pre-cut • Use your recipes with consistent results • Well-lit and accessible from top and front • Reduce food waste • Integrates into existing make lines • Monitor ingredient usage and yield
2021 was the year of the NFT. We saw amazing levels of interest in NFTs arise as people began to recognize their usefulness as digital assets. Thanks to the rush of development and interest from this year, we can expect interest and adoption levels in 2022 to easily meet or even eclipse those that we have seen in 2021.
2021 has really laid the groundwork for development in the Crypto industry as a whole and nowhere is this more apparent than with NFTs. Now that these digital assets have become recognized and appreciated as tangible assets; we can expect adoption rates to rise across the industry. Furthermore, developments across the industry will come into their own in 2022. Blocto, the digital wallet and Crypto provider, for instance, will continue to update its services including in the NFT field in the new year.
Mark Cuban. Image: Forbes
Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner and famous Shark Tank investor, sees the dual benefits of NFT development as well as the services that Blocto offers and has invested heavily in both Blocto and in the creation of NBA TopShots, which offers NFTs in the form of clips of NBA games that give person a literal piece of the game to own.
CEO of Blocto, Hsuan Lee, sees the coming year as potentially one of the most important years in history for Crypto, especially when it comes to NFTs. AS NFTs grow in 2022, it is clear that their impact on the financial industry and their value as digital assets will surge as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fiberglass Entry Door Replacement – Nothing makes a moreimpactful 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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
“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.
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.”
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.
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 [email protected]
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
The rise of digital NFT diamonds is justified: Rapper Lil Pump and his limited NFT necklace.
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.
Plastic Surgery and more on the rise due to social media Narcissism?
Thanks to the myriad of photos now being posted online, more people than ever are undergoing cosmetic procedures, according to a survey of plastic surgeons from only a few years ago. Almost a decade ago, requests for surgery as a result of social media photo sharing rose 31 percent in 2012, reported the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and continue to rise up to the present day.
“People especially want to look their best when hundreds, or even thousands, of viewers are looking at their photos – we hear it, too,” say Drs. Rick and Arlene Noodleman, the husband-and-wife physician team at Silicon Valley’s Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness.
“The good news is that there are now effective, minimally-invasive, low downtime approaches that reduce or even eliminate the appearance of sun-damaged, aging skin,” dermatologist Dr. Rick Noodleman says.
Both physicians emphasize that the key to youthful skin is both correction and prevention – and no, it’s never too late to start addressing the latter.
“Achieving beautiful, healthy skin is a process, not an event. It’s accomplished by working from the outside-in and the inside-out,” says preventive medicine specialist Dr. Arlene Noodleman. “The link between nutrition and the quality of your skin is also ‘written all over your face’.”
The Noodlemans use Madonna as an example of the triumphs of skin moisturizing.
To ensure Facebook, Instagram and Google+ users look their best online, the Noodlemans offer this advice, based on more than 25 years of research and clinical experience: Work from the outside-in: “There are a number of corrective and preventive steps you can take to achieve a more youthful look,” says Dr. Rick Noodleman.
• For all skin types:
Protect your face from the sun. Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB light, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• For older skin:
Exfoliant creams remove dead skin cells that don’t slough off as readily as when we were young. Prescription creams such as Avita, Avage, Renova and Retin-A have been shown to reduce wrinkles and “liver spots” due to sun exposure.
• For forehead wrinkles:
Injected Botox, a brand of botulinum toxin, partially immobilizes the muscles that form expression lines so the skin smoothes out, although some deep expression lines may not go away.
• For sun damage and acne scars:
Lasers can resurface facial skin by stripping away the outermost layers. Some “non-ablative”lasers also stimulate collagen formation, which helps smooth wrinkles.
And from the inside-out: “No matter what your skin type, healthy eating is an essential component of a good skin care regimen,” Dr. Arlene Noodleman says. “And, for some people, eating the wrong foods can actually cause problems.”
• A natural defense system:
Foods rich in antioxidants seem to have a protective effect on the skin. For instance, a study from back in 2007 by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found that women ages 40 to 75 who consumed more vitamin C, an antioxidant, had fewer wrinkles. Antioxidant-rich foods include carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables; spinach and other green leafy vegetables; tomatoes; blueberries; peas and beans; fatty fish, and nuts. The study also found that women who consumed more linoleic acid—found in nuts and seeds—had a lower incidence of dry skin. Consider switching to a more Mediterranean-style diet
• Curbing acne flare-ups:
Acne-prone individuals should avoid dairy products, especially cow’s milk; processed foods high in white flour, such as white bread; and white rice and sugary foods and beverages such as candy bars and soda. Foods that cause ‘spikes’ in blood sugar levels can also trigger hormone production, which in turn can boost oil production.
• Psoriasis, rashes and other skin conditions:
Certain foods can cause hives and other reactions. Individual sensitivities vary, but common culprits are gluten, dairy, eggs and additives. People with psoriasis may see improvement by eating a low-glycemic load.
“Take a holistic approach to your skin’s health,” the Noodlemans say. “Your skin responds not only to what you put in and on your body, it also reflects your overall mental and physical health. Taking corrective and preventive measures that reduce sun-damage,increase exercise, promote healthy eating and decrease stress will help you look your best on social media.”
About Dr. Rick and Arlene Noodleman
Dr. Rick Noodleman, a board-certified, Stanford-trained dermatologist, is an expert in the medical and surgical management of skin disease, aging skin, and advanced cosmetic techniques. Dr. Arlene Noodleman, board-certified in preventive medicine and fellowship-trained in integrative medicine, is a healthy aging expert who focuses on the whole person and strategies that facilitate the body’s innate healing. Together, Drs. Noodleman created the Revercelcosmeceutical and neutraceutical product line. For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley
With closing arguments expected to begin next week, the Tinder/Match trial has once again proven that when things go wrong in the world of online dating, they go very, very wrong.
With the Ashley Madison dumpster fire still in our collective memory, the founder of Tinder is suing for $2 billion usd, alleging that two companies – Barry Diller’s IAC/InterActiveGroup and Match Group – artificially devalued Tinder before the group could exercise stock options in the online dating platform. They claim the companies created and communicated false information to investment bankers and covered up sexual misconduct accusations against a former Match Group executive as part of the scheme.
Sean Rad (arguably the best name ever for the founder of a dating app) and the other Tinder co-founders, who at the time of sale owned 20% of the company, argue that Diller and his team undertook activities to deeply undervalue Tinder at $3 billion usd. Rad’s claim is that Diller repeatedly lied to the banks and this dramatically reduced the acquisition price.
IAC and Match hired high-profile lawyer Bill Carmody to represent them here. The same Bill Carmody that put $480 million usd in the pocket of WeWork’s comically villainous Adam Newman in a claim against SoftBank. And, yes, the same Bill Carmody that represented Uber against Waymo.
The case, Rad v. IAC/InterActiveCorp, has taken several dramatic turns. While the trial was still in opening arguments on November 8th, IAC/Match called twice for a mistrial and failed both times. Character assasination has been the rule of the day throughout the trial, with a landscape of destroyed emails, personal vendettas, and the requisite penis drawing.
The case was expected to have wrapped up by Thanksgiving, but the Tinder founders are going to have to delay their feast a few days as the bad blood continues to boil in the courtroom.
On Monday, Rad accused former Match Group CEO Greg Blatt of grabbing him during a break in the trial. Laughably – but showing how intense and polarized this case is – the incident between the two has been described as everything ranging from a failed attempt at a fist pump to an assault by Barry Diller’s henchman.
So it’s understandable that it’s easy for people to see this case as perfect fodder for a Netflix series on American greed. The legal documents in the suit tell a story of a company looking to acquire another successful company in their particular vertical – here, the massive online dating space. Rather than pay fairly for the company, Diller and his companies created an elaborate fiction in the form of an unrealistic worst-case financial scenario for Tinder that valued the company at $3 billion usd, where a much more rosy yet still realistic valuation would have seen Tinder valued at up to $12 billion usd.
Victory for Match/IAC here would be paying out significantly less than the $2 billion usd Rad claims that he and others in the suit are out of pocket given the facts of the claim.
As Charlie Cartwright, a Florida lawyer points out:
“It’s possible that a case such as this, with so much at stake, could still settle before the judge puts the outcome in the hands of the jury.”
While both sides are resolved to win this heated case, settlement makes a lot of sense as Match simply doesn’t have $2 billion usd cash on hand, though they do surprisingly have access to well over $1 billion usd. A legal and regulatory analyst recently told the New York Post that a realistic settlement would be in the $300-$700 million usd range, yet a spokesperson for Match Group said that was entirely speculative.
It’s probably not inaccurate speciation. Ultimately, it’s not like the Tinder founders and other executives haven’t done very well from running and selling Tinder anyway. So, for them, while the money is important, a moral victory wrapped in a healthy settlement figure might be the tasty and satisfying holiday feast they’re waiting for.
This would also keep the case out of the hands of a jury. It’s important not to gloss over the fact that people are very polarized about not only apps that match people, but the characters who make these apps and run these businesses. The Ashley Madison scandal is recent enough for a jury to remember not only an app that ruined lives, but the nature of the people behind the business.
Whether the case settles or is handed to a jury, the real issue here is that Tinder generated a massive amount of revenue over the years and grew into a very successful company. It’s just a question of how the ultimate pie that was actually created should have be equitably divided if the value of Tinder wasn’t manipulated.
Traditional metal rings are uncomfortable, costly to replace or repair and can lead to serious injury of caught on rocks, wires or other objects – turning a fun day into a medical emergency in minutes.
Instead of worrying about losing or damaging expensive, meaningful jewelry, let Groove Life provide a peace of mind with the Groove Ring. The Groove Ring features a comfort fit band made from low profile, flexible silicone that’s been imprinted with their patent-pending inner grooves. These grooves allow proper airflow, keeping moisture out and comfort front and center.
The Groove Ring is a revolutionary new accessory for the active user who wants to do it all without worrying about losing a finger or prized possessions.
Backed with a lifetime warranty, the Groove Ring provides breathe-ability, flexibility, safety, security and style.
Offered in a variety of colors, sizes and styles the Groove Ring is the perfect accessory for all. Leave your worries behind while planning your next great adventure with the Groove Ring. For the Silo, Katie Lapinski.
Moving into a retirement home marks a special occasion because it signifies the beginning of your golden years. While this means that you can finally relax and start enjoying all of life’s greatest pleasures to their fullest extent, it shouldn’t mean that you can disregard financial planning either.
Out of the Old and Into the New
When you decide to capitalize on your lifelong investment property and use that money towards enjoying your retirement, you’ll likely follow through with a long-awaited plan to downsize. The reason for this isn’t merely financial; it is because, as an empty-nester, you no longer require all of the space that you once did when raising a family. You are also likely no longer interested in performing all of the continual maintenance that your old home requires.
Moving into a Custom-Built Townhome
However, just because you have decided to downsize doesn’t mean that you should enjoy your new home any to less extent. If you’re looking for a new location in southern Ontario, you can work with a Fort Erie home builder to create the custom townhome of your dreams.
When you opt to partner with a company that builds custom homes, you’ll get access to more choices about how you’ll live during your retirement. Not only can you add extra rooms, but you’ll be able to decide on the look of aesthetic features like what type of flooring that your new home will contain in each room.
Building Your Next Investment
When you build a custom home, the choices you make about the final product where you’ll live can influence the value of your home. Extra rooms and fine-quality flooring options will increase the resale value of any property, as will opting for energy-efficient appliances.
The Potential for Appreciation
Given the growing popularity of the Niagara region, the most likely outcome regarding real estate will be a continued increase in value. If you’re interested in purchasing a home that will make a good investment property, then it will help to buy a custom option that allow you to gain more control over particulars and will be worth more than a previously owned property.
Embrace the Active Adult Lifestyle
While a newly-built custom home is sure to become a wise investment, that’s not all that retirement living is about. Buying a home in an active adult community will provide you with the opportunity to make social and active lifestyle choices that can contribute to better health and an increased lifespan. You’ll also be living near great beaches and easy access to nature.
Given that the road ahead in life is always unpredictable, there’s never a bad time in your life to think about financial planning. After all, you want to ensure that you’ll be covered in the case of emergencies and that you have something leftover to leave to your children and grandchildren. To get started on your nest investment home, get in touch with a company that builds custom homes in the Niagara region. For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.
Renowned Canadian photographer and digital artist T.M. Glass is no stranger to the spotlight: her unique method of mixing floral photography with digital painting to produce mesmerizing physical prints has succeeded in capturing plenty of attention from the media and wider artistic community.
In collaboration with The Campaign for Wool in Canada – our country’s foremost voice on the benefits of wool as a renewable, biodegradable, and eminently versatile fibre – Glass has created this digital painting in conjunction with The Campaign for Wool to celebrate the incredible properties of wool with a packed slate of special events and collaborations with fashion designers, artists, producers, and retailers.
“Wool on Wool” by T.M. Glass
This digital painting is a divergence from Glass’s usual subject matter with a distinctly meta twist: the work is a photograph of Canadian sheep, digitally painted in Glass’s trademark style, and printed on paper produced from wholly wool.
Intent
“In approaching this piece, my intent was to communicate the beauty of the sheep and its wool both visually and tactiley” said Glass, when asked about her work. “The choice to print on wool paper was not made out of novelty; rather, I think it establishes the physical presence of the subject of the photograph, creating a sense that the sheep is within arm’s reach of the viewer.” The print is now available for purchase- contact us for further details. For the Silo, Nicolo Blazier. Featured image: close up of wool and paper yarn via paperphine.com.
A global online marketplace founded by a British car dealer has just broken the online-only world record for a car auction, selling a McLaren P1 for an incredible $1,600,888 usd or $2,010,851 cad .
No other online-only platform for collectible cars has ever achieved a higher sales price.
Unlike traditional auctions, where cars are transported to a central location and bidders attend in person, Collecting Cars has disrupted the industry with an online-only format that has already notched up multiple world records. Cars stay with their owners, and more than 90% of sales happen without a physical viewing. This is made possible by the technology and knowledge behind the platform, which gives bidders a ‘virtual viewing’ of the car in question; supported by more than 150 photos and comprehensive detail on its features and maintenance history.
Bids entered during the online-only auction are legally binding, and Collecting Cars levies a low buyer’s premium of just 5% (+ VAT for UK buyers), which is substantially lower than traditional auction houses that typically charge 12% or more. Furthermore, the buyer’s premium is capped at £5,000 / $5,000 (+ VAT if applicable). On hammer prices above £1m, this means that the buyer’s premium is 0.6% or less.
The world-record car in question was a McLaren P1, one of just 375 examples built, and with only 433 miles from new. Motortrend.com: “The twin-turbocharged hybrid V-8 engine develops 903 horsepower and will launch to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. It’s made of exotic materials like carbon fiber and titanium.”
An original US-market vehicle; it was collected from the McLaren factory in the UK by its first and only owner. The car had also covered less than 100 miles since its most recent maintenance, which also included full checks of all electrical and battery equipment, at a total cost of more than $7,000 usd.
The Founder and CEO of Collecting Cars, Edward Lovett, said: “For around 60 years, car auctions have traditionally charged substantial commissions and premiums, often taking more than 15% out of the total value of the deal. We knew there was a better approach, and we have developed a world-class online marketplace for sellers and buyers without the unnecessary overheads, which is breaking records.
“This result shows the game-changing power Collecting Cars now wields in the global market, with online-only auctions that are cost-free and hassle-free for the seller, and which represent outstanding value for the buyer. In this case, the buyer’s premium for the winning bidder was just 0.3%.”
The company, which has sold over 4,700 lots since launch, was founded by British car dealer Edward Lovett in 2019.
Lovett was born into the family car business, and in more recent years has provided a private brokerage service, finding homes for some of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. Drawing on his significant experience, he saw the opportunity to develop a dedicated online-only platform for iconic, collectible and sporting cars.
This P1 is a daily driver for renowned Tokyo Lawyer Hiramatsu.
As well as its very low premium for buyers, Collecting Cars offers significantly better value for sellers. The detailed photographic presentation and professional descriptions mean their car is showcased in the best possible way, and it is marketed to a huge captive audience of passionate enthusiasts. Furthermore, there is no listing fee, and they receive 100% of the hammer price.For the Silo, Jules Tipler.
About Collecting Cars:
Collecting Cars is an online auction platform that curates consignments from around the world and markets them to a global audience. The streamlined and transparent process makes buying and selling cars, motorbikes, and automobilia via its online auctions one of the most effective and hassle-free ways of transacting.
To date, the Collecting Cars platform has sold more than 4,700 lots, and total sales value generated for sellers exceeds £170 million or $2,864,53718 cad . It also has more than 50,000 registered users around the world. The multi-national auction company has headquarters in London, and offices in Munich, Sydney, and Los Angeles.
More than 90% of sales since launch have happened without a physical viewing, underscoring the significant trust that Collecting Cars has earned among its customers.
Drawing inspiration from the blissful beaches of her childhood in the South of France & the invigorating energy of the modern urban architecture surrounding her for the last two decades, she creates jewels that are timeless, romantic yet edgy, and playfully convertible.
Confetti Lune bracelet- 14 K gold, hand made and exquisite.
Delphine’s collection is centered around the many uses of her Boheme Clickers, her versatile modular charm holders that can be used in many combinations, making her jewels as unique as the wearer. She favors empowering and protective symbols paired with carefully and responsibly selected gems to create uplifting & colorful jewelry. She dreams up her pieces as powerful talismans and modern heirlooms to be cherished for generations.
Confetti Lune bleu chain and sequin.
Delphine uses recycled fine metals whenever possible, primarily 14 & 18k gold, working to source her gems ethically and satisfy a craving for a kind of luxury that is respectful of the magnificent resources of our planet. She believes that mindful and edgy luxury is possible and aims to create sparkly sculptures that can adorn your body and help elevate your soul.
An avid and classically trained dancer, she also has a natural affinity with numbers that first led her to Business School.
She originally moved to NYC to pursue an MBA in Corporate finance, a field where she had a successful career for more than a decade. In search of a new creative outlet, she fell in love with jewelry making after taking classes at the 92nd street Y in Manhattan. She first trained in metalsmithing, enameling, and chain making, but really found her medium once she started learning wax carving, as it better suited her love of volumes and sculptural shapes. She has not stopped hand-sculpting jewelry since, and happily left behind the drab world of corporate finance for the sparkly one of jewelry when she started her fine jewelry line in the summer of 2011.
Delphine Laymarie.
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry and a Fairmined gold capsule collection is in the works to mark the milestone and reaffirm Delphine’s commitment to responsible jewelry crafting. For the Silo, Olga Gonzalez.
Featured image: Confetti Lune Bracelet Onyx Inlay 14K Gold.
Audio-Technica have much to offer for this year’s gift giving season and we will get to all of the highlights below. But first, let’s take a look at what we believe is a Christmas gift stand out: the inimitable AT-LP60SPBK-BT.
Sure, the product name is a bit of a mouthful but that is deservedly so because this system is packed with features. Read on……
Audio-Technica has made giving and receiving the ‘gift of great sound’ easy for music lovers and gaming enthusiasts.
Power, play/pause, volume and hands-free calling buttons are located on the top of the speaker for easy access, with the built-in mic (for making calls via a paired smartphone) conveniently located on the front of the speaker next to the power LED. A 3.5 mm (1/8″) jack and TF card slot are available on the back of the speaker, allowing you to listen to audio from a wired device or from files saved on a TF or microSD card.
The new AT-LP60SPBK-BT wireless turntable and speaker system makes a perfect gift for anyone who wants to get started with vinyl listening or rediscover their record collection. The AT-LP60SPBK-BT (SRP: 299.99$CAN) comes with everything needed to listen to records including a fully automatic AT-LP60-BT turntable with pre-mounted Dual Moving Magnet high-quality cartridge plus a Bluetooth stereo rechargeable speaker and accessories.
The turntable provides 33-1/3 and 45RPM vinyl playback through the included speaker, which can be placed up to 30 feet away and even in another room. The turntable will also play records through other compatible Bluetooth wireless speakers, headphones and playback devices. The AT-LP60BT can also be used as a conventional wired turntable and has a built-in switchable phono preamp for compatibility with the widest range of audio systems.
A fully automatic belt drive turntable with a dual magnet cartridge and high quality diamond stylus.
Although we weren’t fortunate enough to receive other A-T products, we certainly know about them and wouldn’t have been disappointed with Audio-Technicas wireless QuietPoint® noise-cancelling over-ear ATH-ANC700BT, Solid Bass® ATH-CKS550XBT in-ears or their Pure Digital Drive ATH-DSR5BT in-ear headphones. Both offer outstanding wireless sound in a choice of styles. For everyone into gaming (which means just about everyone these days), the ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 closed- and open-back gaming headsets take game audio to the next level.
The
compact rechargeable speaker features two 1.75-inch full-range drivers
and a passive radiator in an aluminum enclosure for clear, powerful
sound with enhanced bass. The speaker has buttons for controlling music
playback and a mic that allows making calls from a smartphone. It
includes a stand, AUX audio jack and a card slot for playing music from a
TF or microSD card.
Audio-Technicas ATH-ANC700BT QuietPoint over-ear wireless active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones offer an unmatched combination of comfort, wireless convenience and improved ANC technology. The noise cancelling operates in a wider frequency range than typical ANC designs, yielding a major advancement in noise-cancelling performance and audio quality.
The
ATH-ANC700BT (SRP: 279.99$CAN) features a handy touch and swipe control
system for answering calls and controlling music playback. It employs
large 40 mm drivers for impactful sound and supports Bluetooth codecs including aptX®
and AAC for improved wireless audio. The ATH-ANC700BT is Hi-Res Audio
compatible (when connected with the included cable). It provides up to
25 hours of battery life and can also be used in wired mode. Available
in a matte black finish, the ATH-ANC700BT comes with a pouch, USB
charging cable and a 3.9-foot (1.2m) cable with a 3.5 mm jack.
Comfort and style along with exceptional noise cancelling technology make this a smart choice for travelers and commuters wanting uninterrupted listening.
For some listeners its all about the bass.
Audio-Technicas Solid Bass ATH-CKS550XBT in-ear wireless headphones offer powerful low-frequency performance along with clear, detailed midrange and treble. The ATH-CKS550XBT (SRP: 99.99$CAN) features a comfortable ergonomic design and is equipped to answer calls and control music playback. Its NFC functionality allows easy pairing with other devices. Available in black/gold and white, the ATH-CKS550XBT employs a 9.8 mm Dual Magnetic Field Multiple-Transition driver and a special bass venting system for exceptional bass reproduction, and includes aptX sound-improvement technology. It comes with XS/S/M/L eartips, a USB charging cable, and a cable for use if the battery runs out.
Is there a discerning listener on your holiday gift list?
If so, they will be sure to appreciate the ATH-DSR5BT wireless in-ear headphones with Pure Digital Drive (SRP: 579.99$CAN). This rave-reviewed, exclusive Audio-Technica technology keeps the audio signal completely digital from source to driver, using a dedicated chipset to eliminate the sonic degradation that can be caused in traditional D/A converters and amplifiers. The result is remarkably pure, detailed and natural wireless audio quality.
The ATH-DSR5BT supports aptX, aptX HD, AAC and other wireless formats up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth
transmission. Its rechargeable battery provides approximately eight
hours of continuous use (500 hours standby). For listeners who prefer
over-ear headphones, Audio-Technica also offers its
smartphone-compatible ATH-DSR9BT wireless model with Pure Digital Drive
(SRP: US$549.00), which incorporates ultimate-performance features
including large 45 mm True Motion Drivers, 4-core voice coils and other
refinements for natural music reproduction with extraordinary resolution
and dynamic impact.
Games are always popular holiday gifts and the gaming experience just is not complete without clear and powerful sound. Audio-Technicas high-performance ATH-PG1 closed-back and ATH-PDG1 open-back headphones deliver an immersive, richly detailed sonic environment. The ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 (SRP: 189.99$CAN each) offer a host of gaming-centric features including a flexible gooseneck microphone with detachable cable, smartphone cable, extension cable and a lightweight comfort-fit design. The headsets large-diameter drivers deliver intense sonic involvement with an expansive sound space that draws listeners completely into the playing field.
Gamers take note- this is a serious ‘bit of kit’. Outstanding performance for a gamer who appreciates not only great audio but also the preferred comfort of open ear headphones.
Once upon a time, getting a nose job was a rite of passage.
These days, however, most prospective patients are concerned about the safety of this procedure. Even if you could afford it, should you still consider a nose job for purely cosmetic reasons?
The Simple Answer is That it Depends.
The safety of nose jobs, which are medically called rhinoplasty surgeries, relies on several different factors, such as your age and health. Read below to learn about whether you could safety undergo a cosmetic nose job procedure:
You Should Be Health Physically and Emotionally
Doctors no longer perform nose jobs on people who may want to procedure because of mental health issues. You can only undergo a nose job surgery only if you are in good health overall. That means the doctor will quiz you to find out whether you are emotionally ready for it. You will also have to undergo a regular health check-up that indicates whether your body can handle an invasive procedure.
Success of the Procedure Depends On the Skill of the Surgeons
Yes, nose jobs can go wrong. Sometimes, this procedure can actually cause deformities in an otherwise perfectly functional nose. That’s why how well your nose job turns out depends largely on the skill of the doctors performing the procedure. If you consider it, do research the highly skilled cosmetic surgeons in Edmonton and Calgary before going under the knife. Go to a responsible doctor who will do a proper health check-up and soberly inform you of the risks. Avoid the doctors who push for the procedure and don’t adequately answer your questions about the risk.
Nose Jobs Are Not For Smokers
If you smoke or vape, then it is not safe for you to undergo this procedure. Doctors warn that habits like smoking can damage the tissue lining your respiratory tract. So following the procedure, healing can take a long time. In smokers, nose jobs carry a higher risk of tissue damage, so responsible doctors don’t perform the procedure. Keep in mind that smoking here isn’t restricted to smoking tobacco cigarettes. If you smoke marijuana or vape, the risk might remain similarly high for you as well.
There’s a Non-Invasive Procedure Available Too
The traditional nose job is an invasive surgery much like any other, which is why your existing health condition is so important for the recovery phrase. If for some reason you are ineligible for an invasive nose job, there’s a non-invasive version of the procedure you can consider. Called a “liquid nose job” colloquially, this procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid filler into your nasal cartilage. The results can be as dramatic as the real thing. However, doctors warn than even liquid nose jobs have their risks. Therefore, you should always choose a highly qualified medical professional to do the job.
A nose job can be an option if you want to make your natural nose look a certain way. However, there are if things to check before you opt in for one of these procedures. First, make sure you are healthy enough to undergo invasive surgery. Discuss risks of the procedure and alternatives with a qualified doctor first. Last but not least, make sure you are emotionally ready for the procedure and aren’t doing it because of mental health issues.
Konstantinos Leoussis debuts mythological creatures in custom jewelry, with the Teras Collection.
Teras Collection’s Medusa, Minos, and Harpy rings.
New York, NY. Mythology has influenced art for centuries, especially in Ancient Greece and Rome. Animals and symbols have been used to create powerful messages in fine art and sculpture, as well as within wearable works, such as jewelry. Konstantinos I. Leoussis reintroduces ancient creatures into modern forms. With designs displaying a passion for history and tradition, the new Teras Collection plays on a love for mythology and monsters.
Konstantinos I. Leoussis, Founder and Designer of KIL N.Y.C., says, “I created Teras to bring imaginary creatures into our world. Each scale is lovingly hand carved, and precious stones are meticulously selected to bring the Minotaur, The Chimera, and The Argus from the pages of old times and into the world of modern jewelry. Our pieces are designed for world-explorers, history lovers, and those who would like to add a bit of eccentricity to their jewelry box.”
Stories of ancient Greek gods and monsters were designed not only to entertain, but to educate.
Dating back thousands of years, mythology helps the modern reader reflect on past civilizations through stories, and oftentimes parallels to modern society continue to be drawn. The Minotaur, part man and part bull, has been hand carved into a Minos ring and pendant, which feature the head of a bull, with horns to embody the strength and dominance of both the Minotaur and its wearer. The Argus, God of Surveillance, was a giant known for having eyes all over his body, to watch and protect those around him. Vibrant and mystical, the KIL N.Y.C. Argus medallion, cuff, and studs display those same eyes, resembling a guardian and protector.
Visiting the darker side, both the Chimera and Medusa were considered monsters in mythology.
A fire-breathing female creature, The Chimera has the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a serpent. KIL N.Y.C. designed the Chimera hoops earrings, cuff, and ring to embody the spirit of the dauntless creature, with its intricate design and flashy serpent tail. Additionally, the ring and cuff have matte and mirror finishes available upon request to enhance the look. In addition, Medusa, traditionally a monster from Greek mythology, has become a symbol of modern feminism—a femme fatale who rages against the stigmatization of female sexuality. Medusa has the face of a women, and poisonous snakes for hair, a signature look inspiring both the Medusa ring and pendant. Each displays her infamous head into art jewelry, the perfect gift for a modern feminist.
Harpy and Chimera Cuff by KIL N.Y.C. Photography by Little Wolf Creative.
KIL N.Y.C.’s beautiful Harpy pendant, cuff, and ring capture the half human, half bird features of the mystical creature from classical mythology. Her wings are displayed to assert strength and the ability to fly, symbolizing the spirit of the wind.
Lernian Pendant, by KIL N.Y.C. Photography by Little Wolf Creative.
The Lernian Pendant depicts the ferocious and immortal serpentine water creature. Displaying its monstrous multiple heads, the pendant imbues unwavering strength and power for the wearer. KIL N.Y.C.’s Arrows of Hercules pendant promotes healing; the arrows were gifts from Apollo, used in many feats. Lastly, the Teras Collection’s Scaly Serpent Hook is a gorgeous depiction of a serpent, formed into a shaped hook— the snake as a symbol of a guardian spirit.
Each KIL N.Y.C. piece is made to order, allowing customers to choose their desired metal and options for gemstone accents.
Available reclaimed and recycled precious metal options include sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold. From design to fabrication, each piece is made in NYC, with all polishing and shipping done locally. To reduce waste, KIL NYC uses recycled paper materials for shipping, and is carbon negative.
Arrows of Hercules pendant.
To contact KIL N.Y.C, email Sales and Operations Director, India Mankes-Falcon, at [email protected], or call/text 718-909-6429. For the Silo, Olga Gonzalez.
Featured image- Harpy, Medusa and Minos Rings, by KIL N.Y.C. Image courtesy of KIL N.Y.C. Photography by Little Wolf Creative.
About KIL N.Y.C.
Inspired by a life of travel and antiquities, jeweler, Konstantinos Leoussis created KIL N.Y.C. in 2018, to showcase his love of old-world techniques and motifs. KIL N.Y.C. puts an edgy and modern spin on sentimental jewelry, creating styles that are both easily wearable and instant heirlooms.
This handcrafted, pure coconut oil is sure to pack a delicious punch with any drink or cooking need. Kimera’s Koconut Oil is extra virgin and cold pressed, giving you the finest, most high quality oil on the market. The oil is non-GMO and unrefined for the best flavor and potency money can buy.
