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Dude, Where's My Plane? 7 Things You Need to Know About Aircraft Ownership

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Dude, Where's My Plane? 7 Things You Need to Know About Aircraft Ownership

Over half a million people have a license to fly an aircraft. Nearly half of those licenses are private pilot’s licenses.

Private pilot’s licenses (PPL) are the entry-level step that aspiring pilots take to get up into the sky. They enable you to charter yourself and your friends on flights so long as you’re not doing so with the intent of making a profit off of your services.

If you have a PPL and are tired of having to rent a place every time that you want to fly, aircraft ownership might be for you. There are, however, a lot of ins and outs to purchasing an aircraft that you should be aware of before you pull out your checkbook.

Here are a few important things that you’ll want to keep in mind:

1. Aircraft Are Expensive

At a car dealership, you can pick up a decent used vehicle for about $10,000. Depending on your needs, you won’t likely find a plane for less than ten times that amount.

There are some exceptions to that rule in the way of recreational, open-cabin planes that are meant to be flown around a single area.

Understand your flying needs before hitting the plane market and educate yourself on what planes that fit your specifications run before getting too excited about buying. You may find with some research that buying an aircraft is not a financial possibility.

2. Aircraft Ownership Carries Steep Fees

The cost of aircraft ownership goes beyond what it costs to buy your plane. Keep in mind these additional expenses before purchasing your plane so you’re not caught off guard:

Storage

Most people that are flying pressurized cabin planes will need to rent space at a local airport hanger. These spaces can cost hundreds of dollars per month.

Insurance

Airplanes need to be insured just like cars. Your insurance rates will vary based on your aircraft’s usage and value but will likely run you hundreds of dollars per month for small, recreational planes.

Fuel

Fueling up your aircraft is a necessary part of flying. Plane fuel prices more or less mirror car fuel prices if you’re using Jet A fuel. 100LL fuel will cost about double what you’re paying for your car’s fuel per gallon.

Maintenance

If you want to stay in the air, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance on your aircraft. Maintenance with aircraft, given the specialized nature of the work, can be expensive.

Airport Fees

Landing at major airports may cost money. Consult with the airports that you’ll be landing at the most to see if they assess landing fees to private pilots.

3. Private Aircraft Can Be Bought Online

Believe it or not, private aircraft can be bought and sold online. That might be great news if you live in a small city where local aircraft sales don’t take place.

Popular online aircraft markets include aerotrader.com and controller.com.

4. Agencies Can Help You Buy Aircraft

Sometimes, no matter how good the airplane buyers guide is that you read, you’re still not sure how to proceed with your purchase. In these cases, it may be helpful to work with a buying agency.

An aircraft buying agency typically helps people buy expensive planes, but there may be some groups that assist with the purchase of economical ones. Be aware that by seeking the help of an agency, you’ll likely have to pay them a finder’s fee.

5. Just Like Cars, a Used Aircraft Is Often a Better Buy

Many private aircraft don’t get flown frequently. Because of that, even old model planes can still be in fantastic flying shape.

When you buy a new aircraft, just like cars, your plane will depreciate the second that you take it on its first flight. Used aircraft, with proper maintenance, retain their value and will save you thousands of dollars at the register and on insurance.

6. Test Flights Usually Cost Money

Many aspiring aircraft owners are surprised when they request a test flight of a plane and their seller asks for compensation. Be aware that charging for test flights is a common practice given the expense that’s involved with getting a plane in the sky.

If you’re a highly qualified buyer or one that has done business with a particular seller in the past, sellers will likely waive your test flight fees given their confidence that you’ll choose to buy.

7. Co-Owning an Aircraft May Be the Way to Go

Unless you plan on flying your plane a lot, co-owning an aircraft might be the way to go. When you co-own a plane, you and another pilot split all ownership costs down the middle and coordinate a flying schedule.

Not only does this arrangement save you tons of money but it won’t likely impede your flying ambitions.

Is Aircraft Ownership Right for You?

After reading about some of the ins and outs of aircraft ownership, ask yourself, is owning a personal plane right for you?

If you’re unsure, hit pause and take time to think. Buying an aircraft represents a large investment that shouldn’t be shouldered on a whim.

If you’re confident that owning an aircraft is not only financially feasible but will be additive to your life, go for it! After all, there’s nothing like being able to take to the skies whenever you want to get away from it all.

Do you have more lifestyle questions? If you do, our team has answers.

Read more of the newest content that we have up in our digital publication today!

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A Beginner's Guide on How to Start a Coin Collection

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A Beginner's Guide on How to Start a Coin Collection

Have you heard in the news about someone finding a rare coin worth a lot of money and wondered what it takes to be a coin collector?

If so, we’ll let you know the basics of coin collecting for beginners.

Read on to learn more about this exciting hobby.

Coin Collecting for Beginners

Coin collecting can be as casual and inexpensive as you want it to be. Or you can branch out into searching and seeking for some of the rare and odd finds that are out there to discover.

With this brief coin collecting guide, we are going to keep things super simple. Coin collecting for dummies, so to speak.

How Do You Determine If a Coin is Worth Collecting?

Some people wonder what the best coins to collect are. But, in the beginning, you’ll just be learning about different coins, where they are made and what makes one unique from another. Eventually, you will learn to recognize what types of coins you are interested in most.

Sometimes you don’t need to know much to start a coin collection. Many people start off by just trying to collect pennies from each year during a specified period of time. Or collecting a coin from different countries. If you take on this kind of collection, you don’t really need to know too much about coins.

To give you clues and to help you differentiate one coin from another, however, there are some things you’ll need to look for. These can also be clues to let you know if a coin is more valuable.

Mint Marks

Mint marks are put on coins to show at which United States Mint facility a coin was stamped. There are as follows:

A “P” has sometimes been used to identify coins stamped in Philadelphia

A “D” designates coins stamps in Denver

An “S” or a “W” can appear on coins stamped in San Francisco

You can also find “C” (Charlette, North Carolina), “CC” (Carson City, Nevada), “D” (Dahlonega, Georgia between 1838-1861) and “O” (New Orleans, Louisiana).

There have been periods where no mint marks appeared at on coins, such as during 1965-1967 when The Coinage Act of 1965 was in effect.

There are other oddities and times when mint marks didn’t “follow the rules” set out above, but you’ll discover those along your coin collecting journey.

Grading

Coin grading is probably the hardest part of learning the value of a coin. Coins are graded along a scale from “Perfect Uncirculated” (MS-70) down to “About Good (AG-3). The closer a coin is to Perfect Uncirculated generally the more valuable it is. The coins at the higher end show less wear-and-tear and the relief (the coin’s design) and mintmark are more easily readable.

Coin Composition

Knowing the parts that make up a coin will help you learn what to look for in grading your coins. The front side of a coin is the obverse and the reverse is the back side. The front side contains a major inscription which is called the legend.

Coins have an edge that coin collectors call the “third side” of a coin called the edge. This third side is actually the outer border on the face of the obverse and reverse of the coin. This is the side you can roll a coin on is called the rim.

How to Find Coins

There are many ways to buy coins to add to your collection. Online stores, auction sites, and in-person coin dealers. But there are plenty of options to find coins as well. 

Some people use the coin-roll method to locate new coins for their collection (or to sell). This method involves getting rolls of coins from the bank and going through them to find coins that either fit your collection specifications or are collectible for another reason.

If you normally shop with your debit card, consider using cash for in-person transactions. This will prompt cashiers to give you change in cash and coins. You can even ask them if they have anything unusual someone dropped off, such as half-dollars or silver dollars (where you may be incredibly lucky and find a Morgan silver dollar). 

Ask your family and friends if they have stockpiles of loose change they would let you go through in exchange for rolling it up for them (to make it easier for them to take the coins in to exchange for dollar bills).

If you’re hunting for quarters to fill in spaces in a 50 State Quarters collection, you can get dollars changed into quarters at laundromats, arcades and other places where machines use quarters. You can even ask for a roll of quarters or two when you’re shopping at the grocery store.

Basic Tools and Supplies to Get Started

Although you don’t really need anything particular to get started, there are things that will help make the hobby more enjoyable and help you protect the value of the coins you do find:

A magnifying glass (will help you read the mint marks and notice any other unique nuances on the relief of the coin, or flaws)

Coin holders and storage (you can find paper holders for individual coins, plastic sheets to hold coins in a 3-ring binder, stand-alone albums to hold multiple coins, and more). Anything that keeps your coins from suffering additional wear and tear will suffice.

Reference books such as a Guide to Coin Collecting that are put out each year can give you details about coins, their worth in various grading, and more. Prior to buying one of your own, you can check out a bunch of different types at your local library.

You Can Start Coin Collecting Today

Most of us have loose change lying around, or in jars or at the bottom of a purse or backpack. It doesn’t take much to start coin collecting for beginners.

Take some time to check out some of your coins today.

Interested in some more articles about great hobbies and educational topics? You can find them all on the Education tab on our site.

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What Is the Kratom Plant?

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What Is the Kratom Plant?

Have you ever heard about the recent supplement that’s been flooding the market?

Kratom is a natural supplement that’s recently gained popularity in the western world due to its many benefits. It’s a flexible drug in that it can be taken it a variety of ways, and it can be used for many reasons.

Most people use kratom to treat problems that they have whereas others use it to improve their daily life. Whether you suffer from things like pain and depression or want to get an extra boost, kratom may be right for you.

Read on to learn more about the kratom plant and its benefits.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant that derives from Asia. It’s often compared to weed because it can provide similar benefits. However, kratom doesn’t get you high and can provide stronger effects.

Kratom looks similar to the typical weeds that you’d see on your lawn. People will pull the leaves and use them for various products. Kratom often comes in the form of pills, but the leaves can be eaten directly. 

The Benefits

Whether it’s kratom weed or kratom tea, it will provide you with several benefits that will improve your quality of life. Here are some of the most popular reasons why people use kratom:

Pain Relief

Kratom acts quickly when it’s taken, allowing people to relieve their pain at any time. Unlike pain relief drugs, kratom doesn’t have to be taken various times a day. It can be used as a daily supplement to avoid pain or it can be taken when you feel something.

Reduces Depression

Depression and anxiety are two popular categories in the healthcare industry. Many drugs claim to make you feel better, but kratom is the most effective. It allows people to think clearly about their situation and see the positives in everything.

Provides Mental Clarity

When you relieve your pain and improve your mood, kratom will also allow you to have a clear mind. Simply chewing on the leaves will help you focus on a task, similar to chewing gum.

How to Use It

Kratom comes in many forms. One of the most common ways to take kratom is by a pill. When kratom leaves are crushed, they can be put into pill capsules. Kratom smoking is also viable, so many people combine it with their weed.

You can also use kratom in beverages. The plant can come in the form of tea packets, a kratom shot, and its powder can be mixed with other drinks. If you’re interested in getting started, check out the best place to buy kratom online.

Start Enjoying the Kratom Plant Today

The kratom plant is one of those things that people can’t get enough of, just like marijuana. No matter what background you come from, you can start enjoying the benefits of kratom.

Kratom can treat your depression and anxiety. It can also relieve pain, especially for those that suffer from joint inflammation. There are a variety of ways to take kratom, allowing anyone to use it comfortably.

Browse our blog to find more articles about topics that will help you in your daily life.

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The Steps You Should Take to Find a Good Lawyer That Will Meet Your Needs

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The Steps You Should Take to Find a Good Lawyer That Will Meet Your Needs

Sorting out financial situations, writing a will or trust are reasons why you may consider hiring an estate planning lawyer. However, these situations aren’t the only times when you should hire an attorney. Maybe you’re thinking about filing a claim for the injury you suffered at work or during a car accident.

Either way, it’s vital to hire a good lawyer to obtain the best outcome in your case. Don’t know how to find the best attorney?

We’ve got you covered. Here are the steps you should follow to hire the best lawyer today.

1. Decide the Type of Attorney You Need

Most attorneys specialize in a certain area of law. Before beginning your search, you should figure out the type of lawyer you need.

An example is how a personal injury attorney is your best option for any injury-related case. However, you should keep in mind that some personal injury lawyers specialize in auto accidents, medical malpractice, among other injuries.

2. Search Online for Lawyers Near Your Area

After deciding the type of attorney, it’s time to search online for lawyers near your area. You can try narrowing down your search by searching “personal injury lawyers near me”, “medical malpractice attorneys near me”, among other similar terms.

Local bar associations and legal directories are other places where you may find great lawyers. Keep in mind you may find a local lawyer who practices several legal areas from family to elder law. Don’t count these firms out since they can offer the best all-around approach to your case.

3. Narrow Down Your List

Instead of calling the first lawyer you find, you should narrow down your list to 2 or 3 lawyers. Focus on experts who specialize in your type of case. You should also check their online reviews to learn about the experiences of other customers.

4. Schedule Initial Consultations with Several Attorneys

Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to learn what’s their approach and legal fees. You should schedule initial consultations with your top choices.

During this meeting, you should ask any questions you have about their approach and your potential outcome. Make sure to bring any documents or evidence regarding your case. The attorney needs to review these documents to offer their insight into your lawsuit.

5. Hire the Best Lawyer for Your Case

After your initial consultation, it’s time to hire the right attorney for your lawsuit. The best lawyer will offer an honest opinion on your case and the potential outcome.

Don’t settle for your cheapest option. Choose a legal expert who’s experienced in your type of case and offers the best potential outcome.

Can You Find a Good Lawyer for Your Case?

You can find a good lawyer to work your case. It will all come down to doing your research. Choose the type of attorney you want to hire and search online for lawyers in your area.

Keep in mind that you should consider lawyers who specialize in the type of case you’re filing. However, you may find firms that practice several areas of law. While it may be easy to hire the first attorney you find, you should narrow down your list.

Make sure to schedule several initial consultations to learn how these legal experts can help you. 

Did you find this article interesting? Check out the rest of our site for more insightful articles.

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Dbrand Grip v2 phone case review

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Dbrand Grip v2 phone case review

Two years ago, dbrand came up with a potentially innovative solution to the problem of slippery and hard to handle mobile phone devices: their very own, a unique phone case that was called the Grip. They created an IndieGoGo campaign as a means of funding this innovative new phone case and many people contributed to its development, excited at the concept of a phone case that would protect their phone while still looking stylish—but, unfortunately, the phone case that was created was not of the quality that people were expecting. Indeed, the first generation of the grip phone case shattered on impact and would wear out relatively rapidly. Not great for protecting mobile phones!

As such, dbrand developed a new type of phone grip case that would perform better. The new model, the second generation of the Grip phone case, is expected to be a big improvement on the first—but does it live up to these expectations, or would you do better to spend your money elsewhere?

We at CatTongue Grips made it our mission to discover if the new case is worthwhile in our dbrand Grip v2 phone case review. We will explore these ideas in order to work out if this new generation of the grip phone case is a worthwhile investment for you to spend your money on, or if you would do better to choose a different type or brand of the phone case to protect your phone instead.

Design

The design for the new phone case is, in our opinion here at CatTongue Grips, simplistic yet highly effective. The case itself is neat and pleasing to look at; it doesn’t stand out from the crowd, but it isn’t an eyesore either. Simply put—it does what it is supposed to do, which is to cover the mobile device in order to (hopefully) protect it from impacts. The dbrand logo is also featured neatly on the back of the case, in a pale silver/grey color. However, the back of the case can actually be customized with a number of brand’s unique “skins” if you would prefer not to have to see this logo every time that you turn your phone over.

Materials

The second generation of the grip case is made from high-quality materials, which help it to perform better than its predecessor. The case itself is lined with microfiber and rubbery material, although this, unfortunately, compromises the amount of grip that the case gives the user; indeed, instead of being the “world’s grippiest case”, as the company intended, it is actually a little difficult to handle. It is interesting to note though that the case does give a slightly better level of grip when lying face down against a material.

Overall

Overall, the design of this case is neat and tidy, however, it will not offer the grip that it advertised and so does not really live up to expectations.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit the Cayman Islands? A Guide

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When Is the Best Time to Visit the Cayman Islands? A Guide

The world is becoming a smaller and smaller place. Holidays to far-flung lands are no longer a pipe dream for people. Every year close to 100,000 million Americans travel outside of the US. 

Where would you like to go? 

What about the Cayman Islands? Three small islands in the Caribbean offering serene beaches, beautiful weather and diverse wildlife and activities. Sounds idyllic, right? 

So you’re all set, you know where you want to head, but what about when you’re going to go there? What is the best time to visit the Cayman Islands? 

Keep reading to find out. 

Winter Is a Fun Time to Visit the Cayman Islands

The winter months are the most popular time for people to travel to the Cayman Islands. There is little to no rain and temperatures around the 70 degrees make it a perfect place to head in order to escape the cold and grey weather we are used to.

If you are a foodie and interested in exploring the cultures and cuisines of the Caymans, then this is the best time to go to Cayman Islands. There are plenty of food festivals for you to enjoy. Just be aware than this is the high season and prices can be a lot higher than at other times of the year. 

Spring Is the Best Time to Travel to Cayman Islands

The best time to go to Cayman Islands is the spring. The weather is still good, the seas are calm and the water is perfect for aquatic exploration. As long as you don’t mind the risk of the odd shower, then this is the holiday season for you.

This season is also home to a few of the recurring Cayman festivals and events, including restaurant and cocktail weeks. 

The prices of a Cayman Islands holiday during this period are lower than at many times of the year, making this the best option for many travelers. 

Summer and Autumn Bring Low Costs but Wet Weather

While this time of year is considered the rainy season, it is still a great time to travel to the Cayman Islands. 

Not only are flights and accommodations often discounted by up to 50% during this period, but you can also be there in time to attend the Pirate week festival. 

Running for a week in early November, this festival offers a little bit of fun for everybody, with music, cuisine, and culture on display. You can learn about this festival here, and see for yourself why a trip to the islands at this time of year is a great idea. 

It’s Always the Best Time to Visit the Cayman Islands

Tourism in the Cayman Islands is booming, as its popularity as a holiday destination is rising. With good weather all year round, it should not come as a surprise that the best time to visit the Cayman Islands is whenever you feel like it. 

If the timing doesn’t work for you, however, have no fear. There are plenty of other places you could head for a holiday. From lengthy stays to weekend getaways, the world is full of wonderful places. 

Check out some of our other posts for more travel inspiration today. 

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What is a pre-settlement loan? Everything you need to know

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What is a pre-settlement loan? Everything you need to know

Over 40 million lawsuits get filed in United States courts every year. Many of these cases take months if not years to resolve.

If you’re the victim of an accident or are the plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit, waiting years to get your settlement money can create big problems. This is especially true if the incident that you experienced is keeping you from working.

To help remedy this issue, many turn to a pre-settlement loan, settlement loan, or lawsuit loan which are varying names of the same product.

If you’re considering taking out a settlement loan but aren’t sure if one is right for you, keep reading. Our team will brief you on this loan’s uses, qualities, and alternatives.

Who Is a Settlement Loan Useful To?

Generally speaking, settlement loans can be leveraged by anybody that’s waiting for a court settlement to pay them money. More specifically, common classes of people that take on settlement loans include:

Personal Injury Victims

If you’re in an accident, it can take a long time for an insurance company to pay you what you’re owed. Given that most injury victims can’t or won’t work while they’re negotiating their claims, a settlement loan can be helpful to pay off expenses.

Class-Action Lawsuit Plaintiffs

Class-action lawsuits are notoriously arduous. If you’re holding out for payment associated with a class-action suit, rather than waiting years for compensation, a settlement loan can fill in the gaps.

Those Awaiting an Inheritance

When a deceased loved one passes away, it can be a while before attorneys sort through their estate. This is especially true if a will was not put in place.

Settlement loans can give you an advance on your inheritance if you must get your hands on it sooner than the courts will allow.

What Are the Advantages to Settlement Loans?

As you’ve probably realized, settlement loans do carry advantages which is why they’ve become a fixture in the legal community. The two most key advantages of this loan are:

The Ability to Survive During a Legal Proceeding

We’ve discussed how settlement loans can be valuable to people that are sitting through long trials. For many, due to their inability to work, settlement loans are a necessity to live.

More Leverage During a Negotiation

Many insurance providers and other defendants in cases intentionally drag legal proceedings out to try and “starve out” plaintiffs. After all, if a plaintiff is running out of money amidst a negotiation, they’ll be more likely to ask their lawyer to settle.

A settlement loan gives plaintiffs more runway to properly negotiate what they’re owed which can have a substantial positive effect on how much money they’re able to walk away with.

Are There Disadvantages to Taking Out a Settlement Loan?

Settlement loans don’t have a sparkling reputation for several reasons. As a matter of fact, many financial advisors might staunchly advise against taking them out due to their two major drawbacks:

Extremely High Interest Rates

The lenders that give our settlement loans are not in the business of being altruistic towards victims that need money to survive a trial. They’re in the business of taking advantage of a victim’s desperation.

Consequently, settlement loans will carry higher interest rates than is commonly seen in more run-of-the-mill loan products.

In fairness, settlement lenders rely on borrowers getting a favorable case verdict to receive their money back. Since there are no guarantees in this matter, higher interest rates insulate lenders from sustaining too much damage if borrowers lose and have to declare bankruptcy against their debt.

Lack of Regulation

A settlement loan is a relatively new loan product in the world of finance. Because of that, the product is largely unregulated.

This lack of regulation has led to cases where lenders have been able to dump exorbitant interest, fees and several other stressors on borrowers that would not be acceptable with other kinds of loans.

Only do business with the absolute best pre-settlement funding companies. If you take a risk on an operation that’s not worth trusting, you stand a serious chance of getting into financial trouble.

Settlement Loan Alternatives

Settlement loans may not be your only option for sustaining yourself during a trial. Here are a few safer alternatives that are worth considering:

A Family/Friend Loan

If you have family members or friends that can help you wait out your trial, ask them for help. They’re among the few lenders in the world that may not charge you anything for their assistance.

Just be wary of the fact that borrowing money from people that you know can complicate your relationship.

Disability Payments

Depending on the nature of your lawsuit/condition, you may qualify for government disability payments. Talk to your lawyer about your options on this front to ensure that taking disability payments won’t undermine your case.

Home Refinance

Homeowners may be able to borrow against the equity that they’ve built up in their houses. Just make sure that you’ll be able to keep up with your payments since falling behind could result in losing your house.

Is a Settlement Loan Right for You?

At this point, you have enough information to make a better decision on whether or not a settlement loan is right for you. We wish you the best as you navigate that financial question and the settlement that you’re working towards.

If you’d like more information on financial, legal or other lifestyle questions, browse more of the content in our digital publication.

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10 of the Best Places to Go for Vacation Parties and Festivals

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10 of the Best Places to Go for Vacation Parties and Festivals

What do you picture when you dream of your ideal vacation?

A quiet cabin in the woods

A relaxing spa retreat

Hundreds of people drinking, dancing, and partying ’til sunrise

If you chose the last option, this article is for you. There’s no rule that says you have to take it easy on vacation, right?

Anywhere you go in the world, wild vacation parties and exotic festivals await you. From Uruguay’s 40-day Carnival festival to Thailand’s famous full moon parties, there’s a vacation spot with your name on it.

In this post, we’ll reveal the 10 best party vacations on Earth. So read on, get inspired…and let the good times roll!

1. Thailand’s Beaches

Bangkok is the most visited city in the world, and it’s a party destination all on its own. But if you really want to cut loose and go wild, head south to Thailand’s beautiful islands.

On the eastern side (Gulf coast), you’ll find Koh Phangan, home to a monthly revelry known as a full moon party. Tens of thousands of people flock here every month to dance and drink the night away.

You could also head to the western side (Andaman Sea) and cut loose on the stunning island of Ko Phi Phi. With $5 rum buckets and the opportunity to fight your friends in a Muay Thai boxing bar, it’s a night you’ll remember (or forget) forever.

2. Ibiza, Spain

How does an island with 80 beaches—all of them for partying—sound to you?

If it sounds like paradise, book a ticket to Ibiza. Considered by some to be the beach party capital of the world, Ibiza is 365 days of clubbing, pool parties, and dancing on the beach.

Bonus for young partygoers: Ibiza is part of an autonomous region of Spain that does not have specific laws in place for selling alcohol to minors.  

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bouncing back to Southeast Asia, add the tiny backpacker town of Siem Reap to your vacation parties list. Similar to Ibiza, there is no official legal drinking age in Cambodia.

People flock here from all over the world to see the famed Temples of Angkor, but once the sun goes down, the town shifts into high gear. Pub Street fills with pumping music, street performers, and $1 beers and cocktails.

Siem Reap is undoubtedly one of the cheapest places in the world to party hard. And if you get your fill of Siem Reap, don’t worry—the capital of Phnom Penh is another great party spot too.

4. Bali, Indonesia

No list of party vacation spots would be complete without another famous backpacker hub—Bali.

Book a room on Kuta Beach and get ready to party ’til you drop. Surf and sunbathe during the day and then enjoy all-night dance parties, fire shows, and music festivals.

In the morning (or mid-afternoon), wake up, eat some delicious Balinese food, and repeat. 

5. Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is home to the longest Carnival celebration in the world, clocking in at an impressive 40 days during February and March. If you want to push your liver to the absolute limit, this could be a golden opportunity.

Even if you can’t visit during Carnival, Uruguay is still a permissive and progressive vacation spot. It was the first country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana.

And that came 40 years after Uruguay decriminalized all other drugs—including the hard stuff.

6. Cancun, Mexico

Popular with spring breakers, backpackers, and everyone in between, you can’t miss Cancun if you like to party.

Miles of white beaches provide the perfect backdrop for all-night revelries. Book a room anywhere along the oceanfront “Zona Hotelera” and you’ll never be more than a few steps from a good time.

The club scene is especially wild in Cancun, with confetti, balloon, and foam parties being the norm.

7. Bondi Beach, Australia

If you want to party somewhere wild (and warm) over the Christmas holidays, head to the Land Down Under.

Sydney’s Bondi Beach becomes a weeklong, nonstop party between Christmas and New Year’s. (Remember—that’s the middle of summer there!)

Music festivals, fireworks, and tourists in bikinis and Santa hats are just a few of the awesome things that await you at Bondi Beach.

8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Speaking of the southern hemisphere, can it get any better than Rio?

Synonymous with beautiful beaches and barely-there swimwear, Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s city that never sleeps. Copacabana Beach is especially fun on New Year’s Eve—second only to Carnival in terms of partying.

Walk two steps and you’re sure to be surrounded by beautiful people, countless bars, and free-flow booze. Don’t miss the delicious caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail.

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Don’t have the budget to travel around the world partying? That’s okay—America has one of the world’s best party vacation spots too.

42 million people visit Las Vegas every year, and it’s not hard to understand why. “The Strip” is a 4-mile stretch of endless pleasures, from luxury hotels and casinos to some of the wildest nightclubs and entertainment you’ll find anywhere.

Just remember: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

10. Miami, Florida

If your party vacation spot must include a beach, Miami is your destination.

South Beach is lined with fantastic bars and clubs and has some of the best nightlife in the US. Celebrity sightings and fascinating examples of plastic surgery are the norms here, as are people rollerblading in thongs.

But don’t worry. After a few mojitos in one of the best clubs in South Beach, you just might lace up a pair of rollerblades yourself.

Ready to Plan Some Vacation Parties of Your Own?

If taking it easy and waking up early on vacation isn’t your thing, don’t worry.

There are destinations all over the world where the party doesn’t truly start until the sun goes down. From the beaches of Southeast Asia to the islands of the Mediterranean, there are countless vacation parties and festivals to choose from.

And if you need to stay closer to home, there’s nothing wrong with Miami or Vegas either.

So what are you waiting for? Book a ticket and head to one of these party vacation spots—new friends are waiting for you!

Did you enjoy this article? Feeling inspired? Check out our other recent travel posts for more great advice.

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On a Fitness Journey? Here Are the Benefits of Rock Climbing

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On a Fitness Journey? Here Are the Benefits of Rock Climbing

Whether you’re interested in losing weight or just want to feel a little bit stronger, you know one thing for sure:

Working out in a standard gym and spending hours running aimlessly on a treadmill just isn’t for you. 

Instead, you’re much more drawn to adrenaline-based, unconventional workouts that challenge your mind as much as your body. If this sounds like you, then why not give rock climbing a try? 

Not only is it a great way to meet new people and conquer your fears. You also can’t deny the appeal of a rock climber body. 

The benefits of rock climbing are well worth the sweat and heights. Read on to learn why you should start getting your belay on today. 

Get a Full-Body Workout

Maybe you already have some kind of fitness routine already. 

However, you’ve noticed that whenever you switch things up or try a new class/routine, you’re sore in places that you didn’t even know existed afterward. 

This is the problem with a lot of cardio and even strength training workouts today. They may help you to lose weight and get a few parts of your body in shape, but they totally neglect other areas. 

A rock climbing workout is so effective because it provides total body fitness solutions. It makes sense: after all, you have to engage countless muscles to reach, maneuver, hop, and keep your balance when climbing.

Plus, no two rock surfaces are identical. So, you’ll be forced to use tons of different muscle groups. 

Better Grip Strength

Let’s face it: most of us don’t exactly hit the gym in the hopes of developing a stronger grip. 

But maybe we should. 

Thanks to our increasing reliance on smartphones and other digital communication devices and gaming systems, carpal tunnel syndrome has quickly become one of the top health issues in the country. 

One of the surprising benefits of rock climbing is that it seriously builds your grip strength, preventing both carpal tunnel and arthritis. 

Improved Flexibility

Is rock climbing a good workout for those who want to improve their overall flexibility levels? 

Absolutely. 

Think about how you’ll have to reach and stretch in order to grab onto that tiny rock you need to propel yourself up. With every wall you climb, you’ll become more flexible. 

This won’t just improve your climbing. 

You’ll also notice less soreness, increased endurance, fewer pulled muscles, and even improved posture. 

The Fun Kind of Cardio

While no one can deny the importance of cardio, it can be tough to motivate yourself to get out there and get it done. 

Rock climbing is cardio for people who hate cardio. You’ll be able to take in the views if you’re climbing outdoors and enjoy the rush of adrenaline and the “runner’s high” you get when you reach the top. 

Think of it as climbing a stair machine. You have to engage your core, your lungs, and vault yourself to the next rock to keep going. That’s certainly one way to get your heart-rate going hard.

Believe it or not, when you go rock climbing, you’ll get the same cardio workout as you would when running an eight-minute mile.

If you’re already a runner, you might want to consider how taking a rock climbing fitness class could help you to improve your mile time. 

It’s a Mental Workout, Too

Every kind of fitness requires you to push yourself mentally and physically — but rock climbing does it in the extreme. 

If you have a fear of heights, saying “yes” to rock climbing can help you to conquer it and improve your self-esteem in the process. 

Climbing also forces you to think logically, planning your next move and constantly looking ahead for rocks and boulders to cling onto. It’s the ultimate strategy game. 

In fact, studies show that rock climbing actually improves brain function. Don’t be surprised if, after a few months of climbing, you’ve noticed that your focus and memory recall have both improved. 

If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your anxiety/stress levels, rock climbing can help you with that, too. This is especially true if you’re able to climb outdoors. 

Many addicts credit rock climbing with helping them to stay clean, though everyone can experience the mental benefits of rock climbing. 

You’ll Make New Friends

Trying out a climbing and bouldering workout won’t just make you stronger and leaner. 

It can also give your social life a boost.

Sites like Climbing Blogger are filled with tips and tricks on how to improve your climbing, where to go to get the best views, and even information about upcoming climbing events and meetings. 

If you’ve moved to a new city or just want to expand your social circle, head to a local indoor climbing gym to make it happen. 

Experience the Benefits of Rock Climbing for Yourself

Now that you know more about the benefits of rock climbing, we’re willing to bet you’re ready to try it out for yourself. 

Call up a few friends and make a day of it. After all, when you’re belaying each other, it’s a great way to build trust in your social circle!

Looking for more unconventional workouts to boost your mind and body? 

Curious about other ways to improve your flexibility and core strength? 

Ready to plan the ultimate rock climbing vacation? 

Our blog can help with all that and more. Bookmark our page to learn more about how to get more out of every workout. 

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Deep Sea Divin': 5 of the Best Places to Snorkel in Florida

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Deep Sea Divin': 5 of the Best Places to Snorkel in Florida

The earliest days of freediving dates back to 3,000 B.C. Humans have always been fascinated with the ocean. However, the ocean also poses many dangers. This is why many people opt to snorkel.

Unlike scuba diving, your whole body isn’t submerged. You’re swimming in the ocean surface, wearing a diving mask, and looking at the fish and critters that live in the ocean.

Where should you go snorkeling? If you plan on visiting Florida, add snorkeling to your long list of must-do activities!

The Sunshine State is one of the best snorkeling locations in the world. Here are the 5 best places to snorkel in Florida.

1. Bathtub Reef Beach, Stuart

Stuart is a city on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

There are many islands on the Atlantic. Hutchinson Island is one of them. Here is where you’ll find Bathtub Reef Beach.

This is a scenic beach with calm waters. There’s a reef system close to the shore where you’ll find sea turtles and other sea life.

2. Cannon Beach, Key Largo

Want to visit the Keys but want to avoid the tourist Key West traps? Travel north and spend some time in Key Largo.

Key Largo offers plenty of novelties, such as fresh key lime pie. But you’ll also have the best snorkeling experience in this area.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers Cannon Beach, a historical beach with shipwreck artifacts. You can look upon these as you snorkel.

3. Phil Foster Park, Jupiter

Jupiter is a town in southeast Florida. Phil Foster Park is one of the most beloved beaches. You can snorkel and view a variety of different wildlife — 300 species in total. You can view several different fishes and other marine animals.

This beach is also famous for attracting divers and underwater photographers.

4. Red Reef Park, Boca Raton

On the same coast is Boca Raton, Florida. Red Reef Park is described as the prettiest beach in Boca Raton.

It has an artificial reef where tropical fish live. The waters are shallow which helps snorkelers see everything. However, you’ll have the best snorkeling experience when the tide is higher.

5. Caladesi Island, Clearwater

Want to avoid the busy Clearwater Beach tourism? You have to experience Caladesi Island. Caladesi Island is an untouched island with three miles worth of white sand. Go snorkeling and you’ll see all of the fun fish that live on this island.

After your snorkeling adventure, rent a kayak and gaze upon Florida’s mangroves and other animals such as the myriad of birds.

The Snorkeling State: The Best Places to Snorkel in Florida

Florida is famous for Disneyworld and its beaches. But what about its snorkeling?

If you love snorkeling, you’ll enjoy the snorkeling opportunities in Florida. But you need to know the best places to snorkel in Florida.

From the Atlantic to the Gulf Coast, many Florida beaches offer the opportunity to gaze upon marine wildlife and even view shipwreck artifacts.

Need more Florida advice? What about travel recommendations?

Continue reading our blog! We offer all of this and more in our travel section.

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Why are emergency loan lenders more popular than ever?

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Why are emergency loan lenders more popular than ever?

The popularity of online loan lenders has been growing day in day out thanks to the many advantages that these loans have to offer. However, just as the popularity has been growing so to have the number of complaints.

Although a majority of the people find the loans quite conducive to helping them in a time of need, they have issues with certain aspects of the payday loan industry.

Payment amounts

According to payday lender Simple Payday, the hassle of changing the payment amounts happens to be the most popular complaint. A majority of the companies that offer payday loans have made it quite easy to apply for loans and get approved but have not simplified the procedure of changing the payment amounts.

The matter has not yet been resolved because most people do not understand how the matter should be a problem. They feel that people should be comfortable with the low amount asked per week. However, thanks to research, it has been found out that some people usually want to pay their loans much earlier than scheduled – so as to reduce the amount of interest that they will be charged.

Although there is a set procedure they would prefer that the process be much simpler. They would prefer to have the ability to change the payment options online rather than call to have their matters attended to.

Payment fees

Most companies that offer cash loans usually charge late payment fees. The complaint of the consumer is that not only do the companies charge a late payment fee but also that the payment fee is quite high. You will be surprised to learn that you can actually be charges fifteen pounds for every hundred pounds that comes in late. This complaint happens to be quite similar to that of credit card holders. Although the late payment fee encourages people to pay and is a huge source of income to the companies’ offering payday loans, it really leaves a huge hole in the consumers’ pocket.

Support

Lack of twenty-four-hour support to its consumers by companies offering cash advances is another common complaint that needs to be addressed. You might be surprised that although payday lenders accept applications all day and night, there is no one to help the customers when they encounter a problem. The customers have brought it to attention that the probability of them receiving live customer service is quite low when they need help filling a form outside normal working hours.

Interest rate

The last of the complaints happens to be the very high interest rates charged on the payday loans. It is very common to find a consumer who is in dire need of a loan but avoids it because of the high interest rate charged on them. Their biggest fear usually is that they will probably not afford to repay it.

This form of finance can give borrowers quick money on a per-need basis. Thus, they are very useful in emergencies where the people involved can’t wait for money to arrive. Emergency loans are paid off by borrowers as salary day comes, hence the name of the loans.

Advantages

Advantage #1: Approval is easy

Unlike in regular loans where you have to provide plenty of information sheets, especially your credit record, only a small number of requirements is needed to avail of a cash advance. Mainly, they are: proof of employment, your name, your age, your photo, and your account number. When you are doing transactions online, filling up of forms takes just minutes.

Advantage #2: The cash comes really quickly

Once you have applied for a loan, you can get the cash in less than one hour. When you apply through the Internet, you can even get the money in less than 10-minutes. You will also receive a quick notification that the money has reached your account.

Advantage #3: Payday loans are unsecured loans

That means that you don’t have to present some sort of collateral to avail of these loans. You don’t have to put your car, your house, or any other type of property on the line just to get a cash advance loan. You will be trusted upon to pay up at the next payday or at any other time that is agreed beforehand. (In some cases, the payment is deducted automatically from your next pay check.)

Advantage #4: You don’t need a good credit record

This is a significant advantage. Many people don’t have money to meet emergencies because they have plenty of debts. Instead of being able to save, they pay off plenty of debts. Their credit records may also be dented, so they can hardly avail of good loans from usual creditors. Lenders of payday loans, on the other hand, do not do credit checks when you want to avail of cash advances. Even people who have filed for bankruptcy can avail of payday loans as long as they are salaried. The downside, however, is that you get charged a high interest rate, such as 25%.

Advantage #5: It is easy to look for

If you don’t have access to a physical lender, you can look for a lender in the Internet. There are many trusted sites (but be sure to stay away from online lenders that charge ridiculously high interest rates, such as 250%). The money goes straight into your account; you don’t have to meet the lender at all.

Last Words

With all their advantages, can be of great help to many people when they really need the money. However, they have to use only when absolutely needed, because of the high rate of interest.

You will agree with me that no matter how diligent a person tries to be when it comes to saving money, things always happen which sometimes completely drains us financially. When you find yourself in such a horrible situation and you do not have the option of using a credit card, the best alternative now can be online lenders.

The good news about emergency loan lenders is that your credit score does not matter at all, unlike other loans where you cannot get a loan when you have bad credit. With these, getting a loan is quite faster and easier, unlike getting a loan from the banks which could take you weeks or even months. This makes it a better option especially when you need money urgently.

An understanding of financial products is very necessary. This is because, in spite of the numerous advantages it offers, there are certain issues associated with it. One of the main troubles with this type of credit is the interest rate. These rates can be so much higher than what you borrowed that you may find it so difficult to pay back in full in the short time allowed.

One of the ways you can get advances apart from the brick and mortar store is getting it online. Online websites offer a very easy and convenient way of getting a credit. With this online method, you get to receive the money in as little as 24 hours.

The moment the borrower gets to choose a lender, the contract is then signed electronically and then in less than 24-48 hours, the money is deposited into the borrowers account. And when the loan is due, most lenders automatically withdraw the money and corresponding interest rates from the borrower’s bank account.

All over the world so many people are forced to opt for this type of quick finance, simply because they have no other choice and no one will certainly want to loan to them. Therefore, if you think you really need money, this maybe the best option you have, especially when nobody else wants to help you out.

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Top career prospects in the insurance industry

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Top career prospects in the insurance industry

One of the most popular financial sectors for people to work in is insurance. The sheer variety of roles on offer along with job security and good salaries has made it an area of employment that is thriving. If you are looking at what career path to take or are thinking of changing the one you are on, this is a sector that demands closer inspection. Of course, if you are new to the world of insurance then you may need a little help in deciding which roles might be best for you. Doing some research beforehand is sensible so you can find out which are the most popular roles in insurance, and which may be of most interest to you.

Be sure to get the right qualifications and training

Before we look at what are the top roles you could move into, it is important to think about your educational qualifications. Having the appropriate qualifications in place is essential for insurance roles. It is also necessary to get the right training in place so that you can pass any exams you may have to take when forging a career in certain roles.

The life and health insurance license training course offered at Bryant and Stratton illustrates why. This course of study gives you pre-licensing training in order to prepare you for state licensing exams in life, accident and health insurance which you will need to pass for some insurance jobs. By having the passes you need under your belt in advance, you will be able to move into the career you want without delay.

But what are the most popular insurance-based jobs you can take on? 

Actuary 

This may sound a little obscure, but it actually isn’t. An actuary assesses risk for insurance companies and sets premium rates based on research. Normally, you would specialize in one specific type of insurance here, such as property insurance. This is because each insurance type has its own nuances and you must know about them in detail when setting premiums. In simple terms, an actuary helps insurance companies remain profitable by setting premiums at levels which allow them to make money while still paying out claims. Normally, you would need a Bachelor’s degree in an area like mathematics to follow this career path.

Insurance investigator 

Insurance companies can be targeted by criminals who make money through making false claims. The job of an insurance investigator is to look into any claims which a company feels are suspicious in order to clarify if they are genuine or not. This is an interesting role which is perfect if you like digging deeper into things and conducting detailed research. The salary is also pretty good with an average annual income of over $60,000. It is also a role that is in constant demand as insurance companies will always need investigators to tackle false claims.

Underwriter 

This is similar to working as an actuary but is much more focused on specific cases. Actuaries look in very broad terms at what they do, whereas underwriters will work on individual cases or applications when dealing with premiums. This role requires a keen eye for detail and a logical, organized approach. If you do not decide to sell someone insurance, then the company you work for loses out on the monthly premium. If you do, however, and the client makes a large claim, then the company could lose money. Underwriters earn around $65,000 per year on average and you would need a Bachelor’s Degree in a subject like finance or economics to work in this highly-specialized role.

Claims adjusters

This is another well-paid role to think about with an average salary of around $63,000. A claims adjuster evaluates claims which come in and decides how much should be paid out by the insurance company on eligible ones. This work involves handling claims according to strict legal guidelines and negotiating any settlement with the applicant. Working in this role requires good people skills and a head for figures. While it is possible to start at a junior level with a high school diploma, you would need a degree to move higher up the ladder.

Insurance is a great sector to work in 

As the above shows, working in insurance is a wise move. Not only are there a variety of roles on offer but it is an industry that will always be needed. When you add in the decent salaries many roles bring and the interesting work, it is a career choice worth thinking about. With the right qualifications in place, it is also a career that can allow you to progress to senior levels.

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A Handy Tutorial on Building your Website with Prebuilt HTML Templates

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A Handy Tutorial on Building your Website with Prebuilt HTML Templates

When you have the need to build a business website by using a website template, the primary thing to do is to identify the right starting point to get it done. There are plenty of providers and online repositories that could offer high-end website templates, both free and premium. In general, the commercial templates for website development are highly advanced and also consist of a fair log material compared to the free templates. These materials also may contain different types of scripts, source files, designs, fonts, etc. to be used for your website design.

You can use the stock photos or the user guides for the website. This is also largely useful in many cases. The source designs and images may let you modify the header images and backgrounds, and the standard templates use headers and navigation menus where images may also contain texts, which you can again use the standard source files to edit. This approach may also make it harder for the beginners to get started as you may have to use these image editors in order to bring in various changes in the template before building a standard website.

Using HTML templates

There are a lot of generic templates now available in the commercial custom website template market, and you can find many free templates, also with which you need to be very careful in choosing the best options for you. Here, let’s explore the steps involving in choosing and using the apt template.

Finding an apt template and downloading it

The objective of this article is to build a wonderful website using the generic templates as offered by various website template providers. In order to achieve this goal, the primary thing to do is to consider various templates and identify the one best suiting to your needs. On the templates page, you will come across different thumbnails, which could give you an overview of the various templates out there. If you click on an image among these templates and try to explore it further, you will be able to find out more details about the given template.

On each template, you can find the download links, size o the download, and basic information about the template as to when it was released and what all features it has, etc. There could also be a short description of the template, which will help you to understand it in detail. Once in, you identify the apt design for your purpose, then click on the download button to get the template for your portal.

Unpacking templates

Once if you finished downloading appropriate Designmodo HTML templates, you can next unzip the file and rename the folder as “My website” or so. You can further find three files in this folder as below:

index.html – This is the source HTML file, which includes the real content for the title, texts, headers, and the code for showing the images. This is the outer structure of your web template.

variant-duo.css – It is CSS or the stylesheet. It defines how the HTML file content is presented while you view it in a web browser.

sample1.jpg – This could be the image used in the file template, which could be a standard photo to be used as the header image of the design. This will be displayed with a one-liner code in the HTML file.

Once on getting these unpacked on to your local drive, you can next open it in your browser. While customizing the template, you can do the editing on these files and then preview the changes in the browser. However, until this work is complete and the website is published, you are viewing it simply on the browser from the local files, and you can take your own time to do the customization process.

Using software to edit a template

As we know, there are different ways to build a site even when you are planning to make use of a website template. There are many editors to be used to custom edit eh template downloaded onto your machine. The primary editor used is a visual HTML editor, which can open the template in such a way that to edit the content easily. Visual editors are also known as WYSIWYG editors, which means you can see the template design while doing the code. Using visual editors, it becomes simpler for the website builders to customize the template.

There is also another kind of editors as the code editor. Unlike visual editors, these displays the codes of HTML and CSS with which the websites are made of. The code is displayed as plain text, which can be edited using any code editor, including notepad. However, it requires coding expertise for someone to edit it in the code editor. However, there are specialized code editors, too, which include many customized tools that make the editing process easier. For example, some editors will highlight different code snippets in different colors, which makes coding easier.

Using a visual editor, it is not easy to learn to edit code directly. However, knowing about it will give you better control over the template and the way how custom-built websites are made. With the use of a custom website template as an entry point, you can learn things in simple small steps and further build on. A good suggestion is to use the code editor like Notepad++, which is not available for only Windows. However, there are other free editors also with the same functionality for other operating systems, too, like BlueFish for Linux OS and Smultron for Mac, etc. There are many other editors, too, which will let the editor be done in the WYSIWYG mode too and within the code itself. You can explore online in order to learn more about eh editors and the HTML tools, which will help you further in customizing the website templates for your purpose. Further, once after creating the customized template for your web framework, you need to next think of getting creative content and also the apt images and other visual elements for your website to make it more attractive for the target audience and functional to meet your business needs.

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Every Bodybuilder Should be Aware of Steroids

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Every Bodybuilder Should be Aware of Steroids

Steroids are muscle-building supplements that boost muscle mass and performance. As a bodybuilder, steroids that guarantee you good results without causing any adverse effects on your health are great as compared to anabolic supplements that can actually prove to be quite unsafe in the long run. Also, for bodybuilders, who intend to achieve a certain physique, it is very crucial to know the dose when it comes to taking legal steroids because they contain different ingredients.

Some of the things a bodybuilder should consider before taking any steroids include; health condition – do you have any heart disease? Intended purpose – is it for weight loss or for workout?. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised against taking steroids because the effects are yet to be established. However, most legal steroids are safe for both women and men.

Every bodybuilder should also be aware of steroids that contain clinically effective dosages in their formulations. Bodybuilders prefer to use steroids with clean and pure natural ingredients like crazy bulk legal steroids which are a safer version of anabolic steroids. For one to achieve the required goals, some effort has to be put even as you continue using steroids. The steroids basically maximize your performance during workouts and accelerate muscle recovery.

Recommended Dosage

While taking steroids, bodybuilders should consider the dose recommendations suggested by the manufacturer to avoid any overdosing or misuse of the steroids. Unfortunately, illegal steroids are available everywhere exposing bodybuilders to the possibility of getting addicted to the substances and hazardous risks on their health. An addiction to any of these illegal substances may have irreversible effects on an individuals’ life.

Why you should opt for Legal Steroids?

Legal steroids are advised because they are acceptable in most places because they do not contain any chemical substances or additives harmful to the health of an individual. They can either be aimed at burning fats or act as supplements for strengthening the muscle mass. Bodybuilders should be able to choose the right steroids depending on their needs.

Unlike steroids where individuals have to inject themselves and be subjected to the physical pain, legal steroids are available as pills which are taken orally thus making them more effective. Steroids work by enhancing a persons’ bodybuilding process which is achieved by triggering the testosterone and Human Growth (HGH) Hormone to give you a bulky or ripped body.

Patience and consistency 

Even as you use legal steroids, you shouldn’t expect a ripped body overnight. It takes resilience and patience before one can see the results or outcome. It may take two weeks to one month before one can see any outcome. At first one might have mild effects such as headaches but all this goes away once your body gets used to the steroids.

Illegal steroids, on the other hand, have several side effects on the body that bodybuilders should be aware of. These side effects include – cardiovascular complications, high risk for hair loss, shrunk testicles and altered sex drive among others. Every bodybuilder should thus familiarize himself with legal steroids for guaranteed great performance and results with no side effects on your health.

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Essential Pieces of White Water Rafting Gear

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Essential Pieces of White Water Rafting Gear

Mix a scenic nature tour with a natural water roller coaster, and you have a white water rafting trip. If you’ve never been white water rafting, you’re missing out.

But since you’re here, you likely have a trip planned. So here’s the white water rafting gear you’ll need on your trip.

When you pack for the adventure of a lifetime, don’t forget these essentials.

Clothes

Depending on whether your trip will be on a warmer day or a colder, day, the specific gear you need will vary slightly. But this is a good place to start.

Avoid cotton clothes. They tend to get cold when they get wet. And if you have a good trip, you’ll get wet.

Dress in layers depending on the day. You can wear a swimsuit as your bottom lawyer, then add shorts and a synthetic top. If the weather looks cold, top off your outfit with wind and waterproof outer shells. You may want to rent a wet suit if it’s going to be particularly chilly.

You must have good water shoes. Look for sandals with straps around your ankle. No flip-flops, you’ll lose them and be without shoes. Quality water shoes or water boots work well too.

Consider a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with a strap to help protect you from the sun.

Off the Water Gear

Depending on the river rafting trip you book, you’ll need extra gear. If you’ll be gone overnight, you’ll need another set of clothes for when you’re on dry land. Pack dry warm clothes to snuggle down in at the end of an exciting day.

Depending on where you’re planning your trip, remember even summer nights can get cold. Bring warm sleep gear and even a warm hat.

You’ll also want a pair of “camp slippers.” These shoes should be comfortable to relax in and easy to slip on and off as you get in and out of the tent.

Bring along a bag to put your wet clothes in to keep your dry clothes from getting soggy, damp, and cold.

And don’t forget a towel!

On the River Gear

When you’re on the river, leave electronics or anything expensive at home. You don’t want them to get wet and ruined or lose them in the waves.

But, there are a few things you will need. Bring a water bottle and snacks for the river. You’ll also need sunscreen and potentially bug spray.

Accidents and deaths are rare when you’re rafting with a professional company. Depending on the trip, you may be required to wear a helmet, and you’ll be provided with a life vest.

Other Essentials

Depending on what company you book your trip with and how long you plan to be out, you may need to bring other gear. Ask if you’ll need supplies like a tent, sleeping pad, or other camping gear.

Also pack your toiletries, lotion, and biodegradable soap if you want to rinse off after a day on the river.

Don’t Forget Your White Water Rafting Gear Essentials

When you’re planning your trip, don’t forget these white water rafting gear essentials. And when in doubt, talk to your rafting guide. They’ll be sure to have expert tips for your particular trip.

Their main goal is to make sure you have a good time, so ask away!

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Great Tips for Acquiring Your ESTA Visa for Your US Travel

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Great Tips for Acquiring Your ESTA Visa for Your US Travel

Travel always brings up one issue or another, from booking hotels to passports. International travel only adds to the long list of things to deal with.

If you are coming into the United States, you will need some extra form of identification to get you in. The ESTA Visa is for a wide variety of countries to do that.

What does it take to apply? What issues might you run into? We have the rundown on the ESTA Visa right here. 

What Is the ESTA Visa and Why It Is Important

The ESTA Visa, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a digital application that allows you to enter the United States for short term travel. 

The ESTA Visa is one of many Visas that are for various short term travel across countries. The specifics of the ESTA is that it is a fast and easy way to get a Visa. 

The usual form for getting permission to travel into the United States involved traveling to a US embassy and going through a long application process. The ESTA bypasses this, making travel easier and simpler. 

An ESTA Visa lasts for 2 years and allows for up to 90 days of stay in the United States.

Checking Your Eligibility

There are 38 countries that are eligible for the ESTA Visa. These countries span 4 continents and cover most of the major international powers that be. You can find the full list of countries on the appropriate ESTA Visa website. 

Since the ESTA Visa is for short term travel, a business trip or tourist vacation are the best reasons for applying.

If you can check off these two big boxes, you should be eligible and ready to go.

Submission Requirements

Before you dive into the application, you need to make sure you know all the requirements for the ESTA Visa application. You will need a lot of information to get through the application process.

Make sure you have the following documents on hand: a legal and valid passport, valid email address or mail address for contacting, an assortment of personal information, and a valid credit card to process the application fee. 

The personal information will cover a long list of items. Double-check this list before applying to ensure you can answer all the questions in one sitting. 

1. Personal Information

This will cover your basic personal information, such as your full name, gender, and date of birth. 

2. Passport Information

Here you will list all the major information on your passport. 

3. Other Citizenship/Nationality

This is to track your nationality. This will be part of the test of your eligibility. If your nationality does not match one of the 38 legal countries, the process may decline you. 

4. GE Membership

This asks for your membership to the Global Entry Program. This will help speed up your travel process.

5. Parents

Your parent names will help double-check your identity. 

6. Contact Information

This is your address and other contact information. This is how they will get a hold of you regarding your application answer.

7. Optional Social Media

If you like, you can also provide social media contact information, but it is not required.

8. Employment Information

Information regarding your current employer. 

9. Travel Information

This is to confirm whether the U.S. is your destination or if you are only using it as a stop to your destination. 

10. U.S. Point of Contact

Assuming you are not using the U.S. as an in-transit destination, you will need a point of contact. This can be your hotel in the U.S. or a personal contact if you have one. 

11. Address While in U.S.

The application will need to know where you are staying. Again, this can be your hotel or personal contact.

12. Emergency Contact Information In or Out of U.S.

In case of a problem, you will need to list an emergency contact. 

13. Eligibility Questions

The last part of the application is the most major. It will cover potential diseases, criminal records, refused visas and other such information. If you have not had trouble with travel in the past, you should be fine. 

News for Wherever You Go

Getting an ESTA Visa doesn’t have to be a pain and with this guide, there won’t be any confusion either. Now you have one less worry on your travels. 

Whether you are traveling abroad or settled right at home, we here at the Florida Independent have plenty of news and guides to keep you informed and ready for anything. Check out our other articles today!

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10 Tips to Learn How to See Auras

New Post has been published on https://floridaindependent.com/10-tips-to-learn-how-to-see-auras/

10 Tips to Learn How to See Auras

Everything has an aura — and we’re not saying that without proof. Aura is an electromagnetic energy field, something that even scientists acknowledge to exist around everything in the world.

All people can sense an aura one way or another. Have you ever had the chills when talking to someone you’ve never met before? That’s because you felt their aura.

You can take this ability further and see with your eyes the aura of other people. This can tell you a lot about their thoughts and emotions, but it’s not an easy feat.

If you want to learn how to see auras, follow our tips below.

1. Start with Sensing Energy

Seeing auras start with sensing energy. To do that, try to assess your feelings whenever you’re with someone. How do you feel in their presence?

Do you feel calm? Relaxed? Excited? Do you feel loved or do you feel drained?

You can close your eyes to focus on what you’re feeling. It’s your physical reaction to someone’s presence that will make it easier for you to identify their colors. 

2. Relax Your Body

For a beginner, it can be hard to see an aura in a distracting environment. Begin your every practice by relaxing your body — and your mind and emotions, as well.

You can manipulate your surroundings to help you achieve peace within yourself better. Dim the lights and choose a room that blocks out noise. Then, position a practice partner in front of a light, solid background. 

Take some deep breaths, try to sense the energy you’re feeling, and do the rest of our tips below. You can also check out this guide for practicing.

3. Try Your Peripheral Vision

Sometimes, things are easier to see when you’re not directly looking at them. Our eyes are constantly processing too much information all the time, so our direct vision may not be able to gaze upon what we can’t normally see.

While your partner is in front of a wall, direct your gaze away from them. Make sure you can still see them but you’re not looking at them directly.

Stare at a spot for a minute and allow your gaze to soften or lose focus. Try not to stress about it in line with our tip above.

4. Practice Identifying the Colors

Do you know what will help you identify the colors of auras? Literal colors.

Get solid-colored objects in different hues and practice your periphery on them first. Again, place them on a light, solid background to let their colors shine better.

Relax your mind and body, then gaze at a spot beside the object. Notice the field around it; if you’re successful, you may notice a pale shimmer of color.

This is what you’re looking for in people. Practice on solid-colored objects first, then move on to multicolored objects. You’ll be seeing a lot of colors in people’s auras soon.

5. Learn the Meanings of Colors

It will help if you learn the meanings of colors, too. It reveals information about a person’s thoughts, feelings, dreams, and so on.

People often have differently-colored auras, although there’s one dominant color. In some people, though, the aura can appear as a rainbow without one color that stands out. These people have a high level of spirituality. 

A yellow aura relates to the energy source, but it’s also the color of playfulness, optimism, creativity, and more. Red is the color of the heart, and it can indicate a healthy ego or anger and anxiety.

The meanings of colors will be different depending on their brightness and other characteristics. Do your homework to be able to read auras accurately.

6. Try Plants First Before Moving On to People

Plants radiate auras, too! They’re perfect as practice partners because they don’t move and their auras are less complex. That said, they don’t have colorful auras as people do, so don’t get frustrated if you don’t see what you were expecting.

7. See Your Aura

If you’ve had enough practice with plants, you can try moving onto people, but start with yourself first. This is going to be more challenging, so prepare your mind and body first.

Relax, clear your mind, and begin with an intention to see your aura. Once your mind and intentions are clear, rub your palms or a finger from both hands together. After a while, move them apart with about a half-inch of space between them.

Auras are sticky; rubbing your hands or fingers will let the energy stick to each other so that it hangs between them. Then, follow our tips above and try to notice the energy in between your palms or fingers.

You can also practice on yourself in another way. You can do this by using a mirror and using your reflection as your partner.

8. Get a Willing Participant

At some point, you have to get a human partner who’s willing to practice this with you. Consent is important — it ensures you honor their free will, allowing you access to their aura.

Like an object or a plant, instruct your friend to sit or stand in front of a light, solid background. Proceed to what you would normally do with objects, plants, or yourself.

Once you have a grasp of their aura, ask them to sway side-to-side. You should notice the energy sways with them, too. Don’t worry if their colors change as they do this, as different parts of the body may radiate different energy.

9. Try Emphatic Aura Sensing

If you’re not seeing colors no matter how you do, you may still be able to “read” a person using an emphatic connection. It has more or less the same process, but you don’t “see” with your eyes. You use your solar plexus instead to create a connection with another’s solar plexus.

This is a subject for another time, but understand that this has some risks. You have to always turn off your connection with other people, or else one or the other might affect their partner’s energy.

10. Practice, Practice, and Practice

Like a muscle on your body, your aura-sensing capabilities will only get stronger if you practice it regularly. Learning how to sense auras is, in a way, like exercising. 

However, try to limit yourself to the duration of your practice sessions. Practice for only a few minutes at a time. Be careful not to overdo yourself and strain your energy. Each individual learns at a different pace, so don’t mind the progress of others.

Learn More About How to See Auras

All the tips in the world about how to see auras won’t help you if you don’t take the first step today. Follow our tips, but don’t get too worried if you don’t nail it on your first tries. It takes practice, but more importantly, it takes patience.

You can also keep educating yourself about spirituality by checking out our other blog posts.