Month: August 2021

Morning Shift Is Working Out Alright For Me!

- Roshan

So it’s been a little over a week since I moved to this current work shift of 8 am to 5 pm. How has it been going? Well surprisingly it has been mostly ok. The first week I have struggled to wake up at 6 am. I try to sleep by 11:15 pm and keep the alarm for 6 am. I usually wake up so tired and sleepy that I need more than just a cup of hot black coffee to wake me up. This week I have been waking up at 6 am but then resetting the alarm for 6:30 and getting another 30 minutes in.

I then get up and go to the loo and then brush my teeth. Coffee is up next and while the water is boiling, I switched the laptop on and connect the wifi. Coffee in hand, I’m sat at the laptop and checking emails and Facebook and all sorts of Youtube stuff. I start my work system at 7:30 am and start to read my email. My training batch starts trickling in by 8 am and I start the day’s sessions till 10:00 am. I send them for a break and I get my second cup of coffee for the day.  I come back to my work system and relax for a few minutes with some music.

At 10:30 am I continue with more sessions and work with them till 1:30 pm and then give them a 45min break for lunch. I have mine and then chat with mom & dad and see if we need to buy anything like groceries or anything. At 2:15 pm we continue the sessions till 4:30 pm when I make them remember to shutdown the systems and send them to go and get their cabs. Then I reply to some emails and make sure that I do anything that needs to be done and make sure that I can shut off my work system by 5:15 pm and it’s coffee and snack time.

I will then get a coffee after the coffee and snacks are done and will be watching Youtube till 9pm. I have dinner and then watch tv show episodes and go to sleep by 11:15 am. Rinse & repeat!

Looking At Payday Loans?

- Roshan

A payday loan is a type of short-term borrowing where a lender will extend high-interest credit based on your income. Its principal is typically a portion of your next paycheck. Payday loans charge high interest rates for short-term immediate credit. They are also called “cash advance” loans or “check advance” loans. If you are looking for payday loans in Missouri go through the details about the process first before you apply.

  • Payday loans are short-term, very-high-interest loans available to consumers.
  • Payday loans are typically based on how much you earn, and you usually have to provide a pay stub when applying for one.
  • A number of laws have been put in place over the years to regulate the high fees and interest rates with payday loans.

The basic loan process involves a lender providing a short-term unsecured loan to be repaid at the borrower’s next payday. Typically, some verification of employment or income is involved (via pay stubs and bank statements), although according to one source, some payday lenders do not verify income or run credit checks. Individual companies and franchises have their own underwriting criteria.

In the traditional retail model, borrowers visit a payday lending store and secure a small cash loan, with payment due in full at the borrower’s next paycheck. The borrower writes a postdated check to the lender in the full amount of the loan plus fees. On the maturity date, the borrower is expected to return to the store to repay the loan in person. If the borrower does not repay the loan in person, the lender may redeem the check.

If the account is short on funds to cover the check, the borrower may now face a bounced check fee from their bank in addition to the costs of the loan, and the loan may incur additional fees or an increased interest rate (or both) as a result of the failure to pay. In the more recent innovation of online payday loans, consumers complete the loan application online (or in some instances via fax, especially where documentation is required). The funds are then transferred by direct deposit to the borrower’s account, and the loan repayment and/or the finance charge is electronically withdrawn on the borrower’s next payday.

The Lack Of Black Female Singers In My Music Collection

- Roshan

As a big time music fan, I can proudly say that I have a very varies list of artists that I listen to. Even though what I love most is hard rock & heavy metal (and you can add Blues to that list) I also listen to some pop artists, some jazz, Flamenco & Rhumba Flamenco, some classical etc. At one point, many years ago (I think 1997-98) I was thinking that I barely had any female singers in my list and actively sought out some female singers and in a few years, I had added so many that I love and listen to. However I noticed one thing. I have a noticeable lack of Black female singers in my collection.

Black female singers – here is the problem – that I have heard out tend to be either hip-hop or rnb & pop. Rarely have I ever heard of a current blues or rock singer and she happens to be Black. None that I know from Canada, The UK or the US or any other place. I recently took a look on Google to see a list of top 50 Black Female Singers or most influential. And from that list even if I do like some of them and have heard of some of their songs, I do not have any of their albums. Even classy ladies like Aretha Franklin or Donna Summer – I like them and respect them and even know a few of their songs but, not enough to have even one album of theirs.

From my childhood to now, I like some songs from Whitney Houston, Sade (my sister liked her a lot more), Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Natalie Cole, Toni Braxton, a couple of songs of Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight & Vanessa Williams. And as far as musical bands go, I do like maybe a song or two from TLC Salt n’Pepa & En Vogue. I must state again – the songs I like from these artists wouldn’t be fill an album’s worth – each! But then I do like a couple of singers more than the ones I have mentioned here.

Up first is Tracy Chapman! A multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award winning artist who first burst onto the scene in 1988 and took the music world by storm with a simple song musically that reverberated with millions across the world. So much so that Fast Car is still played in heavy rotation on many radio stations. 

Known for her hits “Fast Car” and “Give Me One Reason”, along with other singles “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution”, “Baby Can I Hold You”, and “Crossroads” she has toured the world, won thousands of critical acclaim and won millions of heart for her soulful voice and soothing melodies. Her last studio album came out in 2008 and she has been out of the public eye for long before her 2015 performance of  Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” on  the Late Show with David Letterman in April 2015 went viral winning her even more fans. In 2015, Chapman released Greatest Hits, consisting of 18 tracks including the live version of “Stand by Me”,

And then there is Tina! Simply the best Tina! Tina Turner, though born and raised an American and has had American citizenship for most of her life is now a Swiss miss! A singer, song writer, actress & widely referred to as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, she is regarded as one of the greatest music artists of the 20th century. Turner rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching a successful career as a solo performer.

Turner began her career with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in 1957. Under the name Little Ann she appeared on her first record, “Boxtop”, in 1958. In 1960, she was introduced as Tina Turner with the hit single “A Fool in Love”. The duo went on to become “one of the most formidable live acts in history”. They released hits such as “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine”, “River Deep – Mountain High”, the Grammy-winning “Proud Mary”, and “Nutbush City Limits” before disbanding in 1976.

In the 1980s, Turner launched “one of the greatest comebacks in music history”. From 1984 multi-platinum album Private Dancer contained the hit song “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, which won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and became her first and only No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. At age 44, she was the oldest female solo artist to top the Hot 100. She established herself as an icon & a legend rocking with the best and lighting the stage on fire with her presence.

Having achieved more than most artists every dream of the now 81 year old has been mostly focusing on her Buddist beliefs and settling in her home in Switzerland. She even gave up her American citizenship and had at she had been working on Tina, a musical based on her life story, in collaboration with Phyllida Lloyd and Stage Entertainment and in 2021  Turner appeared in the documentary film Tina directed by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin.

Types Of Retail Construction

- Roshan

In the retail industry, the look and feel of a building can be crucial to a company’s success. Retail construction requires an awareness of the long-term effects of projects, as well as an efficient design and construction phase. Retail construction is a maze of rules and regulations relating to accessibility, environmental impact, equipment safety, layout constraints, not to mention resource limitations and landlord-related issues. In particular, the latter represents a serious roadblock to success.

Common Retail Project Types:

Buildouts: A buildout involves a contractor demolishing the property on a space in order to rebuild one that fits the needs of the space’s new tenants.
Storefront: In a storefront project, a contractor is hired to remodel the front of a store in order to attract more foot traffic.
Remodels: Remodeling includes renovating and upgrading an existing space.
Rebranding: Rebranding, like remodeling, includes revamping an existing property. However, rebranding is less involved than remodeling and is focused on changing or upgrading the look of the client’s space.
Sustainability: A sustainability project is a project where the contractor helps a company update their space and “Go Green.”
Turnkey: Turnkey projects involve a client hiring a contractor to build or remodel a company for the client to eventually sell.

RIP Gerd Müller AKA “Der Bomber”

- Roshan

Germany and Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller has passed away at the age of 75, the Bundesliga club confirmed.  A prolific striker renowned for his clinical finishing, especially in and around the six-yard box, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the sport. “Today the world of FC Bayern stands still. The German record champions and its entire fan base mourn Gerd Müller who died early Sunday morning at the age of 75,” a statement on their website read. Gerd Müller made history with the German record champions and the German national team.

He scored an unbelievable 566 goals in 607 competitive games for FC Bayern and set the unprecedented record of 365 goals in the Bundesliga, he also secured the top scorer seven times. For the DFB selection, he scored 68 times in 62 missions.” At international level with West Germany, he scored 68 goals in 62 appearances, and at club level, after 15 years with Bayern Munich, he scored a record 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games and an international record 66 goals in 74 European club games. Averaging over a goal a game with West Germany, Müller is now 19th on the list of all time international goalscorers, despite playing fewer matches than every other player in the top 48.

Among the top scorers, he has the third-highest goal-to-game ratio. Nicknamed “Bomber der Nation” (“the nation’s Bomber”) or simply “Der Bomber”, Müller was named European Footballer of the Year in 1970. After a successful season at Bayern Munich, he scored ten goals at the 1970 FIFA World Cup for West Germany where he received the Golden Boot as top goalscorer. In 1972, he won the UEFA European Championship and was the top goalscorer, scoring two goals in the final. Two years later, he scored four goals in the 1974 World Cup, including the winning goal in the final match.

Müller held the all-time goal-scoring record in the World Cup with 14 goals for 32 years. In 1999, Müller was ranked ninth in the European player of the Century election held by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), and he was voted 13th in the IFFHS’ World Player of the Century election. In 2004, Pelé named Müller in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.

Should You Interlock Your Driveway?

- Roshan

How do you interlock a driveway?

Interlocking pavers can add aesthetic appeal to driveways, patios and walkways. Pavers are also known to be stronger than poured concrete and are easy to maintain and repair. Now before you start that driveway interlocking project, you need to know some info about it. Follow these steps to properly lay interlocking pavers :

  • Lay Bedding Sand.
  • Install Edge Restraint.
  • Lay the Pavers.
  • Vibrate the Pavers.
  • Sand the Pavers.

Your interlocking driveway will look absolutely unique and will stand out. Brick pavers will give a different look, with less assortment and a shorter life expectancy. Interlock driveways last somewhere in the range of 30-50 years, while block may last 30 years maximum.  Interlock is by no means cost-effective to install, and asphalt requires far less labor and materials, but it is the most inexpensive long term. Interlock lasts the longest and it requires less maintenance and will never need to be replaced.

Should You Get A Used Appliance?

- Roshan

Everyone likes appliances and as we can’t even think of life without our appliances. And that’s because our appliances makes our lives so much more easier and effective. And who doesn’t love to have bright, shiny new appliances? However, I would say that at times we can also look at used appliances for sale. Whether you have a strict $200 budget, you want to prevent yet another hunk of metal from entering a landfill, or you’re looking to score a high-end appliance for less, Consumer Reports experts say that buying a lightly used appliance can be a smart move. That is, if you know what to look for and where to look for it.

It takes a little legwork, flexibility, and a willingness to live with a mismatched kitchen or laundry suite, but in return you can find a top-of-line appliance for a fraction of what it would cost new. And one of the biggest benefits is that in some cases, you may also get features that you couldn’t afford otherwise. And as far as the pandemic reasons go, new appliances are in shorter supply than they were before 2020, so if you need a replacement quickly, a used one could be a good option.

If you’re looking for a bargain, you know to shop around for sales and look for rebates. One other option? Buying used. There are the pros and cons that come with getting something that’s pre-loved — and where to find a gem if you choose to take the plunge!

Joe Willock Signs For Newcastle United On A Permanent Deal

- Roshan

Newcastle have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock on a six-year deal. The 21-year-old will not feature in the Magpies’ opening Premier League home game against West Ham on Sunday, but will be available for the away match at Aston Villa six days later.

The deal is in excess of £20m after a successful loan spell last season. “I’m buzzing to be here. I loved my time here last season and I’m really happy to be back,” said Willock. Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said: “I’m absolutely delighted to secure our number one target. “We have had to be patient and persistent, but it has been worth the wait to bring Joe back. “Where else can you find a 21-year-old who scored seven on the trot [on loan last season] and plays like him? Fair play to everyone to get it done.”

England Under-21 international Willock scored eight goals for Newcastle while on loan in the second half of last season, including seven in consecutive games, to help steer the club away from the relegation zone. Bruce admitted that at one point he “did not think the deal would happen” after Arsenal turned down another loan approach.

Brentford 2 Arsenal 0

- Roshan

Brentford celebrated their return to the top tier after a 74-year absence with a memorable, magnificent victory over woeful Arsenal as they opened their Premier League campaign in style. Thomas Frank’s side were vibrant, skilful and energetic on a night of high emotion at the Brentford Community Stadium, making the perfect start to the season, but inflicting serious pain on the Gunners in a sobering 90 minutes for the visitors.

Brentford took to life in the big time with ease and fully deserved the lead given to them after 22 minutes when Sergi Canos drove low past keeper Bernd Leno at the near post, although Arsenal complained bitterly that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up. Only Emile Smith Rowe truly rose above the mediocrity for Arsenal, forcing a save out of Brentford keeper David Raya – who also brilliantly denied Nicolas Pepe late on – before the home fans exploded in noise and elation when they scored a second with 17 minutes left.

Arsenal, without strike pair Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through illness, paid the price for a hopeless attempt to defend substitute Mads Bech Sorensen’s routine long throw. New £50m defender Ben White was particularly culpable as Christian Norgaard arrived to head home.

What If Your Roof Needs To Be Repaired?

- Roshan

Is it better to repair or replace a roof?

If the roof shows minor wear, it probably only needs repair work, especially if it’s years away from its date of expiration. If the damage is more widespread, you are more likely to need an entirely new roof. Even a simple roof repair Calgary, can seem needlessly expensive. With no moving parts or complex circuits, roofs give the impression that they should be simple and inexpensive to fix and even replace. However, while much of the work may be fairly straightforward, it still takes expertise and quality materials to finish a sturdy, safe and reliable roof. Materials, labor and insurance costs are the factors that drive roof repair prices through the roof.

To repair a leaky roof:

Instructions

  • Locate the Roof Leak. Start at the lowest point in the roof leak, such as a ceiling stain, and work your way upward.
  • Examine Roof Vents.
  • Remove Damaged Roof Vent.
  • Replace Roof Vent.
  • Tear Off Old Roofing Shingles.
  • Remove the Old Roofing Paper.
  • Mark the Deck Cut Area.
  • Cut Away Damaged Roof Deck.

Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage, depending on what caused the damage. For instance, homeowners insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if hail or a fallen tree damages your roof.

Becky (2020 Horror Thriller)

- Roshan

Becky is a 2020 American action thriller film directed by Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion, from a screenplay by Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye. The film stars Lulu Wilson, Kevin James, along with Joel McHale.  Amanda Brugel and Robert Maillet. The movie is about a young girl who defends her home, family & herself against criminals who invade their cabin.

Video Dating : Something To Think About In A Post Pandemic World

- Roshan

Is video dating a good option and is it better than dating apps where you only see the person’s You’ll see your match’s actual appearance, and get a more accurate feel for their personality. Video calls are an excellent way to further screen your matches, and save the time, expense and awkwardness of meeting someone you quickly realize you’d never be interested in dating.

Here are some tips on how to have a great (or at least “actually good”) virtual date:

  1. Make a damn effort.
  2. Figure out your camera setup beforehand.
  3. Do something.
  4. Don’t talk about coronavirus the entire time.
  5. Expect awkwardness to happen, because it’s gonna happen.
  6. Video calls can actually be sexy.
  7. Decompress afterwards.

Expect the date to last between 30 minutes or a few hours if you hit it off. In terms of things to talk about, you just need to think about real life dates but be aware awkward silences seem a lot worse on video. A recent survey from Match showed that 69% of users in the US were open to video chatting with a potential partner, whereas just 6% had tried it before the pandemic.

How Do You Know When Your Fridge Needs To Be Replaced?

- Roshan

One of the things that we need to do to maintain your status quo for your cafe/restaurant/fast food franchise or any other place is that your will have to one day do some commercial fridge repair. Depending on how much wear and tear they sustain, commercial refrigerators should enjoy an average lifespan of ten years. With proper maintenance, some high-quality models can last upwards of fifteen to twenty years.

Routine maintenance can help prevent the need for emergency repairs and can drive down the amount you spend on energy and water to keep these systems running. The answer to how often you need commercial refrigeration service ranges from once per quarter to once every six months. Built-in refrigerators are almost always worth repairing. Not only are they less expensive to repair but typically have a longer lifespan anyways. Side-by-side refrigerators should be repaired within a five-year window and considered for replacement after that.

Here are the five most common signs you need to replace your commercial fridge:

  1. Leakage and Frost Build-up: Old and worn out seals cause water and air leaks
  2. Increase in Energy Costs
  3. Loud or Odd Sounds
  4. Increasing Repair Costs
  5. Food Spoils Before the Expiry Date

Are fridges worth repairing?

It is usually not worth repairing old appliances or very cheap appliances. Also, it is a good exercise to add up how much the appliance has cost you over the years that you have had it. If you have already spent a fortune on fridge freezer repairs, it is probably not worth pouring more money into your machine.

Is It Time For A New Mattress For You?

- Roshan

After a long day where you woke up at 6 am and have been working for 9 hours and you get the day’s activities done. You’ve made and eaten your dinner, maybe had a glass or two of wine or a beer and watched a little tv and now it’s time for sleep. You need to be fresh enough for the next day but you are not able to get a good night’s sleep. If you toss and turn all night long, struggling to lull yourself to sleep, your mattress may be the culprit! You may need to look for a new quality mattress for sale.

Signs You Need a New Mattress ASAP
  • Your bed has a dip in the middle
  • The mattress has a chemical smell that won’t go away
  • You’re getting skin reactions
  • You’re experiencing insomnia
  • You’re sinking deeper into the bed than before
  • You have morning back pain
  • Your bed is visibly lumpy
Keep an eye out for these five warning signs that suggest your mattress has officially kicked the bucket:
  1. You consistently wake up sore
  2. Your allergies are acting up
  3. You toss and turn throughout the night
  4. It begins to sag or have lumps
  5. You hear a lot of creaking

On The Left Hand Side Of The World

- Roshan

One of the stupidest things I have ever heard about humanity is that people who were left-handed were considered to be evil. The association of the directional left with evil is likely attributed to the dominance of right-handed people within a population, and consequently the awkwardness of motions made from the left side of the body. Left-handed people haven’t always been treated very well throughout history. Lefties have been persecuted for their disposition in the past, being labeled as evil, or even as witches, despite making up about 10% of the population. In fact, the word “sinister” derives from “left” or “left-hand.”

As TIME explained in 1969, “southpaws, gallock-handers, chickie paws and scrammies” were seen as sinister—literally, since the word means “left”—for centuries. “In the Middle Ages, for instance, the left-hander lived in danger of being accused of practicing witchcraft,” the article explained. “The Devil himself was considered a southpaw, and he and other evil spirits were always conjured up by left-handed gestures.” Therefore for a long time, people who were left-handed were considered to be on the path of the devil.

In India I have heard of so many cases where parents or grandparents would discourage any signs of babies/toddlers showing a natural inclination towards being left-handed and reward them when they picked up objects with the right. One of my teachers in school, although it was mostly jokingly, would never accept our books, assignments or tests if we gave it with our left hand. I am glad to see that such superstitious nonsense is slowly dying out.

Seven Somewhat Strange Laws In Germany

- Roshan

RECYCLING IS A BIG THING

In Germany, there are stickers for waste separation. Every house in Germany must have four different garbage cans, including organic waste, general garbage, plastic, and paper. Placing trash in the wrong will result in a fine. Some houses even have more than four different garbage cans.

DO NOT DRINK WHILE DRIVING

It is a known rule that driving under influence of alcohol is forbidden. However, Germany takes things to the next level. In Germany, cycling whilst drunk is also forbidden. The level is blood alcohol level of 1.6 percent or more. If you drive a bike while under the influence, Germany officers can confiscate your driving license, and you will have to undergo a medical-psychological-assessment test. If you fail to pass the MPA, your license will be revoked.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR FUEL

If you are driving a car in Germany, or any other vehicle for that matter, you must always pay attention to your fuel levels. It is your obligation to make sure your tank is filled up all the time. If you are driving on the Autobahn, the world famous speed-limit free highway system, it can be a problem. You are forbidden to stop on the Autobahn, and running out of fuel is not a good reason for stopping. In fact, you might be even fined for personal negligence and need to pay a fine.

PLAYING MUSIC AT NIGHT

Germans love their silence, and there are laws that protect them from people trying to play music at night. There are many rules, regulations, and laws that make music or practicing your instrument impossible. IN rental apartments, it is allowed between 8:00 and 12:00, and then between 14:00 and 20:00. It is also worth noting that the length of playing time is also limited. You cannot play all the time at these time frames. Depending on the instrument, you get different time length. For example, piano players get up to two hours per day. Drummers are limited to 45 minutes in the summer and 90 minutes in the winter.

YOU CANNOT KEEP URNS AT HOME

Germans has a “law of cemetery compulsion”, demanding that all mortal remains are deposited in a designed space. That is either a cemetery or as part of an official burial at sea. This law was originally conceived for hygienic reasons. Therefore, it is forbidden to keep urns at home.

SUNDAY IS A DAY OFF

We talked how Germans love their silence. Well, that applies especially for Sundays. Almost everything is closed on Sunday, except for churches. You cannot do home renovations on Sunday as well. Drilling on Sunday is illegal.

SPECIAL RULES FOR BEER

During the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, there are strict specifications for the beer that is served there. The beer can be brewed according to the German Purity Law. That means that permitted ingredients are only water, yeast, malt, and hops. Also, the beer must be brewed within the city walls of Munich to be allowed at the festival.