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House Addicted Love

By
Audrey Biloon
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Kris Frieswick wrote a wonderful piece in the December 10, 2020, issue of The Wall Street Journal about falling in love with a (an? I never could get that right) historic house and not seeing the trap of the work it requires. I wrote her a thank you note for making me laugh at myself—which is the very best kind of laughter—adding that she was/is absolutely right about such houses. I described my experience to her which is rewired, revamped, rehabbed… but I digress and will get to all of those myriad experiences when I explain the house’s grip on me.

The trap that I fell into was a three-story beauty, on the water, in Savannah, Georgia (a coastal and historic city, where there are many such ensnares of beauty if you step into the inner sanctum of “just looking”).

In all coastal cities, the wind, sun, salty air, and all other environmental elements conspire by the mini second, against sanity, to get you to love the beauty of each place. So for the purposes of Ms. Frieswick’s warnings about historic homes, houses on coastal waters are pretty much the same hither come, flirtatious rabbit holes, as their inland cousins.

As for falling in love with a (an? Here we go again, like spending money on the house) historic home or one on the water, a buyer of that kind of beauty has to be insane. But we can take comfort in thinking that we’re in a higher class of the insane who have to buy or die, but not certifiably so. The caring souls who try—or in my case tried—to warn, know better.

The sweet unraveling of this onion I’m about to peel—which brings tears to my eyes (because it wasn’t a Vidalia onion, it only looked like one)—is twofold:

1. I had the experience. Without which I’d have been convinced, to my dying day, would have been a star-studded one that I’d been denied,

and

2. Now we can all (except the new buyers) laugh about the experience.

Due to my husband’s declining health, the house had to be wrestled from my grasp, out from under me. But, the fight wasn’t fair because I’m short and the buyers were taller than I—which anyone over the age of 10 is.

Back to the day I saw it.

I know… everyone tried to warn me. But I put my hands over my ears and screamed back at them,

“STOP!! NOOOO!! YOU’RE JUST FEAR MONGERING!!”

But, alas and alack, as Victorian ladies swooning over their love lives would say, or swooning over the house—I felt in kinship with them. The truth was that I couldn’t hear what any sane person was saying because my love for the house struck me deaf and stooopid. As you can appreciate, unless you’ve never been insane about a must-have purchase, in which case you shouldn’t be reading this but should be going out to buy that experience. I was so insane about the house, I couldn’t even spell stupid back then.

All I knew then was that, I JUST LOVED the house and the view from the windows and decks that, yes, all had to be replaced. But don’t rub it in, because both the house and the view were soooo absolutely amazing (not necessarily the windows and decks—but those were charming too, I argued with myself. Because only by arguing with myself could I win the battles, eventually only to lose the war).

Not to mention, but why not mention it, while we’re on the subject of abducted brains… the house was going to be a “great buy” (the real estate agent said so) with just a little money put into its “great bones”. As I heard her version of that “truth” in my bones, the house’s bones and my bones merged into one boney body—which my husband said was a boner because I was about to be screwed. And yet I rushed to buy it, lest some other insane person get it first.

Sigh!! Back to the dream that was not to be.

Although my love for the house was unrequited (I know, I know… so sad), I kept at it, assured that the house would love me back some day—that it would thank me for saving it from rot and ruin. And although it couldn’t speak—it could only creak—I just knew it in my bones (even as I was getting…well, let’s not go there), the house would let me know, in its own sweet way, that it would no longer need the rest of my retirement fund. Because FINALLY, it would no longer be insatiably hungry and thirsty. But instead, completely satiated and happy as a clam (I didn’t think at the time that clams aren’t ever happy because we eventually eat them).

Yes, I imagined that the house, once happy, would invite me to sit on its expensively redone deck, in a Frontgate; or Neiman Marcus; or Hammacher Schlemmer (only the best for the house) Adirondack chair, with my feet propped up on the attached ottoman, positioned towards the water, with the soft sun in our hair (truth to tell only I have hair and the house didn’t, but the experience of the house was hairy). And then together, the house and I would enjoy a glass of wine, while we sat on the expensively redone deck, and laugh at the fools who tried to pry us apart.

But, such was not to be. Again, sad to say, this was to be a love for the ages—but not for me and the house. Because no matter how hard I tried and even if you, dear reader, can’t appreciate the depths of my finally practically hollowed out bank account, the good Lord knows I tried… but I could never satisfy the house’s thirst and hunger.

Again and again, and yet again. But, enough about how often I replaced whatever the house needed. I wouldn’t have traded the experience of the beauty of that house and the views for the moon… scratch that, maybe for the moon…

but then again, the moon probably needs lots of work too.

Copyright Audrey Biloon 2020/2022

I Am DB Cooper

By
Mitch Swan
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A Film by: TJ Regan

IN THEATERS &

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9th

Directed & Co-Written By: TJ Regan

Co-Written By: Sharmila Sahni

Starring: Rodney Bonnifield, Mike Rocha, Ryan Cory, Rainee Blake, Chris Grounds,

TJ Regan, and Sharmila Sahni

Two bounty hunter brothers encounter an ailing old man named Rodney Bonnifield while coordinating his bail after a violent encounter on a dairy farm involving a machete.

Close to his sentencing, he reveals to the bondsmen that he is in fact the infamous DB Cooper, the man responsible for the 1971 plane hijacking in the Pacific Northwest, and the ransom cash is still buried along the Columbia River.

Up against the clock with Rodney’s prison sentence looming, the group sets out on a modern-day treasure hunt to recover the money he buried near the river 50 years ago, uncovering bizarre truths about Rodney Bonnifield and his connection to the only unsolved plane hijacking in U.S. history.

RT: 100 min | Not Yet Rated

Genre: Documentary

I AM DB COOPER is directed by TJ Regan, and co-written by Regan and Sharmila Sahni. Produced by Regan, Sahni, Corey Molina, and John Miller. Executive produced by Regan, Isaiah Thomas, Mike Rocha, and Carlos Rocha. Cinematography by Regan and Jakob Owens. Edited by Regan. Production Design by Aaron McBride. Music by Erik Groysman and Rainee Blake. A Slow Grind Media production.

 

6 Tricks to Launch Your Shop on Etsy

By
NSAEN Magazine
-

You may have set up your Etsy shop, but you don’t know what to do next. You know that making money on Etsy takes more than just setting up your shop and listing a few items. With the amount of competition, you have to work hard and use some smart strategies to attract shoppers and keep them coming back. Here are six tricks you can use. 

  1. List at least 20 products

Many Etsy sellers make the mistake of starting out with only a handful of products. If your product line is small, think about varying sizes, colors etc., so you have more product listings. The more product listings you add, the more keywords you can use, which makes it easier for shoppers to find your shop. 

One of the best ways to promote your Etsy shop is to keep listing new products. Using print-on-demand services gives you the option of not having to carry inventory. For example, if you decide to sell prints of your digital art or transfer it to physical merchandise, they will make the items when customers order them, package and ship them to your customers. 

  1. Learn how Etsy SEO and Etsy search work 

Knowing Etsy SEO and how the search algorithm works is probably the most important key to your success. Various factors influence rankings on Etsy, such as how well keywords in your title and tags match the terms shoppers use to search. How well your products sell and customer reviews are also important. 

It’s better to use longer keywords as they are less competitive and give you more opportunities to rank highly. For example, don’t just use the word ring but add descriptive words like “silver,” “engagement,” “wedding,” “for women,” etc. 

  1. Write high-converting product descriptions

When writing your product descriptions, it is important to write about the benefits rather than just the features. Show how the product can improve the life of a customer. Don’t just describe the features of a hair dryer, but explain how it can help them get out of the door quicker in the morning. Addressing concerns about how easy a product is to use can also encourage sales. 

  1. Make sure your photos look professional 

Your photographs can make or break your Etsy shop because they give shoppers the first impression. You don’t have to have an expensive camera – a modern smartphone can take good photos. A white background will help your products to stand out. Natural lighting will usually give you the best results. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it can create hard shadows. Try to show as many angles of products as possible and zoom in to show textures and finer details. 

  1. Drive traffic to your Etsy shop from social media

You will get traffic to your shop from shoppers on the Etsy platform itself, but you can also drive traffic from social media platforms. Pinterest, for instance, is a popular visual platform you can use. Consumers will see your pins on Pinterest and click a link to visit your shop to buy. 

Don’t just post listings, think of posts that are interesting and useful for your followers. The more followers you have on these platforms, the more likelihood you have of them going to your Etsy shop to buy your products. 

  1. Have a good pricing strategy

You need to include all your costs for material, labor etc., when calculating your product price. When setting your prices, you should compare them to competitors with similar products. Price your products too high, and they won’t sell. Price them too low, and you may not make enough money to stay in business. 

If you can undercut your competitors but still offer a high-quality product, you have a better chance of success. Shoppers on Etsy place value on handmade products, so they may be willing to pay a little more than shoppers on other platforms. 

Conclusion

Some of the strategies to help you successfully launch your Etsy shop include listing at least 20 products, writing high-converting product descriptions, and using Etsy SEO. It also helps to use professional-looking photos, drive traffic from social media, and price your products correctly. 

Image by Megan Rexazin from Pixabay



“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by Jean-Dominique Bauby

By
John Loranger
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The author of this work (published in 1997) suffered a stroke at the age of forty-three and was subsequently cared for at a seaside hospital in France. His ordeal included a coma that lasted for twenty days, and he discovered afterward that he was reduced to a state of almost complete paralysis. His only means of communication with the world outside his body was his left eye, with which he learned to blink messages via a specially arranged alphabet. The person with whom he happened to be “speaking” would recite this alphabet, paying attention all the while to Bauby’s eye, which he would blink when the desired letter was spoken. This was how he formed words and sentences; it was how he would ask visitors simple questions, such as, “How are you?”; and this was how he wrote The Diving Bell and the Butterfly—a memoir of his experience as a victim of locked-in syndrome.

The book is broken up into twenty-nine chapters, each of which deals with a particular topic or theme, such as “The Wheelchair”, “Prayer”, “Bathtime”. It is one of those books that can be gotten through quickly, but that is the wrong way to read it. One should ponder the effort that was involved in the writing of a single sentence, not to mention the thought, precision, and artistry that went into the whole and every part of this work. Consider, for example, the feat of “winking” the following observation:

‘Speech therapy is an art that deserves to be more widely known. You cannot imagine the acrobatics your tongue mechanically performs in order to produce all the sounds of a language.  Just now I am struggling with the letter l, a pitiful admission for an editor in chief who cannot even pronounce the name of his own magazine!’ [Bauby was the editor of Elle magazine] 

Though it might all sound depressing, I found The Diving Bell to be inspiring. Many topics are explored, though two themes have struck me with special force. The first concerns the power of the human mind, and its ability to remember or imagine in ways that most of us never realize. The second theme that comes through concerns the almost miraculous healing effects our simple acts of kindness and consideration can have on those who are severely disabled. The receivers of these acts may not express gratitude; it might be that they cannot; but the sincerely compassionate deed, great or small, is never wasted.

Not to be overlooked is the 2007 movie adaptation, directed by Julian Schnabel and starring Mathieu Amalric. It is an excellent film and faithful to the spirit of the book. Even so, if I had to choose between the two, I would have to go with the book. It reads like a series of striking prose poems; and given the circumstances of its composition, it is an achievement on par with the greatest literary works of all time.

5 Questions You Should Ask Your CBD Gummies Manufacturer

By
Guest Author
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‍Looking for a convenient way to get your daily fix of cannabidiol? You’re in luck! There is a wide range of hemp-based CBD gummies on the market. However, many manufacturers add artificial sweeteners and flavors to their gummies. So, how can you tell if your special gummy bears are more wholesome than others? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about buying hemp gummies.

Why Are People Moving Towards Buying CBD Gummies Online?

CBD gummies are delicious chewy treats that contain cannabidiol extracts from hemp. They are usually packed in a bottle or bag of about 10-30 gummies per pack. Gummies are a fun and convenient way to get your daily dose of Cannabidiol oil. Usually, gummies come in various flavors like cherry, grape, sour watermelon, and orange. You can take them as a daily supplement or as a quick snack. 

Nowadays, more people are moving towards buying these gummies online. The main reason is that they are incredibly convenient. CBD gummies are much easier to consume than other CBD products, so taking a small amount every day is much easier. They also tend to be less expensive than other Cannabidiol products, making them an even more affordable way of taking Cannabidiol. Another benefit of buying Cannabidiol gummies online is that you can order them in bulk, saving you money over the long term.

5 Questions You Should Ask A CBD Gummies Manufacturer

What Is In The CBD Gummies?

We’re not advocating that you go through the CBD gummies ingredients list one by one. But, it would be best to ask your manufacturer what’s in their gummies. As Cannabidiol gummies are primarily unregulated, you need to be extra careful. Some gummies manufacturers mix their products with other toxic substances, and others use low-quality ingredients that can damage your health in the long term. 

CBD gummies contain a high amount of Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is an active compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. These gummies are made from hemp oil, a natural substance extracted from the hemp plant. 

They usually contain a few essential oils and some sugar or Stevia. Some manufacturers also add Vitamin E and Biotin to their gummies.

How Are CBD Gummies Made?

There are two ways to manufacture Cannabidiol gummies. The first method is extracting CBD oil from hemp and mixing it with natural ingredients. The second method involves extracting the oil from hemp and mixing it with other ingredients like artificial flavors and sweeteners. The first method is more natural and wholesome, as it uses CO2 to extract the oil from hemp leaves. However, the second method is cheaper and easier to implement.

Do CBD Gummies Contain THC?

CBD gummies do not contain THC. THC is a psychoactive compound in cannabis plants, it’s what makes you feel “high.” On the other hand, Cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. It won’t make you “high” or put you in a stoned state. Cannabidiol gummies are made from hemp plants; thus, they have deficient levels of THC. Hemp is a type of cannabis that contains very minimal amounts of THC. Cannabidiol gummies are meant to be consumed by both children and adults. However, they are more recommended to pregnant women and children.

Are CBD Gummies Lab-Tested?

There are no regulations regarding the hemp gummies industry. The FDA has yet to create specific guidelines for producing Cannabidiol gummies and other hemp products. Therefore, you can’t be 100% certain that your hemp gummies are safe. Even if they are made from organic materials, you can’t be sure you’re not consuming a bit of chemicals or pesticides. Cannabidiol gummies are usually manufactured in the same factory as other food products. Over time, some of these chemicals might seep into the hemp gummies. 

To get a premium product, make sure you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer. The ideal method to do this is by asking if their hemp gummies are lab-tested. Cannabidiol gummies are often lab-tested to ensure that they meet a certain standard. This is to make sure that the products are safe for human consumption. If you buy CBD gummies, it’s essential to know that they are lab-tested. This is to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product.

How Long Does A Pack Of CBD Gummies Last?

CBD gummies are edible treats you can use as a daily supplement or quick snack. The potency of the gummies will depend on their concentration. Most Cannabidiol gummies contain 10-25 mg of cannabidiol per gummy. This is enough to get you a daily dose of Cannabidiol oil. However, it’s important to note that Cannabidiol gummies take longer to take effect than CBD oils. 

Cannabidiol gummies last long if kept in a cool, dry place away from light. The gummies may last for only a few weeks if they are exposed to warm temperatures and direct sunlight. Most manufacturers say that Cannabidiol gummies will last anywhere from three months to a year. You can check the Cannabidiol content in the gummies to see how long they’ve been on the market. If the product has been sitting on the shelf for a long time, it may be less potent.

Final Words

CBD gummies are a fantastic and easy way to get all the health benefits of Cannabidiol oils in an easy-to-digest format. However, they are largely unregulated, and you can’t be 100% certain of their quality. You must ask your manufacturer a few essential questions to get a premium product.

*Photo credits: pixabay.com

6 Mistakes You Should Avoid While Using THC Vape Pens

By
Guest Author
-

You can find THC vape pens almost anywhere these days. They’re a convenient way to get your daily dose of weed, and they’re becoming increasingly popular with cannabis users who want something simpler than smoking a joint or a bong. But just because they’re widely available doesn’t mean everyone should start using THC vape pens. It would help to be careful about how you use them, so you don’t experience any adverse effects from their use. If you are planning to buy or use one of these devices, this article will discuss things you need to know before diving in.

How To Use A THC Vape Pen?

Vape pens are one of the most prevalent ways to consume cannabis. They’re small, portable devices that look like a USB stick, but instead of a USB cable, they have a coil that can be filled with cannabis oil or dried flowers (or both). When you inhale, the coil heats up and releases a vapor you can inhale into your lungs.

Vape pens are easy to use – fill the device with cannabis, screw on the mouthpiece, and take a drag. You’re ready to go if your vape pen has a temperature control setting. Like any other type of vaporizer, some people prefer vapes over joints or edibles because the effects take less time to kick in. THC vape pens also allow for stealthy consumption because it’s difficult to tell when someone is smoking from a vape pen. Finally, vape pens can be discreet and come in different colors, so there are various options for anyone who wants to enjoy their herb in privacy.

6 Things To Avoid While Using THC Vape Pens

1.  Be Aware Of The Battery Life Of Your THC Vape Pen

Most vape pens have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which you can fully charge in just a few hours. But these batteries have a limited lifespan, and they often cannot perform as they did when they were new. This is especially the case when you overcharge or overuse your battery. First, you’ll notice that the charge time will increase. After a few charges, the battery cannot hold a charge at all. When this happens, you’ll need to buy a new battery. When it comes to how to use your battery best, it’s a good idea to charge it before your first use entirely. After that, you should charge it for 3-4 hours. While charging, it’s best to unplug the device when it’s done so that you don’t overcharge it.

2.  Don’t Hold the Breath While Vaporizing

When people are new to vaping, they often try to hold their breath to increase the intensity of the high. This might be something you’ve heard about with weed in particular, but it’s a bad idea to hold your breath while vaping. You’re slowing down the vaporization process when you do so. This will result in a lower-quality hit and reduced THC absorption, and it could lead to a little bit of coughing. Instead, breathe while you inhale on the THC vape pen.

3.  Be Careful About Which THC Vape Pen You Buy

Although they’ve become trendy, not all THC vape pens are created equal. Some of the ones you’ll find online may not be made with the safest materials. Most vape pen manufacturers are beholden to the same FDA regulations for food products. This means that vape pens fall under the same jurisdiction as e-cigarettes. Refrain from assuming you’re buying a quality pen because it’s widely available. Be sure to research the materials that a given THC vape pen is made from before you buy it. If you don’t, you could end up with something that contains harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium, or nickel.

4.  Take Breaks Between Hits

It’s not uncommon for people new to vaping to take multiple hits in a row before they even realize that they’ve had their first hit. This can lead to dizziness, fogginess, and cottonmouth for many people. If you’re vaping THC in particular, this can also lead to you taking too high a dose. To avoid these issues, you should take breaks between hits.

5.  Check For Signs Of Tolerance Build-Up

You may have already built up a bit of a tolerance to THC, but you don’t know it. This is something that most people worry about as they get more and more frequent users of cannabis. To know whether or not you’ve built up a tolerance to THC, you’ll need to take a break from it for a few weeks. After the break, you can decide if you can use THC vape pens again or if you need to return to a lower dose. While it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your tolerance level, it’s more important if you’re vaping. You’re exposing your lungs to more THC than inhalation by smoking a joint or bong, which means you’re at a more significant risk of suffering adverse effects.

6.  Don’t Use High-Potency Vape Pens If You’re New To Cannabis

If you’re a cannabis newbie, it’s best to avoid using high-potency THC vape pens. Even if you’re a more experienced cannabis user, it’s a good idea to avoid doing so, and using high-THC vape pens when new to cannabis can lead to cannabis-induced anxiety, paranoia, or even panic attacks. For the best experience, you should start with a THC vape pen that is relatively low in potency. This will allow you to get used to the effects of cannabis without feeling too overwhelmed.

Conclusion

When it comes to something as potent as THC, there’s no such thing as too much caution. You should treat cannabis with the same respect as alcohol or hard drugs. If you’re new to cannabis, you should use low-THC vape pens until you get the hang of things. After that, you can use higher-potency THC vape pens as you get more comfortable with cannabis. Ensure you’re careful about using them so you don’t experience any adverse side effects.

*Photo credits: Pixabay.com

Raging for Peace

By
Florida Night Train
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Raging for Peace ©

10/26/2022

By Florida Night Train

It was on a Friday night at a local biker joint, after meeting a first date from a stupid dating app. First date was so uninteresting, I caught myself distracted by a young couple appearing to be in an intense discussion—both were in their late 20s. He was a patch bearer. After my date and I kindly dismissed each other, I went about my business talking to another biker. He and I were the only two in the joint with sports bikes, so we chatted up. Bike this, bike that, and so on.

A few minutes later, my new buddy and I were overpowered in our discussion by the young couple a few feet away, who were now in a full-blown argument. Clearly agitated, it became evident both of them were trying their best to communicate. That, visibly and audibly, only gave rise to more mutual frustration. It was painfully embarrassing to witness. I could see the young man growing into a pressure cooker state about to explode—red faced, agitated, frustrated, irritated. She wasn’t so loud. Small in stature, she appeared equally frustrated but more in control of her demeanor.

The situation culminated to such a point, the young man screamed out of rage and frustration. He literally exploded with anger; like a young child who just cant get what he wants or place a word with his mom. My buddy and I stood there. Had this guy lifted a finger on the girl, patch or no patch, he was going down I assure you.  

Turns out all he did was let off some steam. That’s probably all he knew to do to deal with intense emotions. Unable to practice healthy, manageable communication, he let it out the only way he knew how. And that, my fellow biker friends, is where we (me included) need to start getting our shit together and own our mind.

I felt bad for this guy. I felt bad for her, yes, but mostly for him. I could feel his frustration—emotional overload in his mind. Unable to process the information coming from his emotions, from his girlfriend, analyze it internally and formulate effective, concise responses to resolve whatever it was they were arguing about. This is a painful state of mind which most of us have experienced or witnessed.

Why is it both genders don’t listen to each other anymore? We listen to respond and we don’t listen to understand! Someone told me repeatedly when I was married that, “A soft answer turns away wrath”. Stubborn me decided to practice that only too late after my divorce. I then discovered the incredible power of kindness in the face of conflicts. There are limits, I know. Self-defense has its place but for the most part, any argument can be defused and well managed.

Problem is, us men have not been taught how to process, analyze, and manage emotions. To be honest, most of us don’t even want to bother…until it hits us where it truly hurts, then we feel like lost puppies. If we did own this space in our heads, I promise you we would not be portrayed as dumb as the majority of media likes to portray us.

The problem too, with most women, is they rely too much on emotions. Not all—most. Don’t crucify me here, ladies! We all should know emotions can be unreliable, so what do we do? I’m not talking about us having to be vulnerable here at all. I’m saying we need to pay attention to what’s going on inside our heads and hearts, recognize it, deal with it, own it, and then respond in a way that gives justice to the situation— leaving everyone with their dignity. We need to let the other speak freely, without interruption, so we can understand them. Ask questions after, be kind in our delivery.

In your dreams, you say? I don’t think so. Give it a try, give yourself a chance. I did, it works 100%. It takes a lot of work, but I promise you will own your space and your boundaries will eventually be respected.

Some of my favorite books/resources have been Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules of Life”, Andrew Tate, the Bible, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman, “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho, “Care of the Soul” by Thomas Moore, etc…

I always tell my children, “There is nothing wrong with anger or feeling angry, it’s a natural human emotion and a gift that has its place. It’s what we do with it and how we handle it that matters”.  Men, women, own your space with kindness.

*Photo credit: 323 Phtography Studio courtesy of Icicles.com

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IG: Florida_Night_Train

Bodega Bagels

By
Shelley Stepanek
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Great new bagel place in Las Vegas has opened—Bodega Bagels by St. Rose Hospital on Eastern. Their menu is varied and every item is terrific.  

We started with a shared plate of Whitefish nosh & Bagel chips, Lower East Side platter with gravlax, whitefish salad, tomatoes, chives and scallion schmear, and red onion. The Israel Salad of tomato, cucumber, avocado, scallions, parsley, and mint was fantastic. For sandwiches they have wild-caught tuna melt and Reubens.  

The place is happy and cheery, lots of items to grab and go, and lots to eat in. I’ll be going back at least once a month. The music was nice, and plenty of merchandise if you care to grab a shirt. There are granola bites for purchase. Parking is close to the door.

7 Reasons Why a Mailbox Service Will Revolutionize Your Startup

By
NSAEN Magazine
-
Lobby architectural details, Richard Sheppard Arnold U.S Post Office and Courthouse in Little Rock, Arkansas (2010) by Carol M. Highsmith. Original image from Library of Congress. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

Becoming an entrepreneur and launching your own startup is a complex and, at times, a stressful process. Fraught with excitement, trepidation, and various obstacles that you have to overcome. 

As you focus on laying the foundations for your startup, you will probably feel that anything that can make the process a little easier and more convenient will be a big plus — and that’s where a virtual mailbox can come in handy. 

Read on to discover seven must-have benefits of signing up for a mailbox service that make it an essential asset for any fledgling startup. 

Virtual Mailbox Services Provide Security

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a mailbox service is the level of security it affords your business — and your mail. 

The sad fact is that mailboxes are regularly targeted by robbers, with millions of people falling prey to fraud, identity theft, and, of course, the loss of their personal property. With a private mailbox service, you never have to worry about being robbed, as these mailboxes are constantly monitored and afforded high levels of security.

Your Privacy Is Protected

Many new business owners launch their new enterprise from their own homes, as they cannot yet afford to lease a dedicated office space. 

While working from home may have its advantages, there is no denying the potential risk to your privacy and security that can result from using your domestic address as your business address. 

Having a virtual mailbox removes this risk and keeps you and your family safe from potential incursion. 

You Can Choose A Coveted Address

Did you know that when you sign up with a mailbox service such as Physical Address, you can choose the exact address you would like to use? 

This means you can select an address in a coveted location that will instantly lend your startup some added prestige. This, in turn, can help you as you acquire new clientele. 

You Can Enjoy Effortless Access

Mailbox services have been designed to offer enhanced accessibility and convenience. As a result, they allow you to access your mail at any time of day, any day of the year, unlike a post office box which only grants you access subject to opening hours. 

No Need To Wait Around For A Delivery

We all know the frustration of being told that a package will be delivered during a certain block of time, and the irritation that arises when we have to hang around and wait. 

With a virtual mailbox, you are relieved of this hassle, as the delivery will be accepted by your mailbox attendants on your behalf. Not only that, but they will make sure it’s safely stored away until you have time to collect it. 

Simple Mail Forwarding

Whether you are going away on vacation, or moving to a new country, there is no need to worry about changing your address and getting your mail forwarded. With a mailbox service you can access your mail from anywhere in the world. 

A Reliable Service

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Fantasy Celebrates 23 Years at the Luxor

By
Shelley Stepanek
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: Singer and 'FANTASY' cast member Lorena Peril (R) performs during the 'FANTASY' 23rd anniversary celebration at Luxor Hotel and Casino on October 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Wicked Creative)

Tuesday night, the gorgeous and ever so talented ladies of FANTASY, the award-winning topless female revue at LUXOR HOTEL AND CASINO, celebrated 23 years of success on the Las Vegas Strip with a VIP party at Public House at the hotel, followed by a performance of the show. This year, once again, everyone received a wonderful calendar featuring all of the ladies. Director and Emmy award-winning choreographer, Anita Mann, who has manned this review all these years always throws spectacular parties and we once again participated.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: ‘FANTASY’ cast members Rachel, Soolin, Aston, Abby. Yesi, Mariah, Gigi, Indira, Rivers, Skyla and Stevie attend the ‘FANTASY’ 23rd anniversary celebration at Luxor Hotel and Casino on October 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Wicked Creative)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: (L-R, back row) ‘FANTASY’ cast members Ashton, Soolin, Stevie, Murray SawChuck, Lorena Peril, Yesi, Abby and Gigi, (L-R, front row) Indiria, Rivers, Skyla, Mariah and Rachel attend the ‘FANTASY’ 23rd anniversary celebration at Luxor Hotel and Casino on October 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Wicked Creative)

To commemorate the milestone, FANTASY’s ravishing showgirls posed for photographs on the red carpet with the new calendar and were joined on the carpet by one of the show’s guest performers, Murray SawChuck, headliner of “Murray the Magician” at Tropicana Las Vegas. Also with the group was Nigel Lythgoe, choreographer, Emmy award-winning producer and co-founder of American Dance Movement;   Glorya Kaufman, philanthropist and founder of the USC Kaufman School of Dance and the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar in Los Angeles; Oscar Picazo, renowned photographer behind the 2023 “FANTASY Has Legs” calendar; Ricardo Laguna, BMX rider and television personality; John Stotts, member of the “AGT: Extreme” winning Cage Riders; Michael Clift, Rick Powell, Tony Richards and Alex Fetzko, members of the Australian Bee Gees, the Bee Gees tribute show at Excalibur Hotel & Casino; and Vin Adinolfi, founder of the Bronx Wanderers one of the best shows in this town. 

*Photo credits: Tom Donoghue and Bryan Steffy 

Chuck Bowling, President & COO of Mandalay Bay and Luxor, welcomed the audience and congratulated Mann along with the entire team at FANTASY on 23 incredible years as he has done every year. Bowling was joined onstage by Mann. Steven Peralta, foundation president, and Joe Ferreira, president and CEO, as well as Rick Harrison, owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and star of “Pawn Stars” on the History Channel; comedian Sam “Tape Face” Willis and MGM Resorts International executives were here to celebrate the evening.

During the sizzling anniversary show, Lorena Peril, headliner of the award-winning revue, captivated the audience with her powerful vocals alongside the cast of talented dancers, while SawChuck had the audience in awe with his mesmerizing magic. 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: Singer and ‘FANTASY’ cast member Lorena Peril (R) performs during the ‘FANTASY’ 23rd anniversary celebration at Luxor Hotel and Casino on October 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Wicked Creative)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: Singer and ‘FANTASY’ cast member Lorena Peril (C) performs during the ‘FANTASY’ 23rd anniversary celebration at Luxor Hotel and Casino on October 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Wicked Creative)

The scintillating production also introduced several new numbers into the show, each sung by Peril, including the new opening number “Let’s Get Loud/Already All Ready” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” both choreographed by Yesi Burgess, dancer and in-house choreographer for FANTASY, as well as “Leave Your Hat On” and the rousing new finale number, “Show Me How You Burlesque,” choreographed by superstar dancer and choreographer Sienna Lyons. The anniversary celebration also revealed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: ‘FANTASY’ cast members perform during the ‘FANTASY’ 23rd anniversary celebration at Luxor Hotel and Casino on October 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Wicked Creative)

two other new numbers, “Buttons,” performed by Mariah Rivera, dancer and co-producer for FANTASY, and “Good Girls,” sung by Skyla Jade, Stevie Heptig and Ashton Bray, three of the show’s striking dancers, complete with feathered fans; both numbers also choreographed by Lyons.

The “FANTASY Has Legs” calendar is now available for purchase on the revue’s website FANTASYLUXOR.COM. Show times are scheduled nightly at 10:30 p.m. inside the Atrium Showroom, with an additional 8 p.m. show on Sundays. All guests attending the show must be at least 18 years of age or older with valid ID. For a full schedule and tickets, please visit faantasyluxor.com

*Top photo credit: Bryan Steffy

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