Shopping Product Reviews

Lego Marvel Superheroes

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Marvel has been doing quite well lately. Last year’s summer blockbuster the AvengersIt broke numerous box office records and Marvel successfully merged with mega-corporation Disney; Things have been going the Marvel way for quite some time. Unfortunately, it’s been a while since we were gifted with a quality video game based on the Marvel Universe. With Lego: Marvel SuperheroesTellTale Games hopes to change that. In many ways it is the best Lego game yet, but at the same time it oversteps in certain respects.

As the great adventure begins, he will learn that the ever-looming Lego version of Galactus is closing in on Earth and sending the Silver Surfer to explore the planet. It goes from bad to worse when Doctor Doom and other fellow Marvel villains decide to take advantage of the situation. Not only are the Avengers sent to take over the task, but you also have characters like the Amazing Spider-Man, the X-Men, and even Howard the Duck trying to put down the planet-feeding disaster.

As huge Marvel fans, Telltale offers a gripping story. Obviously these guys see and read all the Marvel stuff. You’ll get a lot of jokes between the characters about certain movies they’ve been in and even an achievement with Captain America and the Human Torch (played by Chris Evans in their respective movies). It was great as a fan of the Marvel brand to play something the creators were equally interested in. Also, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments between the Hulk and Tony Stark.

You can only get so far with a great story in one game; you also have to supplement the software with great playability. Unfortunately for some, Lego: Marvel Superheroes It is not derived from the same Lego game formula that was forged in the past. You’ll find the same recognizable puzzles, the same brick collected with just a coat of Marvel paint. Even as a huge fan of Marvel comics, I have played this game before. From Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings and even the DC brand, it’s all the same basic scheme.

That being said, they do try to add a few other elements to the worn mechanics. For example, there is a pretty cool skydiving feature when you’re in the Helicarrier mission hub. I spent too much time getting all my characters out of that thing. It also adapts the free roaming gameplay of Lego Batman 2. My biggest complaint with this game is the horrible controls when you swing, fly or run in the Lego version of New York. You can’t go anywhere precisely and the game map is atrocious. If you want to unlock most of the characters, you have to do it in free New York so that you are forced to fight with terrible controls.

Speaking of characters, this game has the largest selection of all the Lego sets. My nerdy senses were definitely tingling as I could unlock Superior Spider-Man, Daredevil, and even strangers like Squirrel Girl. As with many Marvel entertainment products, this game not only features Stan Lee cameos, but you can also unlock Stan the Man. He can use all of Spider-Man’s powers, as well as becoming a Hulk version of itself. It definitely breaks the game from a balance point of view, but who cares? Excelsior!

All Lego video games are made to play with your friends. That’s not to say it’s not great to play alone, but you’ll get more bang for your buck if you replace your terrible AI teammates. There were several times when my computer-controlled allies got in my way and negatively affected my experience. I encountered this problem with almost every Lego set and it’s a shame they haven’t solved this. The most regrettable and almost unforgivable sin this game commits is lack of cooperation online. Current systems have been out for almost eight years and have yet to incorporate this feature. This game is also coming out for PS4 and Xbox One, maybe we can look forward to seeing it there. However, don’t get your hopes up, as that is not likely to be the case.

We have been given quite a few Lego sets over the years and most of them were wonderful to play with. This game is no exception; there are some bugs and stuttered frame rate issues, but it’s nothing to catch up on. As with all Lego software products, the latter is better than the former. Lego: Marvel Superhero It hardly changes any of the old Lego formulas, but with such a rich database of heroes and villains it’s easy to miss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to unlock Howard the Duck.

Tours Travel

Top 10 Spring Break Destinations Outside the U.S.

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College students, we know you are ready to put down your books and pick up bottles of suntan lotion. As midterms end and students tire of the snow, they begin to dream of lying in the sun and immersing themselves in the culture. Since you’re probably tired of studying, we stopped looking for a place to enjoy your vacation and found the top ten spring break destinations outside of the United States.

Acapulco, Mexico
Acapulco has been a vacation spot for several years. While you’re there, be sure to catch the divers from La Quebrada, the laid-back Pei de la Cuesta, the small bay of Puerto Márquez, and the beautiful beaches of Isla de la Requeta.

Barbados
This Caribbean island is located northeast of Venezuela. It has been nicknamed “Little England” after all the English settlements that once inhabited the area. Barbados is divided into five parts: Bridgetown, Central Barbados, Eastern Barbados, Western Barbados, and Southern Barbados. Make sure to pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated, Barbados is 13 degrees from the equator so sunburn is easy to come by.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This vacation spot is located at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. If you visit Cabo San Lucas, expect to find a large marine bay, a beautiful bay, great beaches, a casual atmosphere, and an exciting nightlife. While you’re there, don’t miss the Arch of El Arco, an incredible natural rock formation in Land’s End.

Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a great place to enjoy the sun and beautiful beaches. If you are visiting this place, you can do everything from swimming with the dolphins and scuba diving to snorkeling and fishing. Be careful when jumping into the water, the waters of the Caribbean can have a strong undertow. Don’t forget to take a day trip to the Mayan ruins. Cancun is close to several great sites that you won’t want to miss.

Ibiza, Spain
This city is located in the Balearic Islands. During your visit to Ibiza, be sure to visit the hidden cove Atlantis, the Hippy Market and the Anita Bar, a gathering place for artists and writers since the 1950s.

London, United Kingdom
London is the largest city and the capital of the United Kingdom. It is divided into Central London, Inner Boroughs and Outer Boroughs. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the iconic Westminster Abbey, take a ride on the London Eye, and look for your first preparations for the 2012 Olympics. Make London for less with a museum pass that offers free entry to 50 attractions and Free “line cut”. If you’re there for more than a couple of days, consider getting an Oyster card, a reloadable smart card for easy portability.

Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. You can enjoy beachside bars with fun fruity drinks during the day and exciting nightclubs after the sun goes down. While you’re there, check out the shark diving opportunities!

Negril, Jamaica
This city is known for its seven miles of cool white sand beach. It is more relaxed than Montego Bay and more touristy than Ocho Rios. Be sure to stop by the Negril Tourist Craft Market for inexpensive souvenirs and trinkets.

Paris France
If you want a cultural spring break, the City of Lights is for you. Paris is one of the most luxurious cities in the world, with the best designers, restaurants and cultural attractions. You don’t have to splurge when visiting this fantastic city, consider purchasing a Museum Pass for free entry to over 60 museums and monuments. You can choose from two-, four-, or six-day passes.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is located in the extreme northeast of the Dominican Republic. Like any tropical oasis, it has beautiful foliage, lagoons, and exotic animals. While in Punta Cana, visit Santo Domingo, the first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere, and the artist town of Altos de Chavón, or go on a Bavaro Runners safari excursion. You can also enjoy rafting, helicopter rides, and Segway rides.

Arts Entertainments

How to turn your voice into a powerful asset

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Have you ever been to a meeting, seminar, or workshop where the speaker is so monotonous that you just want to run away from that room? Do you keep looking at the clock over and over again hoping and praying for a break? Are you physically sitting but your mind has drifted to thousands of other places? And even though the speaker is sharing great content, is it extremely difficult for you to sit down during the talk? I’m pretty sure you’ve attended at least one of these meetings, seminars, or workshops. But have you ever wondered why you felt so tortured? Well! You felt tortured because how a speaker sounds is just as important as what he says! In fact, it takes a very nice voice to bring a speaker’s words to life.

A Duke University study found that CEOs with lower voices ran larger companies, made more money, and kept their jobs longer. And that’s why business executives, celebrities, and politicians often work with vocal trainers! But what about you? What if you also want to develop your voice but don’t have the time or money to work with a coach? What can you do to speak more dynamically in your one-on-one interactions and group addresses?

Do not worry! There is a simple and practical solution. Implement these simple tips and you can surely turn your voice into a powerful asset and speak more dynamically.

Take care of your voice

  1. Breathe from the stomach. Breathing from your diaphragm instead of your chest will help you project your voice better and give you more confidence. At the same time, relaxing your mouth and throat will give you more control over the tonality of your voice.
  1. Build character in your voice. Humming is an easy way to warm up your voice. The lower you go towards your chest, the more powerful you will sound. If you practice humming in deeper tones, you will create grains in your voice that will eventually give your voice a unique character.
  1. Never force your voice. Rest your voice if you find yourself overdoing yourself by speaking too much or too loudly. Sleep is the best remedy to cure a sore throat. When you have throat problems, cough gently when you need to clear your throat. Keep irritants like alcohol, smoke, and dairy to a minimum.
  1. Set the rhythm of your words. Quick speech is great if you are a commentator. If not, try breaking your thoughts into sentences, long enough that you can comfortably say them with a single exhale.

Create connection with the audience

  1. Look for friendly faces. If crowds make you nervous, look around the room for people who are smiling and making eye contact. Imagine that you are speaking directly to them.
  1. Tell a story that is right. It’s easier to get your message across when you use interesting and memorable stories. When you enjoy your own stories, your enthusiasm shines through and you can easily take your audience where you want to take them.
  1. Interact with the audience. Great speakers also know how to foster conversation among the audience. And once the conversation starts, they listen carefully to facilitate more interaction. Arriving early and interacting with the audience can generate a report and give you a great start before you even get up to speak.
  1. Share great content. As you work on the technical aspects of your voice and performance, keep your purpose in mind. What do you want to share with others? How can they benefit from what you have to say?

Additional tips for speaking dynamically

  1. Practice regularly. Voice training is like any other skill and it will take time and effort to develop. Work continuously to improve your performance. Sign in when you practice, so you can identify your natural strengths, as well as the areas you need to work on.
  1. Model popular speakers. See how presidents, news anchors, and TV presenters engage their listeners. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, and read transcripts. Take notes on the ideas you want to borrow and develop. Tailor your lessons to your own style.
  1. Avoid mindless fillers. Too many “ums” and “uhs” can undermine your credibility. Plan transitions so you don’t have to fumble for what to say next. If you need a second to reflect, try pausing instead of filling the void with nonsensical language. Turning off internal and external distractions can also help you stay on track.
  1. Be aware of your body language. Mastering non-verbal communication will reinforce the positive impression your voice makes. Stand up straight so that you look open and relaxed. Connect to the stage to make it appear safe. Use gestures to emphasize key points and keep things lively. Use all the space to move and speak, don’t get stuck at one point on the stage!
  1. Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to feel. Even movie stars and self-help gurus can get stage frightened. When you feel eager to address a group, accept their feelings and transform them into positive enthusiasm. Take the focus off of yourself and focus on helping others.

Making the most of your own natural voice will help you communicate your ideas more effectively and efficiently. It will help you be the catalyst that transforms lives. But there is one more thing to remember before you begin. Keep your content short and simple! In the words of Winston S. Churchill, “A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt; long enough to cover the topic and short enough to generate interest.”

Technology

Party favors that won’t break the bank

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You probably don’t have room in your budget for $ 150,000.00 for party favors and you will probably limit the guest list to far fewer than 150 guests, so you’re in luck. There are a lot of really cute and easy to make party favors that you can make yourself for just a few dollars.

I was recently asked to make party favors for a baby shower. There were 20 guests and the theme was Winnie the Pooh. We all know that bears like honey, so we thought guests would too. We gathered individual packets of Stash Vanilla Honey Tea, Honey Sauces, some Honey Candies (the wrappers had cute little bees), and Bit-O-Honey candy bars.

We could have put all of these honey-flavored treats in one bag, but I had another idea that would make them prettier to look at and just more fun. Most of the things we use for packaging can be found at one of the many party supply or dollar stores. We use clear cello bags, the kind that florists use, known as corsage bags. You can also find printed bags with various themes in party stores.

We cut white card stock to fit inside the bag and glue the items to the card stock. We use glue dots, but a glue stick will work too. The colors of the Bit-O-Honey bars did not match our color scheme, so we wrapped the bars in paper. We personalize the bars with the date and the name of the mother and baby. If you have a good graphics program on your computer, you can customize the wrappers just like we did. You can find a FREE template from Google by searching for “candy wrapper template” and there are YouTube videos explaining how to wrap the bars. If your party has a popular theme, you can use themed wrapping paper instead of white paper to wrap your candy bars.

We closed the bag with a pink, blue and yellow curling ribbon to match our color scheme. The total cost, including the treats, was $ 2.75 each.

The idea we decided for the baby shower was not the only one I had. Since tea and honey were the main items, we thought about putting them all in one cup. The mug would have been a nice party favor to go, but we still would have had to use the cello bag and ribbon and since a mug would have added another dollar to the total cost, we decided not to.

Are you planning a birthday party for a child? Why not include them to help create personalized party favors? All you need are paper, kraft or white bags, a hole punch, colored markers, and some tape. You can add stickers if you want.

Fold the top of the bag about two to three inches. With the hole punch, make a hole about an inch on each side of the center. The gift bag is now ready to decorate. Your child can write each guest’s name on the bag with a colored marker and add an original drawing or stickers if desired.

Once the bags are decorated, fill them with the goodies of your choice. Instead of choosing all the goodies, include some healthier options like granola bars and peanut butter cookies. Fold the top of the bag down and tie the ribbon through the holes and make a bow. For a more colorful bag, choose a couple of different colors of curling ribbon and instead of a bow, curl each strand, giving your gift bags a very festive look.

Fill small mason jars with cocoa and mini marshmallows and tie a recipe card with your favorite cookie or bread mix for a wedding gift. A plastic beer mug with some beef jerky and a packet of popcorn would be fun for Jack and Jill, and a small bottle filled with jelly beans or other treats makes a cute party favor for a baby shower. Visit local farmers markets to see if there are soap makers that wrap goat’s milk or other handmade soap in a custom wrap. The possibilities are endless.

Business

Cost per Financed Loan: Creating a Business Book

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There are many essential metrics to consider when determining how to spend valuable marketing dollars. Acceptable cost per loan financed varies depending on where a person sits on the org chart and how much of a stakeholder is in the long-term growth of the business. Successful lead generation firms are aware of this, and for this reason, their products are designed to serve different segments of the professional mortgage population.

A mortgage banker will be looking to increase volume and can tolerate lower margins and will immediately see the benefit of increasing the overall volume of leads. A cost per financed loan of $ 400 to $ 700 per financed loan is acceptable and very profitable, because the bank will earn income from the originated loan in more than one way.

There are several different ways to market a reverse mortgage. However, they fall into two basic categories: 1.) Wait for a qualified older homeowner to walk through your door and order the product or 2.) Market to the target demographic in a clear and informative way and let them know about the product. is it availabe.

Waiting in the office for friendly referrals – lowest cost per financed loan
The easiest thing is to trust the warm recommendations of previous clients. In the reverse mortgage industry, this would simply amount to waiting for someone who had a reverse mortgage on their home to turn to a friend or family member and extol the virtues of the FHA HECM or private equity loan they recently received.

Ideally, they will have great feedback to share regarding the company that provided the loan, as well as the benefits of the loan itself. In this scenario, the cost per loan financed is almost zero and the profit margin associated with the loan is high.

First, elderly homeowners tend to keep financial matters private and cannot discuss financial matters openly. Second, for many seniors, their personal network of trusted individuals is shrinking rather than growing each year. Reverse third mortgages have been available for decades in one form or another and before the massive increases in home values ​​associated with the housing bubble, which substantially reduced the loan-to-value ratio of many properties and increased available equity, greatly Few loans were made when this was the main means of communication.

A quick visit to the FHA website or a review of the statistics from year to year reveals that this is undeniable.

Marketing programs: growth-oriented referrals
Growth-oriented companies, particularly those with an exit strategy that includes being bought out by a larger company or group of investors, will require more than a simple entry to build their businesses. Even large banks and financial institutions market heavily in the communities that their agents serve.

Anyone familiar with the reverse mortgage industry understands that the eventual sale of the business entity or portfolio is a key feature of business plans. The portfolios developed by the originators of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage and Fannie Mae Homekeeper have a stock market value that is greater than many traditional mortgage products, because the loan itself is insured by the government for the protection of the lender and the owner. .

Marketing represents a business expense and as long as the returned income exceeds the cash outlay or credit obligation, the result is positive. Marketing is one of the key components of any successful business and marketing has a significant impact on the performance ability of the sales force.

Companies with 15 or more agents who originate reverse mortgages on a daily basis must ensure that their agents constantly receive a constant stream of leads for follow-up and must make projections regarding the future performance of their sales force. A sales force without leads is doomed to fail. A sales force with potential customers has an opportunity. And a company that has a low cost per financed loan is more profitable.

Target states affect the cost per loan financed:
Not all states are the same when it comes to reverse mortgages. States, like North Carolina, have much less competition, while California, which has had the most reverse mortgage transactions, has the most competition. Recent changes in the traditional mortgage market and the pending financial crises that the Federal Reserve is trying to warn of have made many of the high-volume states very difficult to work with, due to substantial changes in appraised property values. .

The challenges that brokers and lenders face are also faced by the lead generation companies they use and prices are set accordingly. A potential customer in North Carolina or Georgia will have a cost, because marketing companies will have to spend less to produce the type of primary product that the customer needs. Potential customers in California or Maryland, on the other hand, will require more marketing effort to produce. In California, the cost per loan financed could easily be $ 800 compared to North Carolina or Idaho, where the cost per loan financed could be as low as $ 400.

If your business has the ability to serve multiple states at the same time, it is a good idea to spread your marketing expenses across states in a way that balances the total cost of your lead program with known factors, such as: Penetration by market Size, new market opportunity, average available equity for eligible homeowners, loan limits, and state legislative requirements.

Home Kitchen

Why laminate countertops?

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In the past, choosing a countertop for your home was a fairly straightforward process as the options were limited. However, today’s homeowner is faced with many options and will have to spend some time determining what best suits their needs, style, and most importantly, budget. But what might surprise many is that the laminate countertops of yesteryear are still available, but advancements in technology and design have made them a more practical option than ever.

For many, the idea of ​​laminate countertops is unwelcome as they think of those boring and cheap countertops from their childhood. In fact, a study by the National Builders Association found that only 25% of first-time home buyers would consider a home with laminate countertops. Why? Because what comes to mind are the worn colors and the kitchen look of the 70s and 80s! However, like many other things within home countertops, they have come a long way, especially when it comes to laminate.

So why are laminate countertops making a comeback? Here are some reasons:

  • Pricing: Priced at $ 40 or less per square foot, most in the $ 10 to $ 15 range installed, it offers significant savings over other materials.
  • Durability – While they may not last for centuries like some natural surfaces, laminate can last for several years.
  • Changeability – When you have granite, marble or other stone countertops, it is difficult and expensive to change them if you get tired of them or they get damaged. Laminate lends itself to updates, repairs, and even creates a look of its own.
  • Attractive: Old-school laminate rarely attracted attention. All the sheets looked similar and the colors didn’t seem natural. Today the colors are richer, available in a wider range of colors and can now be installed with the same beautiful edge that natural stone has.
  • Installation – Of all the countertop options, this is one of the simplest and fastest to install, in fact, the process is simple enough that many people choose to do it as a DIY project. Better yet, you don’t have to remove the existing laminate covering, if you want to install a new look directly onto an old surface.
  • Maintenance: no fancy cleaners needed. You only need a damp cloth and a basic cleaner.

Don’t feel pressured to go for a surface that might not be within your budget. With the beauty and durability of laminate, you can have a kitchen or bathroom that pleases both the eye and the bank. Talk to a countertop specialist today to learn more about how choosing laminate can give you the look you want at a price you can smile about.

Auto

2006 Toyota Tacoma

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Another impressive Toyota redesign this year was the new 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This truck has been transformed from a small truck to a mid-size truck. You are familiar with the Tacoma of the past. They’re as reliable as the day is long, but how will the new truck stack up?

I went shopping and to be honest I was also looking at the Nissan Frontier. It has been redesigned and is approximately the same size as the new Tacoma. The Nissan has a rail system on the bed of the truck, but the Toyota has it on the edge of the higher platform. I like it better as it seems like it would make tying items much easier. Also, on the bed, there are two neat lockable storage compartments located so they are not noticeable. Pretty slick.

The new V6 has 236 hp, which is not far behind in anyone’s book. The old V6 had about 190 hp I think. The standard 4-cylinder is 2.7 liters and has 164 hp, which is more than most V6s.

There is an X-Runner available, which is more for show and go than off the road or at work. My dad got the old version, which was an S-Runner Tacoma. They are slippery. Dad is great, and I’ve only seen one X-Runner at a car show while they sell before they’re in the parking lot too long. A truck that can hold .9G on the skid deck will rival most sports cars. Basically the X-runner has it all. The Prerunner and Crew Cab are top of the line for 4×4 trucks, but they have plenty of options. The only option I can find on the X-runner is the daytime running lights.

Don’t worry, the SR5 still comes equipped with a chrome grille, colored bumpers, fenders, leather steering wheel, and variable windshield wipers. The V6 has fog lights and the Sport Package includes the limited-slip rear differential. The off-road package adds bigger wheels, better suspension with bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential and skid plates and tow hooks.

The TRD Sport truck is my favorite with the hood, 17 “wheels, nicer seats, power outlet, and a sleek overhead console with compass and temperature gauge.

The Tacoma is no longer the truck you see out there. My dad was 4. I’ve only owned one Toyota pickup and drove it until the wheels fell off. But you know what? It started and worked every time. I’m sure the trucks we see on the lot today will last another generation due to Toyota’s unsurpassed quality.

Another impressive Toyota redesign this year was the new 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This truck has been transformed from a small truck to a mid-size truck. You are familiar with the Tacoma of the past. They’re as reliable as the day is long, but how will the new truck stack up?

I went shopping and to be honest I was also looking at the Nissan Frontier. It has been redesigned and is approximately the same size as the new Tacoma. The Nissan has a rail system on the bed of the truck, but the Toyota has it on the edge of the higher platform. I like it better as it seems like it would make tying items much easier. Also, on the bed, there are two neat lockable storage compartments located so they are not noticeable. Pretty slick.

The new V6 has 236 hp, which is not far behind in anyone’s book. The old V6 had about 190 hp I think. The standard 4-cylinder is 2.7 liters and has 164 hp, which is more than most V6s.

There is an X-Runner available, which is more for show and go than off the road or at work. My dad got the old version, which was an S-Runner Tacoma. They are slippery. Dad is great, and I’ve only seen one X-Runner at a car show while they sell out before they’re in the parking lot too long. A truck that can hold .9G on the skid deck will rival most sports cars. Basically the X-runner has it all. The Prerunner and Crew Cab are top of the line for 4×4 trucks, but they have plenty of options. The only option I can find on the X-runner is the daytime running lights.

Don’t worry, the SR5 still comes equipped with a chrome grille, colored bumpers, fenders, leather steering wheel, and variable windshield wipers. The V6 has fog lights and the Sport Package includes the limited-slip rear differential. The off-road package adds bigger wheels, better suspension with bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential and skid plates and tow hooks.

The TRD Sport truck is my favorite with the hood, 17 “wheels, nicer seats, power outlet, and a sleek overhead console with compass and temperature gauge.

The Tacoma is no longer the truck you see out there. My dad was 4. I’ve only owned one Toyota pickup and drove it until the wheels fell off. But you know what? It started and worked every time. I’m sure the trucks we see on the lot today will last another generation due to Toyota’s unsurpassed quality.

Digital Marketing

To invest or not to invest: Dubai’s dilemma in real estate

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Readers who spend hours and hours looking for an answer to the dilemmas of real estate investing in Dubai are familiar with its challenges. The United Arab Emirates is located on the Arabian Gulf coast with a rich history that is interspersed with commerce, oil, industry and property.

This story is overtaken by a future that promises a landscape suitable for expansion and investment. But Dubai’s real estate investment dilemma in this region has raised many questions about its viability. The time has come to calm these things down and declare the UAE not one of the best, but “the best” place to invest.

For starters, the UAE has consistently demonstrated its prowess as an investment destination by earning the title of the 13th most promising domestic economy for investment in 2017-19. The region is expected to attract more than $ 1.8 trillion in global investments in 2018 (a 5% increase from 2017).

Due to its strategic position on the global scene, it offers the best investment opportunities from the leading real estate companies in Dubai. The UAE served nearly 2.4 billion market traders in 2017 in just five hours according to recent reports from Thomson Reuters.

The region is also the third most attractive investment destination for those in infrastructure.

With more than a hundred smart city initiatives going into effect as part of a plan drawn up for the next EXPO, opportunities for investors abound. More than a thousand government services have already gotten smart in 2017.

REIT

REITs or real estate investment trusts in the UAE are gaining more and more common ground. The country’s REIT sector increased significantly in 2017 with a series of high-profile acquisitions, such as the purchase of The Edge, Uninest and South View School by ENBD REIT.

While they only represent a small part of the sector, they are expected to be a great way for small investors to enter the market.

Freedom of absolute property

The introduction of the Freehold Decree in Dubai in 2002 was the first platform that allowed foreigners to buy, sell and lease properties.

The Decree helped launch multiple projects such as the ‘New Dubai’ area comprising the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Emirates Living.

This helped promote the growth of construction, architecture, engineering, and other real estate services. Over time, Dubai became a global hotspot for investments attracting the best and the brightest.

High return on investment (ROI)

The ultimate purpose of any investment is to get more out of your investment. The UAE controls an ever-flourishing real estate market that grows with its population.

Dubai’s real estate assets have generated a 120 percent return for investors in the decade since the global financial crisis. The region’s will is that real estate investment in Dubai Real Estate ranked second after investment in the Nasdaq index at the time.

During the first quarter of 2017, the Dubai Land Department reported deals worth AED77 billion (US $ 20.9 billion) in the first three months of the year, compared to AED 54.7 billion ($ 14, 89 billion) in January to March 2016.

The data for the same in 2018 showed a similar trend with transactions during the first three months for a total of Dh58 billion through 13,759 sales. This constitutes 9,092 sales transactions worth approximately Dh 19 billion, 3,717 mortgage transactions worth Dh 30.6 billion and a further 950 transactions valued at Dh 8.4 billion.

The first quarter also attracted 5,041 foreign investors who made more than 5,000 transactions with a total value of more than Dh10 billion.

All these numbers paint a prosperous outlook for the real estate sector in the UAE, ending the question of investing or not.

Relationship

Preschool Easter crafts for kids are a great way to keep them active this Easter.

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Working with preschoolers is great as they are generally very enthusiastic when it comes to getting things done and creating lots of arts and crafts projects within the classroom. They are usually around 3 or 4 years old, which means they are fed up with the harsh world around them and still have great optimism. They generally want to please and receive praise from adults and teachers, so they go to great lengths in everything they do.

This enthusiasm also extends to preschool Easter crafts for kids in the classroom. No matter what activity you put in front of them, you can generally bet they’ll try well. Anyone who works with children will practically tell you the same thing.

That’s why Easter is a popular time in the classroom when it comes to getting creative with arts and crafts. The great thing about Easter is that there are tons of things to do, from Easter baskets to decorating Easter eggs.

Some Great Easter Craft Ideas for Preschoolers

You are really only limited by your imagination and the tools you have in your classroom when it comes to designing preschool Easter crafts for kids this year. Of course, you have to make sure that these little ones are supervised if they use scissors and that they have the appropriate safety sheets.

You can start your preschoolers with a simple Easter arts and crafts idea that is always popular this time of year. Take a card of different colors, reds, pinks, blues, etc. and cut them into long strips. Then, using security glue tape, have your class weave the card together to create a simple Easter basket shape. You can also bring some tissue paper to line the bottom of your baskets. Another piece of cardstock of different colors can be folded to form an ad hoc handle as well.

If your preschoolers have access to computers, they can go online (with a little help) and print out some Easter-themed images like Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter chicks, etc. that can be printed and used as decoration for your Easter baskets.

An excuse to talk about Easter

While your little ones are busy making their Easter baskets, you can tell them all about Easter and what it means to you so they can get a little background on why they are making their baskets.

Who would have thought that Easter crafts for preschoolers were such a great way to get your students actively involved in a great activity that promotes group work and good communication skills?

Gaming

Those items aren’t junk, they’re antiques!

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If you’ve ever watched PBS’s long-running Antiques Roadshow series, you know that some people have precious treasure hidden in plain sight. It is amazing to see the priceless items that people have hidden in their attics, basements and even on their walls; everything is a treasure waiting for the right person to arrive. These are some of the most valuable and strange finds of all.

Comic relief

In 2013, David González purchased a dilapidated home in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. González, a trade contractor, immediately set out to gut the interior walls of the repair shop. When his mallet pierced the drywall, he noticed that it was full of insulation paper, a common practice in the 1930s. A comic book caught Gonzalez’s eye amid the shreds of newspaper. Turns out it was Action Comics No. 1, the first appearance of Superman, the holy grail of comics. A nearly mint-condition copy of the comic sold at auction for more than $ 2 million. The copy González found was nowhere near mint, the last pages were missing, and it was badly damaged. It still sold for $ 175,000 at auction. Considering he paid $ 10,000 for the house, it’s safe to say he was okay with that.

Figurine of seven figures

George Davis was a longtime employee of Hammer Galleries in Manhattan, and over the years bought a handful of antiques. When he passed away in late 2013, family members found a small, unadorned box in the attic of his upstate home. The box contained a small figure that turned out to be worth a fortune. The doll was a Fabergé figure of a Russian imperial commander from before WWI. The adornment of the uniform was made of real gold, and the medals and insignia were set with precious stones. It was originally commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II for his wife in 1912, purchased by an American industrialist, and then finally by Mr. Davis in 1934 for $ 2,250. It was valued at nearly $ 800,000, but sold for more than $ 5 million in an auction.

They are watching you boy

In 2015, Randy and Linda Guajiro were looking at some antiques in a store in Fresno, California, when they came across a box of old photographs. They looked through them and, though nothing caught their eye, a voice in Randy’s head told him to hold onto the dark typeface photo of the young man holding a croquet mallet. Los Guajiros paid $ 2 for three photos in total, including the one from tintype. Randy eventually took it to an American antiquities expert in the San Francisco Bay area, who helped reconstruct the identities of the men in the photo. It is the only known photograph of Billy the Kid with his gang, the Regulators, making it an invaluable piece of American history. The only other photo of the legendary outlaw sold at auction for $ 2.6 million. The value of this photo is set at $ 5 million because it shows the Kid with his gang, notorious Wild West legends in their own right.

Next time you go through some junk in the attic, take a second look at it. You never know what you will find.