Tours Travel

Vacation Attractions in Puerto Rico!

One day I was visiting a community discussion forum and came across a member’s request for more information on what attractions were close to where they were staying. I was surprised by one of the responses that said, “Other than golf and the beach, there really wasn’t much to do in that place” Puerto Rico is only two hundred miles long by 35 miles wide, in light of this you can drive to almost any part of the island in one day.

Here is a list of some of the main events on the island.

o Punta Borinquen Golf Course, in Aguadilla

o Luis A. Ferré Science Park, in Bayamón

o Joaquín de Rojas & Monte Torrecilla House Museum, in Barranquitas

o Artisans of Cabo Rojo, Museum of the Próceres and Salar de Salinas in Cabo Rojo

or Caribbean Raceway Park, in Carolina

o Caja de Muertos Beach, in Caja de Muertos

o Snorkeling and Diving in Culebra

o Ojo del Buey & Dorado Del Mar Golf Club, in Dorado

o The Fajardo Lighthouse, in Fajardo

o La Parguera Phosphorescent Bay and Punta Ballena Reserve, in Guánica

o Astronomical Observatory & The Shiraz Charters, in Humacao

o The Feast of the Elizabethan Kings, in Isabela

o Plaza Colon Yaguez Theater, in Mayaguez

or El Morro, in Old San Juan

o Carite Forest Reserve, in Patillas

o Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center and Ponce Art Museum, in Ponce

o Exploration Vertical Skatepark Roller, in Quebradillas

o Lighthouse El Faro, in Rincón

o Bahia Beach Plantation Golf Course, in Rio Grande

or La Fortaleza, in San Juan

o Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, on Vieques

o Roig Refinery, in Yabucoa

These are just some of the attractions available to tourists who visit this paradisiacal island. If you’re looking for cultural attractions, you should head to Old San Juan, walk the narrow, winding, cobblestone roads, sample the architecture, and visit the museums. If you like to shop, there are great stores all over Old San Juan, you can spend a day going in and out of these stores selling just about anything from handmade artisan items to gold and jewelry.

Every fast food chain and restaurant found on the mainland has a presence here, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Macaroni Grill, Sizzler just to name a few. Alternatively you can enjoy Pollo Tropical, Martin Chicken or any of the local food restaurants that serve just about anything you can imagine. Seafood lovers will love our restaurants serving fresh seafood caught by fishermen who go out every day for the catch of the day.

Puerto Rico is an island paradise with beaches on each coast; they feature beautiful warm blue waters with some of the best panoramic views in the world. There is plenty of nightlife in San Juan and Isla Verde with casinos in many of the major hotels. You could spend an entire week taking in all that Puerto Rico has to offer and not cover a third of what we have mentioned here in this article.

Arts Entertainments

5 Proven Ways to Set the Stage for Successful Sales Calls

Selling and acting are similar. Perhaps that is why I have always loved acting and theater, as well as my sales and training career. In both professions, setting the stage is critical to the success of the performance. The stage provides the right environment for the players to act or tell the story. Higher production reps spend time setting the stage and strategizing before jumping in to make a recommendation or request.

You can use persuasive techniques to change or improve your prospect’s perception of the “stage” or environment. Perception is a lens through which we interpret reality. By changing the lens, you can change the way people see and interpret reality and ensure that the prospect is ready and open to receive your message. Here are his five tips for successfully setting the stage:

1. Likeness – The more you resemble the person you are trying to persuade, the more you will increase likeability and the more likely you will be to persuade them. We are psychologically compelled to gravitate toward similar stimuli because people who are more similar to us seem less threatening. This mentality stems from the caveman’s desire to survive.

Dress similarly to your prospect, but always be well groomed, as the more groomed and pleasant you appear, the more persuasive you will be. Of course, discussing shared backgrounds or similar interests makes for a less threatening conversation. But be careful not to fall into the trap of commenting on photos in the prospect’s office that may have been placed there to ensnare salespeople talking smoothly.

two. ideomotor response (chameleon effect) – Our tendency is to perform a physical behavior simply by thinking about the behavior. You can gain rapport by imitating your target’s behavior. When another person mimics our nonverbal behavior, it activates the medial orbital cortex, and that region of the brain is associated with reward processing, so it’s biologically pleasing. This is not “monkey go, monkey do” but rather relaxed arms and hands, posture, nodding and a sincere smile.

3. behavioral consistency – When the behavior is not consistent with their attitude, they are motivated to solve it. Robert Cialdini, prominent influential speaker, suggests the “one foot in the door” technique to motivate the prospect. First, ask the prospect to comply with a small request, such as permission to sit or ask a question. You can keep sprinkling little requests into your conversation. Then the odds will be in your favor for later larger requests, as the prospect looks for consistency with past behavior. However, don’t use the old tricks, like asking questions that obviously require a yes answer. Use real questions of interest that advance the sales process.

Four. storytelling – Stories, particularly self-disclosure stories (Who You Are Story) build trust, clarify, encourage, and make relationships more interesting and exciting. A good story follows the hero’s journey described by Joseph Campbell. It’s more than cold facts. Include a conflict or challenge that you overcame and the resulting change or transformation that occurred. This often leads to a discussion about shared values ​​or the prospect’s desired outcome.

5. BYAF (But you are free) – People don’t like to be pressured into making a decision. They fear the loss of freedom. Because your motivational state is perceived as a reduction in freedom of action, it is considered a counterforce and is known as “psychological reactance.”

Research shows that the best way to get someone to do something is to tell them they don’t have to. This technique doubles your chances of a yes. Suggest action but say “You are free to choose.” I saw an interesting implementation of this technique. A stop sign near my house reads: “Moving stops $125 fine, full stop free. Your choice.”

Tell the prospect up front that there is no obligation. One of the main purposes of the call is to determine if there is a fit to work together. If there is no adjustment, they are free to end the current relationship and perhaps recommit at another time when there is an adjustment.

Implement these techniques and you’ll increase your chances of a “yes” in your next customer interaction.

Technology

Some tips before climbing a mountain Part I

Mountaineering is an activity that is definitely considered exciting and fun.

While it is considered exciting, the fact that it is also a dangerous outdoor activity should never be discounted. With that said, everyone preparing to climb a mountain should know some important tips before beginning their journey.

In this article you will learn practical tips for climbing mountains. So read on to educate yourself and be ready before you step on top of your country’s tallest peak (or just another beginner’s mountain).

Here are some of the tips we’ve collected:

1. Read a lot. Before you decide to go trekking, make sure you have already done your homework. Yes, you need to read a series of materials that will help you prepare for the adventure of your dreams. By doing a little research, you’ll be equipped with insights into the skills required to climb mountains, mental preparation techniques, and more. By the way, there are also videos that you can search on the Internet that talk about it.

2. Know your mental toughness. Why is this important? More than your physical strength, mental strength is first and foremost your essential consideration. Do you get angry easily? Do you have panic? Are you quick at solving problems? These are just some of the many questions you should ask yourself if you are already determined to climb a mountain.

3. Prepare yourself physically. As we have already discussed above, physical preparation is also an integral part of this so-called extreme sport, especially since you need to test your endurance and physical strength before reaching the top. The solution? Get in shape weeks (or even months) before the climb.

4. Have your own team. This sport has its own set of required outdoor gear. In summary, before starting the trek, make sure you have bought (or borrowed) and prepared the equipment that you are going to take with you when you start the trek. If you’re not sure what things you’ll need, do some research on them. You can do this through an online search or by contacting your local tourist office or tour operator.

5. Be knowledgeable about the ethics of mountaineering. You should be aware that this particular outdoor activity also has its own ethics. Learn about them.

6. Train before your schedule. Even weeks before your scheduled climb, you can already start training to prepare your mind and body. Some training activities may include climbing walls and basic first aid techniques.

These tips can be summed up in a simple statement: prepare both mind and body to start the so-called mountain climbing adventure!

Business

Accounting Implications of a Global Financial Crisis

The term ‘Global Financial Crisis’ means economic scarcity where there is a continuing drawback against stable strategic economic growth in the world. The underlying background to the crisis was reported in business magazines for many months prior to September 2008, with an emphasis on the financial stringency of US investment banks, insurance companies, and mortgage securities companies. and the world as a result of the crisis of high-risk companies. . Presenting with some vicious criticism against prevailing business failures from improper application of risk controls for bad debt, debt insurance collateralization, and fraud, the large financial institutions that predominate in the United States and other regions of the world have faced a credit crunch and lazy progression. in economic activity. The shocks quickly updated and emerged into a global shock that resulted in a series of European bank failures and declines in various stock market indices, relevant with numerous declines in the market value of equities and commodities. The subprime crisis reached a critical stage during the first week of September 2008, characterized by severely tight liquidity in global credit markets and threats of insolvency for investment banks and other institutions. It is noted by critical analysis that the reserve position of banks in the Federal Reserve System began to rise above required levels of about $10 billion in early September 2008, just after the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, and just before the stock market crash and the presidential debates.

Consequently, in the face of such a global financial crisis, there was a great impact on the accounting strategy and in reference to the economics of world trade; there was a shortage of resources to measure the strength of the current position of financial institutions. To such an adverse connotation to Accounting, the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board today announced complementary measures in response to the global financial crisis following their joint meeting held in London on 23-24 March 2009. These postulates have helped establish the original form of financial statements. In the previous format of the balance sheet strategy, there was no room to reflect some economic events such as inflation, interest rate, and declining mortgage matters, but in the current reform strategy, enough changes have been made based on in accounting participation with so many revolutionary altercations. In reference to the global financial crisis, the IASB was accepted in 2001 and is the standard setting of the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation, and a non-profit private sector self-regulatory organization. The IASB is committed to assembling, in the public interest, a single set of high-quality global accounting standards that provide clear and equivalent high-quality general purpose financial statements. With regard to the objective, the IASB conducts wide-ranging public consultations and seeks the cooperation of intercontinental and national bodies around the world. Its 14 members come from nine countries and have a variety of professional backgrounds. They are appointed by and accountable to the Trustees of the IASC Foundation, who must select the best available mix of technical expertise and diversity of international business and market experience. Since 1973, the US Financial Accounting Standards Board has been chosen as the private sector organization to establish accounting and financial reporting standards. Those standards govern the preparation of financial reports and are authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Such standards are indispensable to the resourceful operation of the cost-cutting measure because investors, creditors, auditors, and others rely on credible, transparent, and comparable economic information. In structuring the ongoing work, the two boards agreed to work jointly and expeditiously toward common standards dealing with off-balance sheet activity and accounting for financial instruments. They will also work to analyze bad loan accounting within the financial instruments project. In addition, the boards agreed to issue proposals to replace their respective financial instrument standards with a common standard in a matter of months, not years. As part of this project, the boards will examine credit loss accounting, including expected and incurred loss models. The boards will continue to draw on the expertise provided by the Financial Crisis Advisory Group (FCAG), a high-level advisory body formed to guide the boards in their joint response to the financial crisis. The composition of the FCAG includes current and former investors, regulators, central bankers, finance ministers, and others from industry and the public sector.

The FCAG was established by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to advise the two boards on the implications of the global financial crisis on standard setting. and possible changes in the global regulatory environment. It is made up of 18 senior leaders with extensive international experience in financial markets, along with official observers representing the world’s leading banking, insurance and securities regulators. The chairs and some other board members of the IASB and FASB also participate in the discussions. The FCAG has considered how improvements in financial reporting can help increase investor confidence in the financial markets and is seeking to identify, and provide information and advice on, significant accounting matters that require the boards’ immediate attention or consideration. in the longer term. . Topics discussed include, but are not limited to, fair value accounting, loan provisioning, and structured entities and other off-balance sheet vehicles. The FCAG was also interested in exploring board oversight, the process of setting standards in demanding situations, and the benefits of convergence of the two boards’ standards. As part of its work, the FCAG is considering several studies related to the financial crisis, such as the study by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the work of the Financial Stability Forum to address procyclicality in the financial system. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) this week announced the membership of the Financial Crisis Advisory Group (FCAG). The FCAG is the high-level advisory group established by the boards to consider financial reporting issues arising from the global financial crisis. The group includes recognized leaders from the business and government fields with extensive experience in international financial markets.

In view of the above discussion, it is clear that the criteria set by the Accounting standard must now focus on ensuring that IFRS continues to be a high quality principles-based accounting language. Global trade authorities need to be involved in the standard setting process as more and more countries adopt IFRS. The steps relevant to the financial crisis support an assurance of a joint approach to the financial crisis and the overall goal of seeking convergence between International Financial Reporting Standards and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). No one can deny the fact that, in relation to the global financial crisis, the IASB and FASB have an important role to overcome the difficulties related to the global economic crisis. They have taken active steps to measure the risks and uncertainty of these areas. The discussion required for those with experience in IFRS to share their views and knowledge. In areas like accounting, being too prescriptive with blanket measures could backfire. Issuing guidance from those results in mechanical rule following could be a recipe for disaster. Setting standards based on underlying principles and professional judgment have a vital role to play and must not stifle recovery. If this can be achieved through the consultative process, it should be possible for private and public sector parties to contribute to the evolution of individual standards, from the early standards setting stage.

In view of the above, it is clear that in most cases, competent authorities should subsequently be in a position to give their support to new standards, since they are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. However, the strategy of change reforms in the current financial reporting system concludes that while the crisis has revealed flaws in the global regulatory system itself, the worrisome authoritarian Board is still well positioned to play an active role in designing new global structures and ensure that they are transparent and accountable and that developing countries and others are represented, in order to increase the legitimacy of the decision-making process.

Home Kitchen

How to install granite countertops

Granite is a hard igneous rock that can be cut into different shapes and is a perfect material for making countertops. It is not only beautiful, but also durable and heat resistant. Granite countertops are a luxurious addition to any kitchen or bathroom. They are available in a range of beautiful and unique designs to choose from.

In the past, it was advised to hire a professional for granite countertop installation. Many companies now offer DIY granite countertop kits that you can install yourself. Here are some steps to install a granite countertop on your own:

– Once your cabinets are installed and securely anchored to the floor and walls, use craft paper to take the exact measurement of your countertop. It is important to include an overhang of one to one and a half inches for the edges that will face the cabinets. Granite countertops are available in a variety of styles and colors. You should choose one based on the overall design and style of the kitchen and the color of the cabinets and flooring. Purchase a countertop at a local retail store, or you can also order one online.

– Cut the plywood to fit on top of the cabinets to support the weight of the granite. It is important to make sure the plywood is square and level. Then use pilot holes to screw the plywood in place to prevent cracking.

– Granite is a heavy stone and can break if not handled correctly. You can get help lifting the counter up and onto the top of the cabinet. Make sure the countertop fits snugly into the cabinet.

– After that, remove the granite and create a pilot hole in the mark sink cutout with a drill. Use a jigsaw to create a hole for the sink. Install the sink correctly and make sure it fits properly.

– In the next step, level the seams for the slabs. It is important that the seams are absolutely level before gluing. Use screws under the plywood to make adjustments to the height of the granite.

– Apply silicone around the edges of the plywood every 6 to 12 inches. Seal the granite by placing a bead of caulking around the outside edge of the sink and the top of the sink. Pin the granite slab in place to make sure the seams match up well.

– Use blue masking tape to cover the seam. Fill the seams with a dollop of polyester-based resin and add a small amount of color. After that, remove the tape so that the mixture does not dry on the tape. Once the color dries, smooth the countertop with a joint stone until smooth.

To clean your granite countertop, use only mild cleaning products and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.

Auto

All about Brie Cheese

Brie appetizers are not only delicious, they are also very versatile. It’s amazing
what you can do with a Brie cheese. How did the “real” Brie cheese come about in the
first place? Well, according to cheese experts, Brie cheese production began in the
French province called, unsurprisingly, Brie, a city 60 miles from Paris!

The oldest recorded evidence of its existence is found in the chronicles of
Charlemagne. The Emperor at that time tasted the cheese in the city of Brie around
the year 774 a. And here’s another interesting fact about Brie…Louis
Supposedly, XVI’s last and last wish was to have one last taste of Brie.

It is sometimes called Brie de Meaux and is considered one of the most popular of
the more than 400 cheeses of France. The popularity of Brie de Meaux can be attributed to a
competition that took place around 1814. During a Congress of Vienna, an argument
blew up about which country made the best and the best cheese.

As a result, a Frenchman named Talleyrand suggested a competition
between the different countries and their national cheeses, since he was convinced that
France would win. And of course, they did! Brie de Meaux was the winner and
became known as the “King of Cheese” and as you can imagine, he instantly became
an overnight hit that took Europe by storm and has held that distinction ever since.

In fact, Brie Cheese from France won a Brie gold medal.
National Contest in both 2000 and 2001.

What makes it so damn good? Brie is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and has
an attractive combination of flavors including hazelnut, fruit and herbs. and it is needed
About 6.6 gallons of milk to make a brie round!

The production process consists of heating the milk to no more than 37 degrees C.
– but only during the setting stage. Therefore, the cheese is never cooked. after
placed in a mold with a special perforated shovel called “pelle à Brie”, it is
salted with dry salt. This salting process is used to balance the sweetness that
occurs due to the high quality of the milk used.

The maturation takes place in a cool cellar. The cheese develops a white mold around it.
and the creamy part turns light straw. The whole process takes at least 4
weeks and sometimes more.

In France, there are only 5 or 6 real producers of Brie de Meaux left. Apparently it’s a
Industry challenged by economies to enter. Brie has a very brittle curd that is
breaks easily and requires a special room built just to make Brie and
Triple Cream. It has to maintain the right temperature or maturation
the process will not work. This, in and of itself, makes Brie difficult to make and obviously requires
quite an investment. Therefore, farmers are not as willing to invest their time and
money in such a delicate process, not always reliable.

To serve Brie cheese properly, it’s best to let it come to room temperature.
Some good wine suggestions to serve with any type of Brie appetizer are a red
Côte-du-Rhône, a Bordeaux red or a Burgundy and it always goes well with a good
quality champagne.

In the United States, we do not sell “real brie” due to pasteurization laws that
have settled in this country. US FDA regulations say you can only do
cheese with our pasteurized milk. Our “Brie” is not the real Brie, but he is the closest thing to us.
you can make it taste like Brie de Meaux from France. If you were to put truth
French Brie next to Brie made in the United States, the difference would be very
perceptible. You’d get hooked on French Brie and have to make yearly trips
to France to satisfy your new craving!

Instead of going to France, try this tasty Brie appetizer. You’ll be glad you did!

Amaretto Brie Appetizer

There’s nothing like serving this delicious Amaretto Brie appetizer. Especially when
you see everyone dive into it without a trace. your friends and
guests will be begging you for this recipe. It’s easy to make and the creamy taste of almonds.
It is fantastic with a baguette or gourmet crackers.

What you will need:

– 1/2 cup brown sugar (tightly packed)

– 1/2 cup of butter

– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1 ounce. amaretto liqueur

– 1 round of Brie cheese

– 1/4 cup sliced ​​almonds (chopped walnuts will work too)

– Toasted points, apple slices, baguette or crackers

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then melt the butter and add the
sugar in a heavy saucepan. Stir until heated through and consistency is smooth and
thick.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and Amaretto. mixed
good ingredients.

Next, place round Brie (remove Brie from packaging) in an oven safe dish. drink
the sauce you just made and pour over the Brie. Then cover the sauce with the
sliced ​​almonds.

All you need to do is bake it for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is soft. You could
also in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. But just put it in the microwave for 30
second intervals until smooth and hot. If you microwave it for too long,
finish with Amaretto Brie appetizer soup, and that’s not what we want here!

You can serve the melted Brie on a pretty plate surrounded by apple slices, sliced
baguette and crackers. It will quickly disappear!

If you are interested in other Brie appetizers and other easy to make appetizers
recipes please visit Easy Appetizer Recipes which is located at the following URL where
you will be pleasantly surprised with the variety of options.

Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. Nevertheless,
you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links must be maintained
active.

Digital Marketing

Invest in a volatile environment

The volatility we have recently experienced in the market is very worrying for some investors. Unfortunately, those investors who hit the panic button and sold out are acknowledging huge losses in their portfolios only to turn to investments that are perceived as safer places to invest.

The fact is that we invest our money to earn long-term rates of return that will exceed the rate of inflation and help us preserve our purchasing power. Historically, cash has been the worst place to invest for the long term.

Losing investment capital in a volatile market
According to Fidelity Investments, investors who sold their 401(k) holdings as the market crashed between October 2017 and March 2018, and then sat on the sidelines, have only seen the value of their accounts increase by about 2%, including contributions. through June 2019. This compares with those who stuck it out and saw account balances bounce back by around 50%. During periods of extreme volatility, wealth managers will often tell clients to stay invested rather than sell periods and lock in big losses in a swing market.

Building confidence in your strategy is one way to avoid making the mistake of buying high and selling low. Having the mental conviction to tell yourself that you have a carefully planned portfolio of high-quality investments goes a long way in getting you through the toughest days of market volatility. If you’re not sure how to select high-quality investments, consult a registered financial manager or investment advisor.

The question is; How do you get into that state of mind? It’s not easy if you’re the type of person who tends to get a knot in the stomach when the market falls. Here are some steps that could increase your confidence level.

Overcoming the Fear of Volatility
One step you need to take to better manage volatility is to make sure you have adequate cash reserves for a financial emergency that may arise. In this way you will not be depending on your portfolio for unforeseen expenses and your level of anxiety will be lower, knowing that you do not need to sell your investments when they have lost value.

Make sure you have an investment mix that fits your risk tolerance and time frame. This can be achieved by considering how you have felt when market crashes have occurred in the past. Their Wealth Management The assessor should be able to provide you with a thought-provoking questionnaire that gives you a score when you complete it. The score on the quiz will have a corresponding asset allocation that you can use to determine the split you will have between stocks, bonds, and cash.

Once your allocation has been determined, stick with it. It is good practice to reallocate your assets periodically to maintain the same level of risk. This means that a portion of those investments that perform better will be sold (sell high) to buy in order to buy shares in those that have not performed as well (buy low).

Other ways to hedge volatility can be through the use of options. Two simple strategies can be applied. One is the sale of covered call options against underlying stock or ETF positions. In this strategy, you (the option seller) collect money from a speculator (the option buyer) in exchange for an agreement to sell your stock only if it reaches a specified price (higher than the one currently listed). the purchase). transaction). The option must reach the target price (strike price) within a predetermined time frame (expiration date). If not, the contract expires, you keep the money paid out, and are free to sell more options against that stock position.

The other strategy is to simply buy a put option. This gives you the right to sell your position in a stock or ETF you own at a predetermined price within a predetermined time frame. For this privilege, you will pay money (a premium) to the potential buyer (seller of the put option) of your shares. This strategy should be implemented in periods of low volatility, as the cost of the transaction will increase as the markets begin to fall.

Buy With Conviction
Let’s say you’ve had a stock that has performed well over time. The stock has had a history of rising revenue, earnings, and dividend increases. It seems that stocks usually go up when the market goes up, only now there has been a big sell-off in the market and stocks have dropped drastically due to market conditions. It may be time to do some research on the company and make sure that the drop is simply due to a bad market in general. If that turns out to be the case, it may be time to buy more shares. Big companies often go up for sale at market downturns, only to have dramatic rallies once the downturn is over.

Talk to your wealth management team
You should also check with your finance manager when markets are volatile. Investment professionals are in the business of understanding what is causing market volatility and can often provide some insight. Many times, your investment professional can help ease your anxiety and remind you of your commitment to your financial allocation and goals.

Health Fitness

Why is refined sugar, known as white sugar, bad for you?

Americans consume two to three pounds of sugar each week. Sugar is processed in so many foods we eat. These foods are not just sweets. Sugar in large amounts can be found in peanut butter, mayonnaise, bread, ketchup, and many other categorically “not sweet” products.

Now we come to the question: Why is Refined Sugar bad for you?

Refined sugar is bad because it raises the level of insulin in the blood.

High levels of insulin in the blood depress the immune system. If your immune system is depressed, then your ability to fight disease is weakened.

High levels of insulin in the blood can cause weight gain. Insulin promotes fat storage; therefore, when you eat foods that are high in refined sugar, you increase fat storage. Obviously, the result is rapid weight gain.

Refined sugar does not contain vitamins or minerals, so for sugar to be metabolized, it must use the body’s reserve of vitamins and minerals. When these stores are depleted, the metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids is impeded, contributing to an increase in blood serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and promoting obesity due to increased storage of fatty acids around the organs.

In summary, here are ways that refined sugar can affect your health: o Sugar can suppress the immune system. o Sugar can upset the mineral balance of the body. o Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and moodiness in children. o Sugar can cause a significant increase in triglycerides. o Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children. o Sugar can lower useful high-density cholesterol (HDL). o Sugar can promote a rise in harmful cholesterol (LDL). o Sugar can cause hypoglycemia. o Sugar contributes to weakening the defenses against bacterial infections. o Sugar can cause kidney damage. o Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. o Sugar can lead to a chromium deficiency. o Sugar can cause copper deficiency. o Sugar interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium. o Sugar can increase fasting blood glucose levels. o Sugar can promote tooth decay. o Sugar can cause heartburn. o Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children. o Sugar can lead to periodontal disease. o Sugar can accelerate the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair. o Sugar can increase total cholesterol. o Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity. o High sugar intake increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. o Sugar can contribute to diabetes. o Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis. o Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity. o Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance. o Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease. o Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure. o Sugar causes food allergies. o Sugar can cause the formation of free radicals in the bloodstream. o Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy. o Sugar can contribute to eczema in children. o Sugar can overload the pancreas and cause damage. o Sugar can cause atherosclerosis. o Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries. o Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver. o Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver. o Sugar can increase the size of the kidney and cause pathological changes in the kidney. o Sugar can cause depression. o Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention. o Sugar can cause a hormonal imbalance. o Sugar can cause high blood pressure. o Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines. o Sugar can cause an increase in delat, alpha and theta brain waves, which can impair the mind’s ability to think clearly. o Sugar can increase the stickiness of blood platelets, which increases the risk of blood clots and strokes. o Sugar may increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low-sugar diets. o Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.

Bullet list source: http://www.nancyappleton.com

Lifestyle Fashion

The true origin of the Baja hoodie

There is an assumption that the Baja hoodie, also known as the Mexican hoodie, Mexican jacket, or Mexican sweater, originated in Mexico due to the abundant supply and variety of the product in towns and cities along the U.S. border. United States and Mexico. Vendors in these areas use the stereotypical image to market their wares to tourists. Hypothetically, an indecisive tourist at the end of their trip to Mexico wants to buy a souvenir that symbolizes culture, diversity, and foreign lands, and will often settle on a serape blanket or Baja hoodie. And so the misperception is perpetuated that the low hoodie represents Mexico and all that it stands for.

Perhaps the detour is in the name. The word low may suggest that the place of origin is Baja, Mexico. Actually, low is a descriptive word for the material of the jacket. Baja is synonymous with another Spanish word, flannel, whose literal translation into English is flannel, suggesting the characteristic multicolored and criss-cross designs. Flannel more traditionally means fine woven wool or cotton. Therefore, the word low describes the nature of the fabric and the decorative design of the jacket, not the location.

Why then is the Baja Hoodie sold in Mexico? The truth is that the low jacket made its way through Mexico, but it did not originate there. Its origins go back to the indigenous peoples of Central and South America. It is a derivative ancestor or fashion of the poncho.

An indigenous group in southern Chile, for example, called the Mapuche can be linked to the advent of the poncho. The poncho has a rectangular shape with a hole in the center for the wearer’s head. The Mapuche found a practical use for the poncho as the simplistic design served a protective function in windy and rainy climates by reducing exposure to the elements in that region. Some of the oldest archaeological finds of textiles or fabrics with complex designs and patterns were found in cemeteries in Chile and Argentina in 1300 AD, in areas where the Mapuche prospered.

Camel hair was the main material used to create the fabrics to make the cloth. Later European settlers introduced sheep to the natives. The indigenous people began to raise sheep and weave their thicker wool into the material to make the poncho. Wool and cotton became the material of choice and characteristically defined the poncho as warm and durable.

The simplicity and practicality of the poncho magnified its popularity and use throughout the region. As it spread geographically, it naturally evolved into several useful variations of protective jackets, including what we now know as the Baja Hoodie, which sports a hood and accessory sleeves with a front pouch. Perhaps the evolution of the poncho to the hoodie parallels the invention of our modern Snuggie, a blanket with sleeves. Someone possibly thought, “wouldn’t it be nice if I could keep this thing warm and have better use of my hands?” What was not lost in translation or evolution was precisely what is described in its name, the meaning of the material. And that’s why there’s still a demand for Baja hoodies today, because they’re woven with material to be durable, comfortable, and warm, while maintaining what made them relatively simplistic and practical all those years ago.

Pets

Lenovo ThinkPad L570 Review: A versatile laptop for business users with good wireless technology

Designed to be a versatile business laptop that helps professionals get through the workday, the Lenovo ThinkPad L570 comes with Intel Core processors and up to 15 hours of battery life. It’s also an affordable alternative to a high-end workstation laptop. The case is constructed of black PC/ABS plastic and features the angular ThinkPad design. Weighing 5.25 pounds, the machine measures 14.84 x 1.08- 1.21 x 10.4 inches (W x H x D). There is a maintenance hatch at the bottom that is easy to remove.

The card reader is among the fastest in the laptop industry. It can transfer approximately 250 high-resolution jpg files (about 5 MB each) at a speed of 72 to 73 Mbps. Like all L-series laptops, this model has a variety of ports and connectivity: RJ-45, mDP , VGA< LTE-A, USB 3.0 docking, mechanical docking, etc.

Since this is a ThinkPad, its network chip is ideal for use in the business sector. Dual Band Wireless AC 2×2 (8265) function is mounted on the Wi-Fi module. It is not only compatible with 802.11 abgn Wi-Fi standards, but also faster than ac standard. Also included is Bluetooth 2.1 v Pro technology and (optional) Qualcomm Snapdragon (WWAN) X7 LTE-A. The Sierra Wireless model is EM 7455.

With built-in 4G LTE-A connectivity, you’ll be able to access your apps and data even when you’re out of Wi-Fi range. All it takes is a single click.

Here are the hardware specifications for the Lenovo ThinkPad L570, many of which are upgradeable:

• Intel Core i3 2.4 GHz processor / 3 MB cache (7100U)

• 15.6-inch HD TN non-touch display with 1366 × 768 resolution

• 4GB DDR4 2133 SODIMM Memory

• 500 GB 2.5-inch SATA3 / 7200 RPM hard drive

• Intel HD Graphics 620

• Windows 10 operating system (Home 64)

• 720p HD camera with microphone

Upgrade Options for Lenovo ThinkPad L570

If an i3 processor model isn’t enough, the laptop supports up to 7th generation i7 processors (7600U up to 3.90GHz / 4MB cache). The non-touch IPS screen is available as an FHD model with a resolution of 1920×1080.

The 4GB of memory is expandable up to 32GB and there’s room for a 256GB OPAL 2.0 Solid State Drive.

The L570 has a six-cell (48 Wh) rear battery that can last up to 15.5 hours. This will definitely be enough to get you through a full day of work.

While the Home 64 version of the Windows 10 operating system is included, Lenovo recommends the Pro 64 version, especially for business users.

What do other users say about this machine? Quiet operation, quality speakers, good power management, security features (fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0, etc.), and lack of heat are all advantages mentioned in reviews of the Lenovo ThinkPad L570.

Lenovo is a global provider of computers for business, student, and personal PC users. Enjoy some Lenovo ThinkPad L570 discounts when placing your order. You may also want to keep an eye out for promo codes on other electronics, like printers, IdeaPad tablets, and Legion gaming laptops.