In 2001, Apple Inc. launched 21st century portable media players under the iPod brand. The new iPod lineup features iPod classic with hard drive, iPod touch with touchscreen, iPod nano with video display, and iPod shuffle without display. Apart from them, the classic iPod range includes iPod mini and iPod photo.

These digital music players can be used as external data storage devices, but their capabilities vary by model. Music is transferred to the device with the help of iTunes software from Apple Inc. One can store music collection and also play, vibrate or split music from CD with this software. In addition to that, photos, games, videos, and calendars can also be transferred to iPods that support such functions. Apple iPods are easy to use.

The iPod has made history by selling 110 million units worldwide since September 2007. Apple CEO Steve Jobs decided to develop a portable music device that was easy to use. He assembled his team of hardware and software engineers and released the product on October 23, 2001. This digital device used to have a 5GB hard drive capable of storing at least 1,000 songs. Apple took the support of Portal Player and Pixo to develop this product. Later, Apple continued to develop refined versions of the iPod.

iPods have the ability to display many audio file formats like MP3, Protected AAC, Audible Audiobook, etc. while file formats like JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG can be viewed with iPod photo. Similarly, upgraded versions of iPods can play most advanced file formats. Although Apple does not support Microsoft’s WMA format, a converter for the Windows version of iTunes is provided. When an iPod is associated with a computer, music libraries or playlists are automatically or manually synced with iTunes. 5G iPods come with a click wheel to control the volume and 5 buttons used to play, stop and go to the next track etc.

In order to provide songs for iPods, Apple launched an iTunes store that can be accessed through iTunes. The rate per song varies from country to country. The buyer can buy as many songs as he wants and enjoy the protected content. This store was very successful immediately after its launch and then Apple released videos for sale also in 2006. Purchased songs were downloaded with additional encryption of AAC format as FairPlay DRM system. Later, DRM was released to stop the manufacture of pirated CDs.

In 2007, Apple lowered its fees for iTunes Plus songs and also for DRM-encoded tracks. Since the iPod doesn’t play songs from its rival’s DRM technologies, it has limited its user to the iTunes Store only. With this, Apple made limited profit, but then allows you to play music from online stores such as eMusic or Amie Street. In 2007, Apple launched the iTunes WiFi Music Store which allows the user to download songs from their iPhone or iPod. Media downloaded from iTunes stores are transferred from iPods to computer with the help of software called iTunes 7 or higher.

The sound quality on the iPod can be improved with the equalizer, but keep in mind that high volume can cause bass distortion. The use of hardware in iPods such as microcontrollers, batteries, audio chips, etc. it depends exclusively on the version of the iPods. Upgraded iPods are available with more advanced technology. These days many accessories for iPods are marketed not only by Apple but also by other parties. These accessories can allow a user to have FM radio tuners, wired remote controls, etc.

iPods have also marked their importance in the field of education, since they allow the user to download information, lesson plans, etc. Apple is continually working to bring updated versions of iPods.

If you’re looking to buy a stainless steel kitchen sink, there are some boring but very important considerations to look into. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a drop-in sink (one that drops into your work surface) or an undermount sink (or under the counter sink), you want to make sure your time and money are well spent.

In this article, you’ll find out (quickly) what to look for when it comes to steel thickness (measured in gauge). The more you discover the more about the composition of steel. This is usually measured by the chromium and nickel content, the key ‘ingredients’ that make your stainless steel kitchen sink stainless.

Kitchen sinks and gauge (steel thickness)

There are many reasons to buy stainless steel sinks instead of granite or ceramic. First is cost because you can get a lot of value for just a couple of hundred dollars with a well-built kitchen sink. And second, they are less likely to chip and crack with everyday use.

Sinks are typically made from 18/10 steel (that’s the ratio of chrome to nickel) and come in a variety of thicknesses. While many retailers talk about the thickness of steel, it’s actually a measure of weight per square foot.

Now you have something to make the sales rep look bad!

For ease, we’ll talk in terms of thickness!

Steel thickness is measured in gauge with lower numbers indicating thicker. Thicker sink construction materials mean your sink is less likely to warp, bend and dent with everyday use.

Most quality kitchen sinks are made from 16-gauge stainless steel, some come in 18-gauge, and cheaper alternatives are 20- or 22-gauge steel.

For most of us, the number is pretty useless until you consider that 16 gauge steel is about 20% thicker than 18 gauge steel. For a solidly built sink, 16 gauge is a sign of quality.

What finish are you looking for?

The most popular and common stainless steel sink finish is satin brushed. Alternatives include polished, silk and linen finishes. As the names suggest, brushed steel has been brushed (or abraded) with fine grit sandpaper.

Satin finishes are finished with finer cloths, loaded with an abrasive paste with the final finish depending on how abrasive the paste is. The polished finish is the finest of the three (brushed, satin and polished).

It’s important to remember that regardless of the finish you choose, deep scratches can be difficult to remove. While you should always care for your sink and protect it, it’s important to accept that it will get scratched and figure out what finish will look best for you.

Many people choose a sink based on design over finish, remembering that over time there will be a buildup of micro-scratches from daily wear and tear that will change the look of your sink but can also add character to your kitchen.

Final purchase decisions

Ultimately, the final decision comes down to finding a quality kitchen sink from a leading manufacturer that looks good and fits in your kitchen.

However, it’s always good to know that your money was well spent and that the sink you invest in can outlast your kitchen with careful selection of thickness, finish and of course a little care. Most quality brands come with a limited warranty so you can be sure your sink will last!

I grew up in the small town of Fort Chambly, Quebec, just south of Montreal. From an early age, my grandfather, who built Canada’s first gasoline-powered car, the Fossmobile, often shared his own interest in automobiles with me, which may have contributed to my fascination with the automobile.

I fondly remember neighbors letting me test drive their MGBs, Triumphs and Minis, but it was getting behind the wheel of a 1972 BMW 2002tii that confirmed my thinking. It felt much smoother and faster than the other cars I had driven. It had more horsepower and felt like it could effortlessly hug the road. Back then I made a promise to myself that one day I would own one of these fabulous vehicles.

While researching these cars in early 2009, I stumbled upon a gem in Calgary, Alberta, and found it to be in surprisingly decent shape. All original, without previous modifications or restoration attempts. I picked it up quickly, based solely on the pictures and my intuitive trust in the person selling it. This guy was only the second owner and only had 45,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle originated in the US and the original owner was traced to Colorado.

A 2002tii is often worth more and therefore more coveted. Finding one in good condition, without owner modifications, is getting harder and harder. This is especially true considering the mechanical uniqueness of the tii (international touring injection) and the cost of some of those unique parts. The original 2002tii had a mechanical Kugelfischer fuel injection system, a first for BMW. This 2.0-liter engine could produce between 125 and 140 horsepower and between 127 and 145 pound-feet of torque.

I had an antique vehicle hauler pick it up and ship it to Burlington, Ontario. The car had been partially painted once but it was a terrible job and there was evidence of excess putty, cracked paint and some visible rust. That was at least what I could see. Other surprises awaited me.

When the car arrived from Calgary, it was delivered to the local BMW dealer. I checked it with the help of the mechanics. We just wanted to see if it worked. We found that very little was required to meet safety and certification requirements. Engine compression was near factory and very even. The fuel tank was cleaned and all fluids were flushed out. We changed the oil, oil filter and spark plugs. Finally, they completed an extensive brake inspection. Once everything looked good, I hit the road and drove the car for a few weeks, learning everything I could about it.

For the most part, it worked fine, but some parts were worn, weathered, and required an update. It was slow, had certain vibrations and did not handle potholes very well. My plan was to use all original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts.

I started the restoration with everything mechanical. The entire fuel supply system needed cleaning and all three fuel filters (fuel pump, fuel injection and in-line filter) were replaced. The water pump was partially seized, so that was next. I was concerned about the mechanical fuel injection system, but it seemed fine.

All rubber items were my next inspection and replacement project. The seals, belts, motor mounts and frame bushings required an overhaul. Due to the age of the car, I decided to replace the entire rubber frame and mounting bushings. New hoses and belts were then installed. Front and rear shock absorbers were in poor condition. The two in the back were rusty. All new shocks fitted, complete with new tower mounts. Not surprisingly, the entire exhaust system was rusty. While the exhaust manifold was fine, all pipes and the muffler had to be replaced.

The rotoflex rubber guibo bushing/bearing between the transmission and the front of the driveshaft was the worst of all the parts that required replacement. This is an all rubber mount, with metal sleeves for eight mounting bolts to go through. Its purpose is to dampen vibration and movement between the transmission and the driveshaft. When I took it apart, it completely collapsed in my hands. The rear universal joint on the driveshaft was seized in one direction, which meant replacing the entire driveshaft as it comes as a completely sealed unit.

The clutch slave cylinder was leaking, so that too was headed for the recycling bin. Smaller items like brake cylinders and engine gaskets were replaced. Some items were replaced because they absolutely needed to and others for good measure, like the brake pads, because it was easier to do while they were taken apart, rather than take them apart again later.

The shifter linkage required some attention. When the car arrived, one of the first things I noticed was that the gear lever was very loose and was wobbling in every gear. The shift travel on the 2002tii is long, but this one made constant shifting an unpleasant chore. I found that all the bushings, sleeves and connections were mostly worn out or completely gone. Once replaced, it shifted smoothly through all four gears and just as forcefully as it would have from the factory floor.

The interior of the car was in remarkable condition. Even the telltale clock on the 2002tii’s dashboard was present and working. A little cleanup and a weld job for a seat bracket was all it took.

Completely stripped the vehicle of all chrome: lights, grills, bumpers, etc. All of these were in excellent condition and were now going to be safely stored for the winter as it was the best time to complete the bodywork restoration.

There were obvious rusty areas such as the outer running board panels along with the two rear fenders and the right front fender, but the inner running board sills also looked suspicious. When the old front fenders were removed, reality set in. I discovered what everyone who attempts a project like this fears: more rust than anticipated. The entire right pillar between the fender and the door hinge was almost rusty. It had to be completely rebuilt by grinding and welding on a new part.

The vehicle was completely stripped of old paint. The rear outer fenders were tin filled and new front fenders installed. Some very minor body work to rectify a dent or two and it was ready for a skim coat and sanding. Lots of sanding!

The doors, trunk lid and engine hood were removed and painted separately. The rest was painstakingly wallpapered, glued, and prepared for the paint booth. He then went into the paint booth for six coats of original paint and three coats of clear coat. After that, the vehicle looked like it belonged in the showroom (minus the doors, chrome, lights, bumpers, etc.).

Then, very carefully, it was a lot of effort to reinstall all the chrome: lights, grills and bumpers that had to be put back on. With most of the mechanics fixed, it drove just like I remembered it, way back in the 70’s. I was finally ready to show this vintage 1972 BMW 2002tii to anyone who wanted to look. The car became everything I dreamed it would be. So my passion had been satisfied. He had the vintage BMW 202tii the way he wanted it.

As linguists, we often talk about languages: how to learn them, tricks to retain them, and the culture that is connected to them, all in an effort to become fluent. However, the interconnected web of language and communication is never complete without body language. That’s right, the effective use of body language plays a key role in communication. And interpretations vary from country to country, culture to culture, so it’s vital for language learning as a whole. In fact, some researchers conclude that “nonverbal communication accounts for the majority of information transmitted during interpersonal interactions.”

People constantly send silent messages through body movements, facial expressions, tone of voice and volume. Whether it’s a small hand gesture or a certain posture, subtle involuntary movements register immediately and can have lasting repercussions.

There is some controversy surrounding the theory that body language is universal, however, most people can agree that there are some body language tips to keep in mind when dealing with people in the everyday life in the United States.

strike a pose

Do you need to feel safe when you feel shy? It’s time to strike a pose. Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Business School professor and social psychologist, found that simply holding the body in “high-power” expansive poses, such as lying with your feet on your desk and your hands behind your head, or with your hands on the hips, or with legs and arms wide open for two minutes, it stimulates the hormones. Power poses specifically increase testosterone, which is related to power and dominance, and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. You appear more confident and, according to the study, people are more influenced by how they feel about you than by what you say.

Smile

A smile directly influences how others respond to you. They make us feel better about ourselves and make us seem more approachable. When we see someone smile, we think that they are more cooperative and trustworthy. Best of all, smiles that breed smiles improve everyone’s emotional state, something we all need. speak softly

speak softly

A relaxed voice evokes images of a relaxed and confident person. If his pitch goes up at the end of sentences, it sounds like he’s asking a question or isn’t sure what he’s saying. One way to sound more authoritative is to start at one level, gently raise the pitch throughout the prize, and lower again at the end. On-screen reporters are good at this type of speech.

Remove barriers to collaboration

Eliminate anything that separates you from the rest of the team. This can even be as simple as a cup of coffee and where you hold it. Is it in front of your body? Is it closer to your face, a clear indicator that you feel insecure? Or is it near waist level, a sign that you are more comfortable?
reach out

Broca’s area of ​​our brain, which is important for speech production, is directly affected when we use our hands when speaking. Gestures go hand in hand with speech and can actually help us form clearer thoughts and greatly improve our verbal content.

Tap to create a link

A powerful nonverbal signal includes touching someone on the arm, hand, or shoulder. Even if it’s only for 1/40th of a second, it creates a strong bond. Most of us are familiar with the traditional handshake, this tactile gesture that leaves a lasting and positive impression. A study showed that people are twice as likely to remember you if you shake their hand. The same study also found that people react to those they shake hands with by being more open and friendly.

listen to the turnout

To increase participation, focus on those who are speaking. Avoid the urge to check your text messages, email, or look at other people. If your head and torso face the person speaking, you show that you are paying attention. Other nonverbal cues to show that you are engaged include leaning forward, nodding, and nodding your head. It’s just as important to make sure people know you’re listening as it is to listen to them.

be a mirror

When we unintentionally imitate another person’s body language, we are saying that we like or agree with them. When we want to establish a relationship with someone, we may intentionally try to imitate someone’s facial and body gestures. When done subtly, we help the other person feel understood and accepted.

The truth is in the sole

Studies show that we can better judge a person’s body language when we can see their entire body. Why? When people who are anxious or emotional try to control their body language, they often forget to control their feet. When stressed, people tend to increase their foot movements; they shuffle, fidget, or kick. We have been instinctively reacting to foot gestures all our lives.

be open to remember

In their book The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People’s Gestures and Expressions, Allan and Barbara Pease found that those who listen to lectures while sitting with their arms and legs extended remember more than their counterparts who sit in postures. more defensive with arms and legs crossed. They were essentially less “closed” to remembering what they were hearing. If you meet people who are not open to you, they will not be open to your suggestions and will not be persuaded. If you see yourself bent, you will also not be receptive to new ideas or thoughts.

Whether you’re speaking or listening, these body language tips are sure to come in handy. Keeping them in the middle will help increase your non-verbal impact and improve your communication skills.

Summary:

In the telecommunications industry, customers can choose from multiple service providers. In such a fiercely competitive telecommunications market, organizations should expect an annual churn rate of 30-35 percent and it can also cost 5-10 times more to recruit a new customer than to retain an existing one.

Since some customers are obviously more valuable than others, it is important to have a critical tool for customer segmentation and thus improve profitability across different customer groups. Segmentation is also considered one of the best ways to have more targeted communication with customers.

In any industry, customers can vary greatly in different attributes such as values, demographics, behavior, purchase frequency, etc. In the past, most segmentation was done on the basis of these attributes. Whereas, today, this model has changed and moved towards ‘Value Based Segmentation’, which focuses more on the revenue generated by each customer.

Data Collection or Mining:

Data mining is a process of understanding data and using it for further application development. There are several methods to collect data; but the basic data could be obtained based on the following seven questions;

1. How: How can a customer cause a call detail record? Making a voice call or receiving a voice call.

2. Who: Who is the customer calling? Do you call landlines? Do you call mobiles?

3. What: What is the location of the caller?

4. When: When does a customer call? A business customer can call during the office day, or during private hours in the evening or at night and during the weekend.

5. Where: Where does the customer call?

6. How long: How long does the customer call?

7. How often: How often does a customer call or receive a call?

Segmentation

Segmentation can be done on several bases:

1. Based on demographics/behavior/age group – most common
2. Surveys based on value needs
3. Usage targeting – data-driven
4. Billing segmentation

1. Based on demographics/behavior/age group – most common: Demographic targeting is one of the highly effective targeting types, where most of the targeting data will be broken down using factors like age, gender, behavior, social status, etc. It is basically done by studying the population. This segmentation helps an organization classify customers into various groups based on common variables. Therefore, based on the results, organizations can target these groups and devise better strategies. Data availability is the main advantage of this segmentation.

2. Based on value needs – Surveys: Here, organizations will send surveys based on the information they need from the customer to improve the products and services they offer. This segmentation will help organizations assess themselves as well as what is needed for a customer. Value: Needs-based surveys are often seen as an efficient means of communicating with customers.

3. Targeting by usage data driven:Organizations can categorize their customers based on their usage. So the basic values ​​would be; Nº: of minutes you have called in the last 30/15 days, to which destination you make the most number: of calls, top 5-10 destinations where you have made calls/sent SMS, etc. Segmentation based on usage data is one of the most focused areas in telecommunications. Based on this, organizations can work on creating a database that needs to be updated daily.

4. Billing Segmentation: Although billing systems are often perceived as business back-end operations, billing plays a vital role in the marketing and sales strategy of Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Here, customer billing data, such as monthly or annual billing data, will be extracted and transformed into usable analytics for segmentation.

Conclusion:

A better segmentation strategy can lead to a lot of gains such as better profitability, growth, and communications for telcos by better understanding their customers and their needs.

Circuit training exercises are designed to strengthen the core of the body with a combination of weight training and cardio exercises performed in repetitions and rotations. In general, total body workouts are also an essential circuit training tool used by personal trainers, non-athletes, and athletes. Using the resistance of different weights and a preset number of repetitions of those weights, the body can build strength and endurance. There are circuit training exercises designed to fit the needs of men, women, and children, as well as the elderly.

Why its popularity is growing

The popularity of circuit training exercises has been on the rise in the last decade for the sole reason that it is a relatively inexpensive exercise program to start with. People who can’t afford gym memberships, don’t have space for weight sets and training stations, can use dumbbells, jump ropes, mats, resistance bands, and stability and medicine balls. The ease with which any circuit training exercise program can be tailored specifically for the individual is another reason circuit training exercises have steadily grown in popularity.

There are various sets of circuit training exercise targets that are well known and used for different areas of the body. These circuit training exercises are categorized for the full body, upper body, lower body, and core region. Typically, these exercises are performed on different days of the week, to allow certain muscles in the body to rest while other muscles are worked. As the individual uses these exercises to target the areas of their body they want to strengthen, cardio exercises added to each workout achieve optimal results.

How Personal Trainers Use Them

Many personal trainers use these types of exercises in routines that they tailor to the needs of their clients. Personal trainers will begin a cardio workout to raise core body temperature before beginning upper body exercises, which include dumbbell reps for lateral raises, alternating shoulder presses, triceps extensions, single arm and front raises. These upper body exercises can be carried over to pushups and dips to successfully complete your cardio and upper body training session.

Cardio exercises can also be used just before a trainer or individual begins a lower body workout. A few minutes spent stretching and walking or jogging on the treadmill can significantly increase your core body temperature and heart rate for effective results in a lower body workout. These exercises consist of using weights such as dumbbells for one repetition of exercises such as squats, kicks, lunges, and box steps with added knee drives. Because the exercises are designed for the lower body, many people use them to relieve joint pain and strengthen back and leg muscles.

Full body workouts

Individuals and trainers also work on a day where full body training is focused on optimal overall body results. These exercises consist of the use of cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes, trampolines, aerobics, jogging, jump ropes, and rowing machines. Preset workouts of exercises for the upper body, lower body, and core areas of the body are then performed. These full-body workouts can use all of the circuit training exercises, or they can be customized using specific exercises that are designed for an individual’s needs.

Exercises that focus on the core regions of the body are the exercises used by almost all athletes and non-athletes for strength training. The key factor in these exercises is how they are performed and they are based on form and repetition. These basic exercises have become an important part of circuit training exercises and are easy to perform with light weights.

As you may have read in the news, the biggest trend in today’s real estate market is the sheer number of condos being built. However, before Donald Trump announced several new Condo Hotel developments in the next few years, many people had never even heard of the term Condo Hotel. While its name seems to imply what it is (half condo, half hotel), there are several less obvious rewards to condo hotels. Unlike traditional condominiums, Condo Hotels offer their owners and guests several key advantages.

Advantages for owners:

Not only are condominiums being developed all over the world, but they are being built in the most desirable locations imaginable. Like Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas, New York City, Belize, and Dubai, just to name a few. Unlike timeshares and fractional ownership, Condo Hotel buyers are buying real estate, and not just part of the time. Who wouldn’t want to own property on the beaches of Hawaii or Belize, or on the Las Vegas strip? Who knows how much that property will be worth in 5 to 10 years… the sky is the limit. Additionally, the units being developed have the benefits of home along with the sheer luxury of a resort, including fully equipped kitchens, laundry rooms, dining and entertaining areas, and often a balcony with a spectacular view. With developers now offering this opportunity through Condo Hotel ownership in such desirable locations, owners can expect to see great appreciation for their investment along with better occupancy statistics to increase cash flow.
So while these properties appreciate over time, owners have the option of placing the units in the hotel’s rental program, allowing them to earn monthly income on their investment. This cash flow can help homeowners offset mortgage payments and fees. And the best thing is that all this can be done from anywhere in the world, since the hotel management can take care of the reservations, cleaning and maintenance of the unit.

Advantages for Guests:

You may think of a guest at a Condo Hotel as someone who is not the owner of a unit, however, that is not necessarily the case. Many of the Condo Hotels allow the owners to establish their permanent residences in their unit, thus becoming permanent guests. Additionally, owners can choose not to enroll their unit in the rental program and visit as missions whenever they wish. However, owners enrolled in the rental program can always reserve their unit in advance. Regardless of who is in the room, owners or renters, they are all hotel guests. And one of the best advantages of being a guest of a Condo Hotel is that you are pampered as a guest. The Condo Hotels being developed offer everything from world-class fitness centers, pools and spas, daily housekeeping, full-service business centers, lush landscaping and gardens, nightclubs and gourmet restaurants, golf, shopping, the room 24 hours, along with private entrances and Valet parking, concierge and doorman. The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas is building a five-acre Cosmo Beach Club with an actual sandy beach surrounding the pool on the fourth floor overlooking Las Vegas Boulevard! So go ahead, live the dream, own or rent a Condo Hotel!

Do you have a chronic yeast infection that could be causing a lot of discomfort in your life? Have you tried over-the-counter and doctor-prescribed medications only to find temporary relief from your symptoms? Do you want to get rid of thrush from your life once and for all? If your answer to the above questions is yes, you have just found the starting point for your permanent recovery.

You see, candida yeast infection is actually a problem that stems from inside your body and not from the organs they infect. Candida yeast can show up in many other parts of your body besides the vagina, if left untreated. The reason so many men and women continue to have these symptoms even after seeing a specialist is that the underlying problems of yeast infection are not accurately addressed.

Modern medications can only mask the symptoms. For example, acute headaches caused by stress or lack of fluid in the body will “go away” by the time you consume pain medication. But if the stressful lifestyle and poor hydration issues are not addressed, the headaches could come back to haunt you. After prolonged use of drugs, your body will develop “immunity” to them and, as a result, you will not receive any further effects from these medications. When this happens, what will you do?

To treat yeast infection effectively, you really need to change or improve your diet. Yes, this is the most important step you need to take if you want to get rid of chronic thrush for good. By changing your daily diet to eating natural and healthy foods, you are actually strengthening your immune system. When this is accomplished, the candida fungi will naturally be eliminated from your body.

I have listed below some foods that you should take and foods that you should avoid in order to get completely cured.

A) Foods to avoid: Starchy foods, sugary substances, alcoholic beverages, processed foods, and canned foods and beverages. These foods are not healthy for your well-being and will actually cause a candida infection in you.

B) Foods that will really help you get rid of thrush include: dates, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, yogurt, Nigella sativa, green leafy vegetables, and raisins.

These are some of the most nutritious foods that will be very helpful in strengthening your overall body system and getting rid of candida fungus from your body. Another important point to remember is that you should drink plenty of water every day, so that all the toxins and bacteria can be easily flushed out of your body system. Try them today and see the difference in a week or two.

I have two dogs, “Snappy” and “Epo”. They are both great dogs, but they also have very different personalities. That is what makes them unique.

“Epo” is very relaxed, he takes everything in stride. The idea of ​​him hanging out with me is usually right at my feet. Sleep while I’m working on the computer or doing interviews. 99% of the time, no one knows that she is in the same room as me while we are talking on Zoom or any other platform.

My dog, “Snappy” is just the opposite. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great dog too! But, sometimes, it’s a pain, but it’s not meant to be. He really is a very attentive dog. Sometimes too much!

I usually have to close my office door when doing an interview on my podcast or meeting with a podcast training client. I need to keep him out of my office at those times.

Why?

He could be lying on the floor or in the other chair, calm and relaxed.

But as soon as I start talking to someone on the computer (via Zoom or Skype), he thinks I’m talking to him! Even though I’m looking at the computer, he thinks I’m trying to communicate something to him.

Then he comes over and scratches my leg and says, “I’m right here.”

When I ignore him but keep talking for the interview or for my client, he starts barking! She’s trying to tell me, “I’m right here! What do you want?”

If I continue to ignore him, he’ll jump on my lap! This totally interrupts the conversation and I have to stop and get him out of the office. He refuses to go to bed because he thinks I’m talking to him! Amen!

He’s trying to tell me, “I’m here! I hear you! What would you like me to do?”

Epo, on the other hand, just ignores everything unless he talks to her directly. If he called her by her name, he looks up from her and walks over to her.

Can you see “we” in that example? Our relationship with God is as simple as this example of the two personalities of my dogs!

Some people go through life ignoring everything around them unless God specifically does something to get their attention. Something that affects them directly.

You can go to church, read your Bible, pray from time to time. But, for the most part, they are in their own little world, and unless something speaks directly to them, God is “there” and “I am here.”

These people are in the same room as God (so to speak), but they are content to live life on their own terms. They let God call them before they react.

Other people are so in tune with God that as soon as something is said, whether it applies to them or not, they immediately want to take action! They want to please God in everything they do, whether it’s directly their calling or someone else’s calling, they want to participate.

We need to help others, don’t get me wrong. But we must also let them MAKE their call without us trying to intrude on the conversation. It is HIS calling, not ours. It is our responsibility to offer help, when requested!

Like my puppies! You want to interject your opinion into everything, even when your opinion is not being asked. What happens? They exclude him from the room. No access.

The other puppy is there. Listening in silence, doing his thing. If I need her, I call her. She responds immediately and is willing to interact as needed.

This also applies to your podcast.

You can be the expert at what you do and you can help others do this “thing” too.

But do you offer your advice as “gospel truth”? Or do you offer it as an option for others to consider?

Does God need to put you in “time out” just so He can complete a work He is doing on someone else? All because he feels it’s his “Christian duty” to offer his opinion (whether necessary or not)?

Or do you allow yourself to be “available” if someone needs your help? Someone may be doing something that you are an expert at. That doesn’t mean you get in the way of the situation. You can let them know you are available if needed. Let them make the first request for assistance. Then offer your advice on the issue at hand. Don’t try to take over their podcast.

This is especially true if you’re a guest on their podcast!

Make yourself available. Please provide the information requested and do not assume that you know all the answers to all the issues discussed. If you do, you’ll come across as my dog ​​”Snappy.” On the outside and no longer able to engage with this person and what he is trying to accomplish.

Be more like “Epo!” To be there. Be available. When necessary, they will call you! Amen!

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Have you ever had a slightly disturbing dream in which you were naked in a public place, such as on a street, on a bicycle, in a store or on public transport? If so, what happened in your dream? Did you wonder how you got to that situation, were you embarrassed or did you think it’s just a dream so it doesn’t matter?

If you have had such dreams and have not yet practiced naturism, it may appeal to you.

Every year, thousands of families spend their holidays between April and October in one of the naturist villages that lie between the ancient Mediterranean city of Leucate and the seaside resort and marina of Port Leucate.

Most towns are traffic-free, but you can walk or bike like everyone else, completely naked. There is a small shopping center with a very good bakery where you can buy fresh croissants, bread etc, you can shop at the supermarket, shop at the butcher, wine shop or news shop and have a drink or eat in one of the small restaurants, all while remaining naked.

These towns, which include Aphrodite and Oasis, were established following a tourism commission set up by President Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s. The government was looking for a way to attract thousands of tourists to stay in France instead. instead of heading to Spain in search of a beach holiday destination.

The old town of Leucate is located between the Mediterranean Sea and a large saltwater lagoon. To the south of the town there is a narrow strip of land several kilometers long between the sea and the lagoon. Six kilometers to the south there was an old settlement and it was here that the commission proposed to establish a new development called Port Leucate with a marina, shopping center and holiday accommodation. Work began in the mid-1960s and de Gaulle visited the work in progress in 1967. Following his visit, the commission was asked to address the future of the beautiful stretch of beach just north of the new Port Leucate resort. .

At the time, there was a growing practice and tolerance for naturism in France and there were already a number of naturist destinations, including a large naturist holiday resort at Montalivet on the Atlantic coast north of Bordeaux.

The strip of beach under study has the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Leucate lagoon on the other and is practically an island since there are two channels to the north and south that join the sea with the lagoon. Therefore, it was decided that this would be an ideal place to develop a naturist spa with access restricted to residents and vacationers.

Instead of just creating a campground with mobile homes and camping spots, it was decided to create a real village with houses, apartments, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a shopping center. Plans were drawn up and work began in 1973. Years have passed and development has continued and today there are a total of 8 small villages, all side by side, bordering the beach or lagoon. Many properties have permanent residents, but the owners make the majority available for naturist holiday rentals. Most of the areas are pedestrianized so children can play, run or ride their bikes safely.

At certain times of the year, quite strong winds blow in the area, which is why it has become one of the most popular areas for windsurfing and kite surfing.

One of the advantages of the area, which makes it perfect for family holidays, is the offer of other activities within walking distance of the naturist villages. Less than 10 minutes by car there is a large aquatic center with several pools and giant slides. There is also an adventure center in a nearby pine forest where people of all ages can climb and slide through the trees. Also nearby is a casino and a new movie theater complex. The Pyrenees can be seen from the town and from autumn to spring you can see the snow on the highest peaks. Being at the gates of the Pyrenees, there are, of course, walks through magnificent landscapes to undertake.

About 35 minutes by car is the great African reserve of Sigean, fascinating for both adults and children. A part can only be visited by car as there are many animals in their natural environment, including lions. Then there is another part that can be visited on foot that includes a lot of bird life, monkeys, antelopes, elephants and many other types of creatures.

This area is one of the sunniest in France, so of course one of the most popular activities is just relaxing on the beach right next to the holiday apartments and maybe taking a little nap dreaming of being naked in public. .

If you want to know more about naturist villages go to http://www.naturistholidays.fr