Immigration has been a problem in the United States for many decades. Different administrations have had differing views on the plight of immigrants, resulting in highly diverse policy recommendations.

Most notably, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) implemented a set of programs to discourage immigration. The organization essentially leverages state and local resources to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.

Secure Communities, ICE’s main program, was meant to track the citizenship status of everyone arrested across the country. Individual law enforcement agencies were mandated to report possible non-citizens for further action. Whether this practice violated basic civil rights is still up for debate.

Noting a possible undermining of community-policy relationships, multiple jurisdictions opted out of the Secure Communities program. By 2014, more than 200 counties had withdrawn and resorted to sanctuary policies, a set of immigrant-friendly legislations.

The sanctuary policies have been documented to reduce crime significantly. This scenario attracts concerns about ICE’s immigration programs. (1) 

A Recent Study of Sanctuary Practices on Crime Rates

Marta Ascherio, a University of Texas researcher, has recently published the most comprehensive study on the implications of sanctuary practices on crime rates. She started studying these policies in 2016, owing to the political and social tension at the time.

Ascherio notes that former President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaigns were denoted by claims that sanctuary policies protect criminals. These controversial suggestions motivated her to analyze existing data to determine the actual link between sanctuary practices and crime.

She obtained data from almost all 50 states between 2013 and 2016. She then compared sanctuary and non-sanctuary jurisdictions, focusing on the incidence of crime.

More than 3,100 counties were covered in the study, representing 98% of counties and equivalent jurisdictions in the United States. This broadness contributed to the validity of Ascherio’s study.

The findings indicate that once counties transitioned to sanctuary practices, the crime rate started to decline. The changes were unique to sanctuary jurisdictions.

Ascherio found that property crime decreased by 10 percent for every one percent rise in foreign-born Latinos in sanctuary counties. Contrarily, property crime dropped by one percent for every one percent increase in native-born Latinos.

She also recorded similar reductions in violent crime. Specifically, sanctuary counties reported significant drops in these vices beginning in 2014, which is when the sanctuary policies started taking effect.

Sanctuary Practices Reduce Crime Rates

Ascherio provides a logical theory as to why we are seeing this trend. She claims that sanctuary policies provide immigrants with a feeling of safety, allowing them to focus on other things. This frees up community activists and organizers to focus on matters of benefit to the community.

She also claims that sanctuary practices promote immigrant incorporation into communities. The immigrants are introduced to mainstream networks to seek employment, health care, housing, and other services.

Community integration reduces the need for illegitimate markets. It also optimizes broad access to protection by law enforcement.

Punitive measures like the Secure Communities program, on the other hand, generally destabilize communities. This outcome has a negative impact on general safety. (2)

Sanctuary Practices Provide Safety & Optimize Community Benefits

Sanctuary policies reduce the crime rates in counties across the United States significantly. Ascherio categorically proved this claim by analyzing data from nearly all 50 states between 2013 and 2016.

The findings suggest that sanctuary practices optimize community integration and increase immigrants’ feelings of safety. Thus, immigrants are freer to engage in productive and beneficial activities in society.

Ascherio’s findings may yet cause more counties to opt out of the federal Secure Communities program.

Some employers can play several tricks when it comes to paying their workers. They often accomplish this by misclassifying their workers. Misclassification is when employers identify or categorize their workers as independent contractors rather than employees.

“It can be painful when workers realize they are being short-paid or denied some benefits after putting in so much work with a company,” said Attorney Jason W. Power of Franchise.Law. Depending on the state, workers can pursue a few options to recover lost wages and other benefits. For example, when employers classify their full-time workers as independent contractors, the workers can file a lawsuit against their employers.

Who Loses Out When Employers Misclassify Workers?

Employers stop avoid paying unemployment and other taxes on workers when they misclassify them. It also allows employers to avoid covering compensation (Workers Compensation) and unemployment insurance. Consequently, the misclassified workers lose out on overtime pay, unemployment benefits, and other benefits of being an employee.

Misclassified employees are prone to higher taxes and lose workplace rights, such as the right to join a union. Furthermore, apart from the impact on workers, misclassification also affects the federal, state, and local governments.

Since employers avoid their tax duties after misclassifying workers, it results in a loss of revenue for the federal, state, and local governments. As a result, federal and state unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and disability insurance systems will suffer.

Arbitration Clause In an Independent Contractor Agreement

Arbitration is an out-of-court dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, hears evidence and gives a final decision. An arbitration clause is a provision included in a contract that requires the parties to settle their differences through arbitration. Employment agreements are the most common type of such agreement.

Following the judgment of the US Supreme Court, companies can legally require employees to sign mandatory arbitration agreements that include class and collective action waivers. A class action is a legal process that allows one or more plaintiffs to bring a case on behalf of a larger group or class. However, due to the judgment, employers now increase their usage of such arbitration agreements with their independent contractors.

Some employers wrongly believe that the Supreme Court ruling shields them from federal wage and hour legislation liability. However, the judgment restricts the use of class and collective actions by petitioners. It does not protect companies from individual claims or investigations, audits, or enforcement proceedings by regulatory bodies. (1)

Well-Drafted and Poor Arbitration Clauses

With a few exceptions, a well-drafted arbitration clause with a class action waiver means the unsustainability of class action. It also means that there can be separate handling of the case of each plaintiff and class member.

A poorly written one will require the company to defend itself in a class-action lawsuit. For this to happen, it could be due to the language in the clause failing to take complete advantage of the existing state of the law. Some arbitration clauses created by companies can tie the company to unneeded liability.

Class action lawyers of plaintiffs often contest arbitration agreements containing class action waivers. They see them as a significant obstacle to protecting worker rights, particularly claims by workers misclassified as independent contractors. With a poorly drafted-arbitration clause, the lawsuit may attract fines and penalties.

What Happens When Workers Sue Employers For Misclassification?

Employee misclassification carries significant consequences. Employers who misclassify workers can face lawsuits from misclassified groups or individuals. As a result, they may incur penalties and fines. They may also be required to pay back taxes and penalties for paying late.

Employers may be liable for employment taxes if they categorize some employees as independent contractors without a valid justification. They may also pay workers for lost wages and other benefits.

Furthermore, workers who realize they should have been employees rather than independent contractors will not have a good impression of the organization. Some workers may even leave the organization and advise others to stay away. Even if misclassification is out of ignorance from the employer, the negative publicity can have a significant financial impact on the organization. (2)

Who and What Determines the Status of Workers?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees are eligible for minimum wage and overtime pay. It occurs when a worker and an employer have an employment relationship, and the FLSA applies to them.

The US Department of Labor (DOL) has no final say over who is an independent contractor and who is not. The reason is that under the federal FLSA, only the courts may decide whether someone is an employee.

The Wage and Hour Division, however, is in charge of deciding whether there is misclassification of an employee as an independent contractor. They also look into whether there is a denial of benefits and labor standards protections of misclassified workers.

Avoiding and Minimizing IC Misclassification Lawsuit

There are two main strategies companies that hire independent contractors can use to avoid and reduce IC misclassification lawsuits. The two strategies include well-drafted arbitration clauses and IC Diagnostics ™.

Well-Drafted Arbitration Clauses

For arbitration clauses to succeed, they need to be well-drafted. The wording of the arbitration clause determines whether an arbitration clause is an independent contractor or employment situation.

Thus, current arbitration clauses in independent contractor agreements need reviewing. There should also be a regular update to reflect the efforts of companies. The reason is to improve compliance with laws regulating the use of independent contractors.

IC Diagnostics™

Another strategy for preventing lawsuits is maintaining an independent contractor relationship in full compliance with federal and state independent contractor laws. It is achievable using a method like IC Diagnostics™.

IC Diagnostics™ determines if a group of workers not recognized as employees would pass the necessary tests for independent contractor status under state and federal regulations. IC Diagnostics™ goes on to suggest many practical, alternative strategies for improving compliance with those regulations.

A well-drafted arbitration agreement with IC Diagnostics™ reduces the vulnerability to IC misclassification liability. It also reduces the chances of suing a company in the first place or suing them repeatedly.

Final Thought

Whether there is an arbitration clause or not in an independent contractor agreement, it does not prevent misclassified workers from filing lawsuits against employers. The outcome can take a toll on the employer and the company. Thus, companies should be careful when classifying their workers.

The casino industry is a huge global enterprise, and it is about to get a major shake-up with the advent of blockchain technology. Blockchain platforms are set to provide gamers with a more secure and transparent gaming experience, while the best online casinos will be able to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This blog post will explore the ways in which blockchain is set to revolutionize the industry. Stay tuned and check the latest casino bonuses like free spins or no deposit bonuses to make the most of your gaming experience!

Blockchain Technology and How It Works

Blockchain technology is a digital ledger that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. This distributed ledger can be used to record anything of value, from financial transactions to intellectual property. Each transaction is verified by consensus of the network participants and then recorded in a block that is added to the chain of previous blocks, creating an immutable record of all transactions.

This decentralized nature of blockchain makes it resistant to fraud and censorship, as there is no single point of control. Additionally, the use of cryptographic hashing and digital signatures adds an extra layer of security to the network. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including banking, supply chain management, voting and more. Its ability to provide secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions makes it ideal for a wide range of applications. (1)

How Blockchain Is Being Used in the Casino Industry

Blockchain is a distributed database that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. This makes it an ideal solution for casinos, which need to ensure the fairness of their games and the security of their customers’ data. There are a number of ways in which blockchain is being used:

• Online casinos: There are a number of online casinos that use blockchain to provide a secure and fair gaming experience for their players. Casinos such as Bitcasino, Fairplay and Blockchain Casino are all powered by blockchain technology.
• Sports betting: Blockchain is also being used to revolutionise the sports betting industry. Platforms such as Augur and Gnosis allow users to bet on the outcome of events using blockchain-based tokens. This allows for a more secure and transparent betting experience.
• Poker: Poker is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Platforms such as Blockchains.io and Betcoin are using blockchain to provide a secure and fair poker experience for their players.
• Lotteries: Blockchain is also being used to power lottery platforms such as TrueFlip and BitLotto. This allows for a more secure and transparent way to play the lottery.
• Gaming platforms: There are a number of gaming platforms that are using blockchain technology to provide a fair and secure gaming experience for their users. Platforms such as Game Protocol and Playkey are using blockchain to power their gaming platforms.

The Benefits of Using Blockchain in the Casino Industry

If you’re involved in the casino industry, then you know that blockchain technology can provide many benefits. Here are some of the ways that using blockchain can help your business:

1. Increased security. One of the main advantages of using blockchain is that it offers increased security. With blockchain, all data is stored in a distributed database, which makes it much more difficult for hackers to access.
2. Transparency. Another benefit of blockchain is that it offers increased transparency. With traditional operations, there is often a lack of transparency, which can lead to fraud and other problems. With blockchain, all transactions are public and can be easily verified.
3. Reduced costs. Another advantage of blockchain is that it can help to reduce costs. In the traditional industry, there are a lot of middlemen involved in transactions, which can add up to high costs. With blockchain, there are no middlemen, and all transactions are processed directly between the parties involved.
4. Faster transactions. Another benefit of blockchain is that it offers faster transaction times. In the traditional industry, it can take days or even weeks to process a transaction. With blockchain, transactions are processed almost instantly.
5. Improved customer experience. Finally, using blockchain can help to improve the customer experience. With traditional operations, customers often have to deal with long waiting times and other issues. With blockchain, customers can enjoy a faster, more efficient, and more transparent experience.

The Future of Blockchain and the Casino Industry

The casino industry has been one of the most exciting and innovative industries over the past few decades. With the introduction of new technologies, the industry has been able to provide gamers with an immersive and realistic experience that is unrivalled by any other industry. However, the casino industry is now at a crossroads. With the advent of blockchain technology, it is facing a major disruption. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that allows for secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions. This means that blockchain could potentially revolutionize the way the industry operates.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of ways in which blockchain could be used in the casino industry. For example, blockchain could be used to create a decentralized platform that would allow for secure and transparent gaming. Alternatively, blockchain could be used to create a loyalty program that would reward players for their continued patronage. Regardless of how blockchain is used in the casino industry, one thing is certain – it will never be the same. With the introduction of blockchain, it is set for a major disruption. Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, the future of blockchain and the casino industry is looking very bright. (2)

Finding the best gift for the lady in your life can be a daunting task. If she loves fashion, it can be even harder! But don’t worry. This brief guide will give tips on choosing the perfect gift for your fashion-loving girlfriend. So sit back and relax because, with this article’s help, you are sure to make her happy.

Give her custom-made jewelry

Every fashion lover knows that jewelry is a must-have accessory. But not just any jewelry will do. It has to be something special. Something that shows you took the time to pick it out just for her. That’s why custom-made jewelry is such a great gift idea for your fashion-loving girlfriend. Fortunately, you can already choose different types of jewellery that can make a statement with their style. You can get her a custom-made necklace, bracelet, or even earrings. Just make sure to pick something that will suit her taste and personality. For example, if she is a minimalist, you should get her something simple but chic. But if she loves to stand out, then go for something bold and unique. Rest assured that you can find some fantastic pieces that she will love.

Get her a fashionable watch

If your girlfriend loves fashion, she appreciates a good watch’s value. A lovely look can elevate any outfit, and it is also a great accessory to have. There are so many different types and styles of watches to choose from, so you will indeed find one that she will love. You can go for a classic style like a leather strap watch or get something more unique like a bejeweled watch. In choosing a look, make sure to consider her style. This way, you can be sure that she will love and use the gift you give her. For example, if she loves to spend outdoors, you should get her a sports watch. But if she prefers a more sophisticated look, then go for something dressier.

While luxury watches may come with a higher price tag, they make wonderful gifts and can appreciate in value over time. These timepieces are often seen as symbols of success and sophistication. Should the need for funds ever arise, she can readily sell the watch to a trusted buyer.

Consider a stylish handbag

Another great gift idea for your fashion-loving girlfriend is a stylish handbag. Every woman needs a good bag to complete her look; your girlfriend is no exception. There are so many different types and styles of handbags to choose from, so you will indeed find one that she will love. You can go for a classic style like a black leather tote bag, or get something more unique like a brightly-colored clutch. No matter what bag you choose, make sure it is of good quality and will last her a long time. After all, she will use it a lot, especially if she is always on the go.

You can never go wrong with a fashionable piece of clothing

If you want to make your fashion-loving girlfriend happy, get her a fashionable piece of clothing. This could be anything from a dress, pair of jeans, or a cute top. Just make sure to pick something stylish and suit her taste. You can even get her something from her favorite designer or brand. But if you want to go the extra mile, you can have a piece of clothing custom-made for her. This way, she will appreciate your thoughtfulness and effort in choosing the perfect gift for her. She will also be able to wear it with pride, knowing that it was made just for her.

Give her a subscription to a fashion magazine

Why not give your girlfriend a subscription to her favorite fashion magazine for the ultimate convenience? This way, she can stay up-to-date on all the latest fashion trends and get some great style inspiration. Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long. Just make sure to choose a magazine that she will read and enjoy. For example, if she is into high fashion, you should get her a Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar subscription. But if she prefers a more casual style, then go for something like Lucky or InStyle. You can also get her a subscription to a general lifestyle magazine like Martha Stewart Living or O, The Oprah Magazine.

Take her on a shopping spree

Sometimes the best gift you can give is an experience. If your girlfriend loves fashion, taking her on a shopping spree will surely be a hit! You can take her to her favorite stores and let her pick out whatever she wants. Or, if you want to be generous, you can take her to some new stores she’s been dying to check out. Either way, she will have a great time and come home with fabulous new clothes. The key is to ensure that you have the budget for it. After all, you don’t want to spend more than you can afford. For instance, if you have a limited budget, you can stick to more affordable stores. But if money is no object, then go ahead and splurge!

Book a luxury vacation

Another gift of experience is traveling to a new and exciting place. If your girlfriend is the type who loves to explore different cultures and see new things, then a luxury vacation is the perfect present for her. You can book a stay at a luxurious hotel or resort or take her on a fantastic trip to somewhere she’s always wanted to go. Either way, she will have an incredible time and create memories that will last a lifetime. Make sure to research ahead of time to find the perfect destination for her. Some popular travel destinations for people who love fashion include Paris, Milan, and New York City. Your girlfriend will surely be thrilled if you can take her to these fantastic places.

Now that you have some ideas on what to get your fashion-loving girlfriend, it’s time to start shopping. These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a bit of thought and creativity, you are sure to come up with the perfect gift for your fashion-loving girlfriend. Rest assured that with a little effort, she will surely be thrilled with whatever you choose. Happy gift giving!

What does it take to truly clean, care for, treat and look after your hair? Of course, a good haircare routine is crucial. As are the haircare products you choose to wash and style your hair with. For instance, choosing to use cheap and nasty hair products filled with harmful, toxic, and damaging chemicals which strip your locks of natural oils and moisture will not do your hair or your scalp any favours. However, if you go for shampoos and conditioners with quality ingredients that contain nourishing, nurturing, and restorative properties, your hair will love you for it! But how to choose the best products to look after your locks so that you can have the most luscious, manageable, shiny, and healthy head of hair humanly possible? Well, just read on to find out.

Choose Premium, High-Grade Haircare Products that Contain Quality Ingredients to Treat and Care For Your Hair

Of course, choosing a good quality, salon-grade shampoo and conditioner is essential to care for and look after your hair, and to ensure that your locks are as healthy as possible. Needless to say, you get what you pay for – and choosing to purchase low-grade, cheap shampoos, conditioners, and hair products from the supermarket or your local drug store can wreak havoc on the hair. To be fair, using hair products that contain high levels of toxic, astringent, and damaging chemicals and other nasties will do more harm than good. Sure, your hair may look clean – but essentially, it’s just like washing your hair with dishwashing detergent! 

The best way to choose a great quality shampoo and conditioner is to go for a trusted haircare brand, one that you know contains good quality ingredients. For instance, Alfaparf shampoo contains biotechnical active ingredients which do wonders for the hair. As a salon-quality, luxurious haircare brand, you can trust that your hair will be well cared for, healthy, and well maintained when you choose to wash your hair with this shampoo. 

Get into a Regular Haircare and Hair Washing Routine

The most important thing to consider when establishing a great, regular hair washing and hair care routine is, surprisingly, not to wash your hair too often! Importantly, washing your hair too frequently can cause dryness, as you can strip your hair of natural oils and moisture by washing it too often. Studies have even shown that spacing out your hair washes and essentially stretching out your hair wash for as long as possible, rather than daily hair washes, can do wonders for the quality and condition of your hair and scalp by allowing it to retain and produce the essential natural oils that help to hydrate and moisturize the hair and scalp so that your locks remain shiny, healthy and thriving. So, ditch the idea that you should wash your hair every single day to feel clean – in fact, washing your hair less often is good for it! Not to mention the time and energy you will save by not having to wash your hair every day.

Treat and Care For Your Hair and Scalp with Leave-in Hair Treatments, Hair Oils, and Pre-wash Hair Masques

Another way to care for your hair and scalp is to use nourishing hair masques, oils, and treatments. Applauded by cultures around the world for its nutritious properties, the hair oiling ritual is particularly good for a head of hair that glows and shines with health. It also does wonders for nourishing the scalp, which is particularly good for sufferers of unsightly, itchy dandruff. Elements of Indian Ayurveda – a holistic, natural healing medicine, also recommend oil treatments for the hair and scalp. Dating back over 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda medicine is now also well known in the Western world for its healing properties.

When it comes to caring for your hair, you can also use a leave-in hair treatment after you have washed your hair to add extra moisture and shine. Most importantly, just like your shampoo and conditioner, make sure you choose hair treatment products, oils, and masques that contain good quality ingredients to ensure that you care for your locks with nourishing and restorative essential nutrients.

There’s no doubt that colors play a significant role in our lives. Different colors can evoke different emotions and feelings, which is why it’s important to use the right color in the right situation. For example, if you’re looking to stimulate productivity in your office, you might want to consider bringing in some bright colors. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a relaxing environment, you might want to stick with softer shades. In this article, we will take a look at how different colors can impact different areas of your life!

Pink

Pink is the color of love and is often used to stimulate romance. It has been known to increase passion, energy, and excitement. If you’re looking to inject some romance into your relationship, consider using pink. Looking at the meanings and common uses of pink crystals can also give you some ideas on how to use this color in your life. For example, rose quartz is known as the stone of love. It can help to increase compassion and unconditional love, as well as attract new love into your life. Another great option is rhodonite, which is known for its ability to promote self-love and forgiveness. So if you’re looking for a way to bring more love into your life, consider using pink!

Red

Red is the color of passion and power. It stimulates energy, strength, and courage. If you’re looking to inject some excitement into your life, consider using red. Red crystals can also be used to increase passion and energy. For example, carnelian is known for its ability to increase motivation and confidence. Another great option is garnet, which is known for its ability to increase strength and courage. So if you’re looking for a way to add some passion and excitement to your life, consider using red!

Yellow

Yellow is the color of happiness and joy. It stimulates mental activity and creativity. If you’re looking to add some happiness to your life, consider using yellow. Yellow crystals can also be used to increase mental activity and creativity. For example, citrine is known for its ability to increase mental clarity and focus. Another great option is topaz, which is known for its ability to increase creativity and imagination. So if you’re looking for a way to add some happiness and creativity to your life, consider using yellow!

Blue

Blue is the color of peace and tranquility. It soothes and calms the mind and body. If you’re looking for a way to add some peace and tranquility to your life, consider using blue. Blue crystals can also be used to calm the mind and body. For example, lapis lazuli is known for its ability to calm the mind and promote inner peace. Another great option is turquoise, which is known for its ability to promote communication and understanding. So if you’re looking for a way to add some peace and tranquility to your life, consider using blue!

Green

Green is the color of nature and is often used to represent growth, fertility, and new beginnings. It can also be used to symbolize peace and tranquility. If you’re looking to stimulate certain areas of your life, consider bringing in more green. Some people find that green has a calming effect and can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels. If you’re looking for a color that will help you to feel more connected to nature, green is a good choice.

Purple

Purple is the color of royalty and wealth. It is also associated with wisdom, spirituality, and creativity. By surrounding yourself with this color, you can stimulate these areas in your life. If you want to bring more wealth into your life, try painting your walls a deep purple or adding purple accents around your home. If you’re looking to be more creative, try wearing purple clothes or painting your workspace a light lavender. Purple can also be helpful when you’re trying to connect with your spiritual side or become wiser. Try meditating in a room with purple walls or keeping a violet crystal near your bedside. No matter what area of your life you want to improve, adding a little purple can’t hurt!

Orange

Orange is the color of stimulation. It is also said to be the color of social interaction and encourages two-way communication. Different shades of orange can affect different areas of your life. For example, a light orange can stimulate your mind and help you to think more creatively, while a dark orange can increase your physical energy levels and help you to feel more motivated. If you want to stimulate certain areas of your life, then consider bringing in different colors. Orange is a great color to start with as it can have a positive impact on many different areas of your life. 

Grey

Grey can be used to create a feeling of calm and can be helpful in areas where you feel overwhelmed or stressed. Grey can also be used to increase the feeling of space. Lighter shades of grey can be used in areas where you want to feel more spacious, while darker shades can create a cozier feeling. It is also a good color to use in areas where you want to create a feeling of sophistication. Additionally, grey can be a good color to use to create a neutral background. Also, because grey is not a very strong color, it can be helpful in areas where you want to create a feeling of calm.

There are many different colors that can have a positive impact on your life. If you’re looking for a way to improve certain areas of your life, consider bringing in different colors. From stimulating your mind to promoting inner peace, different colors can help you achieve your goals. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you! Who knows, you may just find that a little bit of color can make a big difference in your life. Additionally, if you want to read more about the impact of colors check out some online resources and books. There is a wealth of information out there about the power of color and how it can affect your life! So if you’re curious, do some research and see what you can discover. 

I realise that many of you may be reading this and expecting me to be a young singleton, struggling to meet the woman or man of my dreams, and just not having any luck in the dating game. Something we can all relate to right?

Well you couldn’t be further from the truth! What would you say if I told you I was married with two kids? Before you judge me, I want to throw this out in the open; I know I’m broken, and I know that cheating on my wife isn’t right. It’s not her fault and what I do is completely selfish and unforgivable. I realise that if she were to find out, it would completely break her, not to mention the devastation it will cause on my kids and extended family in turn.

I love my wife and I couldn’t imagine life without her. She has been my rock from day one, but unfortunately I have also been unfaithful since day one. What makes me do it I hear you ask? I’ve come to realise that it’s the thrill of the chase, the risk of getting caught, and the general buzz it leaves me with when I’m in an affair, that I really just can’t live without. That said, finding the ideal affair partner has just become so difficult these days. Between juggling the kids’ after-school classes, sports lessons, and birthday parties, I really didn’t have the time to go online and find my next affair partner. Ashley Madison used to be my daily hunting ground, and now it was just another old subscription, just like so many other dating apps.

When it came to other ways I used to pick up women like at the gym, by the school gates, when out with my friends, I felt I was either running out of steam or just not as successful anymore. I thought it was age, but what I discovered was that I really just needed “professional” help. Now it’s not something I dreamt was even out there, but I came across an article in the Sun newspaper which pretty much described my scenario. It was only when I reached out to the author, Dark Horse, at cheatershandbook.com, that I realised there was someone out there just like me. Someone who had experienced it all and, furthermore, wanted to help people like me to feel content in their lives whilst protecting their family from what I could only describe as a ‘bad habit’.

Getting a dating coach isn’t cheap, but then again nor is any worthwhile investment. The good news is that we are all individuals and everything was tailored to my specific requirements and budget. I don’t want to go through the entire process here, but what I do want to share is how life is now. I couldn’t be happier that I have someone who for one, completely manages my Ashley Madison account and secondly, actively helps me look for affair partners, completely discreetly of course. More importantly, I now have someone who has even helped me become far more successful when I actually go on dates. My friends think it’s all very simple once you find someone online, however I can tell you that you actually have to put effort into that relationship just like any other. For example I met a married woman recently and it was her first time cheating on her husband of 10 years. She was in perpetual fear of getting caught and this was really affecting our relationship. All of the coaching from Dark Horse has completely paid off as she quickly realised I knew exactly how not to get caught. She knew I would be able to protect her and her family from our affair, and that trust goes a long way in an extramarital relationship.

The sad reality about what I have come to realise is that the whole cheating experience can sometimes be a very lonely path, especially when you haven’t found a partner and there is just so much at stake along the way. I had almost given up and it is now that I realise what a burden it had become on my marriage. I was always working late, not giving my kids or wife the attention they deserved, and generally I was never present in day-to-day life. The good news is that there is help out there, and indeed others who have shared the same experiences as yourself. Having a coach means you have complete freedom to share all your thoughts and anxieties in a non-judgemental space, and with a like-minded individual. The overall result is that I am happier in daily life, and one could argue I have also become a better husband. I’m more present and attentive to my wife and kids, and genuinely feel like balance has been restored. I now recognise that cheating is part of who I am, and all I have needed to do is learn to live with it whilst protecting those around me.

Your dissertation is the paper you have to submit at the end of your doctoral studies, so it is a paper of utter importance. As a student who wants to succeed and get a good grade, you surely want to write a powerful and compelling paper that will impress the teacher and your colleagues. However, the pressure you might feel is huge. You haven’t written a dissertation until now, so how are you going to do it? Here are 10 tips that you must follow when you write your dissertation to make sure you create a brilliant one.

 1. Get Help If You Need It

One of the first things you need to keep in mind is that there is no shame in asking professionals for help. Many students get dissertation writing help when they feel defeated by the task, by the amount of research they have to do, or by the extensive analysis they have to make. Either your reason, do not be ashamed to ask for help. Some experts are skilled and knowledgeable and can help you meet educational demands.

2. Make a Schedule

The next thing you could put to practice is to make a schedule. Working on a dissertation is not something that happens during the day but over a few weeks. It is an extensive and complex type of paper and it cannot be finished in one week. So, it is essential to make a schedule and set a time for all your tasks. Even though you have just started to work on it, add the tasks you have to your calendar to get reminders, and do not fall behind in your planning.

3. Select Your Topic

Selecting the topic might be one of the first challenging tasks you have to complete. And it can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially if you do not know what to choose. Well, you could think about a topic you love. If you have a broader theme you should choose your topic within, then this could be a starting point. Aim to choose a topic you love, you have a genuine interest in. A topic that does not bore you but rather captures your attention and fascinates you.

4. Writing

Many students might wait for the perfect moment to start writing their dissertations. But the perfect moment may not arrive very soon, so postponing working on your dissertation is not wise. Even though you might feel your research is not done, you could start writing. This does not mean that you will write your dissertation in a day or that the first draft is the final draft too.

5. The First Draft Is Not the Final One

Students have high expectations from themselves and they want to submit a powerful and compelling dissertation. Putting so much pressure on yourself might motivate you to start working, but it may cloud your judgment at the same time. Keep in mind that the first draft is not the final one. Do not think about how sentences and words sound together, but simply write your dissertation. 

6. Embrace Flexibility

If you have made a plan and a schedule, you will likely follow it. However, in some moments, you might fall behind your set deadlines and not be able to meet them. This is okay, as unexpected events and things can happen to anyone. Make sure to adjust your schedule so that you accomplish your tasks. If you have set your deadlines a little early, you benefit from that buffer time. 

7. Introduction is Last

Many students start working on their dissertations by following the classical structure. Which is not wrong at all. However, many of them stumble upon writing the introduction, as this is the first part of the paper. If you have not written the body, it might feel difficult to write the introduction, so you can write it last. This way, it will be way easier to introduce your topic after you have written the entire paper. 

8. Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback is something essential every student should do. The earlier you do it, the more time you have to think about and implement the feedback. You can ask your coordinating professor for feedback, but also anyone else whose opinion you trust. 

9. Take Breaks

Writing a dissertation and wanting to do it right comes with many emotions. You want to succeed, so you might put a lot of pressure on yourself. Your brain is not built to focus for 10 hours straight, so it is crucial to take breaks. They will help you relax and unwind and return to your tasks with a more creative and fresh perspective. 

10. Take Care of Yourself

Besides breaks, you should not forget that taking care of yourself is mandatory. You might forget about your sleeping and eating habits as writing and delivering the dissertation is your top priority. However, keep in mind that you cannot do it right if your body and mind do not feel well. So, take care of how and what you eat, drink enough water, and get enough sleep.