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9 of the Best Military Instagram Accounts to Follow

If you love to look at cool military pictures, you are in luck! Check out our list here of some military Instagram accounts you should follow.

Statistics show that there are currently around one billion people who use Instagram.

In its ten-year lifespan, the platform has gone from strength to strength. It now gives a voice to people from all walks of life.

Fortunately for veterans and those in active service, the military is no different. There is no shortage of entertaining military accounts on Instagram nowadays.

Read on as we look at the nine best accounts that post cool military pictures on Instagram.

  1. Sarah Maine (@curves.queen)

Sarah Maine is a veteran of the US Air Force and currently serves in the USAF Reserves as an airman.

Along with her husband Elijah, she runs a military fashion company called Curves n Combat Boots. They sell a broad range of fitness wear, much of which has a military-inspired aesthetic.

With a following of almost 50,000, Sarah Maine’s star is continuing to rise. She’ll be one to watch on the military Instagram scene for years to come.

  1. Marcus Luttrell (@marcusluttrell)

A veteran of the Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell has been exposed to military service in its most extreme incarnation. Since departing from active service, Luttrell has remained engaged in the military world in different capacities.

His memoirs formed the basis for the war film “Lone Survivor,” starring Mark Wahlberg, which was released in 2013.

His Instagram account, which is followed by over 600,000 people, features posts about the military, as well as family and lifestyle snaps.

  1. Dan Bilzerian (@danbilzerian)

It’s fair to say that Dan Bilzerian’s Instagram account relates to a lot more than just the military. The social media star first made his name as a professional poker player, before gaining more fame (and notoriety) for various reasons.

Bilzerian was involved with the Armenian military and regularly posts about weaponry on his Instagram page.

Bilzerian’s follower count is the highest on this list at 31.1 million. This means that you’ll probably have a tough time reaching him by direct message! 

However, many Instagram personalities do respond to DMs. Whether you’re sending Instagram DMs on Mac, PC, or your phone, the platform does give you the opportunity to communicate directly with your idols, and they may sometimes get back to you!

  1. Mat Best (@mat_best_official)

Mat Best’s account is one of the best blends of comedy and celebration of the military.

His 866,000 followers are treated to a steady feed of memes, funny photos, and more serious shots featuring guns and fitness content. His YouTube channel features videos of his military-inspired skits.

Before becoming a social media star, Best served as an Army Ranger and contractor.

Best is also the owner of Black Rifle Coffee, a brand that celebrates quality coffee and patriotism.

  1. Nick Bare (@nickbarefitness)

Today, Nick Bare is a fitness influencer and the owner of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). As well as his Instagram presence, he has an active YouTube channel.

Before this, however, he was a US Army Infantry officer serving in South Korea. His social media presence is a mix of military and fitness-related content.

  1. Military History (@historylegends)

Military History is a little different than the other pages listed here. Rather than centering around a specific person, this page looks at various important historic military events.

Posts look at events as diverse as the Boer War, the recent African conflict involving Boko Haram, and the Italian conflict in Abyssinia. The page also looks at the military capabilities of various countries throughout history.

The page has in excess of 71,000 subscribers and usually posts on a daily basis. If you’re a military history buff, or just want to learn more about the military forces of the past, this is the page for you.

  1. Vincent “Rocco” Vargas (@vincent.rocco.vargas)

A veteran Army Ranger, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas is another figure who has made a successful transition to the world of media.

Vargas’ military career involved three combat deployments followed by a spell as a drill instructor. His Instagram, which is followed by 154,000 people, features a mixture of military content, family pictures, and memes.

On top of his social media presence, Vargas has a successful acting career, starring in “Mayans M.C.” He also works as a writer and producer and has a number of business interests.

  1. Matthew Callahan (@warfighterframes)

Matthew Callahan was a public affairs specialist with the US Marine Corps.

He is very well regarded in the field of visual content creation. He is the only person in history to be named the military’s Photographer of the Year and Videographer of the Year in the same year.

As well as military content, Callahan has put his photographing skills to work in a photo essay called “Galactic Warfighter,” which is an homage to “Star Wars” films, of which he is a big fan.

With just over 21,000 followers, Callahan is not as widely known as others listed here. However, his inspired work is sure to project him to greater heights in times to come.

  1. The Marine Rapper (@themarinerapper)

The Marine Rapper is a veteran of the US Marine Corps who turned his attention to musical pursuits when he left active service. His musical projects recount his experience of the military in humorous and poignant fashion.

As well as a talented musician, he also has a gift for visual expression. While deployed in Iraq, he won an award for combat photography.

His 75,000 followers get to enjoy his photographic productions each day on his Instagram account. His Instagram presence focuses almost entirely on the military, with many funny reflections on life as a veteran.

Getting Cool Military Pictures on Instagram Every Day

If you already follow one or more of these accounts, you’ll know that there’s no shortage of cool military pictures on Instagram. If you haven’t followed any of these before, then now’s your chance!

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of our others! We post regular content on everything to do with the military!

Amazing Apple Music Tricks and Tips You Should Know

Apple Music tips and tricks to manage your tunes like a DJ. Click here to read this blog to understand apple music and become a pro.

Did you know that you can do more than listen to music on Apple Music?

There are so many ways to use the audio platform and make the most of your listening experience.

If you’re interested in making the most of your Apple Music account, keep reading. We have lined up the best Apple Music tips and tricks to make you an audio entertainment master.

Music Videos

Apple Music is more than its songs. The platform also offers music videos, and they’re all accessible in the same place on your app.

Most artists have their music videos available on the platform, and they’re accessible for your viewing pleasure.

These are the same music videos that you may normally watch through Vevo on YouTube. However, Apple Music sometimes offers special versions of these videos or other background shoots as well.

The video platform on Apple Music is available on your phone and on your computer. With Apple Music’s recommendation feature, you’re bound to find tons of videos that you’ll love.

Friends

You can connect with your friends on Apple Music. By following them, you will gain access to their shared playlists and their recent songs among other things.

This feature of Apple Music is great to connect friends when they’re apart. You can make a playlist for them or simply share one that you like.

If you’re obsessed with your friend’s taste in music, you have a supply of their favorites at your fingertips.

If you don’t want all of your music information out there, you can customize what others see or make your profile entirely private. If you do make your profile private, you can control who sees what.

However, many have said that Spotify’s friend function is better. There, you can see what your friends are listening to in real-time and interact with their music even more. If you’re more inclined to the friends’ feature, you may be interested in how to cancel Apple Music

Offline Listening

Apple Music allows you to download anything for offline listening. This does include songs, videos, podcasts, and pretty much everything else offered on the platform.

This feature is great for people who want to take their audio (and video) experience on the road without using Wi-Fi. 

You can download these things individually. You do not have to download an entire album or playlist at once, although there are easy ways to do this.

Offline listening is one of the more well-known secrets of Apple Music. For the lesser-known secrets, keep reading below.

Search by Lyrics

Apple Music has a newer feature that allows you to search by lyrics. If you hear a song on the radio that you like or have a lyric stuck in your head, you can now find it easily with this new search feature.

All you have to do is know one short lyric. You don’t even have to know a lot of lyrics for the feature to work.

Apple Music has also added a feature that shows you live lyrics while the song is playing. This feature has been better received than the static lyrics that were present earlier in the platform’s career.

Play by Mood

Another lesser-known Apple Music feature is the ability to play music by your mood. If you cannot find a song you want to listen to or want something that is more in line with your mood, you can use this feature to successfully find song moods that match your current one.

All you have to do is pick from several types of moods within the app on your phone or computer, and let Apple Music pick up the task of finding songs that carry that emotion.

This is great for the sad times and the happy times. No matter the mood, the app will find great music to accommodate your thinking and emotions.

Loving Songs

If you’re someone who does enjoy Apple Music shuffling random songs for you, you may find that the algorithm doesn’t always get it right. Sometimes songs pop up that you don’t really enjoy and have never actually listened to on Apple Music.

You may listen to opera and find that Apple Music recommended rap. This is great for those of you who dabble in both, but it leaves the others turned off by the automated system.

If this is you, there is a way that you can rework the algorithm to suit what you do like. Apple Music allows you to “love” or “dislike” a song if you open the song details on their app. 

If you “love” a song, Apple Music will be sure to recommend more songs like that. It could be more from that artist or more from that genre.

If you “dislike” a song, Apple Music will be sure to not recommend that song or others like it.

The more that you let the app know what you do and do not like, the more customized the song picks will be.

AirPlay Connection

Many people don’t know about Apple Music’s Bluetooth feature that allows it to connect you to other casting places. If you want to play a music video on your television or listen to a podcast on your Bluetooth speaker, Apple Music has got you covered.

It has been said that Apple Music connects best to Apple products, but it can still connect to whatever Bluetooth platform you want. You do not have to have an Apple television to watch music videos on your television.

Using These Apple Music Tips

Now that you’ve learned all of the best Apple Music Tips, it’s time to put them to the test. Figure out which ones you like and maybe those that you don’t like.

Be sure to keep your app updated so that you can get the latest updates every time Apple releases one.

If one of your favorite music genres happens to be opera, we invite you over to enjoy the rest of our website where we share all things opera.

What Happens When Your Skin Gets Older

As we age, several changes in the skin make us appear older. What does the ageing process look like in the skin? And why do some people look older than others?

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with many important functions. It protects us from UV radiation, microbes, and harmful substances, as well as regulates body temperature, maintains moisture, and provides our sense of touch and heat. Skin is composed of three layers: The epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis.

With age many changes in the skin make us look older, but the primary reason for signs of ageing is actually sunlight. Keep reading to learn what happens when the skin ages.

Renewal of Skin Cells Decreases

The entire skin surface is renewed about once a month, and we lose billions of skin cells every single day. As we get older, skin cell renewal slows down and the epidermis becomes thinner. This, in turn, leads to a blockage of dead skin cells, which is why the skin appears fatigued and tired – a typical sign of ageing.

Humidity is Reduced

In addition, the skin’s ability to retain moisture is reduced. The dermis consists of hyaluronic acid, a sugar product that plays a big part in the skin’s ability to bind itself to water. As we get older, the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases, making the skin appear thinner and hollow.

In cosmetic treatments, it’s common to use synthetic hyaluronic acid (fillers) to reduce the loss of volume and smooth out unevenness. This treatment must be repeated at regular intervals for a lasting result.

Production of Elastin and Collagen Decreases

Elastin is what makes the skin elastic, while collagen holds the skin together. As we age, the production of elastin and collagen decreases, loosening the network of threads holding the skin in place. This can cause the skin to sag and have a coarser surface.

You can easily test your own skin elasticity by pinching the skin on the top of your hand. If the skin is young and resilient it will quickly fall into place, while older skin takes a longer time to bounce back.

Wrinkles Become More Prominent

Lines and wrinkles are other classic signs of ageing. Lines are footprints of our facial expressions, such as smiling, squinting, or grimacing. Wrinkles are mainly created due to exposure to sunlight and are usually more prominent around the eyes where the skin is thinnest.

Sunlight – Biggest Enemy of Skin

The ageing process starts in our 20s, but some seem to age faster than others. One of the reasons is exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. The radiation significantly accelerates the ageing process by breaking down collagen and most wrinkles are actually a result of the sun and not age.

UV radiation may also damage the skin cells, causing freckles, moles, and other changes in the colour of our skin. More than 80% of facial ageing signs are caused by overexposure to sunlight, not age.

Cosmetic Treatments

Growing older and looking your age is the most natural thing in the world. However, some want to reduce the signs of ageing for cosmetic reasons, especially if they look much older than their actual age.

Facial cosmetic treatments are extremely delicate, and results depend on how skilled the surgeon is. In Norway, Dr. Jarl Bunæs at Bærum Plastikkirurgi is one of the leading experts in anti-ageing treatments. Dr. Bunæs is internationally recognized for treatments aimed at slowing down the ageing process.

As you stay safe indoors, your skin will face the consequences

As the novel coronavirus’ spread widens across the world, it’s important to stay inside. Even if you don’t like spending too much time at home, you have no choice but to follow the rules. The authorities have increased the penalties for those who don’t respect the COVID-19 restrictions. This means that, if you get caught wandering around for no reason, you could end up paying for the rest of your life. Practicing social distancing and respecting self-isolation measures play an important role in slowing down the spread of the virus.

All things good, but staying indoors for so long isn’t good for the health. While you don’t have to worry about enemies such as UVA, UVB, and air pollutants, the battle isn’t over. Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. It’s full of harmful chemicals and other substances that cause and aggravate existing skin conditions. Plus, when you’re cooped up at home, you tend to ignore your beauty routines. Even if you’re confined to your home, don’t let yourself go. There’s no better time than now to focus on yourself.

Don’t forget to put on sunscreen

The first thing you do when you go out is to put on sunscreen. UVA and UVB rays are more powerful than ever, so you’re fooling yourself if you think that you’ll get away with just a little sunburn. Prolonged exposure to sun rays can lead to cancer. Since you can’t leave the house as often as you’d like, you don’t have to put on sunscreen anymore. Staying indoors doesn’t protect you from those harmful UV rays. There are plenty of harmful forms of light that your skin needs protection from.

Did you forget about the computer? The screen emits high levels of UV radiation, which is why it’s recommended to wear sunscreen. If you’re working at the computer all day long, apply sunscreen with SPF 50 to protect your skin. The UV rays could possibly damage your complexion. Okay, maybe you spend a maximum of 20 minutes in front of the PC. However, with time, that adds up. Make sure to put on sunscreen and try adjusting the device’s light settings. In other words, adjust the brightness level.

Give up on evening rewards

So, you like to reward yourself after a hard day of work. Who doesn’t? But don’t be surprised if you have acne outbreaks. Avoid sweats and alcohol if you have to have perfect skin. Eating too many sugary foods leads to inflammation, which in turn affects the skin. Let’s not even talk about what alcohol consumption can do. It dehydrates the skin, which in turn causes the wrinkles and pores to be more visible. Basically, your skin ages faster than it should. The point is that you deserve to reward yourself after a long day’s work, just don’t reach out to sweets and alcohol.

Stay hydrated and make sure to eat a healthy diet. There are other ways to treat yourself. For instance, you can say “Yes” out loud and be proud of your accomplishments. Not only will it make you feel better, but also it will remind you of the importance of celebrating your achievements. Most importantly, have a big menu of healthy treats. You can eat mixed nuts or apple slices with peanut butter. Keep in mind that eating really late affects your skin.

Increase your vitamin D intake

Less sun exposure is mostly a bad thing because it’s the most important source of vitamin D. In case you didn’t already know, vitamin D boosts immunity during colds and touches of flu. This micronutrient activates the immune system, so your body is able to fight off serious illnesses. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that the T cells search for vitamin D, so if there’s not enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t mobilize. Since you can’t take a walk in the morning, you should better increase your vitamin D intake with supplements.

Ideally, you should take vitamin D from natural sources. Fatty fishes like tuna and salmon are great sources of vitamin D. If you don’t particularly like fish, try dairy products and beef liver. You introduce variety to your diet and the benefits to your skin health are tremendous. Healthy levels of vitamin D prevent premature aging and you don’t struggle with conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Yet again, if your body isn’t taking the micronutrient from the diet, you might want to consider supplements.

Include CBD in your skincare routine

When it comes down to skincare, not many people think about cannabidiol. Various studies have demonstrated that CBD has positive effects in terms of skin health. Topical treatments have been discovered to considerably improve the skin parameters and no allergic reactions have been documented. It turns out that the active cannabinoid ingredients found in marijuana are also present in the hemp flower. To be certain that the product you’re buying contains cannabidiol, ask the company for selling specifications.

Cannabidiol is well known for its healing properties, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that can turn out useful in treating skin conditions. Trust that brand you’re buying. Generally speaking, there’s no reason to worry because the rules for opening a CBD store are very strict. This basically means that not everyone gets to sell medical cannabis and those who do are completely reliable. Getting back on topic, you can obtain cannabidiol online if you have a prescription. Organic products are thoroughly tested by a third party before distribution, just so you know.

To sum up, staying indoors too much can take its toll on your skin. Skin health effects are already being reported, so it’s best to be extra careful. Maybe your skin looks just fine. Maybe so, but keep in mind that the effects of lockdown aren’t immediately visible. One day, you’ll wake and your face will be full of pimples. And you’ll have a wrinkle or two. If you don’t want that to happen, show your skin a little bit of TLC. 

Tips For Singles In The UK On Dating During & After The Coronavirus

For mature singles in the UK, meeting solid date candidates is challenging enough. Now, new social distancing regulations present a host of new obstacles. You might be wondering if everything will bounce back to normal when all this is over. If you’re feeling single and ready to mingle, there is hope on the horizon. Here, you can find a plethora of tips for dating during the Coronavirus and beyond.

Dating in the UK

If you’ve been on a few dates before, you know the trends of casual, laid-back dating in the UK. However, many continue to seek a compatible partner to settle down with and start a family. While the global pandemic has certainly placed real-world dates on hold, the internet is at our fingertips with a wide selection of options.

Traditionally, dates have been set up through mutual friends or family members, but today, online dating presents a customizable way to connect with a much larger pool of potential candidates. Dating apps and online services like EliteSingles, Match.com, eHarmony, and Lovestruck grow in popularity with each passing month. Currently, the online world is teeming with online-dating success stories. Self-isolation is proving to create hundreds of new, healthy relationships.

Tips for Dating During the Coronavirus

  • Put yourself out there

If you’ve become comfortable with the norms of dating in the UK, the Coronavirus might have you feeling like a fish out of water. Don’t fret. While creating an online dating profile or reaching out to someone you’ve connected with might be new territory, what better time than right now to put yourself out there. Most likely, the person on the other side is having similar feelings. A “no” is the worst thing that can happen, and there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

  • Curate unique content for your online dating profile.

Have you ever stumbled across an especially compelling or memorable online dating profile? Formulating a profile that shows off your personality in a new or inventive way may secure a greater number of potential online dating candidates. 

Choose appealing photos that show off your passions and interests. Take care in writing a bio that accurately describes who you are and what you’re about. Show that you are worth connecting with, and the virtual dates will follow.

  • Find creative ways to get to know each other. 

Previously, mature singles in the UK could meet over drinks or dinner after work. Today, we are confined to the digital realm. Though you might have to stretch out of your comfort zone, try to create ways to still simulate the dating experience through online platforms. Whether you choose to set up a video chat for casual happy hour drinks or organize a full-blown romantic date night, your date will surely appreciate the extra effort.

  • If you hit it off virtually, start planning your first date together.

The Coronavirus regulations will pass soon enough, and you may be able to connect with that special someone who you met online. Use the thorough planning of an extravagant first date as an exciting topic of conversation. Plus, when you are able to meet, you’ll already have a mutually agreed upon date idea. 

Dating for mature singles in the UK can be a challenge, and new social distancing restrictions do not make things any easier. Use these tips for dating during the Coronavirus to take the first steps toward a thriving dating life post-Coronavirus, and share them with your friends (or your dates)!

T1 Tact Watch offers valuable features during the Coronavirus Outbreak

Research shows that 21% of Americans wear a smartwatch on a daily basis. Yet, many do not take the time to research important features that could provide them with additional safety. The T1 Tact Watch offers users unique features that provide additional safety in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. One of the brand’s new blogs gives an official T1 Tact Watch review [ read here ] of its features particularly useful for these unprecedented times.

Wearable technology could be the difference between life and death for some individuals. Many watches and apps offer the ability to track health statistics that may be the first signs of contamination. The ability to receive notifications from friends and family on your wrist allows users to stay in the loop with those they love. 

Smartwatches & The Coronavirus

Some countries, like Germany, have begun using smartwatches to anonymously track the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Once social distancing regulations are lifted, some countries may use smartphone applications and data from watches to keep close tabs on people’s health and the trends within the virus’ spread. 

The ability to anonymously track health statistics like sleep, heart rate, and body temperature could help predict and prevent the spread of the virus in certain territories before it starts.  Consider investing in this tactical watch, as there is no better time than now to start taking precautionary steps toward protecting yourself and your loved ones.

T1 Tact Watch Features For Fighting a Global Pandemic

Across social media (@T1TactWatch), T1 Tact Watch reviews rave for this watch’s sleek style and reliable capabilities; they place it above far above competitors. So, you can let the reviews speak for themselves and close out of sites like Garmin or Samsung

Focusing specifically on the current pandemic, the T1 Tact Watch includes features that could play a key role in your ability to protect yourself and prevent infection. Read on to learn more about the virus-fighting features. 

  • Track health statistics, including respiratory and sleep statistics. 

One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is difficulty breathing. By wearing the T1 Tact Watch, you can have a safe record of your health habits. You may even recognize a pattern change in your health that only your watch’s heart rate and respiratory monitors could see. 

  • A DLC coating allows for deep sanitization and washing.

Studies show that the COVID-19 virus may be able to live in small cracks and crevices for a prolonged period of time. However, the T1 Tact Watch’s coating first ensures that you can easily scrub your watch with soap and water. Second, it ensures that no tiny particles (or viruses) can live within or on the surface. Plus, with the waterproof design, you can easily sanitize your watch after every outing.

  • Phone Calls, Text Messages, and Social Media Notifications keep you up to date.

Many smartwatches offer phone notifications, and this one is no different. In a time when health conditions can change in an instant, it’s crucial to keep your loved ones close. While practicing social distancing, stay connected to your family through your phone and never miss a notification with the sleek alert feature.

The watch is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones through a reliable Bluetooth connection.

  • Diamond-like Carbon Coating (DLC coating) provides peace of mind.

DLC coatings prove time and time again as one of the highest quality materials for utility tools, and now, watches! Even the band lauds diamond-like carbon silicone. This coating offers low friction for the user and high wear resistance, ensuring that the watch wears comfortably and withstands the test of time. 

The watch has endured tests in fire and being driven over by full-size vehicles. Even under the swing of a hammer, the screen did not crack or fracture, and one battery assures at least three years of use. 

  • Discrete video, audio, and photograph feature enable the discreet recording of unexpected events.

The security film feature is relatively unique to this wearable. While you may deem this feature futile, it could prove extremely useful in a time when protecting yourself and your family of utmost importance. The feature allows you to remotely and discreetly snap a photo or begin a video or audio recording on your smartphone. One T1 Tact Watch review touts this feature as unexpectedly useful in these unusual times. 

You gain access to an exclusive group of watch owners.

Upon your first purchase from the online store, you will immediately become a part of the ‘home team’ community. This community is a place for owners of this one-of-a-kind watch to rally together. You will also get exclusive deals and be the first to know about upcoming offers. 

The T1 Tact Watch offers users many features that are useful during any time of life, but especially during a global pandemic. Its features rise about the competitors. The Coronavirus has already taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Consider investing in the future of your health and well-being. Compared to competitors, this watch offers the largest bang for your buck. For the price of one of a competitor’s watches, you could buy one for yourself and as a gift for a loved one. It’s suitable for people of any age. 

This is one of the most popular smartwatches of 2020. Be wary of counterfeits. This tactical technology is available exclusively at T1TactWatch.com until the American brand becomes open to third-party retail stores or create their own brick & mortar shop. 

The price of this watch has seen incremental increases over the past year.   The suggested retail of this watch is $150, according to various wearable tech blogs.   The American reporter has it originally listed for $79 at opening day.   It has risen to $89.99 since.      And one of the latest rumors has the smartwatch going up again in May or April 2020 to $94.99.    Either way, this is a far cry from the prices of similar mens tactical watches, which tend to cost $350 to $500 USD.

During the pandemic, it’s better to be safe than sorry however. Be sure your smartwatch is sanitizable.   Apply a little hand sanitizer when you come back home to kill any remnants of Covid19 aka the CoronaVirus that may be on your favorite wristwear.

Healthy split: How to regain confidence after a divorce

Normally, no one enters a marriage expecting it to fail, and honestly, we all know where a marriage can lead eventually. The end of a marriage usually unleashes a flood of unsolved emotions, including grief, anxiety, and even fear. Sometimes such feelings can arise when you least expect them, catching you off guard. It is worth knowing that such emotions will shortly fade away, so in the meantime, being kind to yourself is the only thing you should prioritize.

An abundance of research has shown that self-care and compassion are sure-way tools to manage the day-to-day difficulties of divorce. Try not to see divorce as a battlefield, as this is where everyone is wrong. You can always rely on mediation to sort things out with your ex-spouse and come to an understanding where everyone gets something. Research has shown that mediation can be beneficial for your children’s needs, relationships, emotional satisfaction, and confidence.

Cultivate Positive Relationships

The changes brought on by a divorce can make you question your current relationships. Many recently divorced people are shocked when they get the cold shoulder from some of their friends. This is not unusual, especially if there were mutual friends with your ex-husband, which makes them less loyal to you. It is possible, though, that you have some people around you can reach during this trying time. Do not be afraid to ask someone to a movie or lunch. You need strong and positive friendships to help you get through this difficult transition.

Celebrate Being Single

Being single is enjoyable and almost addictive, especially if you have experienced an unsatisfied marriage. Make sure you celebrate yourself. There are many “die-hard singles” out there enjoying living alone. One of the most significant advantages of being single is that you will have enough time to deal with what you really enjoy doing without being judged. What makes you happy? Many women and men stare blankly when you ask them this question.

This question is essential as many of them are so deeply interested in what others do around them that they totally lose sight of what makes them happy. If your long-dreamed holiday in Los Angeles had been canceled due to an old disagreement with your ex-spouse, do not wait around, waiting for this precious time to pass. Make those bookings, visit your favorite place, meet those enchanting Los Angeles Escorts, taste the Venice Beach, and stroll along the stars in Hollywood.

Get Re-Acquainted with Yourself

A divorce can help you realize important things about yourself. You should see this as an opportunity to get to know yourself again. When you have been in a relationship for so long, chances are many of the choices in the relationship, such as where to study, work or go on vacation, were not your choices but your spouses. Well, this time, you have been offered the freedom to explore your professional and personal options, work on post pond projects and hobbies, and develop skills you have always dreamed of having.

The old saying” time heals all wounds” is only half true in this situation. Time does really heal wounds but not without enough intervention from yourself, friends, and your passions.

An In-depth Look at the Negative Impact of the French Anti-Cult Movement

With more than 4,000 world religions, making sense of other religions – their differences and similarities – has been intricately studied as a topic on both an academic and spiritual level in the United States and Canada.

In France, however, some types of religious organizations have been viewed as taboo.  Unlike North America, little study has been done on (what some view as) alternative groups and religions.  Instead, according to Dr. Susan J. Palmer, professor of New Religion at Dawson College in Montreal, they are seen as criminal, “mafia-like” groups, and just to be associated with these groups can create a negative social stigma.  (1)

Historically, the ideology in France has been that sects inevitably result in criminal behavior, and the assumption is that if the government didn’t get rid of the sects, then the country would experience an uptick in violence.

In her book, The New Heretics of France, Susan Palmer tracks the mounting government-sponsored anti-cult movement in the wake of the shocking mass suicides of the Solar Temple in 1994, an event that ushered France’s most visible religious minorities onto a blacklist of 172 “sectes” commissioned by the National Assembly. She offers an examination of France’s most stigmatized new religions, or “sectes,” and the public management of religious and philosophical minorities by the state.

Here’s an in-depth look at the history and subsequent negative impact of the French anti-cult movement.

Parliamentary Commission on Cults

Following the events involving the members of the Order of the Solar Temple, where more than 50 members, including founder Luc Jouret, killed themselves in Canada and Switzerland, The French National Assembly set up a Parliamentary Commission on Cults in 1995 to formally address the issue of alternative religions and what constitutes a cult.   In turn, the commission compiled a list of 10 cult-like characteristics.

The 10 Cult-like Characteristics 

  • Threats to people:
    • mental destabilization
    • exaggerated financial demands
    • separation from one’s home environment
    • damage to physical integrity
    • indoctrination of children
  • Threats to the community:
    • more or less anti-social speech
    • public disorder
    • importance of judicial involvements
    • possible diversion of traditional economic circuits
    • attempts to infiltration of public powers (2)

MIVILUDES’ List

In 2001, the repressive policy finished with the controversial About-Picard Law, which allowed the French government to ban religious groups if they were found to be manipulative and abusive. An agency called MIVILUDES, an acronym for Mission interministérielle de vigilance et de lutte contre les dérives sectaires, which translates to “Interministerial Mission for Monitoring and Combatting Cultic Deviances,” was created to monitor the groups.   

The French commission released a list of 173 groups that qualify as cults.  If a group met at least one of the 10 determined criteria, then they would constitute as being a cult.

MIVILUDES then provided the information related to “cultic deviances” to the media, the French government, and individual members of the public.  The list was compiled mostly by a group of French Catholics and Clergy, who demonstrated a bias toward their own orthodoxy.

Controversy On All Fronts

One of the first criticisms came from Bishop Jean Vernette, the national secretary of the French episcopate to the study of cults and new religious movements, who stressed that the criteria could be applied to almost all religions.

Additionally, the General Director of the Renseignements généraux, Yves Bertrand, spoke against the belief that Jehovah’s Witnesses deserved to be diabolized and “to put on the same level some types of dangerous thought and genuine cultic movements that alienate the freedom of their members, the result is the opposite of the desired goals”.

The creation of the original list also drew criticism abroad, including from the United States’ State Department.  A report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom stated:

The ensuing publicity by the release of a parliamentary report against “sectes” contributed to an atmosphere of intolerance and bias against minority religions. Some religious groups reported that their members suffered increased intolerance after having been identified on the list.

Groups that had nothing to do even with religion were included based on hearsay, and ultimately, the organizations named on the list were never given a chance to dispute their inclusion before it was made official.

Some people rightfully complained about the impossibility of rectifying the list, saying it contained unfair qualifications to certain groups falsely pinned as cults, with appalling consequences for their members and their activities. People lost their jobs, their livelihood, even custody of their children because of the list. 

As such, the French Government declared the lists erroneous, invalid and stated that they should not be used — however, the damage had already been done.

The negative impact of the French anti-cult movement 

Some movements had sought access to documents that led to their classification onto the list of cults by the parliamentary commission. The State refused, stating it was a risk to public safety to disclose the information. Several religious groups engaged in lengthy legal proceedings before they could access the secret documents.  The Jehovah’s Witnesses finally succeeded in 2006, to find out the files only included a list of their places of worship.  Again, lives were ruined over these secret documents for little to no reason. 

As a result of the Commission’s findings, people who were considered to be involved or even associated with unconventional religion experienced a plethora of negative circumstances.  Job loss and demotions were common among the workforce, and in divorce court, a judge would grant custody of a child to the partner who was not considered to be in a sect.  Some parents were even denied visitation as a result of their association to a religion. (3)

“It’s quite unique to find a country where the anti-cult movement is so formal and has so much government status and support.  It’s quite remarkable,” says Dr. Palmer.

After many years of negative impact, MIVILUDES disbanded on January 1, 2020.

Even Companies Were Also Unfairly Named on MIVILUDES List

One particular company that has been affected by the negative exposure resulting from the Parliamentary Commission on Cults is Landmark Worldwide, a personal and professional growth, training, and development company.  As an employee-owned seminar company, Landmark makes clear that its own position is that it is purely an educational foundation and has no religious component or affiliation of any kind.   

Recently, a participant of the Landmark Worldwide’s 3-day course, the Landmark Forum, took the initiative to send a letter to the French anti-secte MIVILUDES organization, arguing against the falsehoods brought forth by the report, a letter that received a favorable response.  Secretary-General of MIVILUDES Anne Josso stated in an official correspondence (Ref. SB-MLV2018A/2669) that there was not now and never was any evidence of Landmark being a sect.

The letter from MIVILUDES explicitly says that to this day, they do not consider Landmark to be a sect. Here is an excerpt from their response:

“… the lists published following parliamentary investigative committee from 1995 to 1999 only have historical value these days.”

 -And –

“I would like to let you know that, to this day, MIVILUDES doesn’t have any information highlighting sectarian aberrations regarding the organization of personal development Landmark®. 

You can read the full letter from MIVILUDES (in English and French) here:

https://www.scribd.com/document/426295635/Lettre-Reponse-de-MIVILUDES-re-Landmark-et-les-listes-publiees-lors-des-commissions-d-enquete-parlementaires-de-1995-et-1999

Conclusion 

The negativity brought forth by the French sect lists has impacted groups and people of all kinds in France.  Despite the country’s unique perspective on non-secular religions and other non traditional groups, the presence of what MIVILUDES would deem cults can be seen daily on the streets of Paris.  In recent years, government monitoring has lessened and even heavily monitored groups are more inclined to stand on busy corners distributing pamphlets, willing to spread the word of their religion.  After all, is religion and spiritual belief not all in the eye of the beholder?

Moving Estimates – 4 Factual Confessions

The economic condition is never stable. Sooner or later, we get to the point of relocating our employment or business elsewhere so that we can lead a better life afterward. In such a situation, nobody can be a better friend than a moving company. A moving company is the only place that can help us with our moving estimates. Without them, we would end up being clueless or helpless when it comes to relocating to a new region.

To make sure that you don’t overpay or overspend on your moving services, you have to make sure that you conduct your moving estimates accordingly. Without getting the hang of your calculations, you can never settle on a fair estimated moving cost.

To determine the best moving company for your business, you have to sit down, talk to more than one mover, and compare the estimates. It is ideal to obtain multiple moving estimates (at least five movers) so that you know who can meet your requirements all the way more effectively.

The comparison itself will tell you why it was essential to reach more than one company. Things to focus more while comparing the companies are hourly rate, the cost for moving your belongings, loaded pound weight, and additional fees.

While you are agreeing, make sure that you know every single detail of hidden charges such as credit card processing, moving up and downstairs, disconnects and reconnects, and reconstructing any appliances and furniture.

But, is it vital to obtain estimated relocation bids for your move? Will these estimates will come in handy for your next business move. Let’s read below why it is essential for businesses or even individuals to get moving estimates for their progress.

  1. Making a Realistic Budget for the Move

Different estimates for several companies is the optimal way to stick to your budget. Without a realistic budget, one cannot plan and organize a move in an effective manner. This budget will tell how much money you need to keep aside for your next step, and you no longer have to wait and see if you can cover the move or when you could be in too deep. This will help you to have less stress in your head as you already know that about a good 70% – 80% of your moving money goes to paying movers.

  1. Staying Away from Scammers

With the help of moving estimates, you can be able to stay away from companies that don’t come with a legitimate profile in the industry. Scammers usually come up with substandard moving standards that tend to attract people. While you are deciding a company for your next move, make sure that you go through a legal agreement binding because fraudulent companies in the industry will never provide you a legitimate moving estimate.

  1. Obtaining the Best Possible deal in the market

When you look for estimates from different movers, you know what most companies offer and what you should look for. Without these estimates, you would never know about the ideal bargain. Hence, compare every estimate carefully so that you make sure that you get a good deal. As you know the nuts and bolts of a competitive binding estimate, it will assist you to obtain the least expensive service in the market. A binding moving estimate is a legal contract on which you and your mover will shake hands. Keep in mind that once you agree on this contract, either you or the mover can never alter any detail from it.

  1. Determining the Efficiency of Customer Support

When you check estimates from different movers, you get to know which company is the best with their customers. Do they consider their customers with an extraordinary service? Or they take days after days to get back to you? This is a top-notch way to determine whether your office move is going to be an effective one or not because you already know how the organization responds to its customers. However, keep in mind that the company you choose for your office move has a full registration status for relocation services. The U.S. Department of Transportation number by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) is something you should look for when you are dealing with a move inside the United States.

Getting moving estimates is part and parcel of a compelling business move. It doesn’t matter if you are moving your office within the city or you are relocating to another town, you always have to get the estimates. For your intended move, go for multiple cost bids so that you can get the ideal bargain and even the mover. Once you have selected a company for your moving services, make sure that you gather enough information from them. They know everything starting from the timetables of things to packing supplies to hints and tips to ease your move and moving truck estimates. Do make use of them because all this information is critical to avoid hidden charges for your office move.

Author Bio:

John Brooks is the Professional Content Marketer. He writes a lot of articles on his carrier. Last one year he is working with Orbeen.com as a digital marketing expert. The company provides various types of Digital Marketing services i.e, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Optimization (SMO), Web design & development, Link Building, Content Marketing & blogger outreach.

The Benefits of Using a VPN When Torrenting

According to the stats, there are more than 28 million people who use P2P file-sharing method. So, what does this mean? Well, it means that the allure of getting content for free drives more and more people into Torrenting. However, do you know that Torrenting can put your privacy at risk? Well, it’s true. Of course, acquiring content through Torrenting is easy. But it comes with serious security-related issues—especially when downloading copyrighted content. Besides throttling by your ISP, you might find yourself battling legal lawsuits and paying heavy fines. Even more, Torrenting without adequate protection leaves you venerable to cyber attackers and even hackers. Along those lines, the following guide is going to examine the main dangers of Torrenting or Cybersecurity and why a VPN can be your ultimate answer.

Legal Consequences

Most countries, including the US, are extremely strict when it comes to Torrenting. In the recent past, most sites believed to encourage illegal behaviors have been shut down by the US government. Besides the US, German, France, the UK, and Finland are some of the countries with stringent policies regarding Torrenting. If you are found downloading content using Torrents, you might be subjected to legal lawsuits or heavy fines. However, using a VPN keeps your online activity private. A VPN will hide your IP address. Also, your data will be encrypted. This means that no one will track your activities.

Throttling

Throttling is another big reason why you should invest in The Best VPN in 2020. In most cases, your ISP might throttle your internet connection to eliminate the possibility of traffic congestion. Consequently, your internet speed will be slowed down. Throttling is done on a particular network if illegal activity is suspected or network overcrowding is experienced. However, you can use a VPN to hide your Torrenting activities. Your ISP will find it hard to control your online activity.

The Right VPN for Torrenting

According to cybersecurity experts, it’s wise to choose a paid VPN. Of course, it’s tempting to go for free-based VPNs. However, nothing is free. Plus, how does that VPN make money? They sell users’ information for marketing purposes. This can leave you venerable when it comes to the security of your information online. So, spend something to get a good VPN. Look at the features if that VPN. Does it have strong encryption protocols?  How about that VPN’s no log policy? How does it protect users from P2P file-sharing risks? Does it allow Torrenting? Will it track your online activities? These are some of the issues you should address before purchasing any type of VPN.

Key Takeaway

It’s important to note that Torrent laws are dynamic in nature. They change from time to time. That’s why you need a VPN that guarantees you guarantee you maximum privacy while going about your online activities. Remember, most countries have strict laws regarding infringing content copyrights. Thus, they tend to shut down most torrent sites. Even more, they can institute legal actions and even impose fines on those who download copyrighted content. That’s why it’s always important to use a VPN whenever you torrent. It will guarantee you maximum security.

The Bottom-Line

Privacy is becoming a global concern in this digital era. However, cyber attackers and hackers pushing online users to the corner. Plus, sharing P2P files through Torrenting can expose you to numerous risks. From lawsuits resulting from accessing copyrighted content to cyberbullying—there are numerous risks online. That’s why you need to invest in protection like VPN when doing Peer Peer file sharing. The above guide will help you make an informed decision