Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Where are Chinese travelers heading now that borders have reopened? - CNN

source https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/where-are-chinese-travelers-heading-now-that-borders-have-reopened-cnn/?feed_id=38221&_unique_id=64d2d8fba2ff4

Tips for Choosing Decorative Outdoor Lighting

[ad_1] If you were to drive around any neighborhood while paying close attention to decorative lighting, you would begin to notice a pattern of gorgeous homes with lighting systems that are too small or cheap in appearance. On the other hand, you would begin to see smaller homes where homeowners had installed oversized lighting systems. In other words, while everyone loves the ambience that decorative outdoor lighting provides, and the enhanced safety of illumination, many people simply do not make the right choices. As a result, the home and lighting system are off-balanced, which distracts from the beauty of the property. The goal when buying decorative outdoor lighting is to have a plan, which would include the size and style of home. From there, you would find it much easier to purchase a lighting system that would enhance and complement the home rather than create an awkward appearance. One of the next steps is to determine the appropriate size of outdoor lighting for your needs. Keep in mind that no hard rules exist as to size, walk outside, and standing at roadside look at the home. Try to focus on any architectural features that stand out such as a lamp post, statue, pillars, etc. Using good visual judgment, determine the size of decorative outdoor lighting that would create balance. Another important aspect of choosing decorative outdoor lighting has to do with illumination. Typically, you want the exterior to be lit up for security reasons but you also want to avoid harsh glares. Therefore, we recommend you again look for decorative outdoor lighting that provides balance. After all, this type of lighting should be fully functional. If you plan to place light fixtures along a driveway or up stairs leading to the front door, illumination should be bright enough to make walking safe while at the same time not so bright that illumination is actually distracting. If you need brightness, then it would be better to illuminate a broad area so the light is not so concentrated. Most decorative outdoor lighting systems come with a minimum of 100-watt capacity, whether as a single light or multiple lights. For creating light outside, this is plenty. In addition to size and illumination, you want to consider the material of the decorative outdoor lighting fixture. Today, the five most popular choices include iron, brass, copper, cast aluminum, and composites. Although there are other options, these are used because they can withstand the elements and remain beautiful and functional. The hardest material to find is cast iron but something hand-forged would be gorgeous. Just be sure the metal parts of the system are zinc coated to eliminate rust from developing. Brass is a popular choice simply because it has an elegant look. However, decorative options made from brass also ensures a long lasting system that can handle all types of environments. The only exception is that brass does not handle extreme heat but choosing fixtures that have powder coating would eliminate any concern. It would also be worth spending a little more for solid brass. No matter the choice, brass does go through a unique oxidation process whereby the surface color changes but for decorative outdoor lighting, it adds to the charm. Even if you were on a tight budget but desperately want new outdoor lighting, remember that companies have sales all the time but you could also make your purchase directly from a manufacturer. In addition, we suggest you look at options for decorative outdoor lighting online. Because companies that sell only via the internet do not have the same high overhead as brick and mortar companies, it is possible for them to pass incredible savings on to the customer. [ad_2] Source by Lydia Quinn https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/tips-for-choosing-decorative-outdoor-lighting/?feed_id=38213&_unique_id=64d2d3c3eb180

Monday, August 7, 2023

NAD Electronics Announces CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer - Digital Journal

NAD CS1 adds network streaming to any music system Pickering, Ontario, Canada - January 24, 2023 - NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio-video components, today announced the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer, a compact, minimalist design that makes it easy to add streaming capability to any music system. The CS1 will be available in retail shops and NADElectronics.com with a retail target price of US$349 / £299 / €399 / CDN$499 in March 2023. Employing audiophile-grade components, the NAD CS1 can play high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It features Bluetooth, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi and supports the most popular streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon. Certification for network sharing via DNLA/UPnP protocols expected to be complete with retail available of CS1 in March 2023. That means listeners don’t have to install a dedicated app to use the CS1; they can control playback with the music apps they use every day. OPTIONS UPON OPTIONS There are many ways to play music through the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer. Listeners can use Bluetooth to pair the CS1 with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The CS1 offers many options for playing music over a home network. Listeners can use AirPlay 2 to stream CD-resolution audio from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or from an iTunes library on a Windows PC. With GoogleCast, users can cue up music in any Cast-enabled app on a mobile device or personal computer, then transfer playback to the CS1. NAD CS1 front Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect users can cue up music in the apps for those services, then easily transfer playback to the CS1. Roon subscribers can play music from their digital libraries and from streaming services with resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. AUDIOPHILE-GRADE SOUND The NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer delivers the audio performance for which NAD is renowned. It features an advanced differential digital section based on Texas Instruments’ PCM5141 DAC, a design known for its extremely low noise, excellent dynamic performance, and immunity to clock jitter. It also has full MQA rendering and decoding capability for playing master quality music from Tidal. FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY Users can connect the CS1 to their home network via Wi-Fi or hardwire its LAN Ethernet port to their network router. The CS1 has a pair of RCA analogue outputs for connection to a stereo receiver, integrated amp, preamplifier, or a pair of powered speakers. The CS1 also has optical and coaxial outputs for sending digital audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution to powered loudspeakers with digital inputs, or to a home theatre receiver or external DAC. “Streaming has profoundly altered the way people discover and experience music,” said Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager of NAD Electronics. “The CS1 makes it easy to add streaming to a legacy stereo or home-theatre setup. Or someone could configure a low-footprint system for a den or home office by combining the CS1 with a pair of powered speakers. Streaming doesn’t get simpler than this.” NAD CS1 from rear Key Features of the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer: • Compact, minimalist design
• Built-in Bluetooth 5.0
• Dual-band Wi-Fi plus LAN Ethernet port
• Support for network sharing via DLNA/UPnp* protocols
• Stereo analogue, optical digital, and coaxial digital outputs
• Premium differential DAC design based on Texas Instruments PCM5141 DAC, with support for 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio and MQA decoding
• Apple AirPlay 2 support allows CD-resolution streaming from any audio app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
• GoogleCast support allows playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution from any Cast-enabled app on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer
• Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect support lets users cue up music on a smart device, then transfer playback to the CS1
• Roon subscribers can stream audio to the CS1 from their personal libraries and online services supported by Roon in hi-res * Certification in process as of publishing date About NAD Electronics Founded in 1972 and now sold in over 80 countries, NAD Electronics is renowned for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theatre and custom installation applications. Since the beginning, NAD’s commitment to four core values – innovation, simplicity, performance, and value – have earned it a cult-like following that catapulted it to becoming a household name amongst audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components that include modern features and technologies meant to appeal to a new generation of audiophiles. Media Contact
Company Name: NAD Electronics
Contact Person: June Ip
Email: Send Email
City: Pickering
State: ON
Country: Canada
Website: www.nadelectronics.com



source https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/nad-electronics-announces-cs1-endpoint-network-streamer-digital-journal/?feed_id=38208&_unique_id=64d182179db7e

Small Business Start Up Financing

[ad_1] The number one question I get asked as a small business start-up coach is: Where do I get start-up cash? I'm always glad when my clients ask me this question. If they are asking this question, it is a sure sign that they are serious about taking financial responsibility for start it. Not All Money Is the Same There are two types of start-up financing: debt and equity. Consider what type is right for you. Debt Financing is the use of borrowed money to finance a business. Any money you borrow is considered debt financing. Sources of debt financing loans are many and varied: banks, savings and loans, credit unions, commercial finance companies, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are the most common. Loans from family and friends are also considered debt financing, even when there is no interest attached. Debt financing loans are relatively small and short in term and are awarded based on your guarantee of repayment from your personal assets and equity. Debt financing is often the financial strategy of choice for the start-up stage of businesses. Equity financing is any form of financing that is based on the equity of your business. In this type of financing, the financial institution provides money in return for a share of your business's profits. This essentially means that you will be selling a portion of your company in order to receive funds. Venture capitalist firms, business angels, and other professional equity funding firms are the standard sources for equity financing. Handled correctly, loans from friends and family could be considered a source of non-professional equity funding. Equity financing involves stock options, and is usually a larger, longer-term investment than debt financing. Because of this, equity financing is more often considered in the growth stage of businesses. 7 Main Sources of Funding for Small Business Start-ups 1. You Investors are more willing to invest in your start-up when they see that you have put your own money on the line. So the first place to look for money when starting up a business is your own pocket. Personal Assets According to the SBA, 57% of entrepreneurs dip into personal or family savings to pay for their company's launch. If you decide to use your own money, don't use it all. This will protect you from eating Ramen noodles for the rest of your life, give you great experience in borrowing money, and build your business credit. A Job There's no reason why you can't get an outside job to fund your start-up. In fact, most people do. This will ensure that there will never be a time when you are without money coming in and will help take most of the stress and risk out of starting up. Credit Cards If you are going to use plastic, shop around for the lowest interest rate available. 2. Friends and Family Money from friends and family is the most common source of non-professional funding for small business start-ups. Here, the biggest advantage is the same as the biggest disadvantage: You know these people. Unspoken needs and attachments to outcome may cause stress that would warrant steering away from this type of funding. 3. Angel Investors An angel investor is someone who invests in a business venture, providing capital for start-up or expansion. Angels are affluent individuals, often entrepreneurs themselves, who make high-risk investments with new companies for the hope of high rates of return on their money. They are often the first investors in a company, adding value through their contacts and expertise. Unlike venture capitalists, angels typically do not pool money in a professionally-managed fund. Rather, angel investors often organize themselves in angel networks or angel groups to share research and pool investment capital. 4. Business Partners There are two kinds of partners to consider for your business: silent and working. A silent partner is someone who contributes capital for a portion of the business, yet is generally not involved in the operation of the business. A working partner is someone who contributes not only capital for a portion of the business but also skills and labor in day-to-day operations. 5. Commercial Loans If you are launching a new business, chances are good that there will be a commercial bank loan somewhere in your future. However, most commercial loans go to small businesses that are already showing a profitable track record. Banks finance 12% of all small business start-ups, according to a recent SBA study. Banks consider financing individuals with a solid credit history, related entrepreneurial experience, and collateral (real estate and equipment). Banks require a formal business plan. They also take into consideration whether you are investing your own money in your start-up before giving you a loan. 6. Seed Funding Firms Seed funding firms, also called incubators, are designed to encourage entrepreneurship and nurture business ideas or new technologies to help them become attractive to venture capitalists. An incubator typically provides physical space and some or all of these services: meeting areas, office space, equipment, secretarial services, accounting services, research libraries, legal services, and technical services. Incubators involve a mix of advice, service and support to help new businesses develop and grow. 7. Venture Capital Funds Venture capital is a type of private equity funding typically provided to new growth businesses by professional, institutionally backed outside investors. Venture capitalist firms are actual companies. However, they invest other people's money and much larger amounts of it (several million dollars) than seed funding firms. This type of equity investment usually is best suited for rapidly growing companies that require a lot of capital or start-up companies with a strong business plan. [ad_2] Source by Susan L Reid https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/small-business-start-up-financing/?feed_id=38196&_unique_id=64d125c59b867

Sunday, August 6, 2023

WaterRower Review: The Home-Gym Rowing Machine You Need ... - The Wall Street Journal

By .css-1m43ll3font-size:1rem;line-height:1.625rem;letter-spacing:normal;font-weight:normal;font-family:"Escrow Text",serif;font-style:italic;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:all 0.2 ease-in-out;transition:all 0.2 ease-in-out;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:antialiased;white-space:normal;margin:10px 0px;.css-1m43ll3:hover-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;color:#366;Logan Hill When the pandemic hit, and my tiny Manhattan apartment became my home office and gym and therapist’s office and everything else, I watched as my friends started buying giant, high-tech, internet-enabled Pelotons. .css-x3124afont-size:0.875rem;line-height:1.125rem;letter-spacing:0.03em;font-weight:700;font-family:"Retina Wide",sans-serif;text-transform:none;font-style:normal;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:antialiased;white-space:normal;color:#000;@media (max-width: 640px).css-x3124afont-size:0.8125rem;Pelotons. And I won’t lie: I was tempted. I love cycling around the city. I was feeling like I’d better figure out a way to do cardio workouts at home. But I couldn’t imagine parking some sci-fi “Tron” cycle in the middle of my retro living room, amid my old books and vintage furniture. I needed a cardio machine that took up less floor space, and looked less like it had been teleported from the year 2050, to remind me that if I want to live to see that year, I’d better start working out more. So I read every home-exercise guide I could find, then settled on cheap resistance bands, which made me feel clumsy, and mostly stretched my patience. Eventually, I spotted a WaterRower online and immediately fell in love with the low-tech, wooden rowing machine—partly because, in a world of futuristic exercise equipment promising to disrupt exercise as we know it, it is reassuringly old school. I love that it’s basically the exact same device that was invented by a Yale engineer in 1988, and manufactured in Rhode Island from locally sourced wood. More importantly, when I last checked, it’s the only piece of stationary exercise equipment that looks so good in a living room you can buy it from the MoMA store $1,160 at Amazon It stores upright, so you need only 22 inches by 20 inches for that. And when upright, the WaterRower cuts a lean, sculptural figure at nearly 7 feet tall: long, simple planks of blonde ash wood, extending up from the bulbous, clear water tank at its base. It looks less like exercise equipment and more like an eccentric prop for a vintage Paul Thomas Anderson movie (though its most famous on-screen appearance was in “House of Cards,” as the Wall Street Journal newsroom reported). When I strap in for a workout, it looks like it belongs on my hardwood floors. Not like I’ve been invaded by Equinox. Another benefit: It’s quiet. As someone who spends his days writing screenplays and watching movies, I often find my biggest problem with actually going to a gym—and with most in-person human activity, honestly—is that I have to stop watching my beautiful, big TV. But unlike so many workouts that demand your full attention, or exercise bikes and air-resistance rowing machines that make tons of noise, the WaterRower is so unobtrusive that I can hear the TV clearly over the whooshing water as I work up a sweat. I never rowed before—I’ve vaguely regarded rowing as the hobby of bad guys in teen movies—but it’s now been a part of my nearly daily routine for two years. And my wife, who doesn’t have to adjust a thing even though she’s a few inches shorter, has joined my crew. (My editor says this is where I have to remind you that you should consult your doctor before starting a new fitness routine so you don’t pull a muscle or even, as The Wall Street Journal newsroom reported, pull a Mr. Big.) I purchased the basic Natural model in ash for $1,199, which felt pricey upfront but, over the two years, has been a bargain compared to a big-city gym membership. People have asked me if the water gets murky; mine has stayed crystal clear, though the company does offer a free “purification tablet” in case. If you love internet-connected classes, WaterRower’s in-house and third-party apps might be for you. But the standard model’s simple, included performance monitor is enough for me. I  bought the optional Bluetooth adapter ($59.95), but I rarely use it—and I don’t like the idea of paying a subscription fee to watch some trainer yell at me on an LED screen. Instead, I track my workouts and monitor my heart rate on my Apple watch. And, mostly, I just use this wooden machine to enjoy a straightforward full-body workout that taxes 80-plus percent of my muscles, like I’m still in 1988: I fold it down, I row until I’m drenched in sweat, and then I stand it back up. And I feel better. Updated Jan 3, 2023 By .css-lr59tdfont-size:1rem;line-height:1.625rem;letter-spacing:normal;font-weight:normal;font-family:"Escrow Text",serif;font-style:italic;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:all 0.2 ease-in-out;transition:all 0.2 ease-in-out;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:antialiased;white-space:normal;margin:0;.css-lr59td:hover-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:#747474;Nick Guy We tested all the top options to bring you the 4 worth buying Updated Aug 14, 2022 By Lisa Lombardi Set up an inspiring workout space with this expert-approved gear, from cardio machines to kettlebells Updated Dec 13, 2022 By David Murphy We asked barbers and barber educators to tell us everything they know about electric shavers—and then tested them to uncover the best shavers for most faces source https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/waterrower-review-the-home-gym-rowing-machine-you-need-the-wall-street-journal/?feed_id=38192&_unique_id=64d0012d7bf0b