AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts and How to Make The Most Out of Studying Here

Education

Last year I completed my degree at the incredible AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, a truly life changing experience which has given me memories for a lifetime. This is a college which is widely respected as one of the best in the country and having spent 3 years there I can see exactly why. If you are plan to apply for this college or you have been accepted into the college then you have to ensure that you do all that you can to make the very best of this experience. In order to do that, here are some tips which may help you out. 

Be a Yes Person

I found that saying yes to any task or responsibility which was offered really helped me in terms of my status as a student and in terms of my learning here. They are always looking for students to support with many things when there are events on and when you get involved in that you have a real chance to meet new people and learn new skills. 

Try Something New

There are so man opportunities here for you to try out new things and I would suggest that you should also take these chances. If you are trying to become an actor then there is nothing wrong with trying your hand at singing or stage design, they all add strings to your artistic bow! There are lots of small groups which offer you the chance to try out new things, so give them a go and see how far your talent can take you. 

Grow Thick Skin

The environment here at AMDA is highly competitive and truth, pretty brutal, which is why you are going to need to have thick skin in order to survive and thrive. The reason for this is because they are preparing you for the world of drama and arts and that too is incredibly brutal. Getting rejected is not nice, nor is being heavily criticized for something which you have put your heart and soul into. Unfortunately however once you get out into the real world this is exactly what things are like so this will serve as great preparation for that. 

Be Open Minded

It is really important that you drink up all of the inspiration which you see around you during your time at AMDA, there is an extremely diverse and eclectic student body. If you are able to open up your mind then you can get some amazing inspiration from the rest of the students which can really help you in building new concepts in your art, and displaying a very unique style. In approaching this with an open mind you will also be able to make more friends and create a much needed support network around you .

You are going to have an amazing time at AMDA, good luck for the future. 

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4 Great 2020 New Years Resolution Ideas

Health & Fitness

As the New Year approaches, many people are starting to reflect on what kind of resolution they want to make for themselves.  The new year is a fantastic opportunity to make improvements on yourself, upgrade your lifestyle, and be a better version of yourself.

It’s not as easy as creating a resolution for yourself, however.  Most people end up giving up on their resolution within the first three weeks. It takes a considerable amount of self-control to follow through with your commitment.

Therefore, here are some great ideas for resolutions, along with tips on how to stick to them.

Get Sober

Statistically, most people admit that they drink more than they would like to. Cutting back on alcohol or getting sober altogether is something that could benefit you in more ways than just your physical health.

Not only will you feel more energized, but you’ll also feel a decrease in anxiety, an increased sense of compassion for others, and much better sleep. Even though most people associate New Years with drinking and partying until midnight, why wake up on the first day of the new year with a pounding headache when you can feel fresh?

If you’ve been considering committing to sobriety for a while, then New Years is the perfect opportunity. Not sure how to stick to it? Consider joining a support group or hanging out with other sober people!

Work Out More

Losing weight is at the top of the list for resolutions for most Americans. Unfortunately, most people don’t end up sticking to a program long enough to lose the amount of weight that they would like.

Therefore, rather than focusing on “losing weight” as your goal, why not change your focus to exercising regularly? Choose one that you enjoy, and chances are that you’ll be more likely to stick to it!

Make More Money

You probably have things that you’d love to have or do but don’t have enough in your budget to make it happen. Making a resolution to bring in more money is a fantastic goal that can help you reach your dreams.

Money may not bring you happiness, but it can make a happier life more accessible than if you had no money. Try to think of creative ways that you could bring in more money this upcoming year. Perhaps you could do some freelance writing, or even babysitting!

Quit Smoking

You’ve probably heard by now that smoking is bad for you. If you’re finally ready to give up smoking, then the start of the new year is the perfect opportunity.

Not only can it make you a healthier version of yourself in 2020, but it can also save you a significant amount of money!

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Money Management Tips For Young Adults

Finance Money

Learning to properly manage the money you have makes a huge impact on where you end up in life.  If you can’t get a hold on your finances, you will spend your life juggling payments and debts.  

It’s important that you learn the proper management methods while you’re young, so you’ll have more of a financial cushion for support when you’re old.  Take some time now to read through some money management tips that will get you on your way to financial stability today.  

Live by a budget 

As soon as you are able to earn your own money and pay your own bills, you need to be living by a strict budget.  Spend time cultivating the most fitting budget for your personal situation, and augment your plans as your income matures.  

Knowing where your money is being spent will paint a very clear picture of your income dispersion.  You’ll have more power to control your financial situation with a well-crafted budget.  

Work hard while you can

Work hard when you’re young.  Your body and mind won’t always be as sharp as they are in your 20s, so take advantage of the wealth of health you have at your disposal.  Working hard will help you earn as much money as possible.  

However, it’s still important that you treat your body right.  Don’t overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion. Pay attention to your dietary habits, and make sure you get plenty of sleep.  There are always ways to make a little bit more money too, do your research and make a ways to make extra money list, try each method you find and go get that extra cash. 

Make sure you pay your taxes

You don’t want to have a tussle with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as they typically always win.  You need to pay your taxes as you earn money to keep yourself out of legal trouble.  

You could face criminal charges for shorting the federal government of their money, so don’t take any chances with your taxes.  Hire a competent accountant to handle your taxes each year, and rest peacefully knowing your money is protected.  

Always keep a savings 

Ideally, you should have six months’ worth of survival money in your savings account at all times.  Not everyone has the ability to meet that goal, but it’s worth the push to try.  

You need a savings account to handle the financial hiccups that come your way throughout life.  If your car breaks down or you break your arm, you’ll need some extra money to float you through to the other side of such a financial impact.  

Invest in a retirement plan

As soon as you have the option, invest in a 401(k) retirement plan.  You’ll thank yourself when you’re old and you don’t feel like working anymore.  Leaning on your promised social security check is no longer a reliable plan for retirement. 

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5 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Auto

Thousands of people are killed every year as a result of car accidents. In many cases, the accident could have been entirely avoided by taking simple preventative measures. 

Whether you’re on a busy city road or cruising along in the country, usually car accidents are a result of the same reasons. Take a look at some of the most common causes of car accidents. 

Distracted Driving

A lot of people spend so much time in their cars that they start to become overconfident. As a result, they start multi-tasking allow their focus to stray from the road ahead of them.

Distracted driving can not only result in rear-end accidents but even tragic head-on collisions. When you’re driving, you shouldn’t be doing anything else besides looking at the road ahead of you. That means not doing your makeup, fiddling with the radio, or eating. Save those activities for when you’re at home or pulled over.

Speeding

One of the most common reasons for accidents is speeding. It’s important to always pay attention to the signs around you so that you’re aware of the limits. The speed limits are put in place for a reason. In some areas, it’s because there are children present, and in some cases, it’s because of dangerous curves ahead.

Don’t assume that you’re above the law, and the rules don’t apply to you. Even if you’re in a hurry to get to your destination, nothing is worth risking your life or someone else’s. Follow the speed limit at all times! 

Drunk Driving

It’s all too common of a scenario: Someone has a few drinks and is convinced that they’re fine to drive. The problem is that even though you may be certain that you’re in a condition to drive, you’re not in your best state of mind.

Even if you’re convinced, you’re only “buzzed,” alcohol impairs your ability to act quickly. If you need to brake suddenly, you may not be able to do so in time. You may also have impaired vision, which results in missing someone on the road.

Pay for a cab or arrange a designated driver to take you home if you’ve had more than the legal limit of alcohol. 

Texting

Somehow, people still haven’t learned yet that cell phones don’t belong anywhere near your body while driving. Cell phones result in tens of thousands of deaths a year. Put your phone away, where you can’t see or hear it.  

Yes, even when you’re at a red light or stop sign. You are not the exception to the rule! 

Weather

Whether it’s fog or rain, weather can make driving more difficult to do. Always keep a safe following distance and drive at a slower speed when in adverse weather conditions.

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5 Ways To Make A Quick Buck

Finance

A little extra money in your pocket is never a bad thing.  Making money isn’t as hard as people think, as long as you know the right channels to travel.  There are plenty of simple ways to make an extra dollar.  

If you’ve been searching for a useful opportunity to make some extra dough, you’re already heading in the right direction.  Research will open up new avenues. Here are a few ways to start your endeavor and make some extra money fast.  

You could buy some lottery tickets

You may think it’s a long shot, but you can make a little money scratching off instant lotto tickets.  Stores make good money selling lottery tickets, but the revenue goes towards bettering the surrounding communities.  

You can make a few bucks, while simultaneously giving back to others.  Just be careful to keep it in moderation. A gambling habit is a formidable opponent.  

Try mobile money-making apps

The age of mobile users is upon us, and there are numerous mobile apps available that actually do pay.  Don’t waste your time downloading some ad-ridden trash on your smartphone, and take a hint from us.  

Check out these money-making mobile apps the next time you want to make a quick chuck of change.  

  • Dosh
  • Field Agent
  • Ibotta
  • Swagbucks
  • Inbox Dollars 

You can have the extra money for that hot date you’ve been hoping to plan by next week by making a simple download today. 

Consider freelancing your skills

You can make an extra paycheck if you have marketable skills.  The internet is always in need of new content, so it’s not too difficult to pick up a content writing position.  

If you’re into visual art, you can likely find an outlet for your expression and make some money online.  It’s all about finding the right leads.  Take the time to truly research various leads, and learn what a good lead looks like from the jump.

Sell your things online

You can make money by selling your old things online.  If you’re crafty, you can sell that too. Sites like Etsy, Amazon, and Craigslist offer a simple opportunity to anyone to make a fast buck.  Sell old furniture or electronics, and you’ll receive payment almost instantaneously.  

Make money taking surveys

If you have plenty of spare time to surf the web, then you have the time to make some money by sharing your opinions.  Take surveys, and make money to afford the little perks in life.  

Your survey money could easily afford you a monthly Netflix subscription or a similar entertainment source.  Use your idle time to your advantage, and turn your hours into dollars by taking online surveys.

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Electing a Vasectomy Procedure – What is Best for You?

Health & Fitness

Family planning was once left to the woman to worry about, but with the responsibilities involved more men are considering their options when it comes to family planning. While some forms of contraception are temporary and can be missed on occasion, a Vasectomy procedure is the most reliable form of male contraception because it is permanent and can’t be missed on one occasion. However, many men shy away from a Vasectomy procedure because of concerns of the surgery involved, understandably.

The Option of a No-Scalpel Vasectomy Procedure

The good news is that there is now a no scalpel Vasectomy procedure available which is faster, safer, and less painful than the traditional method. It is also known as a keyhole Vasectomy or no-needle Vasectomy. Urologists and male productive health professionals advise that a no-scalpel Vasectomy is the best choice is the best choice for the over half a million men in the United States who elect to undergo a Vasectomy every year.

No-scalpel Vasectomy doesn’t involve incisions or sutures and there for healing time is shorter and less painful. It also lowers the risk of infection and other complications. The no-scalpel Vasectomy is carried out by diverting the vas deferens, preventing the transfer of sperm from the testicles. The procedure is carried out through a small opening in the skin of the scrotum, where a surgical dissecting clamp is used to allow the surgeon to dissect the ducts and then reposition them.

A no-Scalpel Vasectomy procedure takes around 45 minutes to an hour to be performed and is done as an outpatient surgery.

Recovery Time After a No-Scalpel Vasectomy

Whereas recovery time after a Vasectomy would take between 7 days and 14 days, with care to not cause infection, the recovery from non-Scalpel Vasectomy procedures can be much briefer, with the patient able to resume normal activities after just two days. There will be some pain after the anaesthetic wears off but will be reduced with an ice pack on the surgical location, and use of counter pain killers.

Side effects of a Vasectomy surgery may include discomfort, pain or swelling of the scrotum area as well as bruising. All should disappear within a week after the surgery without treatment.

Vasectomy Success Rates

Immediately after surgery it is wise to continue to use another form of birth control until a fertility test is performed to check the surgery has been successful. Unsuccessful Vasectomies are rare but may happen.

Vasectomy Alternatives

Other male birth control methods include barrier method, wearing a condom or the female partner wearing a diaphragm. Spermicides are used in foam or cream form to kill the sperm before it fertilizes the egg. Hormonal treatments can be used by female partners such as birth control pills, shots, patches or implants which prevent the release of the egg. An intrauterine device can be placed in the uterus to decrease the likelihood of fertilization. These are all less effective than a vasectomy but are reversible, unlike a vasectomy.

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Dreamed of Owning Desert Mountain Property?

DIY / Home Improvement

Mountains make up the backbone of the United States and are the backdrop for some of the most beautiful natural locations and national parks in the country. Have you ever considered living in a desert mountain property or a cabin near a ski resort? These types of property are not only great locations for vacation homes but for those wanting to get away from the city and live life in the great outdoors away from the hustle and bustle. Life is much simpler, and the views are magnificent!

Why Consider Desert Mountain Property

Desert Mountain property is available throughout the United States and is actually some of the lower cost land and property available. Whereas vacation spots such as close to National Parks and Ski Resorts can be expensive, desert mountain property has a lower entry point and building costs are typically lower. Some desert mountain regions still have good access to nearby cities and other conveniences, but far enough away that you can live a tranquil lifestyle with 360 degrees views of the beautiful countryside.

Some people choice to purchase desert mountain land and then gain planning permits, if required, to build the property of their dreams on the land. Whereas others may want to move straight in so buy land with a property or properties already in situation. Some pockets of land require no planning permits and permissions because they’re far enough from anyone else for them to care, so if you plan to build a large ranch this can be ideal.

Think About a Mountain Ranch

For those wanting a bit more greenery and life in the Woods rather than in the desert type mountains, there are properties available in the more Northerly states which are much greener and come with a Forest area and possibly rivers, streams or lake access. If you’re a big fan of the hit TV series Alaskan Bush People then this could be the life for you! On your own land usually building permits and hunting permits aren’t required, and you have within reason, rights to lumber and minerals. You may already have the materials there that are needed to build your dream home.

Consider a Home in a Ski Resort

Look forward to your ski holiday every year? Some of the not as well known ski resorts can be a very good option for keen skiers because not only are the slopes emptier but also the properties are less expensive. While you’re using your Chalet you have access to the slopes and the rest of the year you could rent it out to other holiday makers or maybe even live there permanently. Ski resorts have a lot to offer because there are often other conveniences and facilities in the vicinity due to the tourist trade and have good road access.

Whether you’re considering a desert mountain property, a mountain ranch or a ski resort chalet, the US mountain ranges can hold out opportunities for beautiful homes.

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What are the Best Types of Traditional Saunas for Your Home?

DIY / Home Improvement

Many people use the Sauna at their gym and enjoy them so much as a way to relax at the end of a work out or a swim. When they find out that they can buy a Sauna for their own home, they can’t wait to go ahead and purchase one. The issue then is deciding which Sauna to choose. So what are the best types of traditional saunas?

What are the Best Types of Traditional Saunas?

Traditional Saunas are a concealed wooden build many from high quality hard wood and have a heater to heat water which fills the Sauna with steam. There are many options on top of this and its beneficial to understand the extras and the options so you can decide on the best Sauna for you and your family.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared Saunas use infrared technology to heat the Sauna, a heat which develops more evenly and can reach the whole of your body. In a steam Sauna the top half of the Sauna is usually a lot hotter as are the seat and walls, but parts of your body don’t get as warm. With infrared the heat is more evenly distributed and can be controlled a lot more so that you have a more even Sauna and feel that all parts of your body have benefitted. You are usually able to stay in an Infrared Sauna for longer as well, because instead of getting hotter and hotter until it is unbearable, an infrared Sauna maintains a constant heat.

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic infrared heaters are more effective and energy efficient that traditional steel heaters particularly at lower temperatures. They also enhance infrared penetration and cool more effectively to create more steam thereby enhancing the detoxifying process for the body.

The technology built into infrared ceramic heaters produces the type of heat that is produced by our Sun, but don’t have the harmful Ultraviolet rays or Electromagnetic field radiation emitted by the Sun.

Health Benefits of a Traditional Sauna

We all believe that Saunas are good for us, but what are the actual health benefits of a Sauna? First of all calorie burning is higher than usual when sat in a Sauna because your body is working hard to cool off, resulting in shedding of fat and therefore temporary weight loss can be expected in the form of water, sweated from the body. As soon as you hydrate again though the weight returns.

Saunas help with blood circulation which helps with the healing of conditions such as sun burn, cuts and other skin maladies, and also cleanse the skin through profuse sweating. Heat opens up the pores in the skin and washes out any dirt and natural oils in the skin to cleanse skin throughout the body. They promote relaxation and therefore ease muscle pains and tension and promote a feeling of well being. Heart rate also increases with the heat of a Sauna which is equivalent to a brisk walk and therefore good for respiratory health.

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3 Preventative Measures To Take For The Security Of Your Business’s Future

Business

Being a business owner is tough work. Especially if you’re a small business owner and have your entire life wrapped up in the ultimate success of your work, it’s important that you do everything in your power to ensure that your venture doesn’t fail.

While you can’t protect yourself against all the possible ways for your business to flounder, there are things you can do to help reduce the amount of risk you’re willing to take on. So to help you do this, here are three preventative measures you can take for the security of your business’s future. 

Create Backup Plans For When Technology Fails

For many modern businesses, so much of your success is based on your ability to use technology to your advantage. The only problem with this is that almost all pieces of technology require energy and electricity in order to run. So if these systems go down, whether it’s because they’ve overheated or you lose power for some other reason, it can severely hinder your ability to be successful with your business.

To combat this, Marc Davis, a contributor to Investopedia.com, recommends that you create backup plans for when technology fails. This can and should include things like backup batteries, communication failsafes, document protection, and more. 

Get The Right Insurance

Another preventative measure that you should take as a business owner is to ensure that your business is properly protected with the right insurance coverage. 

According to Bert Markgraf, a contributor to Chron Small Business, by having the right insurance policies in place for your business, you take a lot of the risk off of your business and place it on the insurance companies instead. Ideally, your business should have insurance for things like damage to your property or equipment, liability for your products or services, and injuries to both your employees and any customers or clients you work with. 

Protect Yourself Financially

To keep your business above water financially, it’s smart to know how to best protect yourself, your investment, and the money you make from your business venture.

To help you with this, Donna Stone, a contributor to TheBusinessWomanMedia.com, recommends that you take preventative steps by having strong contracts drawn up on your behalf, creating conservative budgets, having a solid process for collecting payments, and enlarging your margins as much as possible. 

While these preventative measures won’t be able to completely ensure that your business doesn’t run into financial trouble, having these things in place can help reduce that risk and hedge your bet for yourself. 

If you’re wanting to take some steps today that will help ensure that your business has a bright future to look forward to, consider using the tips mentioned above to start crafting some preventative measures you can implement.

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Have You Been Accused of a Crime? What Should You Do Next?

Legal

You generally consider yourself a stand up person. For your whole life, you have stayed on the right side of the law. But what happens if someone accuses you of a crime? You know that you didn’t do anything. But in a court of law, even though you are not presumed guilty, you still have to take steps to defend yourself.

How exactly do you do this? Your first step is always going to be to call a lawyer. Second, you should have some experience reading up on specific laws yourself. There are a tremendous number of resources available to you. And third, make sure that you look over your social media profiles. 

If you have been accused of a crime, and there is something in your social media profiles that suggests that you were more likely to have committed this crime, then it’s a good idea to scrub all of that data sooner rather than later.

Call a Lawyer

After you’ve been accused of a crime, your first step is always going to be contacting a criminal defense lawyer. You may not know what details you have to present to ensure that you get a fair trial. What might seem like common sense to you may not be appropriate in a court of law. 

Because of this, your lawyer is going to be your best friend. They will show you how to prove your innocence beyond any doubt. That puts the burden of proof on the person who is accusing you of this crime.

Read Up on the Law

If you want to learn about the law to help yourself out after you’ve been accused of a crime, there are plenty of resources for you to check out. You can read up on cases that are similar to yours. You can search through digital archives quite easily for any reference material that makes sense in your case. 

You can look up the likelihood of you being either convicted or found innocent. Statistics can be very helpful, and reading and researching on your own will make it so that you know what to focus on as you’re defending yourself.

Look Over Your Social Media Profiles

When was the last time you looked at your social media profiles from the perspective of a stranger? If you look like a person who has committed a crime in your social media profile, someone may use that against you. 

It’s not necessarily legal to do this, because it’s only going to be information that gets presented accordingly in court that is totally viable. However, the court of public opinion can be brutal, especially if the media gets a hold of some of the comments you have made that are controversial. Because of this, it’s always good to have a sanitized set of online materials, but especially after you’ve been accused of a crime.

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