Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

The Entrepreneurial Sunset: How To Gracefully Dismount The Startup Carousel

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“Entrepreneurship can be an exhilarating ride, full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Unfortunately, all good rides must come to a stop eventually – while hanging up your entrepreneurial hat may feel like the end of an exciting chapter, it may just be an opportunity for new opportunities!”

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Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Businesses have life cycles similar to people. Once you have been in the entrepreneurial phase for a while, there is a next step. The following contributed post is entitled, The Entrepreneurial Sunset: How To Gracefully Dismount The Startup Carousel.

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Entrepreneurship can be an exhilarating ride, full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Unfortunately, all good rides must come to a stop eventually – while hanging up your entrepreneurial hat may feel like the end of an exciting chapter, it may just be an opportunity for new opportunities!

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

The Reality Check: Entrepreneurship’s Expiry Date

As milk turns sour and bananas brown, entrepreneurship also comes with an expiration date. You may feel invincible while riding the entrepreneurial high, but eventually its rapid-fire startup ecosystem might start to feel daunting or the thrill of finding next big idea may no longer excite you as much. Unfortunately, entrepreneurship is not meant to be your lifelong career; rather it should serve as one exciting chapter among many of your professional journey – being cognizant of this reality is crucial in planning for life after entrepreneurship.

Bracing for Impact: Navigating an Emotional Rollercoaster

Detaching yourself emotionally from entrepreneurial life may be like breaking up with someone special: after pouring yourself and your energy into nurturing and growing it over many months and nights. As you prepare to step off the entrepreneurial carousel, fear, sadness and even loss may surface as emotions surface during this transition period. Remember that it’s perfectly natural for this change to bring out these mixed reactions within yourself – all are normal responses to change! Acknowledging these emotions is an integral part of the process, helping you cope with change and open doors to new opportunities. So buckle up, brace for impact, and prepare to ride this emotional rollercoaster ride – you are stronger than you think, you are resilient, and this journey won’t break you.

Making the Transition: Exiting Like a Boss

Exiting your entrepreneurial journey should not be seen as an act of surrender but as a deliberate, graceful move with dignity and grace. Like an experienced chess player navigating their way towards victory, an entrepreneur needs to know when and how best to step back – timing is of the utmost importance here! Consider all aspects and consider your goals before aligning them with those of your business. Though this task is no easy one, remember that every change opens the way to new beginnings. So summon up the courage, accept change and exit like a champion. Whether that means selling your startup, handing off leadership to another leader or simply moving on – do it with dignity and poise; remember this is just the start of another chapter that’s waiting to be written.

Future-Proofing: Preparing for the Aftermath

Stepping off the entrepreneurial stage doesn’t mean your career has ended; on the contrary! It provides an opportunity to explore uncharted territory, try on different roles, or perhaps even take that coveted sabbatical you have long wanted. Prepare yourself for this change with just as much care as if it were a business strategy. Start by detaching yourself from your business identity, so that you may explore beyond being just an entrepreneur and explore other passions or interests. Have a hobby that has fallen by the wayside because you don’t think you have enough time? Dust it off and give it another go! Financial planning is also essential when transitioning from entrepreneurship. Consult with financial advisors, invest wisely, and create a nest egg for future security. Embark upon a new chapter of life today: it is an opportunity to discover, expand, learn, and expand yourself! Prepare yourself because The Next Act awaits!

Living the Good Life

Transitioning out of entrepreneurship does not mean saying farewell to all the joy and fulfillment it brought you; quite the contrary! Now is the time to bask in the fruits of your hard work and experience all those joys life had in store – ones which you may have missed on your entrepreneurial journey. Have you been daydreaming of exploring the world? Well now is the time! Whether your interest lies in learning Italian cuisine or playing an instrument – give them both a go! Buy real estate in Shingletown and celebrate your success! Or why not visit a snowboard shop, get all the gear you need, and hit the slopes? At this stage, the focus should be on finding a balance between leisure and productivity. Following your heart, pursuing interests, and engaging with new experiences are all integral parts of the equation. Engage in intellectual pursuits; participate in meaningful dialogue; make an impactful contribution to social causes; or simply take some time out for nature. Life beyond entrepreneurship isn’t an empty canvas to fill with freedom, exploration and joy – so put aside any fears you might have and enjoy the journey ahead of you – remember, life’s not about arriving somewhere, it’s all about going somewhere!

Business to Pleasure

Transitioning from entrepreneur to non-entrepreneur opens up a wealth of possibilities. While entrepreneurship may often involve long hours and heavy stress, its opposite – non-entrepreneurship – offers freedom, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Now is the time to let go of workaholic tendencies and focus on personal development, self-care, well-being and hobbies you put aside while building your business. But how can you best prepare yourself for this new phase of your life?

A Fresh Take on Finances

At the heart of post-entrepreneurship lies financial preparation. A comfortable nest egg doesn’t just appear out of thin air; chances are, you have probably been too preoccupied managing your startup to attend to your personal savings account. Now is the time for a good, hard look at yourself financially: connect with a trusted financial advisor, discuss retirement goals, understand income streams, and develop a comprehensive financial plan – it’s never too early or late to start planning for the future!

Health Is Wealth

You’ve likely heard the old adage countless times: health is wealth. Entrepreneurship can be demanding on time and energy resources; leaving little for fitness or proper diet. Now that life post-entrepreneurship beckons, take time out for yourself by joining a gym, taking yoga classes, getting regular health checkups, or keeping to a balanced diet plan – anything to achieve health without entrepreneurial stress getting in your way!

Photo by Sara Bakhshi on Unsplash

Conclusion: Parting Ways with Entrepreneurship, Not Success

Stepping down from entrepreneurship doesn’t mark an end of success: rather it represents an opportunity. When making this transition from entrepreneurialism, keep this in mind: your skillset, connections made and experiences gained will still serve to propel you forward no matter where it takes you. So embrace each new chapter with equal enthusiasm as when starting off on this entrepreneurial adventure; every sunset brings the promise of another dawn!

Handling The Rigors Of Entrepreneurialism: A Guide

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“But the truth is that no two entrepreneurs are exactly alike, which is why modeling yourself on a successful figure entirely or simply taking advice from one person is never really going to cut it.”

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Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. While it can be lucrative, there are my rigors to being an entrepreneur and it is not easy. The following contributed post is entitled, Handling The Rigors Of Entrepreneurialism: A Guide.

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Much is said of being an entrepreneur, including how you should think about your day, how to act, how to deal with challenges, how to accept failure, and, sooner or later, how to succeed. But the truth is that no two entrepreneurs are exactly alike, which is why modeling yourself on a successful figure entirely or simply taking advice from one person is never really going to cut it.

We’ll leave you to navigate your path and we’re certain you’ll find success, but as you do, it’s important to be careful about how you manage your personal life and wellbeing. In simple terms – entrepreneurism is a rigorous and intense mode of productivity, where you’re not only trying to prove yourself through side hustles and initiatives, but also trying to manage people, to pitch, secure funding, and even to risk your own financial standing for the chance of success.

For this reason, then, it’s important to be very clear about your intentions and goals going forward, and how to protect yourself against burnout. If you can achieve that, then you may be able to curate a healthier outcome. In this post, we’ll discuss how that might look:

Manage Your Time Blocks & Stick To Them

Time blocking means sticking to one specific priority and blocking out time to properly focus on it. It’s not necessarily about achieving particular goals in that block of time, but rather investing your time to pay full attention to it, which in the long run allows you to complete tasks more quickly than you would when distracted with five mini-priorities alongside your main one. This can help you avoid burning out mentally and feeling as though you’re spinning a million plates at once.

Optimize Yourself

It’s important to optimize yourself if you can. What does that mean? Well, with exercise, good sleep, and meditation, you can enjoy your best sense of self, confidence, and purpose. This isn’t just a nice platitude, it actually has a true impact on how well you can work, focus, and even be creative each day. That, coupled with nootropics or rituals that help you become more attentive and productive each day (some people enjoy drinking green tea while listening to zen music, others work in cafes for that comforting vibe) you can optimize your output and sense of purpose as an entrepreneur.

Be Mindful Of Entrepreneurial Advice

One of the main difficulties of being an entrepreneur is knowing that tens of thousands of other entrepreneurs are all too happy to give you advice as if they were the authority. Make sure to look into the people offering said advice, and also if they’ve used that in the past. Sometimes, you just have to swim upstream away from the crowd too, after all, you’re in a competitive environment and taking the wisdom of someone who stands to take your market share, especially if they’re not a direct mentor to you, can be difficult. This way, you can focus more on your own intent and voice as opposed to feeling carted in multiple different directions.

As a tip, stick to counsel from seasoned businessmen with knowledge and expertise in your field. For instance, experts like Hussian al Nowais can offer helpful insight into real estate if that’s what you have your eyes on. Fortunately, these experts have blogs and social media platforms where you can get helpful resources and connect with them respectively, so feel free to consider this. While at it, consider attending seminars and workshops that focus on your area of expertise. Getting a mentor with a successful record can also help; they can offer insights into proven strategies to boost your business success. They can also show you what mistakes they made, so you can avoid them.

With this advice, you’re sure to handle the rigors of entrepreneurialism to a much more successful degree.

How To Invest As A First-Time Investor This Year

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. One of the keys to getting ahead in terms of money is learning to invest. It’s never too late to start but you want to do so wisely. The following contribute post is entitled, How To Invest As A First-Time Investor This Year.

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Always wanted to invest your money but don’t know where to start? You’re likely to be in the same boat as others who have very little knowledge or no clue of how to invest their money.

Unfortunately, it’s not something that’s really taught and instead is a learned skill that only so many will then choose to put to use as they start earning money. Here are some helpful tips to invest as a first-time investor this year.

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Get professional advice and guidance

First and foremost, when it comes to investing, it’s good to get to grips with how it works and how to make the most out of every dollar you’re spending. That means understanding everything that comes with investment, a topic that you might not have any personal knowledge of.

It’s not something we learn as kids unless there are influences in our lives that have invested already. A company like Manulife Wealth might be worth reaching out to in order to understand how your money could go further with the help of experts.

It’s an approach that’s much better to take than to try and figure out yourself or to jump in too soon and lose the money you wanted to profit from.

Start off with small investments

With all first-time investors, it’s always good to never bite off more than you can chew. With that in mind, start off with smaller investments, rather than spending all the money you have available on something that might not pan out.

Smaller investments are going to help drip feed what you’re investing into and it means you’ll have less of a bad experience with investing if you’re only losing small amounts to begin with.

Putting your money all on one investment and then losing it, might sour your experience so much that you don’t invest again.

Mix up your portfolio with low and high-risk investments

Try to mix up your portfolio with both low and high-risk investments. This is useful to do because it gives you a good chance of making a profit with some and other investments that might have made a loss, could make a gain on other investments.

The mix of low and high risk also gives your money the best opportunity for success because you’re spreading your risk more evenly.

Review your portfolio regularly

It’s useful to take a look at your portfolio regularly to ensure you’ve made all the relevant decisions and reviewed what might need to be sold or added to.

Diversifying your portfolio is one thing but you should be actively keeping up with a review of your investments every now and then.

Ensure you have a variety of short-term and long-term investments

Just like the low and high-risk investments, make sure you mix up the length of the investment too. Having a mix of both short-term and long-term investments again spreads the risk but could help set you up for the future too.

Aside from the typical life investments such as a first home, there are plenty of other investments out there worth exploring.

Prevent Everyday Injuries: Tips To Stay Safe And Smart Throughout Your Life

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“The good thing is that the ways to improve our health and avoid injuries aren’t that difficult. It’s just a case of knowing a thing or two about how we all function and how to avoid silly mistakes.”

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A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. A key our successes in life is staying healthy. A major part of that is preventing injuries that are preventable. The following contributed post is entitled, Prevent Everyday Injuries: Tips To Stay Safe And Smart Throughout Your Life.

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When it comes to the health of our bodies, there are so many different things that can go wrong. A lot of the time, it’s not even her fault because certain injuries can happen when we are living everyday life. One day, we could be absolutely fine and another day, we could find ourselves in a terrible predicament. There are obviously lots of things we can do in order to live a healthier life, but not everybody is clued in on how to live the best possible physical existence.

The good thing is that the ways to improve our health and avoid injuries aren’t that difficult. It’s just a case of knowing a thing or two about how we all function and how to avoid silly mistakes. It’s also good to know the right people who can give us all the advice in the world. Everyday life can be filled with plenty of physical challenges, here are a few ways to limit those challenges somewhat:

Be Mindful With Your Movement

Being mindful in any walk of life makes everything so much better. Engaging your mind and really thinking about what you’re doing can allow you to avoid issues. Being absent-minded only leads to errors and mistakes. Even when moving around the house and doing chores, it’s wise to actually consider how you are doing them. So many people are naive and end up hurting themselves when taking part in one of the most basic domestic activities.

Use Proper Techniques When Exerting Yourself

If you have worked out before, or you have taken part in sporting activities a lot, you will know all about the importance of technique. It’s not just about performing at your best or looking at the part, it also helps you to avoid painful instances. It might be tedious at times and you may have to go through a learning curve, but learning the right techniques when doing any kind of movement can help save your body in the long term. Even if it’s just in regard to lifting things around the house, make sure you are doing it properly.

Create An Ergonomic Environment At Home

One of the best ways to avoid issues around the house is to make the space better for the body. You don’t have to do anything too drastic or spend too much money. Simply moving things around so much or replacing items that are uncomfortable can make such a big difference to how your daily life operates. From things in the kitchen to the chairs you sit on, consider what is comfortable and what is causing you home. This may seem like quite a petty point, but it can make all the difference.

Get Professional Guidance When The Time Comes

A lot of people neglect this idea because they feel it is unnecessary. Getting help from professionals can make life a lot easier. They know an awful lot more than you do and will be able to put you in the right direction. Whether you are speaking to a chiropractor or a physio, they can give you the right advice and put you on the right program. Even a few appointments with them can give you more confidence surrounding your situation.

Preventing yourself from getting injured in your daily life requires a mixture of preventive actions. From creating a more ergonomic home to minding the simplest movements and consulting with professionals like those from Huddle Men’s Health, you can lead a better and healthier life. So cheers to you and your safe everyday life!

How To Enjoy Your Off-Time As An Entrepreneur

Three focuses of my blog are Money/Financial Literacy, Business/Entrepreneurship and Health/Wellness. Being an entrepreneur can be as taxing as being and employee and in some instances more so. Thus it’s critical to understand how to create a proper balance. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Enjoy Your Off-Time As An Entrepreneur.

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The life of an entrepreneur is busy; you will often find yourself busy with one activity or the other. This is valid, as your goal is to ensure your business thrives and outshines your competitors while making good money. But the problem comes when you can’t take a break. Constantly staying busy without rest can affect your health, which is the last thing you want as a business owner. Moreover, you may not be in the right state of mind to make the best decisions for your company. This is why you must find time to recuperate and unwind. Here is how you can make the most out of your off-time.

1. Connect with nature by hiking

Hiking is a great way for anyone to destress and for good reasons. Making your way on that hiking trail can encourage your body to release high levels of endorphins, allowing you to expel the negative feelings that have been pent up for a long time. Moreover, they reduce cortisol, allowing your body to relax. If you seek peace of mind and clarity to assess your business performance clearly, then hiking is what you need. Undoubtedly, you will walk in areas with many trees and greenery, which helps your mind focus. Did you also know that you can learn entrepreneurial lessons from this activity?

For instance, you will eventually get to rough terrains that can strike fear in people. This is no different from the business landscape, where uncertainties can cause you to worry about your business’s success. But hikers have no room for fear; with carefully calculated steps, they move on until they hit their goals. Likewise, you keep pushing in your entrepreneurial endeavors, making strategic decisions to keep your business afloat. Here are other lessons you can learn as you go on your hiking adventure.

2. Feel the water on your body (swimming)

A few things beat the sensation of water on your body as you engage in some swimming laps. But you also don’t want to forget about the mental benefits this activity can offer you. For starters, with your mind focused on the water, its fluid movements, and relaxing sounds, you can take your mind off business matters that increase your stress and anxiety. This encourages your body to release pent-up tension, allowing your muscles to relax. Like hiking, you can also pick a lesson or two from swimming. For instance, you need to know your strengths and limitations so you don’t drown; the same is true for business. Knowing where your brand thrives can help you become an authority figure, and assessing your weaknesses can prevent you from taking steps that would sink your establishment. You can choose to swim in the pool, sea, river, or any body of water that tickles your fancy.

3. Embrace adventure through kayaking

You may have tried swimming and want an adventure. In this case, kayaking may be what you need. This activity is excellent for giving your brain a good workout; your hippocampus becomes active when paddling. This area is what allows you to learn, think, and memorize. Aside from this, blood flow to your brain is further enhanced, stimulating new cells. This is good news for you as an entrepreneur; you can become more innovative and think of new ideas that will propel your brand forward. You also don’t want to forget how good you feel after a good workout; the feel-good hormones can help you destress, so keep this in mind. Before going on your adventure, know what gear you need to enhance your safety and heighten the experience. For starters, choosing a sit in kayak can be a good decision if you are new to this activity. Not only does it offer protection from the water and sun, but it also provides enough control to prevent you from wobbling. While at it, get a flotation device, safety gear, spray skirt, and other safety items.

Be one with yourself by practicing yoga

Sometimes, you only need to sit down, meditate, and connect to yourself. And what better way to do this than by practicing yoga? The urge may be to hurry and do something, robbing you of relaxation. With yoga, you can build the discipline to know when to stop and relax. This way, you can escape burnout, so feel free to consider this.

Entrepreneurship can be exciting, but it can prevent you from making time for yourself. Therefore, you have to make a conscious effort to take some time off work. The activities discussed above can make your free period worthwhile.

How To Be Good With Money After A Divorce

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. A divorce is a major negative event for everyone involved with long lasting ramifications. One of the key areas affected is the personal finances of the people splitting. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Be Good With Money After A Divorce.

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When you get a divorce, a lot of things are going to change, and one of those things is your financial situation (for most people, that’s the case, at least). No matter how long you were married for, it’s likely at least some of your bills will have been shared, so it’s going to be a challenge to work out how to pay for them yourself as a newly single person.

This is why it’s so important to put in the effort and hard work before you are divorced (but when you know it’s got to happen) and have a plan for when you’re on your own. With that in mind, here are some things to consider if you want to be good with money after a divorce.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Assess Your Current Finances

The first thing you’ll need to do is to assess your current finances and see what you’re paying for and what you’ll need to start paying for once you’re divorced. This is something your Freed Marcroft’s divorce lawyers will need to go through as well, so it’s well worth doing it in advance so you know what’s what and so your lawyers can see how they can help you when the time comes as well.

Get all your financial documents together, like your bank statements, tax returns, investment accounts, and anything else. When you go through everything, you’ll have a much clearer idea of where you are in terms of your finances, and you’ll be able to make much better decisions about money.

Make A New Budget

After a divorce, your income and expenses are going to change in some way, and it might be that you need to pay for money but with less money coming in. That’s why it’s a good idea to start a brand-new budget that takes all of this into account and helps you understand how much money you still need or how much will be left over.

If possible, you’ll need to put any ‘spare’ money into an emergency fund, and you’ll also want to save for retirement, so anything that’s left over really does need to be put away in a safe place. If there’s nothing left over and money is going to be a struggle, it might be that your lawyer can help, but otherwise, there are government grants and other help available; the earlier you know that you’re going to need financial assistance, the earlier you can apply for it.

Manage Debt Wisely

You might have a lot of shared debt after a divorce, and even if you’re no longer married, that debt still has to be paid, otherwise, you can get into a lot of trouble and a lot of financial difficulties.

Look at your debts and make a list of them in order of priority (the ones with the higher interest should go at the top). In that way, you’ll know which ones to focus on, and you can work out a repayment strategy that works for you and reduces the debt as quickly as possible.

In Case You Missed It: A Science Discussion On Peer Review And Pal Review

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“The Pal Review system blurs the lines between what real science is versus tainted science that is impacted and shaped by politics and outside interest groups with specific agendas.”

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Science, Peer Review vs Pal Review

I discuss numerous science- and technology-related topics on my YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. I took an interest in the climate change discussion about a year and a half ago after being aggressively confronted about it one to two years ago. The YouTube algorithm coincidentally later presented me with a video from the Independent Institute where Dr. Willie Soon was a featured speaker. I have since become a fan of Dr. Soon. Listening to his talks have given me a better understanding of this climate discussion though maybe one that some may not like.

Dr. Soon discussed the concepts of ‘Peer Review’ and ‘Pal Review’ in that initial talk described above. These two concepts are interestingly at the heart of the polarizing and volatile climate discussion. Something Dr. Soon discussed is that science is headed towards more of Pal Review system which is dangerous for everyone. The Pal Review system blurs the lines between what real science is versus tainted science that is impacted and shaped by politics and outside interest groups with specific agendas. The video below is my discussion on Peer Review vs Pal Review.

The article I discussed in the broadcast published on Forbes deals with Climate Gate, an important event in this climate discussion that most of the general public knows nothing about. This is critical because most people make their life decisions such as voting based upon that they know and don’t know. This has long lasting ramifications for everyone.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

For the next phase of my writing journey, I have started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from this blog and my first blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is some issue signing up using the link provided, you can also email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com . Best Regards.

7 Alternative Racket Sports To Try

Two focuses of my blog are Athletics/Sports and Health/Wellness. A group of sports that can be both exhilarating and beneficial are the racket sports. If you have never tried them, they may change your life. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Alternative Racket Sports To Try.

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When people think of racket sports, they tend to think of tennis or badminton. Many even ping pong. But there are actually many other racket sports to choose from (as many as 40 of them, if this list is anything to go by!). If you love tennis or badminton or ping pong, why not consider dabbling in one of these alternative sports? Below are 7 popular alternative racket sports, their rules and their requirements briefly explained.

Squash

A lot of us have heard of squash, but have most likely not played it. Squash was invented in the UK in the 19th century and continues to be quite popular in Britain. Its following around the world has also been growing – so much so that it has even been shortlisted for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

Squash is played in an indoor court with two or four players. Unlike many other racket sports, players do not face opposite one another with a net in the middle, but instead stand beside each other hitting the ball against a wall. The aim is to hit the ball at the wall in a way that makes it hard for the opponent to return it. This guide delves more into the rules of squash. It is widely known for being a physically intense and challenging sport.

Racquetball

Racquetball was invented by a man named Joseph Sobek in Connecticut in 1950. The squash-like sport has gradually become more popular over the years and is now played internationally.

You can play racquetball on a standard squash court, however it has slightly different rules to squash and typically uses a different type of racket. Compared to squash rackets, racquetball rackets are shorter and wider. The ball used in racquetball is also larger. Racquetball is known to be easier to pick up than squash.

Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. It originates in Washington state, where it is still very popular. It is often described as a mix of ping pong, tennis and badminton.

Players hit a ball over a net using a pickleball ‘paddle’. This is different to a netted racket and more similar to ping pong paddle. The sport is played on a pickleball court, which is about the same size as a badminton court. Players serve diagonally into the opposing court, striking the ball with the paddle in an upwards motion. You can read more about the rules of pickleball and best pickleball paddles online.

Padel

This Mexican racket sport has also been gaining popularity in recent years. It is believed to have been invented by a man named Enrique Corcuera, who modified his squash court to play his own version of tennis.

Padel is usually played in doubles on a Padel court, which is smaller than a tennis court. Like pickleball, it uses paddles instead of net rackets. The scoring system is pretty much the tennis scoring system, but with an added ‘golden point’ rule to help win games more quickly. There are several guides online that can teach you how to play padel.

Beach tennis

Beach tennis combines elements of tennis and volleyball (and yes, it is played on a beach). It was first played in Italy in the 1970s and has slowly started to be played around the world.

Unlike in tennis where the ball can touch the ground, the ball in beach tennis cannot touch the ground – and so the game is played entirely in volleys. This makes it much faster paced than tennis. It is played over a high net that is similar to a volleyball net and uses a depressurised ball that moves slower than a standard tennis ball. While specialist beach tennis courts exist, they are not common and many people simply play the same in a volleyball court.

Qianball

This hybrid of tennis and squash originated in China in 1998 and has become popular across the country. It is less popular in other parts of the world, but is gaining traction.

Qianball is one of the more unique racket sports. The ball is attached to a n elasticated string, which is attached to a hook in the floor or weighted ball bag. Both players stand on the same side of the court and hit the ball over the net, Because it is elasticated, it returns back to the same side of the court where it is then hit by the other player. This video gives a better demonstration.

Tamburello

One of the oldest and most obscure racket sports on this list, tamburello is a sport with 16th century Italian origins that uses tambourines as rackets.

It is commonly played with two teams of three. Players volley the ball back and forth across a large court. You can click here to check out a demonstration.

How Games And Apps Can Turbocharge Your Education

Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. While many people think that technology can waste a lot of time, it can also provide tremendous value, particularly in the realm of education. The following contributed post is entitled, How Games And Apps Can Turbocharge Your Education.

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We all have to make sure that we are learning something new each day. If we don’t quite manage that, then it’s absolutely fine, but we should strive to do so anyway. If we sit still for too long, we will only go backward in terms of our intellect. The brain needs to be exercised all of the time and learning new things makes us happier. The good thing is that there are plenty of ways we can educate ourselves. In this post, we are going to be talking about digital systems and games – and how they can play a huge part.

The entire planet has more than embraced the digital world in 2023, and it’s a great way of educating young people and adults alike. You can learn so much using certain pieces of software and applications. Games can even educate you along the way. Here are just a few ways games can help this out:

The Way You Engage With The Environment

Video games and other kinds of digital applications have the unique ability to create engaging environments. When you dive into a particular game, you are immersing yourself in a world of challenges and things to discover. Some traditional learning methods can be tedious, but this world that is created for you can provide you with lots of different pieces of stimulation. You stay motivated throughout and you have lots of reasons to succeed. It might be a case of using lateral thinking or simply solving intricate puzzles – but you ultimately learn things in an exciting way.

Cognitive Skills Get A Boost

Games have the ability to boost everyone’s cognitive skills. It’s not just a case of having fun and completing certain tasks in order to win, you have to do things that require brainpower along the way. Your problem-solving skills and decision-making skills come into question as well as very basic abilities. You gain the ability to remember certain things and recall them when necessary. These can then be transferred to other areas of life that can serve you in the future.

Lots Of Different Interactive Scenarios

You can be thrown into all kinds of different interactive learning scenarios whenever you play games. There are even games that have the express purpose of teaching you historical facts or important tidbits. You may even wish to play a game in which you create a nation and learn about politics in a simulated political world. These kind of immersive approaches allow you to grasp all kinds of concepts.

Progressive Learning

As time moves on throughout the game, you progress more and more and things become more difficult. You have to use your brain more and more frequently. This might be a case of learning new things but it also might be a case of applying your cognitive skills more significantly. This can then mirror real-life learning experiences and allow you to, again, transfer these skills to more important areas of your life.

Helping Businesses Expand into the International Market

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“A business expansion into the international market is always an exciting prospect, presenting immense opportunities for growth and profit.”

Buffer

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Depending upon the type of business that you have, you may start it domestically. Depending upon your sector, you may be able to expand into other countries. The following guest post is entitled, Helping Businesses Expand into the International Market.

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• Plan effectively with detailed market analysis and a strong understanding of export methods.
• Conduct thorough market research, including competitor analysis, to understand the international market.
• Establish a robust digital presence through an engaging website, social media marketing, and SEO.
• Network extensively, seek advice, and partner with experts for valuable insights and support in global expansion.
• Create valuable connections to ensure potential customers can find you and understand the brand message.

A business expansion into the international market is always an exciting prospect, presenting immense opportunities for growth and profit. Still, it can be daunting for any organization, especially for a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Singapore.

However, with the right approach, planning, and support, businesses can successfully expand their reach in the global market. If you want to expand your business globally, read on to find out how to take your business into the international market.

Develop a Solid Export Plan

Before you embark on any business expansion journey, it is crucial to have a clear plan to work on. Developing an export plan helps you identify what you want, how to achieve it, and what resources you need.

Detailed Market Analysis

The plan should include a detailed market analysis, set goals, exporting methods, marketing strategies, and funding sources. You can seek the help of a business consultant or an export specialist to help you develop a comprehensive export plan.

To get the data you need for analyzing the market, you can work with a company providing data through a reliable hyperscale data centre. The data will allow your business to understand trends and how to position your products in the global market.

Conduct Market Research

When expanding your business into a new international marketplace, it is essential to conduct thorough market research to understand the market demand, customer behavior, competition, culture, regulations, and laws.

Research Firm

You can hire a local marketing research firm to conduct market research or use online resources to gather information about the market. This information will help you to adapt your products or services to meet the international market’s needs, preferences, and standards.

Competitor Analysis

Analyzing your competitors is also essential when entering a new market. Knowing their products, pricing, and strategies will help you create an edge in the market. A strong understanding of the competition will enable you to differentiate yourself from them and plan for successful growth.

Have a Strong Digital Presence

A strong digital presence is essential in today’s global market. A website serves as your business’s online shop front, and it is crucial to have a well-designed and engaging website that can communicate your brand message and values.

Social Media Marketing

Additionally, social media offers a cost-effective way of reaching potential clients globally. Identify social media platforms widely used in your target market and develop a strategy to engage your audience.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Having a strong online presence also requires optimizing your website for search engines. Using SEO techniques such as keyword research and content optimization, you can ensure that your website is visible to the right people when they search for you online. This ensures that potential customers find out about your business and can connect with you on their own.

Network and Seek Advice

Networking is an essential part of any business growth journey. Joining industry groups, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship from other successful businesses can help you expand your business globally. You will learn from other entrepreneurs’ stories of success and failure, get advice on the best strategies, and create valuable connections to help you penetrate the global market.

Entrepreneurs and Professionals

Belonging to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals can also be a great source of motivation. Knowing that you have the support of others going through the same struggles as you are will help keep you focused on achieving your global business goals.

Partner with Experts

Partnering with experts can help you navigate growing your business globally. You can work with export consultants, trade and investment agencies, and logistics providers. These experts will provide you with the right connections, advice, and support to help you expand into international markets. You can also consider partnering with other businesses in your industry that have expanded globally to gain insights into the process.

Resources and Guidance

Finding the right partners is essential to ensure you have the resources and guidance required for successful business expansion. To identify potential partners, attend exhibitions and trade fairs in your target market or join international business networks. This will enable you to meet other businesses willing to partner on your global journey.

Expanding your business globally is a journey that requires a lot of planning, effort, and resources. However, it can be a rewarding venture with potential growth and profit. Remember to develop a sound export plan, conduct market research, have a strong digital presence, network, seek advice, and partner with experts. These strategies will help you successfully expand your business globally. Singaporean businesses can take the global market by storm with the right approach and support.