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All the Pros of Living in NYC

From Sesame Street to Seinfeld, New York City appeals to people of all ages. When listening to native New Yorkers talk about life in the city you are likely going to hear about the high cost of living, the weird smells lurking around every street corner, and the small apartments, but life in The Big Apple is definitely one of those situations where the good outweighs the bad.

You’ll Have Access to Countless Career Opportunities

In a city like New York, the career opportunities are endless. From professional matchmaking to vintage comic book sales, just about any career you could dream up probably has a market. You’ve probably guessed, but the most popular careers for New Yorkers are some sort of customer service, often in retail or serving. But, living in a city as busy as New York will afford you career opportunities in everything from graphic design, fashion design, social work, film, and everything in between.

Food. Food. Food.

Not only will you meet people from all around the world, but you’ll also have the opportunity to taste foods from all around the world as well. Stop into a Jewish Deli for a warm and flaky knish, get some pork dumplings from Chinatown, or try some of the Senegalese favorites like yassa or thiebu. If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ southern comfort food, why not grab a seat at one of the many BBQ joints throughout the city. Plus, who can turn down a slice of New York-style pizza?

The Neon Lights Are Bright on Broadway

Most everyone loves a night out at the theatre, and what better place to soak it all in than Broadway? Living in NYC means you can strut your stuff down Broadway pretty much whenever you want, you’ll have easy access to tickets and you’ll know how to spot scalpers like a pro. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you may consider wandering into a show off-Broadway, or even off-off-Broadway.

So snag those Dear Evan Hansen Tickets before you miss your chance and treat yourself to a night out on Broadway.

You’ll Meet People from All Around the World

People from all around the world seek refuge in the hustle and bustle of New York City, so chances are you will wind up working, living, shopping from, and befriend people from all walks of life and countless cultures.

You Never Know Who You’ll Run Into

Between all the celebrities who reside in the city and the fact that many of your favorite celebs are likely to have gotten their start in NYC, it only makes sense that they would come back to visit their old stomping grounds.

As a resident of NYC, you’re bound to run into someone. David Bowie was known to join in on the occasional walking tour, Katie Holmes frequents the subway, and there is always a movie being shot somewhere throughout the city. If you do run into a celebrity in the wild, remember, “Stars—They’re Just Like Us!” so be sure to keep your distance and let them carry on with their day.

Taking Care of Yourself in the City

As thrilling as city life can be, it can also seem a little daunting, especially if you’re used to small-town living. So between soaking up all the best parts of your new city, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your mental health, which can also be a bit daunting. One of the easiest things you can do to care for your mental health is to take advantage of online counseling in NYC available to you. So, remember to take a step back from city life, maybe spend a night in with the people who best know how to help you.

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How to Pay for Cancer Care: Options You May Not Know About

As a cancer patient, dealing with the symptoms and side effects related to your type of cancer can be difficult enough. Along with the lower quality of life, you have to deal with the financial side of health care as well. While some people may have a type of cancer that can be treated relatively easily, others may need aggressive treatment, an expensive prescription drug plan, surgery, and extensive hospital stays, all of which only add further stress to your current predicament. If you are a cancer patient looking for ways to pay for your cancer care, here are some financial assistance options you may not know about.

Start With Your Insurance
Although this can seem obvious, it’s really important to see whether or not your health insurance covers your cancer treatment, and to know exactly how much of your medical care they are willing to cover. Whether you are dealing with myeloma, leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, or lymphoma, get in contact with your insurance provider to learn more about what treatment options and medications your insurer is willing to cover. Then you can make sure that you only receive referrals to specialists within your network from your health care provider (unless you have a PPO).

Keep in mind that these options may only apply to those who already have the financial resources to cover their insurance. If you have Medicare or if you need financial aid and qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to cover a substantial amount of your medical treatment through main and supplemental plans, which would cover things like chemotherapy, surgery, and other medical expenses. Although your insurance may not pay all of your medical costs, it’s important that you speak with them as soon as possible to learn more about what kind of financial help you can receive.

Determine How Much You Can Pay to Cover Out-of-Pocket Costs
The overall goal of paying for cancer care is to make sure that your treatment-related expenses are covered by health insurance. That said, if there are still some leftover costs, you may need to pay them out-of-pocket. Take a moment to figure out how much your insurance coverage is costing you (copayments, insurance premiums, etc.), how much you are currently making or will be earning while you are going through treatment, and how much you can afford to pay toward your bills. If you are in a low-income bracket and expect financial challenges along the way, we will cover some of the opportunities at your disposal in the following section.

Look for Support If You Can’t Cover Your Medical Bills on Your Own
The good news for those who need payment assistance for their individual case is that there are plenty of organizations that help cancer patients afford the cost of treatment. Beyond that, you may also be in need of assistance for living expenses. No matter what your needs may be, here are some ideas for how you can cover your healthcare costs.

  • Reach out to non-profit organizations and other charitable organizations known for having patient assistance programs for those who have received a cancer diagnosis. Although your eligibility may vary depending on the severity of your cancer, those who are having trouble paying for their treatments are likely to receive assistance.
  • Reach out to a viatical settlement company that is willing to buy your life insurance for a lump sum of cash. This is one way those dealing with a terminal illness can gain access to the funds they need as they deal with building medical costs. Keep in mind, however, that this is an irreversible action.
  • Sign up for a clinical trial that will allow you to get certain medications for free. If you are not willing to test new prescriptions, you can also look for prescription assistance programs to help pay for your treatment if it is costing you too much.
    If you received a misdiagnosis or were a victim of medical malpractice, you can hire a medical malpractice attorney to help you recoup your costs. These types of lawyers often offer a free consultation and offer you free legal advice until you make it to trial, which will also help you financially.
  • Beyond treatment, you will also need to pay for utilities, groceries, rent, and other living expenses. If you are struggling in this area, apply for financial assistance programs in your area to help you cover these costs as you look for ways to deal with the medical expenses.

Having cancer is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to deal with the crushing stress that comes with financial issues as well. If you need assistance paying for your cancer care, use the ideas above to learn more about what types of assistance and resources are available to you.

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5 Over-the-Top Ways to Surprise Your Significant Other

When it comes to expressing your love for your significant other, you want to make sure they feel special. One of the keys to a long-lasting, love-filled relationship is to make each other feel valued and cherished. Giving gifts and little surprises to your significant other is a great way to express that you love them with the help of a thoughtful item or experience. Whether it’s the gift of spending more quality time together or a physical gift for them to always be reminded of you by, any gift can strengthen the bond in a relationship. If you are looking for some special ways to surprise your significant other and show them how much you love them, here are five great ideas.

1. Gems That Sparkle Just Like They Do

Giving your partner the gift of luxurious jewelry can be just the reinvigorating surprise your relationship needs. But a special gem-encrusted gift doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars. In fact, you can get high-quality clarity, cut, and shine with simulated lab-grown diamonds from Agape Diamonds. You can choose from simulated diamond wedding sets in rose gold or white gold for the ultimate proposal experience that will knock their socks off. And if you’re not quite ready for an engagement ring, fear not: Agape Diamonds offers a variety of jewelry pieces and styles, including a promise ring option.

2. Treat Them to a Relaxing Massage or Spa Experience

If your partner is dealing with burnout, stress from work, or exhaustion, a great gift would be to treat them to a massage or other spa service. Allow them to cast their worries away while they are luxuriating under the care of a professional masseur or esthetician. They’ll thank you later. For an extra spicy surprise, make it a couples’ massage.

3. Leave Them Sweet Notes Around the House

A small way to show your partner you care is by reminding them in various ways in your shared space. Leave Post-It notes or slips of paper around your home with sweet nothings written on them. Consider writing about why you’re still so in love with them, your favorite things about them, or even funny inside jokes. They will love finding the surprise of dozens of notes that remind them of you and your relationship in your living space.

4. Surprise Them at Work With a Dinner or Lunch

A great and practical surprise is to show up at your partner’s workplace with a packed or purchased lunch for you to share while they are on their lunch break. Head to a nearby park or plan to lead them to their favorite cafe for maximum impact. If they’re working late and need a pick-me-up, meet them with a thoughtful dinner so they can get through those last few hours of work with a little extra love in their heart. If you want to make this idea extra special, try to book a reservation at a restaurant you know they love or have been dying to try.

5. Run Away Together to a Tropical Destination

A wonderful surprise for you and your significant other to enjoy would be to do something for the very first time together in a tropical location. Surprise them with tickets to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving, and seeing the beautiful coral reefs. You and your partner will have the best time watching the marine life at Poipu Beach, Kee Beach, or Haena Beach Park. These are some of the best snorkeling spots around, even for a beginner snorkeler. Kauai snorkeling is a great way to see a variety of fish and enjoy the beautiful sites of the outer reef with your partner. Your snorkel adventure will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

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Why Do Spark Plugs Need To Be Gapped?

Altering the spark plug gap on your vehicle can have a dramatic effect on it’s overall performance. If your engine isn’t running like it should, or if you’re curious about the importance of spark plug gapping, explore the primary reasons why spark plugs need to be gapped. Use a VIN lookup free tool to find out more about your particular spark plugs and other essential vehicle maintenance information.

Proper Air/Fuel Ratio

A spark plug uses a precise gap between two electrodes on its tip to produce a spark. An extra-large gap may prevent the spark plug from working effectively. A small gap can have similar issues. A minor gap issue will affect your fuel economy and horsepower, but a major gap change can cause your engine to stop running altogether.

Most spark plugs need maintained after roughly 70,000 miles. After this lifespan, you can expect spark plugs to increase their gap as they bend and warp through frequent use. Some spark plugs don’t last as long and need to be completely replaced after 30,000 miles.

Long-Lasting Spark Plug Performance

Without proper gapping, spark plugs can wear out quickly. Depending on the type of spark plug you have, some spark plug electrodes can be more fragile than others. Extreme bending or overwork due to a large gap can decrease the lifespan of your spark plug. Proper gapping maintenance steps prevent spark plug replacement.

Two Types of Spark Plugs

There are two basic types of spark plugs: copper electrode spark plugs and precious metal electrode spark plugs. Copper plugs are more traditional and have a more rugged electrode that’s more resistant to bending. Newer spark plugs typically have a coating of precious metal that’s slightly weaker and more prone to bending, but offers more efficient sparking.

Both types of spark plugs come in pre-gapped versions or versions without proper gapping. Either way, it’s important to invest in a spark plug gap tool to be confident you have the ideal spark plug gap. Review your owner’s manual to verify the correct gap for your particular make and model of vehicle. Spark plugs can be used in a number of engines, from motorcycles and ATVs to pickup trucks and sports cars, and every engine has its own ideal spark plug gap.

Learn How to Gap Spark Plugs

Adjusting the spark plug gap is surprisingly easy with the correct tools. Purchase a spark plug gap tool and, with some patience, you can effectively maintain this critical component in your vehicle. There are a number of spark plug tool types available. Coin-style tools are the most affordable, but a wire-type is typically more convenient and accurate. Compare affordable, professional gap tools at your local auto parts store to determine the best option for you.

Restore your fuel economy and horsepower with properly gapped spark plugs. So, why do spark plugs need to be gapped? So you can enjoy maximum horsepower, fuel economy and long-lasting performance from your favorite vehicle. Shop for spark plug tools or learn more about spark plug maintenance and replacement from your favorite auto parts store.

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Stacey Tokunaga – Can Tottenham Hotspur Make The Top 4?

It has been something of a rollercoaster so far for Spurs fans in 2019, with a very disappointing domestic campaign which has seen them lose 1 in every 3 games, but arriving to their first ever Champions League final back in May, which of course they lost to Liverpool. Daniel Levy decided that Pochettino’s time was up in mid-November and brought in the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho to shore things up. I was talking to my business partner and Spurs fan Stacey Tokunaga about this recently and she firmly believe that the Lilywhites can make the top 4. Stacey is convinced by this and whilst I’m not completely sold, she dd make some great points. So, can Spurs make the top 4?

Reasons They Won’t

Let’s start with some of the reasons why Spurs won’t able to make those Champions League places this year. The first thing to mention is that even with Mourinho at the helm, a man who knows exactly how to get his team to defend and a specialist in ‘parking the bus’ Spurs just don’t have the personnel at the back to stop conceding so many goals, and this will be their downfall. Aging center backs like Vertonghen and Alderweireld, Rose and Aurier are liabilities and their bench options look weak. Spurs will also face an uphill challenge because of how well Chelsea and Leicester are playing, and Spurs are already 6 points behind the top4.

Reasons Why They Will

A more optimistic look at the season could see continue with consecutive qualification to the Champions League and these are the reasons why they could well make it. What Jose has done already with the likes of Dele Alli and Lucas Moura are very positive and although there are weaknesses at the back, there is a very real feeling that Spurs can simply outscore the opposition. Kane and Son are now being benefitted by the improvement of others and the more service that they get, the more goals Spurs will score. Whilst Leicester and Chelsea have been romping away in the early stages of the season, both are filled with youth which may not have what it takes to see it out. In the case of Leicester they rely heavily on Jamie Vardy for goals, an injury to him and the Foxes could easily drop points. For Spurs, this is not their first rodeo and they have earned themselves a reputation of coming back from the death, in games and even in the CL groups, there is nothing to suggest they can’t come back again and clinch a top 4 position. Spurs still have plenty of games to play, and Chelsea, Spurs and Leicester all need to play each other again before the season is done, Spurs even play Chelsea twice which could cut that 6 point lead down to zero.

Which way do you think things will go? Will Jose do it? Let us know in the comments.

 

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Interdependence Public Relations – 5 Signs That It’s Time To Switch Careers

I began working for Interdependence Public Relations 4 years ago after completely switching careers. I was previously working for a small tech company but the truth was that I just wasn’t happy and the time had come to once again put a smile on my face. I stayed in that job for 4 years too long and I just wish someone had given me a nudge in the right direction when I was first unhappy. Interdependence is a brilliant firm which has given me everything that I could’ve hoped for, so too has the industry of public relations. It can be hard to see the wood for the tress when you are unhappy in your career, but looking back I can now see the signs that I missed. Here are 5 signs that you may be unhappy and need a change of career.

Mornings

Currently I wake up, clear the fog and then feel happy that I am coming to my job, this doesn’t happen daily of course, but in the main I am always looking forward to getting to the office. In the past however things weren’t like this and the morning test is the best way to identify just how miserable you are in your job. If you wake up day after day and dread going to work, it may be time to change.

Friday and Sunday

To build on that morning feeling, I also used to count down the days until Friday and then hate Sunday nights, knowing that I was going back to work again the next day. This is an awful way to live and if you feel this way week after week then you have to take ownership and change jobs, or career.

Personal Life

With the exception of Friday night I must admit that I was unbearable to live with and each night I would come home cranky and with a complete lack of desire to do anything at all. The job literally sucked out all of my energy and my happiness during the day, which meant that my wife and I had miserable nights together because of me. Now that I am happy in my job I have so much more energy and I pack my evenings with activities and I have never been happier.

No Feelings

It got to the point at work where I just no longer cared and even when I made mistakes they didn’t bother me, as long as I could still have a job. If you get to this point where you just don’t care about what you are doing then you most certainly have to make a change. This is not healthy for you and it is the last thing that a business needs.

Health

This didn’t happen to me thankfully but I have spoken to people who’s health actually suffered as a result of their misery. Mental health in particular is a very important thing to take care of and if yours is suffering because of the job, get out and go find some happiness.