Entertainment

HIP JAZZ BOB – THE FIGHT FOR MUSICAL EXPRESSION

history of hip jazz bop

At its inception, Jazz was met with quite the resistance from much older audiences who didn’t understand the sound and feared it would negatively influence the younger generation. Much of this fear was founded on deeply held racist views. Jazz originated from the African American community and was inspired by the afro American

traditional folk music like the blues, and spirituals. It conveyed the very essence of what it meant to be black.

However, as is typical of music, the genre transcended its origins and spread like wildfire across the Americas. Just when it seemed like the resistance had been successful, other forms of Jazz began to material from the original genre. Leading the charge was bebop also known as hip Jazz bob and a multitude of jazz labels have sprung up since.

The History of Hip Jazz Bob.

The Bebop style of Jazz began in the 1940s and was characterized by rapid tempos and complex chord plays by expert string instrumentalists. It emerged from a need for youth to have a form of Jazz that was not as danceable as the regular upbeat swing style. They wanted to be able to create various forms that were much more mellow and more fit for easy listening. 

Musical Styles and Influences of Bebob.

As bebob gradually rose to prominence, several personalities helped shape its form and define it to the world. Emerging from the swing era, it was carried by several bands, most particularly the Count Basie orchestra. This band had a profound influence on Charlie Parker, an alto saxophone player, whose musical style was heavily influenced by swing and would go on to perform and be recognized as a bebob powerhouse like many of the bebop greats of the time such as trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianists bud Powell and Mary Lou Williams as well as drummers like Kenney Clarke and Art Blakey. Bebob is distinguished by its classic use of a mixture of saxophones, trumpets, pianos, double bass, and percussions. 

Preserving Jazz Culture and Styles.

Because of how quickly musical styles evolve, many genres often get forgotten or intentionally phased out by mainstream music machines in favor of more current, trendy, and bankable styles. The memory of these iconic genres is often kept alive by enthusiasts and people who are nostalgic for the past. In a bid to ensure that the varying forms of Jazz that have emerged over the last century are preserved and easily accessible to whoever desires them, 1201 music, a Jazz music label was created by Achim Neumann. Its goal is to create a fine catalog of Jazz music over time that will be preserved and made available to anyone interested. The fine collection – Hip Jazz Bop album was carefully curated and features the works of Jazz greats, Howard McGhee, Jimmy Cobbs, G. Tucker, and Junior Mance all playing instruments they are famous for.

Conclusion.

Every attempt to silence the epic rise and evolution of Jazz music has failed miserably and thankfully so. Today, the world enjoys it in all its forms. Jazz pioneers and proponents have helped solidify the existence of this exquisite musical style and have given the world a gift that will continue to give for ages to come.

Entertainment

3 Reasons Video Gaming Should Be Part of Your World

You may have many or few activities that you do outside of your daily norm be it work, school, raising a family and more.

So, what if you are contemplating making video gaming part of your realm?

By being a video gamer, you can get a break from the daily grind among other things.

There is also the real possibility of making new friends along the way.

With that in mind, start thinking how video gaming can be an important part of your world moving ahead.

Gaming Doesn’t Cost a Ton of Money

When it comes to finding reasons to bring gaming into your world, here are three you should consider:

  1. You won’t have to spend a lot – If you had doubts about gaming in thinking it would cost a lot, put those fears to the side. You can come up with a gaming setup and not break the bank in the process. From a PS5 headset you may decide to buy to the console, keyboard and more, you can find deals. That is on quality brands in the gaming industry. As you assemble your equipment and accessories, you can end up with a first-rate gaming setup. Once you have that in your home, you have checked off a big set of items on your checklist.
  2. Make connections to last a lifetime – You likely come across a wide variety of people as you go through life. That said video gaming can be one of the better means of meeting of people from all walks of life. Gamers have a love for the activity. Statista.com says there are some 2.7 billion video game players around the world. As such, you have a lot of people to potentially meet. One of the good things with coming in contact with other gamers is that you can make new bonds. When you do, those relationships can expand beyond the world of video gaming.
  3. Getting a break – Whether a tough job, a lot of hours towards school, are raising a family and more, life can be a challenge. With that in mind, video gaming can be a great outlet for you to get a break from all life throws at you. So, be sure you find outlets to in fact get that break you so need and deserve. Failing to do so can make life much more difficult for you as time goes by. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing you can play video games. That is for a short period of time or several hours should you so choose to. Having that to look forward to can make a positive difference in your world. According to limelight.com, the average gamer plays close to six-and-a-half-hours each week. Although your time spent playing may end up being less or more, odds are it will become a key aspect of your world.

In bringing gaming into your world, know that the possibilities for fun and games are endless.

Business/Investment

What Can Attract More Business to Your Day Spa?

If you’d like to see more business coming to your day spa, do you have any thoughts on how best to go about that?

Day spas tend to be rather popular with people. As such, you stand to do a fair amount of business if you play your cards right.

So, what can get more people coming your way and your revenue going up and up?

Get Your Brand Recognized for the Right Reasons

In doing all you can for your day spa, here are some things to focus on if not already doing such:

1. Getting the word out – How good of a job do you do when it comes to getting the word out to consumers on what you have to offer? The day spa business can be rather competitive. As a result, you do not want competitors getting a leg up on you when it comes to brand promotions. Do all you can to be sure people know what you have to offer and why they should choose you. This can be done via your website and social media platforms for starters. If you have a small business app, consider that a plus. Of course great customer service and products can help spread the word. That is as satisfied customers tell family and friends about your operation.

2. Provide great products – Don’t sleep on the importance of providing the best products. Given most of them come to your day spa to get a break from the daily grind; you do not want them leaving disappointed. So, review everything you have to see if you are lacking anything. This would be products that could improve a customer’s experience. Do you have the best massage beds available? If not, now would be the time to go online and look to massage beds for sale. The right beds will leave your visitors relaxed and refreshed. That is as they get set to head home after a fun day at your business. You should also survey your customers on occasion. Ask them if there are any items and more lacking from your day spa and what they’d like to see. Getting an overwhelming response on certain items may lead you to add them.

3. Reasonable prices and deals – If you have a lot of competition, are you confident your pricing is good? You don’t want to scare away too many individuals because they feel they can’t afford your offerings. It is also smart to offer some discounts from time to time. Doing so can lead to more business and even securing people for the long haul. For example, if you have memberships available, you may offer a buy one/get one free membership. That way a family member can come along for free or a friend of the member and so on. Also look to the idea of an online store if you do not have one now. That is a good means of selling products over the Internet and increasing revenue.

If your day spa business needs to heat up, where will you turn your focus to?

Health

Do You Need a Facelift? Here’s What a Facelift Can Help You With!

Have you ever looked in the mirror, taking note of the sagging skin, wrinkles, and whatever else might be bothering you, and wondered… Do I need a facelift? You’re not alone. Truth be told, many people out there have, at some point, asked themselves if a facelift in Newport Beach might benefit them. And while the answer, of course, will depend heavily on the individual, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common reasons you might be in line for a facelift.

At what age do people get facelifts?

This is a common curiosity for many, since we tend to associate old age with the procedure. And while it is true that most people tend to consider a facelift somewhere around their 40s – 60s, there is no set age at which you should have a facelift. The truth is, it depends on your own personal preference, the way your body has aged, genetics and so many other factors. 

In general, though, the younger you are, the more we recommend considering smaller, less invasive procedures to correct various imperfections such as sagginess and fine lines. 

1. Deep wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose.

Since a facelift procedure usually affects the lower half of the face, it makes sense to get one if you’re dealing with serious wrinkles in that area. For example, heavy lines around the eyes, while common, wouldn’t be helped by a facelift procedure. 

However, such an intervention might restore tightness and youthful skin around the mouth.

2. Sagging jawline.

Similarly, a facelift procedure would be indicated if you find yourself struggling with a sagging jawline or prominent jowls. Often, these issues are caused because through the passage of time, skin uses its natural elasticity, and fails to maintain the taut appearance it had in your youth.

3. Double chin (saggy skin on the neck)

Another important reason why you might want a facelift is that the skin in your neck area has begun to sag. See, the skin here is very fragile, and usually not very meaty. And often, this can create an undesirable, and even fat aesthetic you might not like. Restoring plumpness and rejuvenating the skin in the lower half of the face, a facelift procedure can help restore that sensitive skin to its youthful elasticity and appeal.

4. Caved in cheeks.

As we grow older, it’s also natural for our cheeks to lose their plump appearance. Often, this creates a sunken and unaesthetic look, almost mimicking that of a sick person. And of course, no one wants that, so it stands to reason you might opt for a facelift procedure, to restore the fullness of your cheeks. However, if that is your only concern, you may also be served by other, less invasive procedures, such as Botox injections. So regardless of the reason you’re wanting a facelift, we always urge you to have an honest talk with your surgeon, to figure out the best solution for your problem together. 

Travel

Make Getaway Planning an Easy Thing

Getting away from your home for some fun does not have to be an ordeal.

Yes, even if you have young children going with you, don’t fret that such times will be filled with chaos and anxiety.

By doing all you can to plan getaways ahead of time, there is less likelihood you will be all stressed out.

With that in mind, is it time for you to start planning a getaway?

What Steps Must You Take to Have Fun?

Whether going away only for the day or something longer, here are a few steps to keep in mind:

  1. Schedule far in advance as possible – One of the keys to increasing the odds of a smooth getaway is planning. Sure, you may be a little spontaneous at times and decide to up and go one morning. While that is fine, make sure you know what you want to do, what it will take to do it and so on. You do not want what should be a fun day to go down in flames. If you have a young child or children going with you, planning takes on added importance. That is due to their scheduling needs and more.
  2. Know what you will need – From the clothes you wear to how much money and more, do your best to plan out what you have to take. As an example, are you looking at a day or more visiting Disney World? If you are, know that you are visiting a theme park many people from all over the world love to see yearly. With that in mind, take the time to come up with a Disney World packing list. Such a list will allow you to have the right clothes, sunscreen, food or drink you are allowed to bring in and so on. By being better prepared, there is less of a chance your day will not turn out the way you want it to.
  3. Plan with young ones – Whether you have one young child going with you or a few, keep their needs in mind. That is as you go about making plans. The last thing you want is for one or more of your children to be unhappy. This would be for any large amount of time when you are on a getaway that is supposed to be fun. You have to remember that the needs of a child are different than that of an adult. As such, be sure you are ready. From when your child may need a nap during the day to what food and drink they often need, don’t go unprepared.
  4. Know what the weather forecast is – Finally, do your best to know what the pending weather forecast is going to be. Although you have no control over Mother Nature, a sense of what is in the forecast works to your advantage. For one, it will help you dress for the occasion. Two, you can know whether outdoor activities are a go or you may need to do more inside.

By being a prepared trip planner no matter how long gone, you stand a much better chance of enjoying your time away.

Could You Be a Smarter Consumer?

How good of a consumer would you say you tend to be?

If you could do a better job in shopping, finding deals and more, are you willing to put some more time and effort into it?

By doing so, you could find you locating more of the products and services you want while saving money.

Where Can You Improve Your Shopping Needs?

In doing more to improve your consumer skills, here are some pointers to help you along the way:

  1. Go online often – One of the best ways to increase odds of improving your shopping would be leaning on the web. That said have a purpose when going online. This is so you are not wasting time going from one website or one Google search to another. For example, if into video gaming or looking to get in, you may be searching for equipment, games to play and more. So, take the time to target exactly what it is you want and need. If looking for a headset, know what the top brands and options tend to be. You can research the best PS5 headsets and others of interest. By doing so, odds are you will come up with what you want. From headsets to chairs, consoles and more, know what you will need and where best to locate such items. With so many brands online both with websites and social media, it is all but impossible not to find a company.
  2. Work within a budget – Unless money is of no concern to you, it is wise to work within a budget. Doing so allows you to not be blowing through money left and right. Take the time monthly to sit down and go over what bills you have to deal with, what incoming money is likely to be and so on. At the end of the day, you should be able to come up with a bottom line of how much you can afford to spend. Depending on your life, it may not be all that uncommon for the months to look a little bit different each time out. That is because not all bills come due on a monthly basis. Also, what money you make through work could vary from time to time. The goal is to be as accurate as possible so you are not way off in figuring out your finances.
  3. Sign up for deals – Last, do you take the time to sign up for deals with your favorite brands? If not doing so, now would be a good time to change that pattern of behavior. Being on lists with your favorite brands can open the doors to savings. Those brands you like and use often can send you alerts to when they have savings available. Get such alerts in a simple email or text. Once you have the info, you can target when to shop with a specific brand.

When it comes to saving more money, making shopping less of a hassle and more, take the time to be a smart consumer.

In being a smart consumer, your wallet will thank you at the end of the day.

Fashion

Why Socks Are an Underrated Christmas Gift

What do you get for the person who has everything? What stocking stuffer do you get for your partner? What can you think of for your nephew or your best friend’s new boyfriend or the guy you picked for Secret Santa at work?  

 

If you are looking for a gift that will be a big hit with all sorts of people and won’t break the bank, consider giving the gift of socks this holiday season. Socks are a fantastic Christmas gift for many reasons.

 

While they may not be the first gift that comes to mind, they actually make a wonderful gift for pretty much everyone on your list. Don’t believe us? Here are just a handful of the reasons why socks are an underrated Christmas gift.

 

Everyone needs socks 

Unless you have Jimmy Buffett on your Christmas list this year, it is fairly safe to assume that basically everyone else on your list needs socks. Socks are something that we all wear almost all the time. They are a necessity to leave the house most of the year. There are very few Christmas gifts that are as universal as socks.

 

Whether the person has a drawer full of holey or boring black and white socks or their sock drawer looks like a perfect Marie Kondo rainbow, everyone can use more fresh pairs of great socks. It is a truth that simply cannot be denied.

 

Socks won’t break the bank

Even the best socks won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can get a great pair (or several pairs) of socks for a reasonable price which is important for their value as a Christmas gift. Some people on our list you may not want to spend a lot on, but you still want to get them something nice and thoughtful.

 

There are others on your list whom you have already spent a lot on but need one more thing to act as a stocking stuffer. In these scenarios, socks are the perfect gift. You can get a style that the person will enjoy, that fits them, and that is budget-friendly for you. It’s a classic holiday win-win.

 

Socks are warm and cuddly

The Christmas season is cold (in many places). Socks are very warm (in most cases). These two facts make socks an ideal way to warm up someone’s holiday season. Giving the gift of warm and toasty feet will certainly be appreciated and make for a gift that the person actually uses, which is always nice.

 

Because cushy and comfy, thick socks can be warm and cuddly, socks are a surprisingly intimate and loving gift as well. A nice pair of warm socks, given from the right person to the right person, show how much you care and you want that person to be warm and comforted–as well as comfortably–all over, not just on their feet. When you are playing footsie by the fire on Christmas night, you will see how sweet a gift socks can be.

 

Socks are a memorable gift

Most “stuff” we give as Christmas gifts is often fleeting and unmemorable. Maybe the receiver uses it for a while but then it breaks or gets left at work or a friend’s house or maybe vanishes into the abyss of a dreaded junk drawer. Chances are the person who got it this Christmas, won’t be using it by next Christmas.

 

Socks are different. They are the gift that keeps on giving. A quality pair of socks should last for Christmases to come. They can be worn hundreds of times by the receiver before they have to be retired. And every time that person sits down to slip on their socks that were a Christmas gift from you, they will surely think back to that moment and smile.

 

One size fits most 

Giving wearable gifts at Christmas time can be a dicey proposition. Unless you know the person’s sizes incredibly well, there is a good chance you may give them an ill-fitting gift. This can be embarrassing for both you and for them. This is why many people, unfortunately, stay away from the gift of fashion for people on their list during the holiday season.

 

If you want to share your fashion sense (or upgrade theirs) with a gift this year, make it a pair of socks! Socks are generally either one size fits all or come in broad size ranges that are easy to decipher. This makes socks a wonderful way to be a fashion-forward gift giver without worrying about offending the recipient.

 

Christmas socks are the gift of holiday spirit 

What’s better than getting Christmas socks FOR Christmas? Not much. The whole holiday season is such a festive time and, for anyone who loves Christmas, there is not much better than wearing a festive outfit. Christmas socks are the perfect festive touch to any outfit.

 

According to No Cold Feet, there are a variety of ways to incorporate socks into your holiday outfit. You can wear it with an ugly Christmas sweater and a pair of reindeer antlers and be the most festive person in any room. You can also wear them to work with a suit to have a secret bit of holiday cheer while you sit through a tedious end-of-year meeting. You can even have your socks match your mask. Either way, the gift of the Christmas spirit cannot be underrated. 

 

Conclusion

Don’t waste time pondering a universal gift for people on your list or spend a lot of money on something that will get lost or tucked away by Valentine’s Day. Give the gift that is useful, affordable, warm, memorable, correctly sized, and perfectly reflects the festiveness of the holiday season. 

 

It is a gift that many people don’t think about but most recipients will enjoy and not soon forget. One last tip about buying socks as a gift: If you want to make it extra-special, you can find sock companies that offer special, holiday-themed packs and gift boxes to take your gift to that next level.  

 

Business/Investment

Does Selling Your Company Seem Like a Good Call?

If selling your small business makes sense, are you willing to put the time and effort into making a sale go?

Selling a small business does not have to be like pulling teeth. That is if you do all the steps needed to make it a seamless transaction.

So, is selling in your near future?

Be Smart and Do Your Homework

When deciding now is the time to in fact sell your small business, here are a few pointers to help you out along the way:

  1. Be prepared for what is to come – It goes without saying that selling will involve paperwork and more. That said be sure you have all your ducks in a row. Missed or incorrect paperwork can slow down a sale. In some instances, it could thwart the sale altogether. By taking the time to do due diligence, there is less of a chance you will find yourself in a bad position. There are people out there who can help you get all the paperwork in order. There are those who’ve got the experience to direct you towards potential buyers too. Be prepared and work with the appropriate pros to make selling as easy and quick as possible.
  2. Have a plan for what is next – You also will want to be ready for what comes after the company is no longer in yours. So, any thoughts to what you may want to do next? You may end up trading out companies. You sell the one you have and end up buying another one be it established or a brand new venture. There may also be the possibility of you going to work for someone else. Would you be comfortable no longer calling the shots? That is being under the guidance of another person or persons? Depending on your age and finances, might you consider retiring? By having thought things through, there is less of a chance you will end up in a bad situation financially
  3. Learn from this – Unless you plan on hanging things up, learn from this experience of selling. You can get some good tidbits to come out of it should you go and sell again down the road. See what works and also what may not have worked. This can make the next time you go to sell a little less challenging. Also, make it a point to understand the financial implications. That is of selling and even buying another company should you choose to do the latter. The goal with any sale along with having it go smoothly is to come out ahead financially. So, when you decide to put your company on the market is a big factor in how things can turn out. Be cognizant of what is going on in the particular industry you are in. This would be when it comes to companies selling, consumer buying trends and more. Knowing the trends can tell you when the best time to sell may in fact be.

As you go about deciding if selling is right for you, are you confident it will all work out in the end?

Written by Ester K. is a content writer at Deepak Shukla and a sales and Public Relations (PR nerd), obsessed with research, sleeping in as much as possible, and listening to podcasts. When I am not at home with my fam I enjoy long walks through the beautiful city of Jerusalem.

Business/Investment

3 Ways to Better Finance Your Small Business

As a small business owner, odds are one of the things that can keep you awake at night is your financial situation.

With that thought in mind, are you happy with how your company is doing financially?

If the answer is no, do you have any thoughts on how to go about improving your finances?

Take Steps to Better Ensure Success

In looking at where your finances are now and how you can go about improving them, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Not being afraid to seek financial help – Some business owners can be a little stubborn. That is when it comes to asking for financial help. While it may be a pride issue, the bottom line is to know when you need a financial shot in the arm and how to go about getting it. One possibility would be to look into revolving credit. If you qualify for such credit, you can access it when you need it without having to apply again and again. Even though you will have a pre-approved limit, the ability to access those funds and put them to good use is key. Whether you go with revolving credit, a small business loan or even folks to invest in you, get the help you need.

2. Removing credit card debt – Millions of Americans deal with credit card debt. That said you do not want to be one of those people whose business is suffering because of it. Take the time to review and see if such debt is weighing down your business. In the event it is, the goal should be to remove such debt sooner than later. Start by paying more than the minimum each month that is due. You should also look to use cash more often when buying things you need for your business. Although some items you get will need a credit card, be smart and avoid continually running the debt up. You might also check around with banks to consider a balance transfer. Transferring the debt over to another bank with better rates could be a wise move on your end.

3. Deals with vendors – If you work with vendors to provide you with items, are you getting the best of deals? If the answer is no, now would be a good time to work on that. Even if you have specific vendors you’ve worked with for years, do not be afraid to make some changes. That is if it will improve your financial picture as time goes by. Unless there is going to be a drop off in quality of the items they provide be open to switching. That would be when it will save you sizable amounts of money. Let them know you need to save money and that is why you want to end the relationship. You may find them willing to negotiate with you and you could come out ahead when all is said and done.

In doing all you can to better your small business finances, what will be your first move?

Rachael is a content writer at SerpWizz, who has written on a Ultimate Resume Guide, from colored diamonds to SEO software. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, sketching, cooking, and video games.

Love

3 Keys to Having a Healthy Pet

Given how much you love your pet or even pets, chances are you would do just about anything for them.

That said one area of importance that some pet owners overlook would be pet insurance.

While the hope is your pet stays healthy for many years to come, it is smart to have them covered nonetheless.

So, what steps are you taking for the healthiest pet or pets possible under your roof?

Caring for Those Animals You Love

In doing all you can for those furry friends living in your home, here are three keys to remember:

  1. Doing the basics – It may sound like simple stuff and it is, but do you at times take the basics for granted? That would be things like properly feeding and hydrating your animal? If you have a cat, do you change the litter box on time? If you are a dog owner, do you take your dog for daily walks so it can exercise? Do you make it so your pet has a comfortable and safe space to sleep each day? It is also important that your pet get the proper vet care as time goes by. Going to the vet for regular exams can help increase the chances of finding anything wrong with your pet. Speaking of basic care and even vet visits, do you have pet insurance? The right coverage helps to protect your pet and your wallet at the same time. If you do not have such protection, now would be a good time to go online and see what is out there. From doing Spot pet insurance reviews to others, find coverage best suited to care for your bundle of fur.
  2. Looking for signs of trouble – While pets can speak like humans can, they do give off signs when there is trouble. For instance, if your dog or cat stops eating, using the bathroom regularly, this should be a notable red flag to you. They may have a problem in their digestion, potential kidney issues, cancer and more. When you seeing any unusual behavior go in for a prolonged period of time, be sure to act on it. The last thing you want is to look back with regrets. That is when you failed to act and your pet was trying to tell you something as best they could.
  3. Giving your pet some TLC – Last, you know better than anyone how busy your schedule can get. That said it is important that you set aside time for your pet. Dogs and cats especially give their owners unconditional love. All they want in return is some TLC. With that in mind, be sure you do have time to be a pet owner in the first place. If you are often away from home due to work, travel and more, having a pet may not be the best decision you could make. If you do not have a pet now but are thinking of getting one, be sure to review your lifestyle. Make sure you have the time and love available to commit to a pet.

As you look to make your pet or pets the healthiest they can be, always remember it is both physical and emotional.

So, are you now or would you be a good pet owner at the end of the day?

Written by Rajiv. He is writing content for Pearl Lemon. You’ll find me playing with my dog Gizmo in between copious cups of coffee and even the odd donut or three 😛