Chick-fil-A, one of the most successful fast food chains in the US, is entering showbiz.
The chain is hiring an “entertainment producer,” according to a job posting on its website.
The new entertainment app, PLAY, will feature scripted and non-scripted programming.
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Chick-fil-A is going Hollywood.
The Atlanta-based fast-food chain, owned by the wealthy Cathy family, is set to launch a family-focused entertainment app called PLAY, according to a job posting for an “entertainment producer” listed on the chain’s website.
Programming on the app includes scripted audio, podcasts, and video series.
“This original programming is intended for Chick-fil-A’s soon-to-be launched PLAY entertainment app and may include scripted podcasts and audio adventures, original animation, reality and game shows, and other live-action scripted or non-scripted programming,” the job posting states, adding that the preferred candidate should have six years or more experience in show running or writing for a kids/family series.
The entertainment producer is expected to work with content creators who produce podcasts, live-action scripted video entertainment, animation, game shows, reality, or other non-scripted shows, according to the job duties of the position.
The PLAY app is geared toward entertaining families and children.
The content must match the “vision, heartbeat, and positioning of the Chick-fil-A brand,” according to the job posting.
“The Chick-fil-A brand has a very specific and nuanced approach, and content will need to be carefully and thoughtfully brought to life in such a way that audiences both internal and external can quickly say, ‘That feels like Chick-fil-A.’”
Chick-fil-A is known for its conservative beliefs. The brand is closed on Sundays so workers can spend time with family. As described on its website, part of its purpose is “to glorify God.” In the past, the company donated to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations. But in 2019, the chain stopped contributing to these types of organizations after facing public backlash.
Chick-fil-A didn’t respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
PLAY content would not be the chain’s first venture into showbiz. Chick-fil-A recently released the latest installment of its original animated short series, called “Stories of Evergreen Hills,” which the company describes as “a fantastical animated universe where kindness is more than a mere friendly gesture. It’s the central purpose of the world and the mission of its heroes.”
It’s unclear when the app will launch or if it will be integrated with Chick-fil-A’s 11-year-old mobile app, whose loyalty arm has 50 million members. That’s more than Chipotle’s 36 million members.
The entertainment producer will manage writers, actors, casting directors, artists, and showrunners. The salary range was not listed.
Are you a Chick-fil-A insider with insight to share? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via email at nluna@insider.com or via Signal encrypted at 714-875-6218.
When the Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said: “Change is the only constant in life,” maybe he knew that TikTok was coming. After all, in this world of viral trends and beauty blogs, it seems we are always changing things up in our routines — revamping our skin and body care habits, introducing new food recipes and trying out the latest beauty products. While these changes can level things up in our lives, there are situations where that new skin care product, food or routine could be the source of unwanted skin reactions. Let’s examine the range of reactions that can occur with changes in our routines and identify which are typical and harmless and which might be signs of a more significant concern.
Is My Skin Reacting? 5 Triggers That Cause Reactions
When it comes to reactions that show up on the body, some are instant and obvious and others can take longer to appear. While an immediate reaction can be jarring, it can make for an easier diagnosis. For example, if you try a new food one night and wake up swollen or itchy the next morning, there’s a good chance you can trace the reaction back to that food. Other reactions can be more sneaky, showing up days or even weeks into a new routine.
Signs can vary but often appear on the skin in the form of a rash or cracked skin, redness, swelling, stinging, burning, raised bumps, flaky skin or breakouts. Sometimes the reaction coincides with pain or itching, but not always. Let’s do a deep dive into the different things that can cause skin to react, how to spot reactions and when to seek help.
1. Reactions To Skin Care Products
With so many skin care and beauty products out there, it’s tempting to switch things up and try whatever is new or viral. After all, if people are talking about it, then it must be good, right? Unfortunately, just because a skin care product becomes popular, it doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Some of the reactions that are common with new skin care products include redness, irritation, itching and acne breakouts. These can be caused by a number of things including:
If your skin reacts badly to a beauty product, your first instinct is probably to stop using it immediately. However, there are certain products that might cause skin to react temporarily. This is where some sleuthing can come in. Take a peek at the ingredients — maybe you’ve reacted to something in the past and this is a reminder that your body doesn’t agree with that ingredient. Eminence Organic Skin Care products are made without many of the synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation and reactions as we uphold our mission of using the best organic and Biodynamic® ingredients. A reminder to always read the label or ingredients list before trying a new product.
And be mindful of what the reaction is. If it’s swelling, pain and redness, your best bet is to stop use immediately and consult your dermatologist. If the new product causes your skin to break out, maybe you’re just purging. If there’s mild redness and peeling, same idea (hello, retinol) and your skin may just need a couple of weeks to get used to the new product or ingredient. If the breakout is around your mouth, it could be perioral dermatitis (more on that later) and you may need treatment.
Always do a patch test before trying a new product and definitely err on the side of caution and contact your doctor if you’re unsure. As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
2. Reactions to Dietary Changes
Food reactions, which often manifest on the skin, can be uncomfortable and annoying. This happens whether you’re experiencing a negative response to a new food, or gradually realizing that a certain food doesn’t suit your body chemistry.
Tingling or itching in the mouth can be a telltale sign that all is not well, as can a raised, red itchy rash on the body, the face or the scalp, or swelling of the eyes or lips. While food reactions are generally mild and go away when you stop eating the food, any extreme reactions like breathing difficulties, extreme swelling and light-headedness should be treated as emergencies.
When it comes to these skin reactions, your best bet is to avoid the foods. Some common triggers include gluten, dairy, eggs and soy, and it’s worth getting tested (or doing an elimination diet) to get to the root cause of the issue.
What you eat can show up on your skin in other ways too. Some foods are inflammatory (sugar, wheat, dairy and salt, among others) and reducing intake can cause a reduction in puffiness and flaky skin. Eating a balanced diet — filled with good fats from salmon, nuts, seeds and avocados, lots of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins — is the best way to maintain the look of healthy, glowing skin (in other words, your skin is reacting in a good way). And don’t forget to drink enough water.
3. Reactions To Weather
If you’ve ever had a sunburn in the summer or dry, itchy skin in the winter, your skin has reacted to weather. While usually these reactions are easy to identify, they can be dangerous and you’re better off avoiding them altogether if possible.
Too much time in the sun with too little sunscreen can result in an almost immediate redness, swelling, followed by blistering of the skin, itch and peeling. It can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.” And don’t forget, you can also get a sunburn when it’s cloudy out. This is your reminder to wear SPF all year long, even indoors, and cover the skin with protective clothing — especially when spending time outdoors in the hot sun.
If you’re faced with a sunburn, our Product Support Team has some recommendations for ingredients that can help soothe, calm and treat the skin. Aloe vera, stone crop and botanical hyaluronic acid are soothing and moisturizing for dry, irritated skin. Vitamins C and E are important for sun damaged skin relief and recovery. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage, preventing damage caused by UV rays. Vitamin E visibly diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin texture. Chamomile and echinacea are known to provide relief for sunburned skin, and coconut oil has moisturizing, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
While hot sun can cause your skin to react, the opposite end of the spectrum, cold weather, can do a number on it as well. Cold air can leave skin dry, chapped and even cracked. And indoor heating and hot baths can further strip moisture from the skin. To combat the dryness and other issues that come up during the winter, treat your skin with hydration and exfoliate to get rid of dry, flaky skin. Find a whole winter skin care routine here.
4. Reactions To New Ingredients
Sometimes the smallest tweak to your routine can cause a reaction. Something as simple as a new laundry detergent or toothpaste could send your skin into a tizzy. Certain ingredients just don’t work for some people, so it’s important to consider that if a reaction seems to come out of nowhere. If a reaction happens in a certain area, consider any changes you may have made. A new toothpaste, irritants from shaving cream and even certain types of chewing gum can bring on a condition called perioral dermatitis, a red rash that can appear around the mouth. Often mistaken for acne, this unsightly and often painful condition could be a reaction. If you can trace a breakout to a new product, cease and desist immediately and symptoms should clear up. If not, see your dermatologist to discuss treatments.
Body washes, lotions and laundry detergents often contain additives and chemicals like preservatives, parabens, colors, emulsifiers and fragrance that can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions that present as itching, hives or rashes. Always read product labels before trying new things and rest assured that Eminence Organics products are free of animal by-products, petroleum, propylene glycol, harmful fragrances and colorants and parabens. Another common ingredient that can cause or exacerbate the condition is SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, which is used in many facial cleansers. Eminence products contain no SLS, so making the switch to one of our organic cleansers can be a good first step.
If your skin is reacting and you’re not sure of the cause, consult with your dermatologist to get to the root cause or if you suspect an allergic reaction.
5. Reactions To Stress
Much of what we know about how stress affects the body is via symptoms like elevated heart rate, stiff or tense muscles, low energy and digestive issues. But stress also plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels, whether you experience tension on a chronic level or not. There are a few ways it can show up — from irritation and rashes to eczema, dry skin, acne and dark circles under the eyes. The best way to combat stress in your life is to address it from all angles. Meditation and yoga can help, as can exercise and a healthy diet filled with non-inflammatory foods and lots of water! When stress shows up on skin, it’s important to look into which aspects of your life might be contributing and see what tweaks you can make — after all, health is about the full body, inside and out.
Are you dealing with skin reactions and not sure what is causing them? For a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns, book a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.
Private Branch Exchange, most commonly known as PBX is a way to describe an office telephone system in an office that allows users to not only put calls on hold, but allows to users to transfer calls ,merge calls in conferences for example or offers higher security on calls. These kind of systems are available on analog phone service and on VoIP services and they are customizable and today we will discuss the best headsets for different models of desk phones that are compatible with PBX systems.
Thanks to the headset port located on the back, you can easily plug in a corded headset on the back and activate its use by pressing the headset key on the phone. These desk phones support corded and wireless headsets:
The Jabra 2300 is one of the best corded headsets on the market for your desk phone. With noise canceling microphone, Kevlar reinforcement and comfortable headband, making a great option for a corded headset compatible with your VVX desk phone. The large foam ear cushions can be replaced with leatherette for better comfort for all day use. Thanks to the Quick Disconnect connection, it allows the user to step away from the desk and take the headset with them, so no longer need to put on/off constantly.
Plantronics offers the HW520 corded headset for people looking a solution and if they wear hearing aids, the HW520 is Telecoil Hearing Aid compatible, coming with a discrete microphone boom arm and covering both ears in a true binaural stereo sound quality, meaning that the sound of the call can be heard on both ear cups. The HW520 headset can be customizable with bigger ear cushions that would cover the whole ear instead of staying on the ear, making it an alternative for loud environments.
The Plantronics CS540 is the top seller wireless headset for your Polycom desk phone. The headset offers a range of up to 350 feet on line of sight and offering a convertible wearing style, so can be worn over the head or over the ear. With a more discrete microphone boom arm and being one of the lightest wireless headset on the market. You can answer your Polycom desk phone from the distance, thanks to the remote answer included. Just tap your headset from the distance and you will answer the call, no need to go back to the desk or even ouch the phone.
Cisco desk phones offers compatibility with corded headsets and wireless as well. Special consideration for wireless headsets is if the phone has a sidecar you will need to get an extra extension so the cables for the remote answer to reach the base of the wireless headset.
Plantronics offers the H81N headset compatible with Cisco desk phones, this is an over the ear wearing style corded headset, similar to the ones used in dispatch agencies. The H81N offers noise canceling microphone with a bendable microphone boom arm and with different adjustments on the earpiece that directs the sound to the ear canal, useful to find a comfortable position for all day use. We have the Quick Disconnect connector from Plantronics allowing users to step away and take the headset with them. Offering 3 way support for the perfect fit.
Poly offers the Savi 7310 wireless headset compatible with Cisco desk phones and allowing users to use it with their computer at the same time. With a range of up to 400 feet and a higher encryption chip for a more secure connection while on a call. The Savi 7310 comes with the remote answer for the Cisco, if need to answer the call from the distance, simply press the Answer key on the headset. The Savi 7310 comes with USB-A and USB-C cables so can be used with any computer or laptop. Acoustic Fence technology can be found in the bendable microphone boom arm and with a talk time of up to 13 hours in a single charge.
Jabra offers its top headset on the Jabra 75 Stereo for people with multiple devices in the need of a wireless headset. With a range of up to 490 feet and Jabra’s advanced noise cancelation technology, built in busy light and easy to find call controls such as the mute as well. The base can be plugged to Cisco desk phone, 2 USB corded computers and 2 Bluetooth enable devices paired to the base directly. The touchscreen can be used to customize the functions of the headset and offers useful information regarding the headset.
Depending on the model of Avaya some models require special cables for corded headsets or proper remote answer adapters. For the next ones we will discuss Avaya J100 or 9600 family.
The Biz 1500 Duo is a stereo corded headset, compatible with certain models of Avaya as they require a special frequency for Avaya J100, 1600, 9600 desk phones. Covering both ears in a budget friendly package. This headset comes with everything needed and easy to use as plug and play. Noise canceling microphone can be found on the Biz 1500 and with Quick Disconnect connector as well, letting to step out of the desk while wearing the headset. With a 2 year manufacturer warranty included, making it one of the best options for daily corded use headset.
Plantronics comes to the game with its Savi 8240, as a convertible wireless headset that can be worn over the head, the ear or behind the neck. This headset offers multi connectivity as it will work with the Avaya J100, the computer and a Bluetooth enable device as the base has built in Bluetooth. With a compact and lightweight design and a talk time of up to 7 hours in a single charge and a range of up to 590 feet. Noise canceling microphone in a discrete boom arm with new relocated volume controls compared with the previous generation.
Jabra offers the Engage 65 Mono as an alternative compatible with Avaya J100s desk phones and compatible with a desktop computer at the same time. Advanced noise canceling microphones can be found in the boom arm, built in busy lights turn on when on a call, as this feature is useful on an open office scenario. Fully compatible with the mayor UC platforms and applications. Easy to use call controllers on the headset and with a range of up to 490 feet and talk time of up to 13 hours in one single charge.
The next options are available for some selected Yealink desk phones as Yealink offer different models of corded and cordless phones. The newer Yealink desk phones will have a USB port that in most cases would be enable to receive a USB headset.
Plantronics offers the HW710 corded headset as the upper scale corded headset of the EncorePro family, with leatherette ear cushions and a retractable microphone boom arm. An elegant design and comfortable design welcomes the user and offering HD wideband audio for the user, making it an alternative for corded headset on the best quality available in the market. The headband is lightweight, built in with reinforced–nylon composite materials, meaning that the headset will last longer and offer longevity.
Plantronics has the Savi 7210 for Yealink desk phones covering one ear with an over the head headband and being Telecoil Hearing Aid compatible. Designed for people wanting a wireless headset for their Yealink desk phone and compatible with their hearing aids, this headset comes with the remote answer for the Yealink and offering a range of up to 400 feet with an easy to install and use interface. The Savi 7210 offers a talk time of up to 12 hours and a comfortable leatherette ear cushion, paddling on the headband and pad can be found on it.
Jabra offers the well known Pro 920 as a wireless headset for the Yealink desk phones, this headset comes with the remote answer for the Yealink. Covering one ear with an over the head headband and offering a range of up to 325 feet and an impressive battery time of up to 36 hours on standby with a full charge. Fast charging can be found on the Pro 920, meaning that can get a full charge on the headset in less than 3 hours. The remote answer allows the user to answer the call of the Yealink desk phone from the distance without the need to walk back or touch the phone.
These are some examples for desk phones on a PBX system, however the more models the come out the more difficult that can turn in getting a proper headset as it can get a little overwhelming. For a full list of headsets for PBX phones click HERE.
For additional offers feel free to call us and we will recommend the best solution for your case. 877-999-3838
Apple also included lists of the most followed and most shared podcasts.
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Choosing a new podcast to start can be a daunting task, with thousands of options to consider. If you need some background noise while you finish up some housework, why not try a fan favorite?
Apple shared a roundup on Tuesday of the most popular podcasts of 2023. These numbers came from data from Apple listeners in over 100 countries.
Apple included lists of the top 10 free and subscriber channels, most shared shows and episodes, top new shows, and most followed shows. But today, we will be focusing on the top 10 podcasts overall, according to Apple.
10. Stuff You Should Know
The Stuff You Should Know Podcast is hosted by Josh Clark, left, and Chuck Bryant, right.
Denise Truscello
“Stuff You Should Know” will, according to Apple Podcasts, teach you everything you need to know about science, history, religion, crime, and more. The podcast has been running since 2008 and has 2,000 episodes.
The SYSK podcast is hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. Clark also made a podcast called “The End of The World with Josh Clark.” Byrant worked in both film and as a professional writer before joining SYSK.
9. Hidden Brain
With over 37,000 reviews, it’s no wonder that Hidden Brain made Apple’s top 10 list.
Apple Podcasts
“Hidden Brain” is a podcast by NPR that describes itself as exploring “unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and questions that lie at the heart of our complex and changing world,” according to its website. It analyzes intangible concepts like gratitude, death, pain, and grief.
The podcast is hosted by Shankar Vedantam, a journalist and author who previously worked for The Washington Post before joining NPR.
8. Huberman Lab
Huberman is a Stanford neurologist, but he’s best known for his podcast, Huberman Lab, where he talks about all things health and wellness.
Chance Yeh
Huberman Lab is hosted by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. It is the top health and fitness-related podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, according to the podcast’s website.
Huberman Lab explores different health-related topics like fitness, mental health, sleep, and supplements. The podcast has featured countless health experts and recently featured Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan.
Even though the podcast only made eighth place on this list, it was in first place on Apple Podcasts’s list of most-followed shows. It was also Apple’s fourth most shared podcast.
7. Up First
NPR, short for National Public Radio, has made the top 10 list for its brief summaries of daily news.
Drew Angerer
“Up First” is a daily podcast produced by NPR. The podcast is a 10-minute summary of some of the top news stories of the day.
Released every morning, 6 a.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. on weekends, the podcast is meant to help listeners start their day off on a more informed note.
6. Morbid
Morbid is a true crime and horror podcast hosted by sister duo Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley.
Morbid podcast/Wondery
One of the genres to top this year’s list was true crime, and “Morbid” is no exception. “Morbid”, which is part of the podcast publishing platform Wondery, focuses on true crime, history, and horror.
“Morbid” is hosted by sister duo Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley, according to the podcast’s webpage. Urquhart is an autopsy technician with a background in criminal justice, psychology, and biology who also wrote the thriller novel “The Butcher and The Wren.” Kelley works as a hairdresser and lives in Boston.
5. This American Life
Glass began his reporting career with NPR in 1978, before beginning his work with This American Life in 2006.
Astrid Stawiarz
“This American Life” is a public radio podcast hosted by Ira Glass that focuses on mixing journalism with entertainment, according to the podcast’s website. The podcast, which puts out a new episode every Sunday, gets over 4 million weekly listeners.
The show is a collaborative production with WBEZ Chicago that’s sent out to stations by Public Radio Exchange — PRX. Glass began his career in reporting in 1978, when he began interning with NPR, before working on “This American Life” in 2006, according to Britannica.
4. SmartLess
The SmartLess podcast is hosted by Jason Bateman (left), Will Arnett (left), and Sean Hayes.
“SmartLess” is a weekly podcast hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. “SmartLess” focuses on using comedy and shared experiences to connect people from “all walks of life,” according to the podcast’s website.
In every episode, one of the hosts also invites a surprise guest for the other two hosts onto the show. The podcast began in July 2020, and the three actors have been longterm friends.
The podcast has hosted a long list of well-known guests including Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Aniston, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler.
3. Dateline NBC
NBC Dateline got over 66 million viewers in 2023 Q3, but its podcast adaptation is also a hit.
NurPhoto
“Dateline NBC” is a long-running series that focuses on crime, mysteries, documentaries, and in-depth reporting. According to Nielsen Media Research reported by NBC, “Dateline” was the most-watched news magazine during the third quarter of 2023, with over 66 million viewers.
“Dateline NBC” may be best known for its TV series, but the podcast adaptation is apparently also a hit with fans, coming in third place on Apple’s top 10 list.
2. The Daily
The Daily is a podcast by The New York Times that goes out five days a week and recaps the top stories of the morning.
Gary Hershorn
Podcasts hosted by news organizations dominated this year’s list, so it’s no surprise that “The Daily,” a podcast by The New York Times, took second place.
“The Daily,” is a 20-minute podcast that goes out every day Monday-Friday. It’s hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise. The podcast gives listeners an overview of the day’s top story.
1. Crime Junkie
Ashley Flowers has been hosting Crime Junkie since 2017. She also founded the podcast production company Audiochuck and authored a fictional crime novel called All Good People Here.
NBC
“Crime Junkie” is a podcast focused on covering true crime cases and was Apple’s most popular podcast in 2023. The Crime Junkie team has also donated $643,000 to family members of victims and to several nonprofit organizations, according to the podcast’s website.
The podcast began in 2017. It’s hosted by Ashley Flowers, who founded the podcast production company Audiochuck, along with Brit Prawat, who used to work for a private investigator.
Introduction: Ambient mode is a valuable feature found in select headphones that enables users to enjoy their music or take calls while remaining aware of their surroundings. Despite its seemingly counterintuitive nature in the world of headphones, ambient mode offers several compelling advantages that make it worth considering.
1. Safety : One of the most prominent benefits of ambient mode is enhanced safety. Whether you’re walking, running, or commuting, it’s crucial to remain alert to your environment. Conventional headphones can isolate you from external sounds, making it difficult to detect approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Ambient mode leverages external microphones to relay environmental sounds through your headphones, minimizing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety.
2. Convenience : Ambient mode also offers unmatched convenience. There are occasions when you need to stay attuned to your surroundings but still desire to enjoy music or take important calls. For instance, while waiting for a vital phone call or an airport announcement, the ambient mode allows you to do so without the need to remove your headphones or pause your music.
3. Social Interaction : In social settings, ambient mode can prove invaluable. Whether you’re spending time with friends or in a public space, staying aware of conversations and other ambient sounds is essential. With ambient mode, you can relish your favorite tunes while remaining engaged in conversations or receptive to announcements.
4. Sound Quality : Moreover, certain headphones featuring ambient mode offer sound quality enhancements. For instance, select models enable you to adjust the volume of ambient noise, granting you control over how much of your surroundings you hear. Others incorporate noise-cancellation technology that effectively minimizes background noise, resulting in an improved overall listening experience.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the ambient mode is a remarkable feature to consider when searching for headphones due to its myriad advantages, including bolstered safety, unmatched convenience, improved social interaction, and enhanced sound quality. While not all headphone models offer this feature, it’s worth exploring. Notably, Phiaton offers several models equipped with ambient modes, such as the Bonobuds Lite, 900 Legacy, and TWIG PRO, all crafted with premium aluminum earbuds. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, daily commuter, or music fan, ambient mode can elevate your listening experience while ensuring you remain vigilant of your surroundings. Explore this feature and unlock a new dimension of headphone functionality.
Diem Nguyen recently bought a home near San Francisco without using a real-estate broker.
She is in the minority: More than 85% of American homebuyers this year used an agent.
Buying without a realtor might save you a little cash, but it can be risky for inexperienced buyers.
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In October, Diem Nguyen bought a home in the San Francisco Bay Area for $1.6 million — without a realtor.
The 36-year-old tech worker used Aalto, a home-buying and selling website that looks at first glance like Zillow or Redfin. House hunters can browse on-the-market and off-market homes in certain parts of California, see market data, and even submit offers.
The best part: Buyers get up to 1.5% of the purchase price as cash back — for Nguyen, $24,000 — to cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or increase their offer price, according to Aalto’s website.
Because Nguyen had bought a home in the same area in 2021, as well as other investment properties in the Midwest, she and her partner decided they didn’t need the additional hand-holding a broker provides.
“We didn’t need a lot of guidance with bidding or the discovery process this time,” Nguyen told Business Insider.
But Nguyen is in the minority. About 88% of homebuyers this year used a real-estate agent, Zillow found. Most buyers use a realtor because it’s relatively risk-free. First, there’s no cost to them: Sellers tend to pay 4% to 6% of the purchase price to their broker, who splits the commission with the buyer’s agent. Second, new or inexperienced buyers may benefit from the guidance a veteran realtor can offer, from referrals to mortgage lenders to help discerning whether an asking price is outrageously high or suspiciously low.
If nothing else, working with an expert can quell the anxiety that comes along with buying a home.
But now a slate of class-action lawsuits against the country’s biggest professional organization for real-estate agents and several brokerages — accusing them of conspiring to keep home prices, and their own commissions, high — might alter how, and how much, agents are paid. The suits could also result in more buyers and sellers opting to forgo a broker for their transactions.
Here’s the story of one person who did it, and a summary of the pros, cons, and risks.
Have you bought a home without a real-estate agent? Email reporter Jordan Pandy at jpandy@businessinsider.com with your story.
Buying a home without a realtor has pros and cons
Nguyen said she felt confident navigating Northern California’s housing market because she had done it once before.
“We’re very comfortable with the Bay Area,” she said. “We have friends who own houses in the Bay, too, so we know roughly what to expect.”
The cash back Aalto offered was another incentive for Nguyen to forge ahead without a broker. (Aalto does have a team of real-estate agents working behind the scenes, but they are salaried rather than paid by commission. Aalto makes money by charging sellers a fee of 1% of the purchase price of their home.)
Buyers passing up a realtor sometimes do so because they believe they’ll pay less for the home, according to a blog post from lender Rocket Mortgage. The sellers, they believe, will save money on the commissions they’d otherwise pay to the agents, and either come down during negotiations over the price of the home or pass that savings onto buyers in other ways.
But as real-estate and personal-finance experts Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin wrote in the Washington Post in 2020, buyers working without a broker may overpay, buy the wrong home, glean incorrect information when relying solely on Googling, or skip an inspection.
Real-estate agents do more than just find a home on Zillow, Glink and Tamkin said in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: They can help answer questions about the market and paint a fuller picture of the property you plan to buy.
For Nguyen, choosing to buy without broker representation ended well for her, but it might not for everyone. She prefers newer homes, which tend to come with fewer maintenance issues and costs.
“If I am really into a unique older home, I might look for a good traditional agent who would be able to give us way more advice,” Nguyen said. “I think it depends on the buyer.”
You have a Polycom IP phone 301, 335, 430, 450, 500, 501, 550, 560, 600, 601, 650, 670, CX300, CX500, CX600, CX700, VVX 101, VVX 201 VVX 300, VVX 310, VVX 400, VVX 410, VVX 500, VVX 600, VVX 1500. Now available on HeadsetPlus.com Polycom headset page are Polycom certified plug and play compatible corded headsets.
In first place, if you’re on a tight budget, there is the Jabra Biz 1500 Mono Direct Connect Headset for only $119.96, which is also a Polycom certified headset with 2 year warranty, noise canceling microphone and customizable earcups as it come with foam ear cushions, but you can upgrade them to leatherette one.
Personally, I like the Plantronics HW540-POLY Polycom Compatible Headset. It’s the middle of the line. Comes with 3 wearing styles, so you’re never stuck with any one style. Can be worn over the head, over the ear or behind the neck and with Noise canceling microphone from Plantronics that block up to 60% of the unwanted background noise. Thanks to the Quick Disconnect (QD) the user can wore the headset all day and if need to step out of the desk they can release the headset from the special cable plugged into the Polycom desk phone and reattaching without the plugin or unplugging from the back of the phone or putting on and off.
On third place for corded headset for your Polycom desk phone we have the Plantronics HW720-POLY Polycom Phone Compatible Headset, this is the best quality headset in the EncorePro corded headset family. This headset comes with leatherette ear cushions, covering both ears and in a true binaural sound quality. The microphone boom arm is retractable as it helps to place the microphone in the best position closer to the mouth and offering ultralightweight design for a daily use. With 2 year warranty offering one of the most elegant and practical corded headset.
We discussed corded solutions for your Polycom desk phone, and now we will discuss some wireless offerings. In addition, there are also wireless headsets from both Plantronics and Jabra with EHS remote answering capabilities (as long as you purchase with the Plantronics APP-51 or Jabra Link 17 Polycom IP Phone EHS Cable along with the wireless headset you purchase.
First wireless headset in our list is the Plantronics CS540+EHS Remote Answer Bundle for Polycom IP Phones. This wireless headset from Plantronics can be worn over the head or over the ear as it comes with both wearing styles and switch at will. With a range of up to 350 feet on line of sight, which means the user can be in the middle of a call and go thru walls without affecting the connectivity or sound quality. This being one of the most discrete and lightweight headset on the market and with an easy to use and easy installation to be used only with your desk phone.
One of the favorite here at headquarters is the Jabra Engage 65 Mono+EHS Polycom Phone Wireless Headset Bundle. This headset from Jabra offers a range of up to 490 feet as it has a higher encryption chipset, allowing it to support the double of density of the same headset in 1 location. The Engage 65 allows the user to answer their desk phone, and to use the headset with your computer as it comes with a micro USB cable that allows to plug in any USB-A port. The design of the headset is elegant and comfortable at the same time, offering built in busy lights are really useful specially if the person wearing it is in a front desk position or an open office environment. Easy call controls can be found and the mute key would be located in the tip of the microphone boom arm.
One of the newest headsets from Poly (Plantronics) would be the Poly Voyager Focus 2 Office + EHS Remote Answer Polycom Phones. This is a Bluetooth Class 1 headset with a range of up to 300 feet, with a discrete microphone boom arm. The Focus2 Office allows to be used with the desk phone, and the computer, but besides that you can pair your cellphone and take the headset out of the office with you! Digital Hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) is found on the headset with different levels of graduation, really useful in loud environments. Smart Sensor can be found on the headset, that can detect when the headset is worn and allows to either mute or play/pause streaming. The microphone boom arm comes with Acoustic Fence Technology that is the best noise cancelation microphone on the market.
Firewood logs were used as modular stackable elements for the scenography of the BIO27 Super Vernaculars design biennial in Ljubljana, Slovenia, which has been shortlisted for a 2023 Dezeen Award.
Firewood was stacked in various ways to stage the BIO27 Super Vernaculars
The four-month presentation explored how designers and architects are adapting vernacular traditions and value systems to respond to contemporary challenges like water scarcity, waste and declining biodiversity.
Similarly, the brief for the exhibition design was to rethink classic parameters and consider sustainability in the context of a temporary show.
The firewood bundles were used to display various design projects throughout MAO
Slovenian architecture studio Medprostor chose to create the scenography from a readily available, locally sourced material that could be entirely reused at the end of the show.
“Walls, planes, piles and lines of firewood are a part of the Slovenian visual landscape, as almost 59 per cent of the country is forested,” said Medprostor.
“By only using the standard logs and non-invasive stacking and binding methods, all the material was returned to the supplier for further resale and use.”
The logs were pre-cut to standard lengths so they could be reused
Pre-cut to standard lengths, the logs were oriented vertically and bound together to create tables and platforms of varying heights and sizes throughout the exhibit areas.
Some of the logs were notched in their tops to hold photographs and texts mounted on honeycomb cardboard sheets, which also formed flat horizontal surfaces for displaying items by participating designers.
Photos mounted onto honeycomb cardboard were placed in notches on top of the logs
Bundles were also laid on their sides to act as low-lying display podiums for larger pieces.
“The aim was to explore ways of stacking wood that are based in traditional techniques but can at the same time support new shapes and methods that evoke a sense of contemporaneity,” Medprostor said.
Orange and grey straps recycled from the shipping industry were used to bind the logs
The grey and orange straps used to bind the wood and to hang cardboard panels from the ceiling were reused from the shipping industry.
A few panels also incorporated video screens or served as a backdrop for projections, adding another medium through which the curated projects could be articulated.
Medprostor collaborated with graphic designers Studio Kruh and AA to continue the low-impact approach to the exhibition graphics and signage, which were primarily printed on-site at the museum.
Additionally, the firewood was able to extend its drying process for the duration of the biennial, making it more energy-efficient when finally used as fuel, according to the studio.
Hanging panels incorporated video screens and were used as projector backdrops
“The drier the wood, the higher heating value and better environmental footprint it has,” Medprostor said. “While in the museum, logs can dry additionally and be returned to the supplier for further resale with a better ecological footprint.”
“The museum becomes a part of the process of curing the wood.”
All of the firewood was returned to the supplier when the exhibition ended
BIO27 Super Vernaculars took place at the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO), Ljubljana, Slovenia from 26 May to 29 September 2022. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
Project credits:
Location: Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO), Ljubljana, Slovenia Exhibition design: Medprostor: Rok Žnidaršič, Jerneja Fischer Knap, Katarina Čakš, Teja Gorjup Graphic design: Studio Kruh + AA Curator: Jane Withers Assistant curator: Ria Hawthorn BIO27 director: Anja Radović
Princess Diana wore a pink blouse in her engagement portrait in 1981.
David and Elizabeth Emanuel made the top out of a stained dress.
The top is up for auction, and it’s expected to sell for as much as $100,000.
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One of Princess Diana’s most iconic garments is being auctioned off. The auction house, Julien’s Auctions, estimates that it will fetch between $80,000 and $100,000 when it sells.
After she became engaged to Charles in 1981, Diana posed for an engagement portrait taken by Lord Snowden, who was married to Princess Margaret from 1960 to 1978.
She wore a pink, silk blouse with a ruffled collar from designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel in the photo,which was published in Vogue in tandem with the engagement announcement in February 1981, according to the National Portrait Gallery.
The top went on to be displayed at Kensington Palace as part of the fashion exhibition “Diana: Her Fashion Story,” between 2017 and 2019.
The blouse at the “Diana: Her Fashion Story” exhibition at Kensington Palace in 2017.
AP Photo/Alastair Grant
Now, the top will be auctioned off by Julien’s Auction as part of its TCM Hollywood Legends auction.
The blouse will be available on December 17 alongside pieces from Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and other style icons, as a representative from Julien’s Auctions shared with Business Insider.
As of Monday, Diana’s blouse has one bid for $80,000, and Julien’s Auctions anticipates it could sell for as much as $100,000. But the actual sale price could be even higher.
In September, three of Diana’s custom-made gowns sold for over $1.6 million during Julien’s Auctions and TCM’s “Legends: Hollywood and Royalty” event, with a dress estimated at $60,000 selling for a whopping $508,000, according to a Julien’s Auctions press release reviewed by Business Insider.
The shirt is the result of a fashion mishap
Elizabeth Emanuel said in a video for “Diana: Her Fashion Story” that the blouse — which she sold in 2010, according to Julien’s Auctions — only exists because of a mishap.
“A client had ordered a very pale pink dress, and as she took it off, she got mascara all over it, all over the hem,” Elizabeth said.
She and David decided to make an entirely new skirt for their client’s dress, leaving them with the previous, stained one. They weren’t sure what to do with at first, but then they had an idea.
“We chopped off the bit with the black mascara, and it looked pretty lonely,” Elizabeth said of the damaged skirt. “So we thought we better make a blouse to go with it.”
They then made the blouse from the spare material.
Princess Diana’s top on display at Kensington Palace.
DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
Diana selected the top aftereditors from Vogue showed her a variety of outfits to help her build her royal wardrobe. She “fell in love with” the blouse, as Elizabeth wrote in her 2006 book “A Dress for Diana.”
“So actually if that client hadn’t got mascara all over it, we wouldn’t have made the blouse,” Elizabeth added in the video, speaking about the top’s origin. “Who knows, we might not have met the princess. It’s all down to that bit of mascara.”
The mascara incident ended up being a life-changing moment for the Emanuels, as Diana chose them to design her iconic wedding dress, which had puffy sleeves and a 25-foot long train, after she wore the pink top.
Princess Diana wore a wedding dress designed by the Emanuels.
David Levenson/Getty Images
Elizabeth told The Mirror in 2021 that she was “horrified” when she saw how wrinkled Diana’s dress was after she rode in a carriage to her wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey, though David told Hello! in 2020 that Diana wasn’t bothered by the wrinkles, even calling to thank him for the dress after her reception.
In addition to the Emanuel blouse, the Julien’s Auctions TCM Hollywood Legends auction will also feature a Jacques Azagury dress Diana wore on multiple occasions.
The gown has a velvet, embroidered bodice and an organza, dropped-waist skirt. Diana was photographed wearing the dress during two royal tours, one in Italy in 1985 and another in Canada in 1986.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1985.
Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images
The dress is expected to sell for between $100,000 and $200,000, and its proceeds will go to the New York Historical society, according to Julien’s.
Over three days, Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas during its October 7 terror attack were released.
Hamas agreed to release 50 Israelis in exchange for the release 150 Palestinians prisoners in Israel.
Dozens of hostages and prisoners have meet with their families — see their emotional reunions.
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Freed hostages and prisoners have been reunited with their families in emotional scenes in Israel and the West Bank.
Hamas released a further 17 hostages on Sunday, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hangari said on X. Israel responded by handing over 39 Palestinian prisoners. It follows the release of 41 hostages over Friday and Saturday.
Israeli authorities confirmed this morning they had released 39 Palestinian prisoners on Friday, including women and minors, the Guardian reported.
Hamas agreed to release 50 Israelis in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinians under the terms of the four-day cease-fire.
