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  • Bentley’s branded residences in Miami will include a patented car elevator

    Bentley’s branded residences in Miami will include a patented car elevator

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    Promotion: Bentley Motors’ first Bentley-branded residential tower will include a vehicle lift that allows residents to seamlessly travel from the road up to their homes without exiting their cars.

    Located in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, the Bentley Residences tower will contain 216 luxury homes designed in collaboration with Bentley, architectural firm Sieger Suarez Architects and US property developer Dezer Development.

    Bentley Motors' residential tower in Miami
    Bentley Motors’ first Bentley-branded residential tower in Miami will include a vehicle lift

    Standing 61 stories high, the 749-foot building will be completed in 2027 and aims to be an iconic figure on Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach coastline.

    The brand says that the building will have a focus on indoor-outdoor living spaces exemplified by its cylindrical form and floor-to-ceiling windows, which are designed to ensure each of the residences enjoys uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and the intracoastal waterways.

    Inside the Bentley residences
    The vehicle lift will allow residents to travel from the road up to their homes inside their cars

    Bentley’s design language is integrated throughout the design. For instance, Bentley’s signature diamond motif – a shape used across all of the brand’s products and cars – is echoed in everything from the meticulous diamond-shaped glass facade panels that are carefully angled to create the natural light refraction, to the elegant diamond-shaped tiles adorning the floor of the lobby.

    Built to suit the needs of luxury car owners, each residence boasts an in-unit multi-car garage with storage for up to four cars per home, with convenient access to a state-of-the-art patented car elevator nestled in the core of the building.

    Inside the Bentley Residences
    Bentley’s signature diamond motif is echoed in the design

    Named the “Dezervator” after Bentley’s partner Dezer Development, this innovative lift will allow residents to travel directly up to their residences inside their cars.

    An RFID sticker placed in residents’ cars will be automatically scanned on arrival into the building. This triggers a sophisticated lighting system to guide the driver to the correct Dezervator to reach their own floor.

    The technology recognises this ID and takes them directly to their residence, without the driver having to step out of their vehicle or press a button.

    Outside of Bentley Residences
    The building will have a focus on indoor-outdoor living spaces

    Each lift features a hydraulic system that gently secures a car by its tyres to smoothly bring it on top of a robotic shuttle system, which in turn transports a car up or down to the correct story. The lower floors of the elevator shaft are enclosed by glass, granting passengers a full panoramic view of the shared spaces of the building.

    Each of the Bentley Residences will additionally feature an oversized private balcony, a swimming pool, sauna and an outdoor shower. The building’s amenities will include a gym, spa, pet spa, whisky bar, a resident-only restaurant, wellness centre and cinema.

    Swimming pool looking out towards the sea
    All homes will include a private swimming pool

    Designed in accordance with the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certification to ensure maximum protection of the local environment and its wildlife, the tower’s architectural design incorporates environmentally safe building materials and reduced coastal lighting, safeguarding the habitat of endangered sea turtles.

    The interiors of Bentley Residences will be made from sustainably sourced, natural materials and finishes such as wood, leather and glass, thoughtfully curated to create a calming colour palette that reflects the residence’s coastal surroundings.

    Inside the Bentley Residences tower
    The building is scheduled to be completed in 2027

    In the lobby space, structural pillars are veined with wood that has been ingrained with copper dust to add a subtle, metallic finish. This technique was used in Bentley’s concept car, the EXP 100 GT.

    In order to appeal to a luxury consumer, the design team, led by Chris Cooke, head of design collaborations at Bentley, ensured that the residences were designed with the same unwavering dedication to detail found in every Bentley car.

    Bedroom featured in the Bentley Residences Tower
    Prospective buyers have the opportunity to explore a full-size 6,000-square-foot replica unit luxuriously appointed by Bentley Home within the on-site beachfront sales gallery

    “One of the biggest achievements when we design a car, is to have a whole group of designers working together, but to make it look like it came from one person’s hand,” said head of design collaborations at Bentley, Chris Cooke

    “We have the same exciting challenge with Bentley Residences Miami but on a 61-storey scale.”

    Inside the Bentley Residences tower
    The tower has been designed by Bentley in collaboration with Sieger Suarez Architects and Dezer Development

    “In reality, each element has been considered, understood and designed by the Bentley Design Team, by our partners at Dezer Development and by Sieger Suarez Architects, but the overall effect is seamless,” Cooke added.

    “We have applied the same attention to detail that goes into our cars into this very building.”

    Bentley Residences's oceanfront gym
    Bentley Residences also includes an oceanfront gym as one of its distinguished features

    For example, Bentley’s design DNA is subtly woven into communal amenities, epitomised in such as the cinema, which is designed to mimic the concept of a Bentley car interior.

    “A cosseting sofa wraps around the back of the rear three walls, embracing residents in the space,” said Cooke.

    The whisky bar will reference the matrix grille of Bentley’s cars and feature a bar suspended from the ceiling to appear weightless and floating.

    Inside the Bentley Residences tower
    The tower contains 216 luxury homes

    While the building completion is slated for 2027, potential buyers can view a full-size 6,000-square-foot replica residence, lavishly appointed by Bentley Home, within the on-site beachfront sales gallery.

    The sales gallery can be found at 18325 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.

    To learn more about the development visit Bentley Residencies Miami’s website.

    Partnership content

    This article was written by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Bentley. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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  • Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review 2023

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review 2023

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    Our experts answer readers’ insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

    Generali Travel Insurance is a reputable travel insurance provider offering generous tiers of travel insurance coverage at reasonable rates. In addition, Generali offers 24/7 global support for travelers who need assistance with planning, health emergencies, and other issues that may arise.

    Generali’s travel insurance branch is part of the Assicurazioni Generali Group, and its support team is part of the Europ Assistance Group. Both are well-established groups within the travel insurance industry. Ideally, this would translate to a travel insurance company with first-class service and coverage. The question for many consumers is simple: does Generali live up to customers’ expectations?

    Generali Travel Insurance


    Get quotes

    compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance

    Insider’s Rating

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    4/5


    AM Best Financial Strength Rating

    A

    Pros

    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 plans with diverse coverage including sporting equipment and medical and dental
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can get up to $1 million in emergency assistance coverage with the premium plan
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable premiums
    Cons

    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. CFAR coverage is expensive relative to standard policies
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. CFAR only covers up to 60% of non-refundable costs
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. Multiple reviews indicate claims team didn’t start processing claims until policyholders called more than 30 days after filing

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review: Types of Policies Offered

    Generali offers three tiers of travel insurance coverage: Premium, Preferred, and Standard.

    Its site has a simple plan comparison chart and quoting system to help potential buyers choose between the three options.

    Generali travel insurance covers baggage delay and loss, travel delay, interruption, cancellation, and missed connection reimbursement benefits.

    Here are some of the highlights for each plan to help you better understand what coverage you may need:

    Premium

    Generali’s Premium plan offers generous coverage for various scenarios. For example, you’ll enjoy up to 175% reimbursement of your trip cost if your travels are interrupted for reasons beyond your control. Generali’s Premium plan also includes up to $1,000 per person in travel delay reimbursement and up to $1 million per covered individual for emergency assistance or transportation. Finally, it has up to $2,000 per person in replacement expenses (i.e., toiletries, clothing, and other necessities while you wait for your delayed bag) if your baggage is lost.

    Preferred

    With the Preferred plan, you can expect 150% reimbursement for inevitable trip interruptions. It also offers travelers up to $1,000 per person for travel delay reimbursement. In addition, the emergency assistance or transportation coverage drops from $1 million to $500,000 per person, and travelers can enjoy up to $1,500 per person if baggage is lost.

    Standard

    The Standard Plan offers the lowest coverage with more budget-friendly premiums. It offers up to 125% reimbursement for trip interruption and up to $1,000 in travel delay reimbursement. Policyholders are limited to $250,000 per person for emergency assistance or transportation. If your baggage is lost, you’d have $1,000 to replace toiletries, clothing, and other belongings.

    You can compare Generali’s three plans below.

     

    Generali Travel Insurance


    Get quotes

    compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance

    Insider’s Rating

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    4/5


    AM Best Financial Strength Rating

    A

    Pros

    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 plans with diverse coverage including sporting equipment and medical and dental
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can get up to $1 million in emergency assistance coverage with the premium plan
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable premiums
    Cons

    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. CFAR coverage is expensive relative to standard policies
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. CFAR only covers up to 60% of non-refundable costs
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. Multiple reviews indicate claims team didn’t start processing claims until policyholders called more than 30 days after filing

    Additional Coverage Options

    Generali Travel Insurance offers two add-on services alongside your base travel insurance plan:

    Trip cancellation for any reason (CFAR)

    Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage reimburses you for nonrefundable expenses associated with canceling travel you’ve already paid for. Generali’s Premium plan is eligible for CFAR coverage which pays you back for 60% of the total nonrefundable cost of your travel.

    You must purchase CFAR coverage on your Premium plan within 24 hours of your initial deposit. However, eligible customers can take advantage of its full benefits, as the name suggests, for any reason. Medical problems, family emergencies, work scheduling issues, or just changing your mind are a few of the reasons Generali might pay a CFAR claim.

    Preferred and Standard plans are not eligible for CFAR upgrades. New York residents are also not eligible for CFAR coverage. Generali’s website estimates buyers will pay an additional 50% in travel insurance premiums for this rider while the max reimbursement is only 60% of the “penalty amount” (i.e., nonrefundable costs).

    Rental car damage protection

    Travelers can also purchase rental car coverage alongside their travel insurance policy. Premium plan customers already have up to $25,000 in rental car protection in their policy benefits. Preferred and Standard plan holders can purchase the same coverage amount.

    Texas residents are not eligible for rental car coverage. If you’re unsure about this rider, we recommend checking the limits of your auto insurance. Generally, US-based auto insurance extends to rental cars. But you may want to supplement your coverage depending on what you already have.

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance FAQs

    Generali Travel Insurance is part of an insurance network active since 1831. It offers three travel insurance plans with generous tiers of coverage at reasonable rates, and the company maintains an A financial rating with AM Best. This rating indicates Generali Global Assistance is likely to continue to meet its financial obligations.

    You can file your travel insurance claim with Generali travel insurance through the company’s eClaims portal. However, Generali offers phone, email, and other options for customers filing claims. Generali’s responses to reviews on TrustPilot indicate it aims to process all claims within 30 days.

    Generali is part of the Assicurazioni Generali Group. Across all its insurance products, it has 67 million customers across 50 countries.

     

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Cost

    We priced out a 9-day trip to two European countries for a healthy 34-year-old solo traveler from Texas staying in hotels and traveling by plane and train.

    Here’s what Generali’s travel insurance estimate generator quoted for the trip:

    Premium – $115

    Preferred – $100

    Standard – $86

    CFAR coverage for this trip would cost an additional $57.50 if purchased alongside the Premium plan. But, again, the CFAR rider is only available with the premium plan.

    How to File a Claim with Generali Travel Insurance

    To file a claim with Generali’s travel insurance division, start at the eClaims portal.

    You can also call its claims department at 800-541-3522 for assistance. Generali promises all insurance claim calls will be returned within one business day, and most calls are returned on the same day they are received. Many people reported quick claims processing and reimbursement when we reviewed recent customer feedback.

    However, several reviews described waiting over 30 days only to discover Generali had yet to review their claims submission. As such, if you are still waiting to receive a response indicating Generali is working on your claim within a few days, we recommend checking in with customer service.

    You’ll need to provide supporting documentation for your claim, such as proof of travel delay from the airline or relevant claim checks for lost baggage. Your eClaims portal should give you the necessary details and update you on the ongoing status of your claim.

    Email the claims team for questions at claims@generalitravelinsurance.com or use the eClaims chatbot for automated assistance.

    Compare Generali Travel Insurance

    Learn more about how Generali Travel Insurance compares to popular travel insurance companies.

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance vs. Nationwide Travel Insurance

    Nationwide Travel Insurance is part of an extensive network of insurance products. Unlike Generali, you’ll recognize any Nationwide product as it’s listed on the same website. In addition, Nationwide offers bundling discounts, depending on what you’re buying. It also sells short-term and long-term insurance plans (like auto and home).

    This established insurance company has been in business since 1925. Its travel insurance wing offers plans and coverage options to suit diverse travelers’ needs. Customer review sites like TrustPilot had reviews complaining about long wait times and claims overlooked with Generali. Nationwide’s reviews described long processing times, poor communication, and other claims-based issues.

    If you’re solely concerned about coverage and rates, Generali is upfront about the fact that its CFAR coverage is exceptionally costly. The company’s website seems to imply the CFAR rider’s cost is bloated compared to its value. But its basic plans have a few more perks compared to Nationwide’s single-trip plans while Nationwide offers cruise plans and multi-trip options, Generali does not match at the time of this review.

    Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

    Allianz Travel Insurance is another reputable insurance company that has been in business since 1890. Allianz is one of the biggest names in travel insurance, serving more than 55 million travelers across dozens of countries.

    Both Generali and Allianz offer comprehensive single-trip coverage options for travelers. Generali’s website makes reviewing and comparing its three travel insurance plans easy. However, Allianz offers annual (multi-trip) policies Generali doesn’t. Both companies list rental car protections for some travelers.

    Allianz customers leaving reviews online indicate the claims process may be confusing and drawn out. Most importantly, a few reviews cautioned future travelers to come in with complete documentation. In our experience, offering more paperwork rather than less with Allianz is better.

    Allianz Travel Insurance Review

    Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance vs. InsureMyTrip

    InsureMyTrip.com is an insurance broker using your travel details to collect insurance company bids on your behalf. You can enter your information and get multiple quotes back. As a result, Generali may be one of the insurance providers providing you with a quote through InsureMyTrip.

    Rates may not match what a provider would offer on its website. Broker websites like InsureMyTrip often charge a premium to account for third-party fees or offer discounts as a partner company knows it’s competing for customers no matter what. Whatever the case, InsureMyTrip makes it easier to shop for travel insurance. However, it would not process any claims. So for some consumers, it may be more complicated to determine where to go to make a claim against their policies or get help if something goes wrong.

    InsureMyTrip Travel Insurance Review

    Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance

    When evaluating travel insurance companies, we consider various factors, including the number of plans available, the coverage, feedback from customer reviews, average premiums, customer support, ease of filing claims, and reimbursement times. No single factor can truly determine how travel insurance companies stack up.

    These factors together allow us to develop ratings for each travel insurance company. Then we break down the pros and cons, pointing out potential issues. We also aim to bring to light solutions other buyers have already found should you choose to work with the travel insurance provider being reviewed. All of this is explained further in our insurance rating methodology.

    Generali Travel Insurance


    Get quotes

    compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance

    Insider’s Rating

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    A five pointed star

    4/5


    AM Best Financial Strength Rating

    A

    Pros

    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 plans with diverse coverage including sporting equipment and medical and dental
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can get up to $1 million in emergency assistance coverage with the premium plan
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable premiums
    Cons

    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. CFAR coverage is expensive relative to standard policies
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. CFAR only covers up to 60% of non-refundable costs
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’. Multiple reviews indicate claims team didn’t start processing claims until policyholders called more than 30 days after filing

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  • up to $200 Off MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and More

    up to $200 Off MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and More

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    When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

    The latest Amazon Prime Day sales event is coming on October 10 and 11 in the form of a “Prime Big Deal Days” sale, and it should bring another round of great Prime Day Apple deals.

    The Prime Day event in July saw considerable discounts on MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and some of the best iPads, among other Apple products. Amazon’s sale hasn’t arrived yet, but there are several Apple deals available right now.

    While we’d be tempted to hold off for an extra ten bucks or so off AirPods (that’s a regular theme on Prime Day), there’s an epic $250 off the M1 MacBook Air that we’d advise you to pounce on right now. That’s the lowest-ever price, and there’s a chance it won’t go cheaper for the rest of the year. It’s hovered around this $750 price since summer, though $200 off is the ‘usual’ deal. Check it out below, and check back on Tuesday to see updated Prime Day deals on these Apple devices and other products.

    The best Apple deals you can buy today


    Apple MacBook Air (2020)

    The MacBook Air received a big boost in speed and battery life over Intel models thanks to Apple’s M1 chip, all while keeping the same sleek design. Snag one for $250 off right now.


    Apple iPad Air (2022)

    The 2022 iPad Air has the same power as the 2021 iPad Pro for a lower price. It offers a sharp screen, Touch ID, and 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support. Buy it now for $100 off at Amazon.


    Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS)

    The Apple Watch Series 8 features a temperature sensor, car crash detection, and low-power mode that weren’t available to previous generations of the smartwatch. Now the Series 9 is out, we’re seeing regular discounts on the previous model.


    Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

    Apple’s 2nd-generation of AirPods are the company’s least expensive and most basic model that feature a wired charging case. They’re a few years old now, but Apple’s most affordable wireless earbuds still deliver excellent audio quality for the money. Sweetening the pot even further, they’re now just under $100 ($30 off).


    Apple AirPods Max

    The AirPods Max give up the compact portability of the AirPods Pro to deliver the best of Apple’s audio quality and noise-canceling performance. At full price, the AirPods Max are more expensive than competing over-ear headphones. This $50 discount isn’t the best we’ve seen, but it’s better than you’ll find elsewhere.

    Prime Day Apple deals buying advice

    When is Amazon Prime Day 2023?

    The next Amazon Prime Day sales event in 2023 is set to take place on October 10 and 11. Amazon is calling the two-day event “Prime Big Deal Days.”

    Last year, Amazon held a similar mid-October sales event called “Prime Early Access Sale.”

    The main Prime Day sales event of 2023, which had the traditional “Amazon Prime Day” designation, took place on July 11 and 12.

    Is Prime Day good for Apple deals?

    Prime Day sales events often bring solid discounts to Apple products like MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and a range of related accessories, but you won’t typically see deals of note on any of the best iPhones

    Do you need a Prime membership to get access to deals? 

    Yes, Prime Day deals, including those in October’s coming “Prime Big Deal Days” event, are exclusive to people and households with Amazon Prime subscriptions. If you’re interested in trying out the service, you can sign up for an Amazon Prime free trial

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  • Neon lighting illuminates Strip Joint Chicken by Amanda Hamilton

    Neon lighting illuminates Strip Joint Chicken by Amanda Hamilton

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    Canadian studio Amanda Hamilton Interior Design has used bold colour-blocking and neon lighting to give this Calgary chicken shop a “1990s meets Memphis” feel.

    Strip Joint Chicken in the city’s East Village neighbourhood is a fast-casual restaurant that serves “chicken fingers with a twist”.

    Midnight blue vestibule with neon strips across the walls and ceiling
    A dark entrance vestibule sets the tone for Strip Joint Chicken’s dining space beyond

    The brand is fun, playful and cheeky, so the interiors of its 2,200-square-foot (204-square-metre) space needed to reflect this.

    Working with a return client, Amanda Hamilton Interior Design leant fully into the “offbeat” concept, creating an elevated interpretation of a seedy bar or nightclub that founder Amanda Hamilton described as “1990s meets Memphis“.

    The words "Strip Joint" written on a wall in a striped typeface
    A trio of colourful stripes is used to guide customers to the ordering area, and also spells out the brand’s name on the wall

    “At times subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) design elements take a nod (or a big ol’ bow) playing to the restaurant’s name,” said the designer. “In a market saturated with options for fast casual, standing out was key.”

    The main entrance vestibule is painted midnight blue and illuminated by vertical bands of neon lighting that connect wall-to-wall across the ceiling. This immersive passageway sets the tone for the main dining area, which is similarly lit with neon.

    Fluorescent-blue neon tubes suspended above a service counter
    Tangles of fluorescent-blue neon tubes are suspended above the service counter

    Tangled fluorescent-blue tubes are positioned above the bar and service counter, while pink and yellow glow from LED strips within large colour-blocked arches that accommodate built-in seating for a row of dining tables.

    “Coloured lighting is used extensively to feature architectural details, enhance volumetric space, ground the bar and highlight seating areas,” Hamilton said.

    Pink arched niche with built-in seating and dining tables
    LED strips illuminate colour-blocked arched niches, which accommodate bench seating

    Part of a larger retail space that was divided into four units, the chicken shop is accessible from both sides of the building.

    Therefore, close attention was paid to the flow of people through the space, and wayfinding tools were implemented to assist both dine-in and take-out customers.

    A trio of arched niches lit up in pink and yellow
    The arched niches provide space for dine-in guests to enjoy their chicken out the way of take-out customers

    A trio of thin, coloured stripes are inlaid across floors to guide hungry patrons to the ordering area.

    The same triple-line motif spells out the brand’s name in large letters across a wall, above a pink scallop-topped bench accompanied by small tables and terrazzo stools.

    Custom-designed feathery wallpaper adorns the back of the central arch and inside the “tender neutral” bathrooms, which are tucked behind bright pink doors.

    For guests wishing to stay longer, a private dining area named the Hens Den is obscured from view by gauzy drapery.

    Bathroom interior with feathery wallpaper
    Custom feathery wallpaper adorns the bathroom interiors

    This monochromatic room features a brass pole in the centre of its dining table, around which a lazy susan for sharing food rotates.

    “As an extension of the space, the predominately custom furniture is equal parts playful and sculptural, creating a conversation-worthy addition to the space,” Hamilton said.

    Bathroom with feathery wallpaper and a bright pink door
    Located behind bright pink doors, the bathrooms are designated as “tender neutral”

    The designer founded her eponymous studio in Calgary, where she’s based, and also operates a second location out of Vancouver.

    A trend for bright psychedelia in hospitality and entertainment spaces has been gaining pace recently, with other examples found in Seattle’s Supernova nightclub and the Resonant Head music venue in Oklahoma City.

    The photography is by Joel Klassen.

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  • Israel Calls on Armed Civilians to Stand Guard After Hamas Attack

    Israel Calls on Armed Civilians to Stand Guard After Hamas Attack

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    • Israeli officials called on armed civilians to guard their towns following attacks by Hamas. 
    • Hamas launched an attack from Gaza on Saturday. Israel has since declared a “state of war.” 
    • Ziv Cohen, a tour guide from Mazkeret Batya, is one of the civilians who volunteered to stand guard. 

    Ziv Cohen woke up at about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday to the rumble of someone moving furniture in the apartment above him.

    “Then, suddenly, after it continued again and again, it came to my head that I’m on the top floor,” Cohen told Insider. “There is no one above me to move a chair. It was an attack.”

    Cohen, 54, was actually hearing “barrages of rockets” launched early Saturday by Hamas, the political and military organization governing the Gaza Strip that the United States designates a terrorist organization. The attack has so far killed 150 people and wounded hundreds more

    In the following hours, Israel officially declared “a state of war,” launching air strikes on densely populated Gaza in response. Israel has held Gaza under a severe blockade since Hamas gained power in 2007, restricting the movement of goods and people. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 200 have so far been killed in Gaza. 

    Local municipalities in Israel are now calling on armed civilians to guard their own communities.

    Cohen, a tour guide from Mazkeret Batya, a small town about 24 miles from Gaza, is one of them. 

    A home in Mazkeret Batya that was hit by rockets Saturday.

    A home in Mazkeret Batya that was hit by rockets on Saturday.

    Ziv Cohen



    Cohen told Insider that officials from Mazkeret Batya, close enough to Gaza to be targeted by this morning’s rockets, called for all civilians who are armed and willing to volunteer to do so.

    “They said everyone who has a licensed weapon with him is being called to join the group that is guarding and watching the community,” Cohen said. “Israel is in a war. We have to protect ourselves in every house, in every home, in every town.”

    Cohen, who has a pistol, volunteered to stand guard at one of the town’s entrances. 

    Cohen said he’s stationed at one of the town’s main gates for his three-hour shift, which will stretch into Saturday night. There, he parked his car — a minivan, which on a typical day he’d use to guide tourists around Jerusalem and nearby historical sites — in the road, creating a blockade to slow down traffic. 

    He said his team’s responsibility would be to speak with drivers and inspect their cars as they come into town. 

    Though the rockets struck homes and cars in his neighborhood this morning, Cohen said he wasn’t nervous to stand guard. He said the job comes with an inherent risk, “but this is something that you don’t think about. You make your duty, and everything has a risk in life.”

    Hamas’ surprise attack came on the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur war.

    “Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address. “This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours.”



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  • Wired Vs Wireless Headset for Business Office.

    Wired Vs Wireless Headset for Business Office.

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    Coming back to the office means that you will be using your desk phone more often, specially on an office environment. For the same reason you will be in the need to get a headset, which will allow you to be hands free when on a call, which is a convenience as we need both hands for properly typing on the keyboard or if need to write down using pen and paper.

    For the same reason there are 2 types of available headsets for the desk phones, the first one is the wired kind and secondly, we have the wireless ones and we will discuss in deep the main differences between them and will advice which to get for your desk phone.

    Wired headsets (also known as Corded):

    These are the most common headsets available in the market, depending on the desk phone require either a special connector or an external amplifier for outdated phones. The benefits for these headsets are among, lower cost as for the same reason not expensive, lower maintenance costs, no battery issues as they don’t require power as the desk phone makes everything to work, unless you are using an external amplifier which requires power, sound quality as the connection between the headset and phone is by hard wiring.

    Lower cost headset recommended: Jabra Biz 1500 Mono Direct Connect Headset.

    jabra biz 1500 mono direct connect headset viewThis headset would be your entry level on a corded setup, with an easy plug and play interface with your phone, as long as you have a headset port on your phone and a dedicated headset key this would be your way to go. With your dedicated headset key, when a call comes in simply press the key and that will open the channel to your headset, if need to modulate the volume or mute the microphone you can do it from the phone itself.

    Lower cost headset with no headset port recommended: Plantronics M22 Vista Amplifier + Plantronics HW540 EncorePro 540 Headset.

    This alternative would be your corded solution for older desk phones with no headset port on the back and no dedicated headset key (this means the phone has no built-in amplifier). The way this setup is connected is buy unplugging the handset from the phone, then plug in the M22 to the handset port and plug in the headset and the handset into the M22. The amplifier will let you modulate the volume the volume coming in the headset and mute the microphone as well.

    Lower cost headset compatible with desk phone and computer recommended: Jabra Biz 1500 Mono QD + Jabra Link 180 Telephone Computer USB Switch.

    This setup is advised for people wanting to use only one corded headset with the desk phone and the computer. To keep the lower cost there is no volume control or mute key found on the switch. Easy to setup and use and fully compatible with PC and Mac computers and with desk phones with a corded handset. If you need to use the desk phone just trigger the switch to the phone icon, and to the PC icon if need to take a webinar.

    We had discussed the benefits of the corded headsets, and now we will list the disadvantage of them. Among those we can find that the main one would be the limited mobility as they are plugged to the phone this makes the user not able to move freely when on a call and the next thing is that with the cables on a desk including the keyboard, mouse among others can create a tangled chaos on your desk on no time. Another disadvantage of corded headset that can be included would be compatibility, as most headsets were designed to be used with one device to keep lower costs, but on the modern days that everyone is taking webinars or virtual meetings they require a headset as they can’t use the computer speakers and for the same reason if you want to use only one corded headset for both devices you need a special switch and if wanting to get more features like volume control increases the pricing reaching really close to wireless headsets offers.

    Wireless headsets:

    We will talk about the benefits of wireless headsets and will recommend the best solution for your desk phone as well. The mayor advantage of a wireless headset will be the mobility, as with a wireless headset the user can step out of the desk even in the middle of a call and with a dedicated wireless frequency that allows the user to even go thru walls without cutting in and out in the middle of a call. The second benefit of a wireless headset is no more tangling cables and less chaotic mess on the desk, making it an advantage versus the corded ones. Another feature over the corded ones is that with wireless headsets a user can create a conference setup with up to 3 headsets all paired to one base without being even near by as the wireless frequency of the headsets allows to roam around.

    Entry level wireless headset recommended: Plantronics CS540 Wireless Headset.

    plantronics cs540 wireless headset, convertible (c054, co54) viewThe top seller from Plantronics with a convertible style of wearing, that allows the user to wear it over the head or over the ear, one of the lightless and smaller headsets in the market, easy to use and to be worn all day. The Answer/End call, volume control and mute functions are controlled from the headset itself and offering a range of up to 350 feet. The base offers a reminder when on mute by changing the light color to a solid red.

    Entry level wireless headset covering both ears recommended: EPOS Impact D30 Wireless Headset System.

    epos impact d 30 (d30) phone wireless headset system viewThis would be an alternative for a wireless headset covering both ears for a loud office environment with a true stereo sound quality and noise canceling microphone with a little of further range as well of up to 500 feet. The volume control and mute functions are located as well on the headset by itself and with a larger bendable microphone boom arm that can be worn on either side. The base offers a reminder when on mute by changing the light color and flashes.

    Entry level wireless headset compatible with desk phone and computer recommended: Poly Savi 7310 Office Wireless Headset Mono, desk phone and PC.

    poly savi 7310 office wireless headset mono, deskphone and pc viewThis unit offers what is called dual connectivity allowing to be used with a desk phone and the computer, the base comes with the proper cables to be used with both devices so can leave the base plugged and forget about it as the base will do almost everything on the connections. The base offers a reminder when on mute by changing the light color. The bendable microphone boom arm comes with Acoustic Fence Technology that is a huge improvement over Noise Canceling microphones as can block more background noises like loud fans, barking or lawnmowers for example.

    After mentioning the benefits of the wireless headsets now we will mention their disadvantages of them by starting with the first one that would be higher price as in some cases the budget is the fundamental part of a purchase, additional costs by requiring remote answer for the desk phone. The remote answer feature is something many people want on a wireless headset thinking that the feature is built in the headset, however depending on the desk phone a special cable known as Electronic Hook Switch or “EHS” can be used or a mechanical lifter for older desk phones. A possible disadvantage would be the battery life, I would like to emphasis the “possible” term because most of the wireless headsets promise a talk time of minimum 12 hours of talk time, however a typical sales call can take between 40-55 minutes for example and if using the wireless headset with the later mentioned EHS helps the battery to last longer on a normal day as by pressing the end call on the headset, the headset goes on stand-by mode and with newer batteries the talk time gets improved as new technology is implied. The more wireless headsets in a closed environment the higher the risk of interference between them creating poor sound quality or connectivity issues.

    As you can see, on both cases they all are going to have their Pros and unfortunately, they will have their Cons as there’s not an official winner. On personal experience after testing corded and wireless headsets, the freedom of mobility that a wireless headset offers and the remote answer capability makes it my choice to go for a headset at the office but, the price point is a setback and let me think of a corded solution for a desk phone.

     

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  • Creating a High-End Kitchen on a Budget: Secrets from the Pros

    Creating a High-End Kitchen on a Budget: Secrets from the Pros

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    A high-end kitchen remodel doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning, smart choices, and the right remodeling company, you can have the kitchen of your dreams without draining your savings account.  

    (more…)

  • Russian missile wipes out ‘one-fifth’ of Ukrainian village

    Russian missile wipes out ‘one-fifth’ of Ukrainian village

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    More than 50 people died while attending a funeral in eastern Ukraine. Investigators say Russia targeted the civilian gathering with an Iskander ballistic missile.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

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  • Trees For The Future: One Farmer’s Story

    Trees For The Future: One Farmer’s Story

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    At Eminence Organic Skin Care, we’re bursting with gratitude for everything nature gives us. From fruits and seeds to herbs and flowers, so many plants play an essential role in our health, our diets and, of course, in skin care. We feature potent botanicals in every product, so we’ve seen the power of organics firsthand. With that in mind, we feel it’s only right to give back to the earth that gives us so much. That’s why Eminence Organics created Forests for the Future™ in 2013. 

    Through this initiative, we plant a tree for every product sold. We also train farmers and support environmental restoration projects in the rural communities where trees are planted. This is all made possible by our generous partner, Trees for the Future, an incredible non-profit organization that improves the livelihoods of impoverished farmers by training them in agroforestry and sustainable land use, while helping to organize the hands-on work to make our dreams a reality.

    Let’s meet David Abach, a Kenyan farmer who spoke about the numerous benefits his farm has seen since joining this program, and get a deeper look at the real impact that Eminence Organics and Trees for the Future make.

    David’s Story 

    When David joined the Eminence-sponsored Trees for the Future’s Forest Garden Training Program in 2020, he identified that roughly half a hectare of his farm could be converted into a Forest Garden

    Over the past decade, Trees for the Future has championed a Forest Garden approach. This method uses regenerative farming principles to simulate a natural forest ecosystem within existing farmlands. Forest Gardens are made up of various trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables and herbs placed strategically to offer each plant the support it needs to sustain itself while replenishing the land with much-needed vitamins and minerals. 

    Through the education provided by the program, David quickly started learning about sustainable and regenerative agroforestry techniques that could directly benefit his land.

    A Better Farm

    Farms that incorporate Forest Gardens produce a large variety of healthy, wholesome crops, giving farmers access to nutritious food. This increases biodiversity and the farmers’ income while restoring their land and capturing atmospheric carbon. Speaking on biodiversity, David says, “[My farm] is better today. Previously, I planted only maize and beans. But because of Trees for the Future, I have Cajanus trees and vegetables for getting food.” 

    David is implementing a number of regenerative agroforestry techniques in his Forest Garden. One such technique is called alley cropping. This method uses rows of trees or shrubs to create alleys that provide the structure needed to grow multiple crops within a limited space. As mentioned, David uses Cajanus (pigeon peas) in his alley cropping to help increase vital nutrients in his soil. This serves as a living fence around the perimeter of the Forest Garden, which not only enriches the soil but also provides animal fodder and serves as a windbreak. “Without the trees … very heavy wind can fell the crops,” causing damage to David’s crop and adversely affecting his quality of living.

    Thousands of Trees

    In just three years, David has gone from 12 trees on this section of his land to more than 3,300. Though still growing and reaching maturity, these trees are already creating a beneficial microclimate on his farm. 

    These trees have helped David combat an issue that previously left his crops vulnerable: Kenya’s climate. “During the dry season, there is [a different] climate within the [Forest] Garden,” David explains. While the arid environment can wreak havoc on crops, the presence of trees “helps the crops to not dry so much, unlike when it is just bare.”  

    Joining the Carbon Market

    Through his participation in the Trees for the Future program, David has also gained the ability to join the thriving carbon market. The carbon market refers to a system for buying and selling “carbon credits,” which allow organizations to buy into an environmental project. This raises much-needed funds while allowing corporations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate carbon dioxide’s effect on our atmosphere. The trees on David’s farm will let him earn an additional stream of income through carbon credit sales as Trees for the Future Forest Garden farmers in Kenya are able to participate in the carbon market. 

    Better Soil

    Outside his Forest Garden, David has continued to grow maize and beans using traditional methods. The difference between what grows inside the Forest Garden and outside of it is stark. 

    “There is a big difference in soil quality,” he shares. “If you compare where there are vegetables growing alongside the Cajanus and where there is maize [without Cajanus], you find that the maize is yellow. It shows that there is nutrient deficiency — unlike where I am using compost. I see that the Forest Garden is better.” The Cajanus trees help to enrich David’s land with nitrogen, producing hearty, robust crops that he can sell or use to sustain his family. 

    A Promising Future

    From food production to climate change mitigation, David is using his Forest Garden, created through the work of these initiatives, to build a better life for himself and his 13-person household. 

    “Before, I had to take money from my pocket to get vegetables. Now, because I get vegetables from my Forest Garden, what I would have used to buy vegetables I can use to buy fish and meat and school items for my children.” 

    Since David joined the Trees for the Future Forest Garden Training Program, sponsored in-part by Eminence Organic Skin Care, he’s been able to access the education and resources that have made all of this possible. We are thrilled that we played a role in providing David with a stable source of food and income to help him create a better life. 

    Read more about David’s story here.

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  • Plantronics/Poly C054 vs C054A, what’s the difference?

    Plantronics/Poly C054 vs C054A, what’s the difference?

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    plantronics cs540 wireless headset, convertible (c054, co54) view

    So you got a CS540 (C054) wireless headset and after plugging it in you see that it either is not working or doesn’t offer enough range or you are having other issues with it?

    Well… before troubleshooting it all the way to the deep, we need to check something essential and this is if the unit on hand is a North American DECT frequency headset or it’s designed for the European markets. And the best way to find out is by taking a look at the base of the CS540. Think about like opening the hood of your car and checking the oil level.

    On this picture you can see that we have two C054 bases, both same model but on the top right corner, you can see that the one on the right side says “C054“, which is the North American DECT frequency headset. This unit is designed to work properly and if have some issues with it, you can do the normal adjustments by adjusting the master volume dials on the speaker and microphone or by selecting another letter on the configuration switch.

    The one on the left side as you can see it says “C054A“. If you have this unit there’s no troubleshooting needed as this is the European market unit. For the same reason you need to return this unit immediately to the seller.

    Plantronics - CS540 Wireless DECT Headset (Poly) - Single Ear (Mono) Convertible (3 wearing styles) - Connects to Desk Phone - Noise Canceling Microphone - Blumaple LLP

    But why both bases and headsets look the same?

    Short answer for this is that the CS540 bases are in the same assembly line of Plantronics and they share almost all the components, it is in the interior when they install the different DECT frequency chip that complies with the European markets and helps the manufacturer to have a standard model in the pipeline and can even share same instruction manuals.

    Plantronics CS540 C054 Charging Base And Power Supply Wireless Headset Charger - Picture 1 of 4

    How did I got this C054A base without even noticing it before?

    Unauthorized partners usually sell these units thru Amazon, eBay, Newegg, Walmart, among others and for the same reason you can find some CS540 headsets on really ridiculous prices, that in some cases they offer it at half of the price of an Authorized partner. Follow the old saying “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.” Return this item at once as you will not be able to make it work properly.

    How those unauthorized partners get their hold on these items?

    They usually buy these items by bulk sales in closeout on European markets and then they offer them for sale on a third party without realizing that the models they are selling are useless in this side of the globe.

    How can I do my part?

    The easiest way is by reporting Unauthorized partner you bough the unit from on the platform you got it from.

    You can always ask resellers if they are Authorized partners and if so what is the warranty on their sold products. An Authorized partner products have no need to offer extended warranties as their products are original and legit that are designed to work from day 1 and if need any troubleshooting those items will come with  technical support as well.

    Plantronics headset

    Authorized partners can be located at the Poly portal and will show their certifications on Sales, Technician as well and they will have their current Badge from Poly presentable in their site at all time. Remember that the new badge should say “Poly” and with the Poly Logo and not the old Plantronics Badge with the Plantronics Logo.

    Plantronics Replacement Spare Battery for CS540, 86180-01

     

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