Organizing an event or show involves considering factors, with a crucial aspect being the choice of the proper portable folding stage. While functionality and durability are necessary, finding a stage that suits your needs in size and features can significantly enhance both performers’ and audiences’ overall experience. In this article, we will delve into considerations to keep in mind when selecting a folding stage.
Assessing Space Requirements
Deciding on the size of the folding stage largely hinges on the space at your venue. You should consider factors such as audience capacity, performance area required by performers, and additional equipment like sound systems or props. Clearly outlining these needs will assist in choosing a stage that optimizes the space.
Flexibility and Customization Features
Off-the-shelf solutions may only sometimes meet your event’s requirements. Buy a portable folding stage with customization options such as size adjustments, height configurations, and shape variations. This flexibility enables you to tailor the stage setup to diverse performances or arrangements.
Portability and Ease of Assembly
A benefit of a folding stage is its ease of transport from one place to another. Consider selecting a sturdy stage that is easy to transport and provides stability, making it ideal for travel. Opt for a model with simple assembly features to save time during event setup.
Safety Measures
Ensuring the safety of both performers and audience members is crucial in any event or performance environment. When choosing a folding stage, prioritize safety elements like anti-slip surfaces and anti-skid footings to prevent accidents due to slippery or unstable platforms. Look for stages designed with edges or corner protection to minimize the risk of injuries from edges.
Glide and Lock Systems
The glide and lock system is a notable feature to look out for when selecting a folding stage. This system facilitates a secure connection between stage panels, ensuring a robust performance surface. These locking mechanisms help reduce vibrations or movements during performances while enhancing safety.
Longevity and Materials
An excellent folding stage should be able to withstand use and maintain its quality over time. Seek out stages constructed from high-quality aluminum or steel frames and non-slip surfaces that withstand rough handling and weather conditions. Investing in durability is about steering replacements or repairs in the long term.
Storage Considerations
Stages must be stored when not being used. Opt for folding stages with compact storage options or models with components that can be stacked or nested to help maximize storage space, ensuring a cluttered setup for event planners.
Cost-effective Solutions
Finding the balance between quality and cost is critical when choosing a folding stage. Set your budget limits and explore different manufacturers or suppliers offering top-notch options at competitive prices while maintaining quality and safety features.
Aesthetics and Brand Identity
Think about how the folding stage will blend with the aesthetics of your event and reflect your brand image. Look for styles or designs tailored to match your event theme or branding, enhancing appeal and lasting impact on attendees.
Additional Features and Accessories
Check out features and accessories that can improve the functionality of your folding stage. These might include built-in ramps for accessibility, adjustable legs for surfaces, or integrated storage compartments to keep equipment organized during performances.
In Summary
When choosing a collapsible stage, consider a range of factors such as space requirements, versatility, ease of assembly, safety features, locking mechanisms, durability, storage options, cost efficiency, aesthetics, and additional features or accessories. By assessing these aspects based on your needs and financial constraints, you can opt for a stage that fulfills practical requirements and enhances your events by ensuring a seamless performance experience. Remember to research suppliers’ offerings to discover a dependable solution that best fits your event objectives.
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring your boat’s longevity and peak performance. A well-maintained boat not only enhances your safety on the water but also maximizes your investment by reducing long-term repair costs. This comprehensive guide will cover essential maintenance tips and best practices to keep your boat in excellent condition. From routine cleaning and engine care to electrical system upkeep, we’ll explore ten key areas to focus on for effective boat maintenance.
Regular Cleaning and Detailing
Keeping your boat clean is fundamental to its upkeep. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, algae, and salt, which can cause long-term damage to the hull and other surfaces. Use marine-specific cleaning products to wash your boat after every outing, paying special attention to areas exposed to saltwater. Waxing the hull periodically also helps protect against UV damage and maintains the boat’s aesthetic appeal. Detailed cleaning, including upholstery and hardware, ensures your boat stays in top shape
Engine Maintenance
The engine is the heart of your boat, and regular maintenance is vital for its reliability and performance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine checks and services. This includes changing the oil and oil filter, inspecting the fuel system for leaks, and replacing fuel filters. Check the coolant levels and ensure the cooling system is functioning properly to prevent overheating. Regularly inspect and replace the spark plugs and belts to keep the engine running smoothly.
Electrical System Care
A well-maintained electrical system is essential for the safety and functionality of your boat. Regularly inspect the battery for corrosion and ensure it is properly charged. Check all wiring for signs of wear or damage and replace any faulty components. Ensure all lights, including navigation and interior lights, are functioning correctly. Installing a marine-grade battery charger can help maintain optimal battery health and extend its lifespan.
Hull Inspection and Repair
Regular hull inspections are crucial to identifying and addressing issues before they become serious problems. Check the hull for cracks, blisters, or other signs of damage. If you find any issues, address them promptly to prevent further deterioration. Antifouling paint helps protect the hull from marine growth and should be reapplied as needed. Additionally, inspect the keel and rudder for any damage and ensure they are securely attached.
Propeller and Shaft Maintenance
The propeller and shaft are critical components of your boat’s propulsion system. Regularly inspect the propeller for damage such as dings or bends, and ensure it is securely attached. A damaged propeller can cause vibration and reduce fuel efficiency. Check the shaft for alignment and inspect the bearings for wear. Lubricate the shaft and bearings regularly to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
Bilge Pump Functionality
The bilge pump plays a vital role in keeping your boat dry and preventing water accumulation. Regularly test the bilge pump to ensure it is functioning correctly. Clean the bilge area and remove any debris that could clog the pump. Check the pump’s wiring and connections for signs of corrosion or damage. Having a backup bilge pump is also a good idea for added security in case the primary pump fails.
Fuel System Inspection
A well-maintained fuel system is essential for safe and efficient boat operation. Regularly inspect the fuel lines for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace any damaged lines promptly to prevent fuel leaks. Check the fuel tank for corrosion and ensure the venting system is working correctly. Using a fuel stabilizer can help prevent fuel degradation and keep the engine running smoothly. Regularly inspect and replace the fuel filter to maintain optimal fuel flow.
Steering System Checks
The steering system is crucial for maneuvering your boat safely. Regularly inspect the steering cables and connections for signs of wear or corrosion. Lubricate the steering mechanism to ensure smooth operation. Check the hydraulic fluid levels if your boat has a hydraulic steering system and top up as necessary. Ensure the steering wheel is securely attached and operates without excessive play. Proper maintenance of the steering system ensures precise control and reduces the risk of steering failure.
Interior and Upholstery Care
Maintaining the interior and upholstery of your boat not only enhances comfort but also preserves its value. Clean the upholstery regularly with marine-specific cleaners to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use UV protectants to prevent fading and cracking caused by sun exposure. Inspect the cabin and compartments for signs of water intrusion and address any leaks promptly. Keeping the interior dry and well-ventilated helps prevent mold and odors.
Trailer Maintenance
If you use a trailer to transport your boat, regular trailer maintenance is essential for safety and convenience. Inspect the trailer for rust and ensure all bolts and nuts are securely tightened. Check the condition of the tires, including the spare, and ensure they are properly inflated. Test the trailer lights and wiring to ensure they are functioning correctly. Regularly grease the wheel bearings to prevent overheating and wear. Proper trailer maintenance ensures safe and trouble-free transportation of your boat.
At Boat Outfitters, you can find a comprehensive range of high-quality marine accessories and maintenance products to keep your boat in top condition. From cleaning supplies and engine parts to electrical components and safety equipment, their extensive selection ensures you have everything you need for effective boat maintenance. Boat Outfitters offers innovative solutions designed to meet the unique needs of boaters, helping you maintain your vessel’s longevity and performance.
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your boat remains safe, reliable, and enjoyable to use. By focusing on essential areas such as cleaning, engine care, electrical system upkeep, and hull inspection, you can prevent common issues and extend the lifespan of your boat. Each maintenance task contributes to a smoother, more efficient boating experience, allowing you to fully enjoy your time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a new boat owner, these maintenance tips will help you keep your boat in excellent condition for years to come.
“Nosferatu” is a musical adapted by Fantine Musical Studio, based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic horror novel “Dracula”. Dracula, the most famous vampire globally, is inspired by Vlad III, a historical figure known as Dracula, meaning “Son of the Dragon”. In the novel, he is also a Transylvanian nobleman who claims descent from Attila the Hun, residing as a count in a castle in the Carpathian Mountains.
Unlike the traditional vampires in folklore, Dracula is handsome and possesses a gentlemanly charm, often surrounded by three beautiful vampire brides. As a vampire, he has many different supernatural abilities: he can levitate and fly, use hypnosis, telepathy, and illusions; control the actions of animals such as rats, owls, bats, moths, foxes, and wolves; manipulate the weather to create storms and mists; and he can change his form at will into a bat, werewolf, and mist.
The musical “Nosferatu” tells the story of Abraham Van Helsing leading a team of vampire hunters, including Quincy, Jack, and Arthur, in a relentless search for Dracula throughout London, striving to extinguish the vampire menace. The tale is filled with the entanglement of good and evil, love and hate. “Nosferatu” is a musical that reveals the theme of love through the passions and conflicts between Dracula and Mina, Salina, and the vampire brides, showcasing that love is about sacrifice and fulfilment, following and companionship, and a promise that spans four hundred years.
Angela Fantine Wan stars as the lead actress in the musical, playing both the roles of Mina and Salina. These two characters are depicted in the work as women of strikingly similar appearance, with the same hair, eyes, and red lips. Four hundred years ago, Dracula’s wife, Queen Elizabeth, chose to die for love upon hearing the false rumours of Dracula’s death in battle, and she was reincarnated as Mina. Over four hundred years, Salina, Dracula’s maid and a clairvoyant witch, was commanded by Dracula to use a crystal ball to locate his reincarnated wife. Dracula’s undying love was for Mina, while Salina loved Dracula so deeply that she, along with her sister Rosanna, became immortal vampires; Rosanna was Van Helsing’s lover. Upon discovering that his lover had become a vampire, Van Helsing was devastated and personally beheaded Rosanna, which led to a vendetta between him and Salina.
Although Mina and Salina have identical appearances in the script, their personalities are vastly different. Mina is a traditional British lady, composed and dignified; Salina, as an exotic clairvoyant witch, exudes a strong foreign charm, possessing a stunningly beautiful aura, prideful and sorrowful. The singing styles of the two characters also differ greatly, with Mina employing a musical theatre technique, while Salina’s approach is closer to traditional operatic singing. The task of playing both roles poses significant challenges for the actor, both in terms of crafting the stage personas and mastering the vocal techniques required for each character. Despite such challenges, Angela chose to audition for both roles in order to maintain, to the greatest extent possible, the original characteristic of strikingly similar appearances of the two characters.
Angela is a seasoned actress with over ten years of performance experience, and her vocal skills span both popular and operatic singing styles. Her works include “The Diva Dance”, “Miss Saigon”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Misérables”, “Jekyll & Hyde”, and others. Based on the public performances, Angela’s portrayal has been satisfying, as she fully embodies the two distinct states on stage, effectively conveying the different destinies of love and being loved. Mina chooses to die for love following Dracula’s death, while Salina, upon realising that Dracula has ultimately chosen Mina over her, becomes despondent and decisively ends her own life. Mina’s love affair with Dracula spans four hundred years; Salina, on the other hand, lives and dies for love, with her entire existence revolving around Dracula. When rejected, she resolutely shatters the crystal ball and chooses death. In death, their love for Dracula becomes eternal, converging on the same endpoint despite their different paths.
Angela is adept at bright coloratura, and her agile and ornate high notes are unforgettable to the audience. This vibrant vocal line further accentuates Salina’s stunning beauty, expressing her joy at Dracula’s arrival and her despair at being abandoned with great depth, allowing the audience to empathise deeply with Salina’s tragic fate.
Angela excels at seeking empathy from the minutiae of life, igniting inspiration, a quality essential for an actor. It is through the experience of these details that she captures the state of performance, striving for a natural expression. She firmly believes that any natural performance stems from physiological impulses, and actions should align with logically normal motives. Therefore, her acting style is plain, natural, and captivating. She is always emotive on stage, with multiple phases of understanding and grasp of her characters. Angela integrates her own experiences into her roles, making each character she portrays fresh, vibrant, and unique. It is for this reason that her interactions with fellow actors are always natural and chemically reactive, making the entire performance more vivid and real. Whether through song or body language, Angela can effectively convey the emotions of her character. Her every smile and every tear seem to directly touch the audience’s heartstrings, a capability that stands as one of her most precious qualities as a dramatic artist.
From a young age, Angela displayed a tremendous talent for music and drama. She started learning dance at the age of 5, often being singled out by teachers for individual training. At the age of 8, she became a sensation in her school with her dance performances as the Rabbit Spirit in “Journey to the West” with “The Girl from Tianzhu” and the Dai dance “The Golden Peacock”, making the Rabbit Spirit a nickname for Angela at that time. By the age of 14, she had taught herself to read music scores, showing a great interest in vocal performance. Despite facing the pressure of study, she believed that a life without music was incomplete. Holding a music score in her hands was her greatest happiness. Thus, she began systematic study of vocal music, including voice training, sight-reading, and refining her work, which became part of her daily life.
During her university years, Angela developed a profound interest in musical culture, especially in Western music, drama, opera, and musical theatre. As a result, she travelled to many different cities, absorbing the historical and cultural backgrounds behind each one to enrich her every performance piece. In 2007, she was admitted to Central China Normal University’s Master’s programme in Music Performance as the top candidate nationwide in vocal music, both in her subject and overall. During her studies, she actively participated in various opera and musical theatre productions. In 2011, Angela graduated and began an 8-year-long stage performance career, appearing on various concert stages. By 2018, before founding Fantine Studio, Angela had already performed selections from 60 operas.
In 2018, Fantine Musical Studio was established, consisting of two brands: (1) Fantine Musical Theatre Studio, which focuses on the production and public performance of plays, as well as the training of actors, and (2) Fantine Children’s Musical Theatre Workshop, an institution for learning musical theatre performance and actor reserve, offering systematic courses in vocal music, dance, script, foreign languages, and drama performance for youth and children. During its operation, Fantine Musical Studio has cultivated countless musical theatre actors who have made remarkable achievements in the field of musical theatre.
Angela’s entrepreneurial journey was challenging, and she could not have done it without the support of friends in the industry. She seemed to be favoured by fortune, always encountering the right people at the right time to encourage and assist her in her career. In the early stages of Fantine Studio’s establishment, it benefited greatly from the support of her first leading partner. With limited experience in troupe management, they faced a variety of issues. This leading man helped her professionally to complete works and managed various affairs within the team. They were the most loyal comrades. Under their leadership, the studio completed productions of “Miss Saigon”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Misérables”, and “Jekyll & Hyde.” Later, due to divergent paths in their development, they decided to part ways and pursue their own dreams. Initially, the entire team faced significant risks, and changes in management led to internal turmoil. Angela was aware that she could not fall; she had to bounce back from any setback and not let it shake the team’s foundation. “Nosferatu” represented a sort of rebirth because, like Dracula, Angela needed new life, new vitality. So, in the autumn of 2022, Angela found her next leading partner, whose professional skills were solid. In Angela’s words: “His voice pulled me out of the mire.” “Nosferatu” not only tells the story of Dracula but also Angela’s own story. This leading man showed Angela respect and care, and his personality also possessed a dedication to the craft. He would tell Angela, “Mina, from now on, you can only love me. Your heart can only belong to me. I am the real Dracula.”
Angela’s career has been filled with misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and even malicious harm. However, adversity often makes a person stronger. Angela frequently tells her students that if they wish to embark on entrepreneurship, they cannot avoid any of the pitfalls she has encountered. Yet, she emphasises that these difficulties are not insurmountable. “If your heart is big enough, your problems will seem smaller,” she often says. She believes that everyone’s character is expanded through adversity, and once all grievances are let go, one will realise that the present moment is the most beautiful of all. Throughout her journey, Angela’s mindset has become increasingly open and forgiving as her career has progressed.
Throughout Angela’s decades of acting career, we have seen a high level of dedication from actors. Mainly reflected in two aspects:
Tireless pursuit of vocal technology. Angela’s vocal technical prowess is unquestionable. She possesses dark music, precise pitch and breath control. A vocal range that spans three octaves allows her to handle a wide range of roles. Especially her treble, vibrato can be soft, or it can be unquestionable. The theme song “Phantom of the Opera” in this work “Phantom of the Opera” is one of her masterpieces. Her excellent chest voice and head voice mixing It makes the song line more stable, and the final High E is perfect. Her vocal technique can also control shocking music styles, from soprano in academic vocal music in classical music to rock and jazz in pop music, each style has shaped With her different understanding of songs and unique charm, she constantly breaks through herself in vocal technology, explores new areas, and triggers endless surprises and touches.
Dedicated practice in performance: Angela Fantine Wan’s portrayal of Mina and Salina in the musical ‘Nosferatu’ is nothing short of mesmerising. Her ability to switch between the two contrasting characters with such precision and emotional depth is a testament to her exceptional talent. Her performance stands out as one of the highlights of the production, capturing the audience’s attention with her vocal range and dramatic presence. The duality she brings to her roles, from the composed and dignified Mina to the exotic and enigmatic Salina, showcases her versatility and command over both vocal and dramatic elements. This performance solidifies her status as a formidable presence in the world of musical theatre. Angela’s stage presence is undeniable, and her performance in ‘Nosferatu’ is a shining example of her talent and versatility. This production is elevated by her outstanding contributions, making it a memorable and impactful experience for the audience.
At the beginning of 2024, Angela arrived in the United Kingdom to continue exploring new possibilities. She subsequently won nine awards from international competitions in five European countries. Among these were the Diamond Award in the Musical Theatre category and the Platinum Award in the Academic Vocal category at the Beethoven Che International Music Competition in the UK, as well as the First Prize in the Professional Vocal category at the UK International Music Competition, and she became a member of the honorary jury for the FMVDC Russian Genius. Angela continues to diligently cultivate her path in performance, contributing her strength to cultural endeavours with her inclusive feminine spirit, steadfastness, and belief in the pursuit of art.
Review
The musical “Nosferatu”, adapted by Fantine Musical Studio, is a brilliant reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic “Dracula”. The production breathes new life into the story, maintaining a perfect balance between homage to the original and innovative reinterpretation.
Angela Fantine Wan’s portrayal of both Mina and Salina is truly mesmerising and stands as the highlight of the production. Her ability to switch between the two contrasting characters with such precision and emotional depth is a testament to her exceptional talent. Mina’s composed and dignified nature contrasts sharply with Salina’s exotic and enigmatic presence, showcasing Wan’s versatility and command over both vocal and dramatic elements. Her performance captures the audience’s attention, bringing these characters to life in a way that is both captivating and profound.
“Nosferatu” is a bold and successful adaptation that showcases the exceptional talent of Angela Fantine Wan and the creative vision of Fantine Musical Studio. The narrative of “Nosferatu” effectively weaves themes of good and evil, love and hate, creating a compelling storyline that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. The scenes between Dracula and Mina are rich with emotional tension and thematic depth, exploring the complexities of love and sacrifice. The subplot involving Abraham Van Helsing and his team of vampire hunters adds an exciting dynamic to the story, enhancing the overall experience. The musical offers a compelling and emotionally charged experience that reflects the enduring allure of Dracula’s story.
The production’s set design and costumes are visually stunning, effectively creating the gothic atmosphere essential to the story. The use of lighting and sound enhances the eerie ambiance, making the dramatic scenes truly gripping. These elements work together seamlessly to immerse the audience in the world of Dracula, adding depth and richness to the performance. It is a memorable and impactful production that leaves a lasting impression on its audience, solidifying Angela’s status as a formidable presence in the world of musical theatre.
Angela’s extensive experience and dedication to her craft are evident in her performance. Her vocal range and technical prowess are remarkable, with her agile and ornate high notes adding a layer of beauty and tragedy to Salina’s character. Her ability to convey deep emotions through both song and body language is a rare and precious quality, making her performance both touching and unforgettable.
For many, the thrill and excitement of playing online casino games are incomparable. The rush of the gamble, the anticipation of the roll, and the satisfaction of a win are what make these games timeless and universally loved. As we gear up for 2024, let’s explore some of the top online casino games that are set to dominate the virtual gambling world in the coming year.
1. Online Slots
Online slots continue to be a favourite amongst players due to their simplicity, variety and potential for massive payouts with small stakes. With themes ranging from popular movies to ancient civilizations, there is something for everyone. The advancement in technology means players can enjoy more vibrant graphics and interactive features, making the online slot experience even more captivating.
2. Poker
Poker remains a staple in the online casino game roster due to its blend of skill, strategy, and luck. From Texas Holdem to Seven-Card Stud, the variations of poker available ensures players of all levels can find a game to enjoy. Additionally, with online poker comes the opportunity to participate in tournaments and play against others from around the world, adding to the allure.
3. Blackjack
One of the biggest draws of Blackjack is its favourable odds for players. Unlike many casino games, Blackjack is not purely a game of chance, as players can use strategies to influence the outcome. With live dealer options now commonplace in online casinos, players can get the authentic feel of the casino right from the comfort of their homes.
4. Roulette
From the spinning wheel to the bouncing ball, the suspense that comes with a game of Roulette is second to none. There’s a certain glamour to this game that has captivated players for centuries, and continues to do so in its digital format. With online roulette, players can choose between American, European, and French variants, offering different odds and experiences.
5. Baccarat
Baccarat is a card game that exudes elegance and simplicity. Traditionally popular among high rollers, the transition to online casinos has made the game accessible to a wider audience. Online baccarat captures the essence of the classic game while offering features like side bets and history tracking to enhance the gaming experience.
Overall, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for online casino enthusiasts. It brings not only innovation and improved user experience but also an extensive array of games that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or eager to try the latest releases, there’s a game out there waiting for you. Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game.
In the complex landscape of personal and professional finance, having a clear understanding of your earnings is crucial. Salary calculator tools offer a simple way to estimate your income, whether you’re an employee, employer, or job seeker.
But beyond using these tools, knowing how they work can provide significant advantages. Here’s why understanding the mechanics of salary calculator tools is beneficial.
Accurate financial planning
Better budgeting
Understanding how a salary calculator works enables you to make more accurate financial plans. By knowing the factors that influence your salary calculation—such as hourly wages, overtime, benefits, and deductions—you can create a more precise budget. This helps in managing expenses, savings, and investments more effectively.
Realistic expectations
With a clear understanding of the salary calculation process, you can set realistic financial goals and expectations. You can anticipate your take-home pay more accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises related to taxes and deductions. This knowledge empowers you to plan for big expenses, investments, or savings with greater confidence.
Informed career decisions
Job offer evaluation
When considering job offers, knowing how salary calculators work allows you to accurately compare different compensation packages. You can input various scenarios, including bonuses and benefits, to see which offer provides the best overall value. This ensures you make well-informed career decisions that align with your financial goals.
Negotiation leverage
Understanding salary calculations gives you an edge in salary negotiations. You can confidently discuss compensation, knowing the components that contribute to your overall pay. This knowledge helps you negotiate for better terms, such as higher base pay, additional benefits, or bonuses, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your skills and experience.
Enhanced financial literacy
Understanding deductions and taxes
Salary calculators often factor in deductions and taxes, helping you see the impact on your net pay. By understanding these calculations, you gain insights into how different tax brackets and deductions affect your income. This enhances your overall financial literacy and helps you make informed decisions about tax planning and deductions.
Awareness of benefits and overtime
Knowing how salary calculators account for benefits and overtime can help you appreciate their value. For instance, understanding how paid time off, health insurance, or retirement contributions affect your salary can guide you in evaluating job offers or negotiating better benefits.
Business and payroll management
Accurate payroll budgeting
For employers, understanding salary calculators is crucial for accurate payroll budgeting. It helps in forecasting payroll expenses, considering various factors like overtime, benefits, and bonuses. Alongside a salary calculator, a payroll calculator can be a useful way of calculating other payroll costs such as taxes and compulsory contributions. Together, these ensure the business stays within budget and avoids unexpected payroll shortfalls.
Transparent employee communication
Employers who understand salary calculations can communicate more transparently with employees about their pay. This fosters trust and transparency, as employees appreciate clear explanations of how their salary is determined, including deductions and benefits. It also helps in addressing any payroll-related queries or concerns effectively.
Practical application in everyday life
Personal income estimations
Whether you’re a freelancer, part-time worker, or full-time employee, understanding how to use a salary calculator helps you estimate your personal income accurately. This is especially useful for planning major life decisions, such as buying a house, taking a loan, planning a vacation, or asking the simple question: 20 an hour is how much a year?
Side gigs and freelance work
For those with side gigs or freelance work, salary calculators help in estimating total earnings from multiple income streams. By understanding how to factor in different pay rates and working hours, you can better manage your finances and plan for taxes and expenses related to freelance work.
Choosing the right salary calculator
Identifying key features
Knowing how salary calculators work helps you identify the key features that are important for your needs. For instance, if you need detailed breakdowns of taxes and deductions, you can choose a calculator that provides these specifics. This ensures you get accurate and useful results tailored to your situation.
Avoiding pitfalls
Understanding the mechanics of salary calculators also helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as relying on inaccurate or outdated tools. You can critically evaluate the calculators you use and ensure they reflect current tax laws and accurately calculate net pay, leading to better financial decisions.
To wrap up
Understanding how a salary calculator tool works goes beyond simply knowing your income. It enhances your financial planning, informs your career decisions, and improves your overall financial literacy.
For both employees and employers, this knowledge provides practical benefits, from accurate budgeting to transparent communication. Embrace the power of understanding salary calculators to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions that benefit you in the long run.
As passionate gamers, we know how important it is to keep up your skills and keep practicing as much as possible – and stay connected to your various gaming communities, come to that. Any little dip in your time spent gaming is fine because we all have lives to lead outside of the game, after all, but if you have to be away from gaming for a long time, that’s different, and it can really have a negative impact on the way you play and the skills you’ve worked so hard to achieve over time.
There are loads of reasons why you might not by able to play your games for a while – you might be traveling for work, for example, or perhaps you’re on vacation, visiting family, or anything else, and as much as it might be fun to do whatever it is you’re doing, it can also be stressful and challenging to try to set up a full gaming system wherever you’ve gone to, just as it can be stressful and challenging if you have to leave everything at home.
Now of course, taking a break from gaming is important, and you really shouldn’t be gaming all the time, especially when you’re meant to be spending time with friends and family, for example, but if you’ve got a competition coming up or it’s the gaming itself you find relaxing, then finding a way to practice when you’re away from home, even if it’s only a little, is a good idea. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more so you can put some measures in place to ensure you get the practice you need even when you’re not at home.
Portable Gaming Solutions
One of the easiest, and therefore one of the solutions you might think of first, ideas to help you keep up with your gaming practice even while you’re away from home is to use portable gaming options – you can literally take your gaming with you, and although it might not be exactly the gaming setup you’re used to, you may well feel it’s better than nothing.
Think of a high-quality laptop, for example. The fact is that in the past, playing games on a laptop was something you did if you had to, but it probably wouldn’t have been your first choice (if you’re a professional or very invested gamer, that is) because a proper gaming PC would give you more power, better graphics, better sound quality, and more memory to boot. So a laptop would probably have been seen as a last resort. However, these days laptops aren’t the desperate gaming measure they used to be, and you can find plenty that have all the powerful performance packages you could ask for – some laptops have been specifically designed for gaming, so you don’t even have to worry about using your work laptop or the laptop you watch videos on and so on. It’s true these pieces of equipment aren’t cheap, but when you think about the fact that you can use the laptop at home as well, you might even think it’s a worthwhile investment that can become your permanent way of gaming.
Of course, laptops aren’t the only way to take your gaming with you wherever you go because you could also use handheld consoles, and there are a few to choose from, which is great – you can find one that allows you to play your favorite games on the go. The whole point of these devices is that they’re designed for portability and they can give you hours of entertainment without the need for the standard full setup, making it so much easier to game no matter where you go and to do it without having to pack a load of equipment too.
And don’t forget you’ll also generally have your smartphone with you on your trip, and even if you’ve got no other equipment to hand, that can be an excellent way to play games, whether you like online puzzles like Minesweeper, community games like Roblox, or your own favorite game that just happens to have a mobile version. The only thing you’ll really need to think about is the battery because gaming can drain it quite quickly, especially if your smartphone (or tablet, come to that) is relatively old, but that issue can be solved by having portable chargers with you to top up the battery life when you need to. Of course, those chargers also need charging, so don’t forget to do that or you might not have the juice you need to play your games!
Manage Your Gaming Time
If you’re not at home there’s going to be a reason – you’re not going to pack up and go away for a few days or weeks without there being something to go to and do once you’re there, are you? It could be a vacation, as we’ve said, in which case the aim is to relax and recharge and explore your destination. It could be a work trip, in which case the aim is to, well, work. It could be that you’re visiting friends and family, and once again, you probably know what the reason is – it’s not gaming, we can say that for sure.
As hard as it might be, the fact is that if you’re going to be gaming all day every day while you’re away, you’re going to miss out on the reason for going – you might as well be at home. So if you don’t want to waste your time away and you want to do the fun things you’ve got lined up, then it’s wise to manage your gaming time properly and come up with a schedule. If you can do that, you’ll find you’ve got time to do everything and you’ll be able to keep up your gaming practice while you’re away from home.
The best thing to do is to plan your gaming sessions around your travel itinerary and not the other way around, otherwise you’ll probably allocate too much time to gaming and miss out, so that by the time you get home, you’ll regret not seeing and doing as much as you could; you might even start to resent gaming, and that’s not the kind of situation you want to find yourself in. You can allocate specific times for gaming so that you don’t clash with anything else you’re doing and really get the best of both worlds without hurting your gaming scores or ability either.
And don’t make your gaming sessions too long either – short and to the point is the answer otherwise you might feel guilty about spending too long playing, not to mention the fact that anyone you’re traveling with is going to get pretty bored waiting for you to finally finish and spend some time with them.
Staying Connected With The Community
There might be times when you really can’t play your usual games when you’re away from home (one good example is if you’re sick or injured and you have to go to hospital – it’s not a pleasant thought, but it’s going to be the best place for you to recover, only you may not get to do too much gaming while you’re there! Of course, there are other examples as well, and you might find yourself in one) but that doesn’t mean you have to disconnect altogether – you can still connect with the gaming community you more than likely play a part in.
You might choose to use social media, for example, and make comments on people’s feeds and profiles, send them messages, or hold discussions in various groups (Facebook is an excellent place to do exactly that) – just don’t get into any arguments or get too stressed, which is a problem that can often occur on social media, because you won’t enjoy your time away as much if you’re upset about something someone said or you’re searching for a witty comeback days later.
Another option is to use messaging apps, but again, don’t spend all your time on your phone when you’re meant to be enjoying new places and trying new things – there does need to be a balance in place, and when you’re scheduling your gaming time, you can schedule these chats in too.
Staying Healthy While On The Go Gaming
It’s all very well making sure you balance things out and have all the equipment you might need, but you also need to stay healthy while you’re away from home and gaming on the go (or that hospital problem might raise its ugly head!) as well.
Make sure you take regular breaks when you’re gaming, especially if you’re playing for a long time, and always stay hydrated. Plus, never skip meals just so you can fit everything in. Instead, make your meals (and maybe even snack time) a part of your schedule and make them a priority too – only once you’ve eaten should you do your gaming, your sightseeing, your work, or anything else you’re away from home to do. If you do that, you’ll have a lot more energy and stay healthier too.
The esports category is all set for one of the biggest spectacles in the gaming calendar: the Esports World Cup. Slated for August 19–25, this international event will see talents from various parts of the world showcased in an enthralling event of prowess, policymaking, and team craftsmanship. This event also gathers millions of viewers, and those who want to place bets on their favorite e-games can do so on platforms such as GGBet.
Overview of the Tournament
The 2024 edition of the Esports World Cup will be held in a very modern venue in Riyadh, complete with the most advanced gaming equipment and transmission systems in place. For the next two weeks, 30 teams from different countries will play popular games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch. As per tradition, each game will have its separate bracket where teams will battle in groups, knock-out stages, and then the final of each game.
What’s at Stake
There is reportedly US$60 million up for grabs across all the games being played, with the winners of each game and stand-out special performances. This distribution of prizes clearly indicates the intention to foster the growth and development of different members of the esports family.
Teams to Watch
Several exciting teams have stood out for the year, including TSM which won seven of the total sixteen splits of North America’s League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). Another team that has been discussed is the G2 Esports, a Dota 2 team that delivers fresh tactics and great team synergy. Another popular team originating from USA Cloud9, which is also in Overwatch Considered; they recently claimed a few top online competitions.
Technological Innovations
The following is a list of some of the expectations for technological advancement post this year’s global cyber games. There will be an installation of high-definition image projection screens, commonly known as 4K, and ample sound systems for the pleasure of spectators. Furthermore, there will be constant development of streaming platforms to enable fans worldwide to access the matches in real-time without delay so that everyone feels involved.
Hand That Helps to Build the Esports Industry
Thus, the Esports World Cup are not only a tournament but also an event that becomes decisive for the esports industry. An esports event receives extensive media coverage, which evokes sponsors’ and investors’ concerns about legitimizing esports and their economic contribution.
It also increases opportunities for more lucrative sponsorships for gamers. It opens the development of new proper job roles, including gamer, coach for gamers, game designer, and event organizer, among others, within the gaming segment.
Community and Cultural Impact
Aside from fierce competition and technological performance, the Esports World Cup is also the essence of togetherness and cultural exchange. It features ‘meet the fans’ sessions where industry insiders and fans interact, ‘meet the developers’ discussions, and ‘trade’ fairs where developers display their future games and innovative technologies. They also orient the fanbase to the gaming scene, where one may be able to interact with fellow players or developers of their favorite video games.
Health and Safety Measures
Considering the rising global health issues, the competent authorities take strict measures to ensure the health and safety of the participants, the working staff, and the viewers. These include forceful health checkups, improved hygiene protocols, and crowd control measures to observe social distance.
Looking Forward
True gamers and advanced computer users are eagerly anticipating the Esports World Cup. The event itself is not just a battle and a contest and attempts to reveal and include oneself in the complexity of esports’ culture and the industry’s diligence. Those who are innovative are an event that shall mark the beginning of new fun and excitement in competitive gaming.
Ekko Astral have released a new standalone single called ‘Holocaust Remembrance Day’. It’s out exclusively through Bandcamp, with all proceeds towards GoFundMes for families fleeing an onslaught of Israeli military violence. Listen to it below.
Speaking about the track, vocalist Jael Holzman said in a statement:
This song reflects three experiences key to my life as an American Jew. The first verse is about a time I was asked by a police officer in the U.S. Capitol building if I was a Muslim because of my tichel. The third verse is about when Liam and I produced a podcast for our university’s Hillel about how Jewish students felt about Israel but were censored and disallowed from having any critical voices. And the cover is the site of a 1994 massacre of Palestinians during Ramadan at a holy site to both Jews and Muslims, the Cave of the Patriarchs. I visited this site during a monthlong trip to Israel in high school with a Jewish youth group. That trip also included military humvees, attempts at recruiting me and my fellow high school-aged Jews to the IDF, and lectures about how the Dome of the Rock was a reason to hold hate in our hearts for Arab Muslim people.
Criticizing the Israeli state for the violence it perpetrates against the Palestinian people is not antisemetic. I say that as someone whose family has stayed in kibbutzim just like those targeted on Oct. 7. The truth is there is more than one kind of Jew, and questioning what people tell you is a central Jewish moral. But the city I live in, Washington DC, definitely doesn’t talk about it that way very often. I’ve been struck by the hypocrisy of some news outlets talking about detained reporters in Russia, but there has been no bleeding heart for all the journalists being carried out on stretchers dead in Gaza. Where was the Dana Bash CNN segment about the Al-Jazeera reporter who was shot dead by the IDF multiple years ago? We don’t see that anywhere.
Margaux Bouchegnies, who records mononymously as Margaux, is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter who grew up in Seattle. After picking up guitar and then upright bass, she began writing songs and went on to study jazz at the New School in Manhattan, though she later switched to the writing program and graduated with a degree in poetry and non-fiction. Currently, Margaux plays in Katy Kirby‘s band for a headlining European tour in support of Blue Raspberry and has also played bass for Fenne Lily, Allegra Krieger, Dougie Poule, and others. She started performing her own material as Margaux in 2018, releasing her debut EP, More Brilliant Is the Hand That Throws the Coin, the following year. Her first full-length, Inside the Marble, not only navigates heartbreak and the anxieties of growing up with startling intimacy, but makes them feel proportional to the weight they hold over time: ballooning and making us feel small, trapping and sweeping us away. Aided by producer Sahil Ansari and collaborators who contribute trombone, violin, and clarinet, Margaux seems to take these swirling personal thoughts out into the wild, turning her debut into a gentle, layered, and beautifully dramatic affair.
We caught up with Margaux for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about her earliest musical memories, her lyrical process, her debut album, and more.
Do you mind sharing some of your earliest memories of connecting with music?
I think it was sometime in middle school when I started to pick up the guitar a little more. The neighborhood I grew up in had a thing over the summer called Beet Walk, which was just street musicians. I got to participate in that as a young person, and I think that’s where I started to build my connection to performance. And also, through the school I went to, we had a lot of ensembles and things that were student-driven where we could play songs we liked or experiment with writing songs. Those were definitely the spaces that I first built that connection.
When didwriting songs become a real passion for you?
It really started to become a thing for me during my freshman year of college. I had written songs here and there, kind of privately or songs that were just instrumental. But during my freshman year, I was in a jazz program playing upright bass and doing music in a very academic way, and I think as a response to that, I started to find relief in creating my own compositions and lyric writing. I was taking more classes in the literary studies program, feeling more inspired by that than the jazz curriculum. That’s when I seriously began crafting songs in a way that ultimately made me feel that I want to share them with others.
You mentioned that the rigidity of studying music led you to shift your focus academically,but how did studying poetry and other kinds of writing in an academic context inspire you outside of that setting?
We would really catalyze things beyond classwork. Just taking in these writers that have really inspired me and got me into that headspace of wanting to create. That’s something I’m finding that I miss a lot about that experience, and I’m realizing that now that I’m out of school and have been out of school for a while now, it’s kind of on me to supply myself with that stimulation and the stuff that will get me reinspired to start writing more. It was really compelling – not just to me, but to a group of people, and that was really energizing for my own creative practice.
Do you feel that there’s a separation between how you use your voice in poetry and in songs, or do they inform each other?
I think they are coming from the same place. It’s just one of these things that you can feel you’re in that particular headspace where things are flowing out. I feel like, whether I’m free writing or writing a poem, it is kind of the same feeling I have when I’m writing a song. Although I will say there are some songs on this album where I feel like I didn’t quite achieve that space, and for me, I can really hear that in the lyricism. There are some songs where I can tell I was really in that poetic headspace, and others where the lyrics feel more straightforward. I definitely prefer the times when it feels like it’s coming from the same well as when I’m writing sans music.
On your debut album, ‘I Wouldn’t Want It Any Other Way’ feels like one of those more lyrically direct songs. But I love how there’s still a subtle ambiguity in how the beginning of the chorus alternates between “and” and “but.” It’s like there’s both a logical contradiction and continuity in not wanting to lose your friend in the context of a breakup. Did it feel like you wanted to write something simpler while still dealing with complicated feelings?
I remember feeling stuck at the time with songwriting, in particular with the direction I was going for the guitar. I generally start by writing the music first and then the lyrics, and I think I was feeling fed up with the blocks I was putting in front of myself – I was like, let me write a song that is not complicated, both musically and lyrically. I wanted to be clear about what I was saying. But it’s one of those feelings that is difficult to articulate, even using simple sentences. It’s like, how do you really explain the feeling of missing someone but not wanting to reconnect? There’s a sense of loss and grieving, but that person isn’t technically gone. I felt the best way to explore that was within this more straight-ahead song.
The first song, ‘DNA’, struck me musically with its convergence of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, which feels like a way of complicating and layering those feelings.
Yeah, that definitely resonates. I was trying to illustrate the different shades of those emotions. Sometimes it can feel very simple and distilled, and with something like the first song, where it is pretty heavily arranged – that was definitely written during a time of a storm of feelings.
That brings me to‘Ships’. Another way you contend with big feelings is through metaphor, and you really explore thatin this song. Does that figurative language feel useful to you in a different way?
I feel like there’s also a part of it for me that if I speak about this feeling in terms that are a bit removed from the specifics of what happened that made me feel this way, then there’s space for it to transform into being about other things as well. In a way, it feels like I’m not committing too closely to one specific incident. Even though it still feels personal to me and I feel that sense of closeness, it’s also freeing to not tie it too directly to something specific. Also, I think writing songs about heartbreak is so prevalent, and finding a way to not make it feel like it has been said before can be challenging. It can be easy for those things to feel trite.
It can obviously mean different things to other people, but I’m curious if you feel that emotion has transformed for you.
Yeah, a little bit. I resonate with the sentiments I expressed in relation to other things I’ve since experienced. At the end of the day, it will always be about what it was initially, but it’s nice to have that freedom – there’s enough space between the words and the specifics of my experience that I feel like it can grow, or I can grow with it.
‘Ships’ also has one of the most wonderful and winding arrangements on the album. What was it like putting it together?
It was really fun. That song is particularly old; I had demoed it in different ways with different sounds and arrangements in the past, and it was fun to actually bring it into the studio and dream up all the different ways to bring it to its final form. Leaning into the drama of it I had a lot of fun with. The outro was a new addition written by Willem de Koch, who played trombone all over the album. That was a really fun day, hearing what he came up with. It fit so seamlessly with the song – I had never done that before, having someone else write an extra part to a song I had written. It was nice to see it have this new life, to have someone else’s perspective but stay so in line with the feeling of it.
How did that and other songs on the album take on a new life for you?
With ‘Ships’ specifically, it became a longer song, which I loved. We really leaned into that. The melody has moments where a note is held for a long time, and that was part of a feeling I was trying to express there, that weight, something drawn out and dragging on. When you’re going through some kind of breakup or letdown, you can’t really rush those feelings; sometimes it feels like they take up your whole world, and you feel like, “Oh, is this just going to be the foreseeable future?” I feel like adding that outro, the way it emphasized what the song was already about, made it feel more complete.
For other songs, ‘Sadie Something’ is one that definitely arrived at a place I hadn’t totally imagined before. It was fun to include instruments like the pedal steel and trombone. I remember there were moments with that song in particular where Sahil and I were trying things we weren’t sure would work, like some really crazy, abrasive trombone stuff happening at the end. I feel like some of these things were just more voices in the story.
I’m interested in how you describe your relationship to time on the album – it’s something that moves quickly, but you’ve also got nothing but time. When you’re writing, do you sense that you think about time in a particular way that’s not accessible when you’re not in that headspace? Is time something that feels blurry or conflicting?
I definitely feel this sense of time warping while I’m writing – that experience of being in a flow state where you’re not even paying attention to time. In terms of time as a theme and a point of inspiration, I do think a lot of that comes from anxiety – how much time is left, spending time wisely and efficiently. That works its way into my experience with songwriting, too, feeling like, “Is this something worth chasing or spending time on?” But it is nice when I can break through that. Even if I’m just talking about how I’m anxious about it, it still feels cathartic to have a song come out of it.
Do you feel like songwriting almost has to be an opportunity for pause? Are there times when you can rush through a song?
I don’t often feel that I can write a song quickly. It takes me a long time to complete a song. I feel like I’m one of those people that’s quite sensitive to the space. Fr a while, I felt I could only write songs when I went back home to Seattle. A lot of that had to do with the sense of privacy that I was able to have at the home I grew up in, and also all the memories and baggage that come with going to a place that is so part of your person that you don’t encounter as much anymore. That felt very rich as a space. But I don’t feel like I’m able to rush through writing a song, and anytime I do, especially with lyrics, I often end up feeling pretty unhappy with what comes out. It would be nice to find a way to feel a little less precious about these things, because I almost feel like the bulk of the time that I spend on writing is just overcoming these obstacles.
The title partly refers to the idea of losing one’s marbles. Could you share some processes or rituals that keep you grounded?
I feel like making my bed is a big thing that provides me with a sense of, like, “Okay, this is made.” Sometimes, to get that mental clarity, I need to see something that is put together right in front of me. Doing that consistently has been a good way of feeling grounded. I’ve been drawing more, which is something I have never really been into. It’s been nice to be playful, especially with how my relationship to music and songwriting has changed now that I’ve made it this thing that I’m trying to pursue as a career and sharing it with people in a very public way. A lot of those thoughts enter my mind when I write, so it’s nice to have something that’s very disconnected from that that is still a way of expressing myself creatively.
Does playing and being present in other people’s songs affect how you think about your own?
It’s interesting, I feel like it’s so separate in my head. When I’m on tour with an artist and I’m playing bass in their band, I feel like I’m totally just living in that music and I’m devoted to that in the moment, which I think is why maybe I haven’t even really been super tapped into this release yet. I feel like I’m doing something right now that I want to be 100% present for. That feels really important to me, although I’m definitely very inspired by a lot of these artists I’ve gotten the chance to tour with. They’re people that I was listening to before, and it’s really a huge treat to be able to play music that I love.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Washed Out has released ‘Waking Up’, the latest single off his upcoming album Notes From a Quiet Life. Following previous cuts ‘Running Away’ and ‘The Hardest Part’, the track comes with a live performance video directed by Jonah Haber and filmed in the path of full totality of the solar eclipse on location in Bandera, Texas, on April 8, 2024. Check it out below.
Notes From a Quiet Life is set to arrive on June 28 via Sub Pop.
