We are now more used to seeing ourselves as a global community and a united world, the recent global pandemic has highlighted how we can all be affected by a phenomenon globally. Not all phenomena have been of natural causes, the population of the world has come up with its own events over history that have stopped the world in its tracks and made it take notice. The advent of globally broadcast television and media services has given this trend the mechanics it needs, the impetus being generated by the draw of the show-stopping events themselves. We as a world just needed to tune in and view to make these incredible statistics recently researched by Betway Insider a historical reality.

Live Aid

In 1985 the world was treated to the phenomenal Live Aid gig, it was like nothing that had come before it. 39% of the world’s population chose to watch the concert on television. Live Aid was seen by a greater percentage of the population of the world at the time or any time since. In 2005 Live 8 attracted more viewers by volume at 2 billion, 100 million more than Live Aid, but not in percentage where Live Aid reigns supreme.

Live Aid rang out from both JFK Stadium in Philadelphia and Wembley Stadium in London; with a star-studded line-up which included Elton John who performed ‘Rocket Man’, the concert was a resounding success which raised much-needed money to combat famine in Ethiopia.

With viewers from 150 different countries watching the event, it proved we as a world can act together to improve life for those in need.

Elvis Presley’s Aloha From Hawaii

Aloha From Hawaii was Elvis Presley’s ground-breaking satellite broadcast performance in 1973 from the Honolulu International Centre. The 14th of January saw his concert to becoming the first satellite broadcast of a solo performer worldwide. The opportunity to watch was taken up by 25% of the world’s population. An estimate of the viewer’s stands at 1 billion people spread over 40 countries. This was not a low-budget concert, the gig with production costs of 2.5 million dollars also managed to raise $75,000 to benefit the Kui Lee Cancer Fund.

For a world starved of Elvis, this was a treat as the superstar seldom performed at events outside North America

Prince Harry’s Wedding

On the 19th of May 2018 when Prince Harry married his fiancé Meghan Markel a quarter of the world’s population watched from across the globe.

25% of the world looked through their televisions inside Windsor Castle to the isle in St Georges Chapel where the royal couple walked and were married. Personal attendees included celebrities like David Beckham and Oprah Winfrey.

The draw of the event brought a final 1.9 billion viewers to see the service live on television across the continents.  An amazing 29.2 million people watched from America, which is pretty incredible considering it was around 4am in some of their time zones!  That’s nearly 3 million more than those that watch the Oscars, pretty impressive.

Winter is fast approaching and this can be a stressful time for motorists. Shorter days mean lower visibility, plus the weather conditions can also make the roads slippery and unpredictable so it is understandable that people feel nervous driving at this time of the year. On top of all this, the freezing temperatures can also take their toll on your automobile. This is why it is so important that you know how to get your car ready for winter – read on to find out how.

Check the Battery

The battery can suffer in the cold during the colder months of the year and you do not want to be stuck with a dead battery when you have somewhere that you need to be. This is why you should test the battery, charge it up and drive your vehicle at least once a week. If possible, park the vehicle in a garage to offer some protection.

Get a Winter Service

It is always a smart idea to get your car serviced just before winter settles in so that you can ensure that the vehicle is in tip-top condition and reduce the chance of experiencing an issue during the colder months. A winter service will involve carrying out all of the key maintenance tasks and this should help you to feel more confident behind the wheel. You could look into lease deals if your car needs a lot of work done and will not be a safe or reliable car to drive during winter.

Pack an Emergency Kit

You should always have an emergency kit in the car during winter just in case you break down or have an accident. There are a number of things that should be in this kit, including:

• Torch
• Blankets
• High vis clothing
• Water and snacks
• Phone charger
• Shovel
• De-icer
• Jump leads
• First aid kit

Check the Tires

If you end up in a smash and have to make a car accident claim against another driver, you must be sure that your vehicle is always in the best possible condition for any type of weather. Tires are something we can overlook, but in winter, they are the foundation for how safe you will be, especially if something happens. It is vital that your tires are in good enough condition to grip the roads and allow for a safe braking distance in the winter months. This is why you should check the tread depth and replace your tires if they are less than 3mm (1.6mm is the legal minimum) and inspect the tires for signs of damage. If you live somewhere where you get a lot of snow and ice in winter then it might be worth switching to winter tires, which offer superior grip on the road and can make driving in winter conditions a lot safer.

Every motorist needs to prepare for the winter months as this can be a challenging time to drive even for an experienced motorist. These are a few of the best ways to get your car prepared that will hopefully allow you to drive safely and with confidence during the winter months.

Retirement is a monumental event in a person’s life, and an event for which you never feel quite prepared. There are hundreds of variables involved in making the decision to retire, and hundreds more than can impact your quality of life afterwards.

Indeed, current economic circumstances have seen people less likely to retire early, in the hopes of shoring up their post-retirement financial situation – and some retirees are ‘unretiring’ to restock their savings. Here are some key ways in which you can approach your retirement journey, from reckoning with your own finances to making lifestyle changes that suit your later life.

Addressing Finances

Naturally, finances are the single biggest factor in the decision to retire. Not only is there the value of your private pension pot to consider, but also the volume of your savings and investments – and the rate of inflation, which has a devaluing effect on your savings over time. There is also the matter of your quality of life: do you have enough to live comfortably as you are, or will your quality-of-life decline to suit a new budget.

There are various routes a worker can take to address these concerns and shore up their finances. Over-55s, for example, are able to access an equity release mortgage that enables them to receive equity in their home without selling or relinquishing it. Meanwhile, shrewd investment in tracker funds can beat interest rates and keep your money earning passively.

Keeping Healthy

Retirement is a fundamental shift in pace, and one which can have a surprisingly stark impact on your body. This is especially true where regular commutes and exercise are replaced with sedentary habits. By instituting a healthy regime of exercise and diet early, you can ensure that your body is the healthiest it can be for time to come – with the benefit of giving you more energy for your retirement activities. Luckily, retirement places such as Summerset Auckland help with this.

Setting Goals

Retirement, unmoored as it is from the frameworks to which we are used as working adults, can also be surprisingly paralysing. With all the time in the world, there is little impetus to get started on anything. This can quickly give way to empty days that turn into weeks.

The solution is to set some goals, and work towards achieving them. Now is the time to plan for that once-in-a-lifetime trip, or to get started on a new hobby you never had time for before. In setting goals and making plans, you ensure your days are filled with purpose and productivity on your own terms.

Staying Social

Lastly, retirement can be an isolating experience for many people. Without work colleagues to talk to, and with family still working or at school, it is easy to find oneself lonely. Actively combatting this is simple, though – as simple as joining a local community group or hobby club. Simply reaching out to family on a regular basis can be enough to keep you in the loop and on the minds of your loved ones.