3 Ways To Become A Better Songwriter

Web admin on January 28, 2022

If you love music, whether this love started out as an appreciation for the lyrics themselves or for the complete sound of your favorite songs, you may have considered making music of your own at some point.

For some, making music can come easily. But for others, writing music can be a real challenge. If this is what you’re presently experiencing, here are three things you can do to help you become a better songwriter.

Create A Habit Of Consistent Writing

Songwriting, just like almost everything else, needs to be made a habit in order for it to be done effectively. If you only write a song when you feel the muse strike, you could have only a few pieces to show for yourself. But if you’re committed to creating your own music, you have to consistently put yourself in a position to write music.

Ideally, you should try to carve out time to write something everyday. And while this can seem like a big commitment, once you’ve gotten into the habit of sitting down and writing a song or working on a song each and everyday, you might soon find that you’re better able to turn your creativity on when you need it and put it to work for you.

Imitate When You Feel Stuck

As with all kinds of writing, it’s very common for people to get stuck during songwriting. While this can be discouraging, there are things you can do to help you get your creative juices flowing and get back on track.

One thing you might want to try is thinking back about songs or lyrics that you like from other artists. Then, you can try to create your own new song based on what you liked about those other songs.

By going outside of your own style and imitating something that someone else has done, you may be able to think differently about what you were trying to create and break something free in your own mind.

Build Your Song Around A Beloved Riff Or Hook

If you’ve been writing music for a while, you might have riffs or hooks that you love the sound of but haven’t found a way to include in any of your songs up to this point. When you have something like this, you may want to try building a new song completely around the riff or hook that you’ve been wanting to use.

As you use this piece of genius that you love to create a new song, you may find that songwriting comes a little easier for you since you’re already excited about the catchiest part of the song.

If you’re wanting to improve your songwriting ability, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this.

4 Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling

Web admin on November 23, 2021

Ideally, everyone selling their home would sell it quickly, and it would be an easy stress-free, and frictionless process. However, more often than not, this is hardly the case. If this is your first time selling your home, then there are all sorts of things to learn. There are plenty of mistakes to make along the way, many of which can ultimately lead to your home not budging on the market. It’s this sounds like you, and you’re wondering why your home isn’t selling, then here are some of the reasons you might want to consider.

You Set Too High of a Price

Chances are you’re emotionally attached to your home, and you don’t want to sell it for less than what you feel its worth. However, what you feel your home is worth may not always be its actual worth. Make sure that you compare the price of your home with similar ones in your area, and priced accordingly. If your home is significantly priced higher than other homes in your area, then it better be for a good reason. People want a good deal— usually, they are only willing to pay above and beyond if there’s something unique about home. Ask yourself honestly whether your home is worthy of the price it’s set at.

You Didn’t Use a Realtor

DIY is the latest rage these days. And while it may be possible to do plenty of things DIY, selling your home is something better left to the professionals. First of all, it’s an enormous amount of work, so if you have a full-time job, it’s better to outsource the job to a realtor. They can do all of the hard work for you to increase your chances of your home selling much faster. Not to mention, they know all the important steps to take and can most likely negotiate with interested buyers much better than you can.

You Didn’t Post High-Quality Photos

Statistics show that homes with high-quality, crisp, and professional photos are much more likely to sell quickly than those that have amateur photos which are out of focus or badly centered. If you haphazardly took pictures of your home on your phone, then it may be the reason why your home isn’t budging. Consider investing in professional photographs that will showcase all the best parts of your home. It may be a small investment paying a professional photographer, however, it’s well worth it when you know your home will sell much faster.

Lack of Marketing

Posting your home for sale on one website isn’t always enough. Market yourself in all kinds of different places to make sure that you get the maximum visibility. The more places you post your home for sale, the more chances you have of finding the perfect buyer—it’s all a numbers game.

Does Your Deadbolt Lock Really Need to Be Replaced?

Full Editorial on June 17, 2021

When it comes to home security, it all starts at the locks. If you don’t have locks for your doors, your home can never be secure no matter how many other measures you take! The thing about locks is that they’re not exactly a one size fits all kind of thing, you need to make sure that you’re using the right lock, which’s going to give you the right type of security for the space they’re being used in. For almost all entry points, it’s always best to have Deadbolt locks in place.

Deadbolt locks are some of the strongest locks that exist. However, their strength doesn’t mean that they’re forever. There comes a point where deadbolt locks need to be replaced, while other times, a simple repair can get the job done! In this post, we’re going to be going over the different scenarios you might find yourself in with your deadbolt lock and whether it really needs to be replaced in every case or not!

#1: You can’t turn the lock
If you’re constantly running into the problem of not being able to turn the lock, even with the right key, know that something is wrong with the lock itself. Now, this doesn’t automatically mean that it’s so far gone that it needs to be replaced, it might still be able to be fixed with a simple repair! Taking the lock apart, cleaning all the parts, and putting it back together again usually gets the job done. You could potentially do this even if you’ve never taken a lock apart and reinstalled it by doing it very slowly and keeping a track of where everything needs to go. If you can’t do that on your own, give  Locksmith Rochester NY, or a recommended locksmith in your local area a call and have them come and repair the lock for you! It should be done quickly and efficiently if a professional does it!

#2: Upgrading security of the home
If your deadbolt lock has been in place for a few years, you might find yourself confused if you should change it as part of your overall home security upgrades or not. If the lock is old enough that it’s starting to jam or has given you other problems, don’t think twice about getting it replaced with a more secure lock! However, if the lock still seems to be in good condition and hasn’t given you any trouble thus far, it might be a good idea to leave that out of the upgrades until it actually needs to be changed!

#3: The key no longer works
If your deadbolt lock has been in place for a long time, it’s possible that at some point the key might stop working. This could be the key not turning in the lock, sliding right out, or getting stuck inside. No matter what the case is, often it’s the key and not the lock that’s the problem. If your locks are clean and maintained properly, you might want to try getting a spare key made by a locksmith. Usually, the new key will work perfectly and the lock should go back to working normally, without you having to replace the lock!

#4: Improper Installation
If your lock wiggles around and has been giving you problems like not locking properly or getting stuck while being locked, it’s possible that the lock isn’t broken, it just hasn’t been installed properly in the first place! A misaligned lock will frequently malfunction, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to be replaced. Taking apart the lock and reinstalling it, making sure that all the pieces fit properly should do the trick! If it doesn’t, improper installation was never the problem and you should look into one of the other things we’ve mentioned above that could be causing the issue!

History of Memorial Day

Article Editor on April 23, 2021

For many Americans, Memorial Day is the unofficial first day of summer marked by barbecues, family gatherings and pool openings. The day is sometimes looked upon as just another day to celebrate. However, it is a day that comes with a high price. A price paid in American lives in sacrifice to the freedoms and traditions for which its citizens are accustomed. Not to be confused with Veteran’s Day, the last Monday of May is dedicated to the men and women who gave their all for their country. After the Civil War, this day was known as Decoration Day. Started by a Civil war veteran, General John A. Logan, it has not been established when the change in name took place; however, this became a federal holiday in 1971. On the very first Decoration Day, the graves in Arlington National Cemetery were decorated in remembrance.

Growing up in the United States, Andrew Napolitano has witnessed many of the traditions associated with Memorial Day. Cities and towns scattered throughout the United States have dedicated parades each year to honor the fallen. Hometowns across the U.S. show gratitude with yellow ribbons, flags, flowers and wreaths, leaving a sense of oneness and overflowing patriotism in its wake. Other towns visit cemeteries in mass and pay tribute. A program titled “Wreaths Across America” accepts donations and ensures that every veteran grave has a wreath by coordinating ceremonies. Nationally, a moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time for all to reflect upon the value of freedom. The displays of recognition simultaneously acknowledge the past in gratitude for the future.

America’s conflict-filled history and future is painted with the blood of its service members. Mothers, Daughters, Fathers, Sons, Aunts, Uncles, Wives and Husbands are deployed in vast numbers to this day. Its military has engaged in some of the deadliest conflicts in its pursuit of freedom. Current day, almost 970,000 veterans return from conflict with some sort of disability and some never return at all, leaving a gaping wound in the hearts of their loved ones. For each service member that is killed, there is a story and a life behind and outside of that uniform—a future that has been cut short for the greater cause. Not only is this day a tribute to those service members who lost their lives, but also to their families that pay the cost.

Though it is a somber occasion, it is still cause to celebrate. The United States is one of the world’s largest volunteer military organizations. The members of the United States Armed Forces are paid and receive benefits in serving. However, it is the belief that this is a country worth dying for that keeps many in its ranks. The military comprises nearly 1.4 million members. Many more will continue to enlist in service to the red, white and blue, and some will give their lives for it. This May, like the vast majority of fellow Americans, Andrew Napolitano will be honoring the American heroes who gave their lives, and also reflecting upon the cost of freedom.

What to Look Forward to Post Pandemic

Article Editor on April 14, 2021

People’s lives have changed since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019. The pandemic has introduced new ways of doing things, and people are forced to practice social distancing, sanitizing and washing of hands frequently. Many countries across the globe have also been interrupted by learners told to stay at home. Other institutions have introduced learners to online training through cloud platforms like zoom. There is an increase in internet use, and people are discovering new ways of using internet platforms. This has also led to the introduction of other online gaming platforms and social media entities that provide entertainment to people during lockdowns.

With the advent of all these and people losing employment, a better tomorrow is what people are yearning for. There is the introduction of different types of coronavirus vaccines that have been developed by countries globally. Many see the light at the end of the tunnel because things are poised to return to normalcy soon. A question that lingers in many people, including Andrew Napolitano is, what will the post COVID-19 era look like?

People are anticipating doing many things that they have missed during the lockdown periods. Many people will probably go for more pampering sessions. This will include going for therapeutic sessions like visiting salons, barbershops, having dreadlocks done and general body massage and relaxations. Others are looking at going for outdoor activities like visiting the beaches and having some good family time.

People have had their meals served in the house, and it’s been a repeated habit that seems to be boring. Many will opt for eating out with the pandemic mitigated to have that favorable dish you have missed. Those who love clubbing will opt to have a night out to get fun that they have been missing all this while. Sporting events have been suspended due to the pandemic, and many people are yearning to go and watch that sporting activity they love. Many people will opt to take a vacation and travel to witness the changes in the world. If you missed a vacation due to the pandemic, you will likely book your next flight once the lockdowns are removed and the pandemic subsides.

Post pandemic, we shall probably see many healthcare workers taking a break off work because they have been overburden. We are likely to see some healthcare centers reduce operations to a minimum to stabilize the systems under stress due to the pandemic.

Andrew Napolitano is a veteran law scholar.. He is one of the youngest lifetime tenure judges to sit in the Supreme Court in New Jersey. Napolitano has also invested in agriculture and has a farm where he produces maple syrup. After the pandemic is over, he probably will visit a shooting range and partake in the sport. Post pandemic era will see many people taking into different sports fields to do what they love most.

Planning for Your Children’s Future  

Article Editor on April 2, 2021

Think about the impact a father has on their child’s development? Studies show that children are impacted immensely by the action or in-actions of their fathers. The studies also show that the actions whether good or bad can have extended effects on a child that manifest in adulthood.

 Findings from decades of research show that the father-child relationship is of great importance and significance. While adults might share the view that a father can be secondary in a child’s upbringing, children don’t share this view. As far as children are concerned, their dad’s care and affection are non-discretionary.

There is a Catholic priest that was once famously quoted saying that,” give me a child, and in 7 years I will give you a man”. Here, the priest is trying to say that the ways taught to a child till they reach the age of 7 will stay with the child into adulthood. It is, therefore, evident that children are like sponges. Parents, guardians, and caretakers should understand that kids tend to absorb everything from their surroundings. These could be mannerisms and vocabulary.

Fatherhood should have more parenting and less of playing catch. Dads also need to be proactive in their kid’s life. Being a role model is important. Parents who have healthy habits pass down those traits to their children. Cory Harow has a career in the field of medicine that he takes seriously like his professional career. The MD believes that parents should also teach their children how to function within society.

In addition to having a career in the field of emergency medicine, the proud father of four also served in the Israeli Defense Force. While the two professions are different, some of the basic core values that they teach are identical. The career in the army and emergency medicine instilled dedication, discipline, and empathy. Harow explains that these traits should be taught to children so that they can develop into fully functional adults.

We live in a technologically advanced world. These days, even children almost have unrestricted online access—something some people find unhealthy. Harow understands that the impact technology can have on a child, and this is why he allows his kids to access technology, but with limited screen time. The former military officer believes that doing this helps children to understand that technology is a tool, but not an extension of themselves.
Cory Harow knows that University education is important in safeguarding his children’s future. Besides taking his kids to the best schools, the father of four is also saving up for his kid’s college tuition with the hopes of securing admissions to leading institutions of higher education. University education is very important, and Harow believes that it is an important stepping stone to better career prospects. With a university education, the doctor is confident that kids will be on the right track to success.

Benefits of Going to Church

Article Editor on March 16, 2021

According to Father George Rutler, every individual needs to go to a place where they can pray to God in peace. To him, this place could only be in church. The church is a place of calm and joy, and that means it is medicine to the many pains and afflictions that people go through on earth. It is where any Christian gets biblical answers on some issues they go through every day.

What Are the Benefits of Going to Church for Catholics?

1. It Builds a Stronger Connection with God

Going to church and mainly attending the Holy mass allows every catholic to partake of the Lord’s table. This act helps a believer understand that God is with them and in them at all times. The wine reminds every believer of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for them.

2. It Helps a Believer Obtain the Mind of Christ

Going to church on an often basis helps a catholic understand the teachings of Christ. Jesus taught on keeping the mindset on what is above higher things. He also advised believers not to be conformed to the ways of the world. This means that every Catholic who finds time to go to church gets the like-mindedness of Christ and learns to live in His ways.

3. It Helps Believers Learn to Submit to the Will of God

The church is a place where there is divine help and intervention. Man, on the other hand, quickly falls short of the glory of God. Going to church, therefore, brings back the thoughts and obedience of man to God. God requires people to immerse themselves in His word and keep their thoughts pure. There is no better place to learn Christ’s teaching than in the church.

4. It Brings Peace and Guidance

According to Father George Rutler, it is only in a holy mass that you get to share peace with everyone without minding whether you know them or not. All believers get the opportunity to spread peace in Christ’s way. God’s word and the teachings of other leaders who have been in the faith for a long-time help guide believers. For example, Fathers have significantly been of help to many marriages since they offer counseling and spiritual guidance to couples. On the other hand, sisters remain an inspiration to young girls who want to serve God entirely.

5. It Helps Build the Community

A church helps bring the community together. It allows people to give and others to receive. The church does not only build peace among believers but also encourage people to be their brother’s keeper. Churches organize events such as church missions, sports, cleanups, and other activities, which helps the community develop as one strong team.

Bottom Line

The church is one of the most important things for a believer’s survival. There are uncountable benefits that come with it, such that the above-stated benefits are, but a few. Church helps people reconnect to their shared belief and improve on their spiritualism.

Why Father George Rutler Urges People Not to Drive at Night

Article Editor on March 3, 2021

Driving at night is plain scary. It is hard to see anything. We don’t see colors. Our peripheral vision is reduced. Lines on the road don’t show clearly. People over 40 begin to notice these details about themselves and stop driving or at least limit driving at night.

Cars have headlights and most roads are marked and the center lines can be seen. What is the problem? Why is it so difficult to drive at night? If we are familiar with the roads we’re currently driving, there is usually less of a problem, but problems still exist.

People turn on strong headlights and forget to turn them down when approaching oncoming vehicles or when following vehicles. They blind drivers.

One of the biggest problems is the white lights people put on cars blinding oncoming drivers so that they cannot see anything for a few seconds until the car or truck has passed. While we are blinded by those few seconds we see nothing, no marks on the highway, no highway, no curve, no drop-offs on the edge of the road. No nothing. I wonder how many accidents have occurred because of those lights.

Maybe the greatest fear of driving at night is the fear itself. We drive slower, or we should because we cannot see past the headlights. When we walk in the dark we fear because of the same thing. We can not see what is out there hiding behind a sign or bush. While driving we are going faster and cannot see a deer or animal running out into our way. More accidents occur at night involving pedestrian people.

Father George Rutler, a New York pastor, urges people not to drive at night just for these reasons. It is not always safe.

Driving on roads with which we are not familiar, we may lose our way as we cannot see or read the road signs. Trying to find our way while trying to navigate the roads can be difficult. It is dark. The roads may not have lights and the road may not have any marks. I once went down an up one-way street at night. I got a ticket but I did not die or have an accident though it was a busy thoroughfare.

In a coastal or mountainous area with curving one-lane roads and narrow bridges, driving can be difficult. Hard on the mountains on one side and drop-offs on the other, it can be dangerous even if the drive is short.

To prepare the car for night driving there are some tips. The first is simply cleaning the windshield. Second, clean the headlight. Make sure they shine where they should shine.

Next, have a good GPS. Most of us use cell phones and can have an app on the phone. Learn to use it. A good app that talks the instructions leaves the driver free to drive, not look at the map. Always carry an extra blanket and water.
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Public vs. Private Schools

Article Editor on February 22, 2021

When a parent is sending their child to school they can choose to send them to public or private education. Public school is free to all students and funded by tax dollars. A parent needs to pay out of pocket to send their child to private school. According to Benjamin Cory Harow, there are pros and cons to both public and private education.

Teaching Staff

In public schools, there are often experienced teachers. Private schools have new teachers since they do not pay them as high of a salary. This does not mean that one teacher is better than the other. Public school teachers need to complete more hours of professional development each year on many different topics.

Class Sizes

Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes. There is a better student to teach ratio in private schools. This will allow the students to get more attention and help from the teacher. With social distancing class sizes are getting smaller everywhere but private schools still usually have fewer children in the class than public schools.

Cost

This is a big issue for parents when it comes to looking at schooling for their children. Public schools are paid for by tax dollars. The parents may need to buy some school supplies and that it is. Private costs cost on average $11,000 a year. The cost will vary based on the school but there is a fee for this education. This is something parents need to think about and see if they can afford it.

Diverse Classes

Both of the schools need to offer the state curriculum and follow the common core standards. There are some other focuses that private schools can take. Private schools often focus on the arts. They offer additional classes in music, theater, and related courses. Public schools may not have the budget to offer these specialized courses. If a student is interested in the arts then the private school may be a better choice for them. In the high school years, private schools focus on preparing a student for college. They have additional gifted classes and advanced placement courses that look good on the transcripts. The students are also learning the skills needed to be successful in college. This can be beneficial if a student is going to college and they want to get a head start on the preparations.

Test Scores

Students in private schools often do better on state and other tests. They score higher on these tests. It can be due to the smaller class sizes and more attention from teachers. They can cover more information that can help the students on these tests.

These are some of the pros and cons of public and private schools. Both schools will provide a basic education. Some things will vary. A parent needs to think about what the best education will be for their child and then find the school system that will fit them best.

Media’s Role in Politics

Article Editor on January 25, 2021

In many ways, the mainstream media and the upper echelons of the Washington political establishment share something of a symbiotic relationship. Without their contacts at the Capitol and the White House, for example, major news organizations such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Fox News, and The Wall Street Journal would lack insight into the day-to-day workings of American political power.

In order to get their agenda across in Washington, conversely, politicians in Washington need big news media organizations to publicize their talking points and policy concerns on a national level. For a political candidate to launch his or her career in earnest, moreover, they will likely need some measure of attention from mainstream news outlets.

In many respects, President Donald Trump understood more than most the power of publicity inherent to the American media system when he first began running for public office in 2015. Without the constant attention of media outlets, in fact, President Trump may not have been able to run such a successful campaign the next year.

But Trump is not alone in his reliance on publicity: Clearly, mainstream politicians such as Barack Obama are adept at engaging with the media when necessary. Before any big policy proposal hits Washington, for example, most Sunday news shows will be jam-packed with political spokespeople eager to tell their side of the story.

But not everyone is happy with this sometimes too-cozy arrangement. Himself no stranger to the parallel relationship between Washington’s political class and the major news outlets, Fox News editorialist and former judge Andrew Napolitano has frequently commented on the stalwart connection between news organizations and political heavyweights in Washington.

A stern constitutionalist, he is frequently concerned about the rights enshrined by the Founding Fathers to ensure free speech among American citizens. To this end, he has sometimes voiced concern about the power of big news outlets to silence non-mainstream political operatives.

By his standards, we must also weigh this political ecosystem of intrigue and information aggregating against the recent rise of social media platforms such as Twitter. In Washington and elsewhere, media outlets often pick up on Twitter pronouncements made by leading politicians; these “tweets” often become headline news.

Without Twitter, for example, President Trump would arguably not have been able to secure his political base in the run-up to the 2016 election. But the question arises: When private citizens become leaders of the nation, what kind of speech becomes protected by default? Should Twitter be treated as a public utility or a private company? Does Twitter have the right to censor speech that occurs from users who hold high-level political office?

Andrew Napolitano appears to think that the answer is more complicated than we might imagine. Because the social media service is a private company rather than a government agency, for example, he has suggested that the First Amendment does not necessarily apply to Twitter.

As more and more news organizations shift to online-only formats, it will only be a matter of time before these issues become a widespread concern. For now, however, it is clear that the close relationship between the mainstream media and Washington won’t let up anytime soon.