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Co-founder of Max Polyakov’s Noosphere Shares Thoughts on How Ukraine can Win the Technology Race

Elliot
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Co-founder of Max Polyakov’s Noosphere Shares Thoughts on How Ukraine can Win the Technology Race

The attitude toward the Soviet era in the history of Ukraine is rather ambiguous. The vast majority are desperate to criticize the USSR years, a minority feels nostalgic. At that, one cannot but agree that Ukraine has inherited a powerful technological and scientific basis that has given the world many outstanding scientists, researchers, and developers. A case in point is the rocket industry that enjoyed especially strong positions in Ukraine. Notably, not only in the USSR era, but after Ukraine left the Soviet Union as well.

For instance, Dnipro (formerly Dnepropetrovsk) is considered as the cradle of the Soviet rocket industry that was created on the basis of the Dnipropetrovsk Automotive Factory back in 1944. Consequently, Special Development Laboratory No. 586 was created in the factory, today it is known as PA Yuzhmash. It was local developers who created the legendary R-12 carrier rocket in the 1950s, the development being lead by the renowned mechanic Mikhail Yangel.

Unfortunately, after the Soviet Union fell apart, the famous might of the rocket industry waned. Yet, the potential – in terms of technology, science, and human resources remains, and investors (particularly Noosphere Ventures, managed by Max Polyakov) are absolutely confident in this fact. The question is – can we use it for the benefit of the Ukrainian economy and its reputation? There is a chance. And it is in our hands, Michael Ryabokon, who co-founded Noosphere Engineering School together with Max Polyakov, assures us.

This way is that Ukraine has been able to host both the World and European championships in model rocketry. It is notable that the World Air Sports Federation – FAI, with headquarters in Switzerland, has awarded this title to us of all countries, despite the harsh competition. It was only logical to host these championships in Dnipro. Unfortunately, a war has started in East Ukraine, and the championships were at a risk of cancellation. However, Europe preserved our right to host the championship, but under the condition that the location was moved farther from the military conflict zone to the west.

“The youth want to be sure that it is not necessary to leave the country to be successful”

In August 2016 Association Noosphere, founded by Max Polyakov, hosted FAI’s World championship in rocket modeling. Оver 300 competitors from 20 countries came to Lviv to compete in the art of constructing and launching model rockets. The contest participants included teams from the most technologically developed regions: the USA, Japan, China, Canada, and Great Britain. Indeed, Ukraine had an advantage in this field. First of all, the Ukrainian team are the current champions of Europe in model rocketry. In 2015 at the European Championships, the Ukrainian team won 14 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze medals in the overall standings. A splendid result that keeps improving from year to year.

There is another, more important thing here. The very title to host the championship illustrates the belief in us and presents the opportunity to make a name for ourselves at the international level. Indeed, model rocketry is an engineering advertisement of sorts, a demonstration of the country’s scientific potential.

And Ukrainian science is in need of such things. It takes us great effort to shed the stereotypes of the past few decades when it was self-contained without taking the demands of other industries and the rapidly changing market into account. The situation is that the majority of our researchers (younger and older alike) do not realize the practical value of their ideas and achievements or the obstacles to their implementation. And the participation in such contests, competing with experts in various fields who will visit us from all over the planet, is an excellent way to demonstrate that being an engineer is not only exciting but also prestigious.

The youth want to be sure that it is not necessary to leave the country to be successful – a message Association Noosphere of Max Polyakov has been conveying for over three years now. By giving developers a sense of significance and relevance, we can stop the outflow of talent and human assets which has been a pressing problem and a topic for discussion on the state level.

“They believe in us and present the opportunity to make a name for ourselves at the international level. Indeed, model rocketry is an engineering advertisement of sorts, a demonstration of the country’s scientific potential”

We need to remember that model rocketry presents a splendid base for training the future military engineers and a breath of fresh air for the defense industry in general. According to Max Polyakov from Noosphere, this is a highly lucrative investment field. For instance, the championships in Lviv were attended by the chairpersons and leading engineers of companies engaged not only in the rocket industry, but also in military technologies. Thus, it means not only potential contracts and orders for Ukrainian production companies, but also potential investments in creating game-changing weapons and solutions for the army (surveillance systems, navigation, unmanned vehicles, anti-aircraft defence, etc.).

It is obvious that the renaissance of the country’s engineering sector might not be achieved by a single championship, even an international one. We need to solve a number of state-level problems, including the approach to the education system in regard to science and technology, as well as the numerous state restrictions, for example, in the fields of the space and military industries. Unlike many nations, such as the USA, where private companies supply arms to the state, we have a monopoly on military technology and production. They have market-based competition and the necessity to improve, while we have a stagnating environment for innovation.

However, it is pointless to list all the possible reasons that hamper the development of the environment for innovation. Instead, we should seek alternatives to replace the low-efficiency institutions. For the last few years, that has been the major focus of Association Noosphere, that was founded by Max Polyakov in 2012, to attract the attention of wide audiences – both home and internationally – to our intellectual and technological fields. They present a base for globally in-demand startups and help shape a more sustainable and competitive economy for Ukraine.

Originally posted on forbes.net.ua Michael Ryabokon opinion section

How to Install Tiles on Your Walls and Floors the Right Way

ABC Staff
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How to Install Tiles on Your Walls and Floors the Right Way

Not long ago, the process of installing tiles was often left to the hands of professionals. It involved soaking ceramic tiles in water for a whole night then setting them in thick mortar afterward. Nowadays, the introduction of backer board and thinset adhesives have made it possible for anyone to perform a DIY tile installation, making it easier than ever to update your home with items such as a ceramic field tile.

Since home renovations can cost thousands, many homeowners prefer doing things on their own. This is true with tiling. Calling for a tiling contractor is expensive. On average, it will cost anywhere from $45 to $150 per hour. There are also those who will charge you around $35 to $50 per square meter depending on the materials used.

If you are more of a DIY person and want to save money, here are some DIY wall and floor tiling tips you want to consider:

How to Install Wall and Floor Tiles

1. Prepare the Surface

Before you begin with your tiling project, you have to prepare the surface first. Ceramic tiles can be installed over most substrates; however, you need to clear the surface of any dirt. Make sure it’s clean, dry, smooth, and free of any grime and dirt. Remove any loose or uneven areas, trims, appliances, moldings, and anything that can only interfere with the installation.

2. Consider the Layout

When doing a wall and floor tiling project, make sure you keep the layout of your room in mind. If you install tiles on your walls, start from the bottom row first. From there, you can then start working your way up one row at a time.

Meanwhile, if you install tiles on your floors, you need to make sure it has a flat surface first. You can do this by pouring a self-leveling compound for a flat, smooth base for your tiles.

3. Pick the Right Adhesive

You should use the right mortar or adhesive for your surface to make sure it bonds properly. If you have a cement board or concrete surface for your walls, using a multi-purpose mortar is recommended. Meanwhile, a thinset mortar is ideal for concrete slab or cement board floors. Once you have applied the appropriate adhesive, you may then start setting your tiles.

4. Grout the Joints

Grouting follows after you have successfully set the tiles on your walls or floors. On average, you will need to wait for 24 hours before you can start grouting. Determine the color of the grout you want. For best results, it’s ideal to pick a color that complements your tiles.

Follow the instructions indicated when mixing your grout, and mix only enough to use within 30 minutes. Before applying, make sure you wear protective gloves. Spread your grout mixture on the tiled surface with the use of a squeegee. Don’t forget to remove any excess grout from the surface. After you’re done, begin the cleanup procedure.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s not really impossible to perform a DIY tiling project. With the right materials and procedure, you can do tiling on your own without the need to rely on a professional’s help.

How to Set Up an IBC Company in Seychelles

Elliot
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How to Set Up an IBC Company in Seychelles

Located approximately 930 miles east of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has grown into one of the world’s most popular offshore business locations.

Seychelles offers a variety of factors that make it appealing for businesses. The country has a stable, efficient government, and a convenient company incorporation process. Taxes are low and many other countries have treaties with Seychelles to prevent double taxation.

For most people, the most effective option for opening a business in Seychelles is to open an IBC, or International Business Company.

A Seychelles-incorporated IBC can conduct business internationally with ease, with relatively few reporting regulations. An IBC in Seychelles is also not subject to tax on its profits, making Seychelles an ideal option for businesspeople interested in tax minimisation.

Seychelles also offers a good selection of banking options, making it a reliable and convenient location for businesses of all types and sizes. Since an IBC can be 100% foreign owned, there is also no reason to stress about entering into a joint venture with a local company.

UK-based businesspeople can also benefit from a familiar, reliable legal system that’s based on English Common Law. This makes Seychelles a preferable option compared to other offshore business centres, many of which don’t offer a great degree of legal reliability.

Finally, an IBC in Seychelles offers a high degree of privacy. The only information that’s made publicly available about an IBC is its Articles of Association and Memorandum, neither of which contain any information about the company’s shareholders.

The process of opening an IBC company in Seychelles is fairly straightforward. Because there is no minimum paid-up capital restriction for IBCs, it’s also an inexpensive process that’s ideal for smaller businesses.

To begin with, it’s important to check that your IBC will operate within the specific laws for IBCs in Seychelles. An IBC cannot acquire real estate assets, offer gambling services and must not conduct business activities within Seychelles.

A Seychelles IBC must also open its main bank accounts in Seychelles and carry out all of its bookkeeping within Seychelles.

There are also numerous other regulations that need to be considered. The best way to learn more about the suitability of Seychelles for your business is to contact a Seychelles company registration agency and arrange a private consultation.

From here, there is a registration and incorporation process. Companies in Seychelles are set up and regulated through the Seychelles Financial Services Authority. Seychelles has a very fast incorporation process, meaning your application will be read and processed efficiently.

Finally, there is the process of opening a bank account for your Seychelles IBC. This is usually carried out through a company registration service agency, which will usually have several local banking options for you to choose from.

As with all offshore business areas, the most efficient, effective and safe way to open an IBC is to do so through an experienced company formation services provider. These local companies specialise in completing the IBC registration process quickly, efficiently and without issues.

The Health Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Elliot
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The Health Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Known as the “magic velvet bean”, mucuna pruriens is the Latin name for a legume that’s rich in the amino acid L-DOPA.

Mucuna pruriens, or — as they’re more frequently known, velvet beans — are infamous for being very difficult to touch in the wild. The plants are covered in hairs containing serotonin, meaning a small amount of contact with the plant in its natural state can induce severe itching.

When processed into a powder, however, mucuna pruriens are a rich source of nutrients and an important supplement that’s linked to improvements in recovery after drug use, reduction in the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and mild antidepressant effects.

The nutrients in mucuna pruriens are also a superfood, with links to increases in muscle mass, strength and physical performance.

What is is that makes mucuna pruriens such a nutrient-dense, important supplement? Let’s take a look at its nutritional value, beginning with the plant’s history as a medicinal ingredient over the centuries.

 

What Are Mucuna Pruriens?

The seeds of the mucuna pruriens plant — which are covered in a furry, itch-inducing coat — are an important part of traditional medicine in countries such as Indonesia.

Tribal communities have used the seeds of the mucuna pruriens plant as a treatment for some snakebites. The ground seeds have also been used in Indian medicine as a way to potentially improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Today, mucuna pruriens is most commonly consumed as a health supplement, typically in the form of mucuna pruriens powder. Many people take mucuna pruriens along with other healthy superfoods and dietary supplements.

 

Mucuna Pruriens Health Benefits

There are numerous health benefits to mucuna pruriens, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet.

One of these potential benefits is a reduction in the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Mucuna pruriens powder is a rich source of L-dopa — an important amino acid that acts as a precursor to dopamine.

Because Parkinson’s disease reduces levels of dopamine in the brain, the L-dopa that’s present in mucuna pruriens can form an important part of a Parkinson’s disease symptom management protocol.

Mucuna pruriens powder is also linked to an improvement in androgen levels in men, promoting a greater level of fertility and libido. Scientific studies have shown that mucuna pruriens results in higher levels of testosterone and other important sex hormones in males. It’s also important to understand the answer to the question “can STDs cause infertility?”, as untreated infections can damage reproductive organs and lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, which may result in infertility.

This, in turn, can promote an increase in lean muscle mass and a noticeable improvement in body composition for men and women.

Finally, mucuna pruriens powder can act as a mild antidepressant. This is because it increases dopamine levels in the brain, potentially reducing the stress, anxiety and frustration that often occurs as a result of depleted dopamine.

For example, one scientific study shows that mucuna pruriens extract has a noticeable positive effect on the performance of mice in tests used to track antidepressive action.

All in all, mucuna pruriens powder is a worthwhile, scientifically proven health supplement that can improve everything from body composition and physical performance to mood, sex drive and fertility. As such, it’s worth considering as part of your wellness supplement protocol.

How to spot a shrewd art investment opportunity

Elliot
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How to spot a shrewd art investment opportunity

In the face of rising interest rates and financial uncertainty after Brexit, the British art market has remained in unexpectedly good health. March saw record sales at Sotheby’s to the tune of £48m, including Europe’s third most expensive auctioned artwork, “Bauerngarten” by Gustav Klimt.

But while these big ticket auction lots are still rare beasts, art remains a wise commodity to invest in. One art investment fund manager has noted that investing in contemporary art “is where the most liquidity is,” and indeed, only three of the world’s ten most expensive paintings come from before the 19th century. Yet, actually determining which works and artists are likely to yield the best return on investment can be difficult. What is it about certain paintings which makes them so lucrative in the long run?

 

The value of deceased artists

Most art dealers will be the first to admit that certain styles or artists come in and out of fashion; however, supply and demand is also a major factor. This is borne out by comparing the value of the priciest work by a modern artist sold at auction by the most expensive living artist and the most expensive dead one. While Gerhard Richter’s “Abstraktes” sold for a little under £30.5m at auction in 2015, that’s a mere 10% of what “Interchange”, a piece by Willem de Kooning, fetched in 1995.

Yet, the fact that an artist has died does not always mean that their work will consistently be valued at auction for a high price. The late German artist Josef Albers, for example, underwent a major renaissance of interest some four decades after his death, with retrospective shows leading to increased prices at auction. Yet, despite the finite resource (the artist passed away in 1976), the value of Albers’ work seems to have already plateaued.

 

Provocative art – as shocking at auction as it is in a gallery

The concept of provocative art can be a broad one; as tastes, and the accepted view of what is shocking, change over time, it is arguably harder in 2017 to create something that would have caused the same sort of Sensation as it would have two decades ago. A still-controversial piece such as Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ”—a photograph of a crucifix suspended in the artist’s urine—went for $185,000 at auction in 2014, while Tracey Emin’s oft-vandalised “My Bed” was last sold for £2.2m in the same year.

Then again, as the shock fades, so too can its price; Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain”, an infamous porcelain urinal which the Tate Gallery describes as “test[ing] beliefs about art and the role of taste in the art world,” sold for nearly $600,000 less in 2002 than it did five years previously. Consequently, the difference between types of work—be it painting, installation or sculpture—seems to have less impact than one would expect.

Ultimately, as with any investment, research is key; the only difference is how invested you are personally with the works you are buying. If you have a longer view of your investment, you should come armed with the facts about the artist and the work itself. If, on the other hand, you simply like a painting on an aesthetic level, external factors should not discourage you from putting in a bid.

How to Set Up a Company in Malaysia

Elliot
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How to Set Up a Company in Malaysia

As one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and successful economies, Malaysia has long stood out to investors and businesspeople as an ideal place to register a company.

Incorporating a company in Malaysia has several benefits. Malaysian companies can easily do business with other ASEAN member states, providing access to hundreds of millions of people in rapidly developing economies.

Malaysia also offers a variety of interesting tax incentives for entrepreneurs. For example, many companies in the Malaysian federal territory of Labuan are subject to a 3% tax on net profits — a significantly lower profits tax rate than in most other countries.

Companies in offshore business areas such as Labuan can also be 100% foreign owned, letting you retain complete control over your business.

Add a reliable, familiar legal system that’s partially based on English Common Law and a simple incorporation process into the equation and Malaysia stands out as an ideal country in which to open a company.

 

Opening a Shn Bhd Company (Private Limited Company)

The most common type of company in Malaysia is a Sendirian Berhad — better known to people outside Malaysia as a Private Limited company (“Pte Ltd”). This type of company is subject to a range of limitations, including restrictions on the industries in which it can operate.

For example, some Malaysian Shn Bhd companies must have at least 50% local ownership in order to operate within Malaysia. Companies in the agriculture, energy and education sectors, for example, require a 50% Malaysian ownership share in order to comply with the law.

Shn Bhd companies in other industries may be eligible for 100% foreign ownership. Shn Bhd companies also need to have two shareholders and two directors, limiting their value for solo entrepreneurs.

For this reason, Shn Bhd companies are relatively uncommon amongst foreign entrepreneurs interested in doing business through a Malaysian company.

 

Opening a Labuan International Company (LIC)

A far more popular option for non-Malaysian entrepreneurs and businesspeople interested in doing business in Malaysia is to open a Labuan International Company, or LIC.

This type of company is registered in the Federal Territory of Labuan. Labuan companies can legally be 100% foreign owned. They also only require a single director and shareholder, with both of these positions allowed to be filled by the same individual.

LICs have a low minimum paid-up capital requirement of just $1 USD. They also have a very low 3% net profit tax for trading activities that occur outside of Malaysia, and a relatively low 24% profits tax for trading activity within Malaysia.

 

The Malaysian Company Registration Process

Opening a company in Malaysia is a relatively simple process. It begins by doing a trademark search to check that the company’s name is available. Your Malaysian company must have a unique name, which you can secure via the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

From here, the company registration process involves notarising and sending the Articles of Association and Memorandum, filling in several forms (including Form 48A, 6 and 13A) and providing identification documents for all of the company’s directors and secretaries.

Most entrepreneurs interested in opening a company in Malaysia do so through a company incorporation agency, which can complete the process far more efficiently than a non-local individual.

 

6 Deals to keep an eye on for Black Friday

ABC Staff
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6 Deals to keep an eye on for Black Friday

Since 1952 Black Friday has been viewed as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, and nowadays all major retailers open their doors early to offer incredibly attractive promotional sales across a wide range of different products. Whether you’re on the market for a 4K TV, a first-class camera, a new game or even a web hosting deal, you’re in luck!

In the United States, Black Friday is always set on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving, and it is widely known as an almost insane day where people line up for hours on end in anticipation of incredible bargains for clothes, fridges, carpets, laptops, and other items.

Because the countdown has already begun and we are only nine days away, here are the six deals you should keep an eye on:

1)   Bluehost

Bluehost is renowned for being one of the top hosting providers to offer free domain registration and budget-friendly hosting services, especially when combined with a limited-time offer or coupon. We all know that web hosting services can be expensive, sometimes taking a significant toll on your monthly budget. That’s why Bluehost is a service that offers affordable alternatives for a large client base –ranging from individuals to small businesses or even larger-scale multinational companies. The goal is to allow each entrepreneur to follow their hosting ideas without having to compromise on quality or range of services.

To enhance affordability and encourage people to join the field of hosting, while satisfying returning customers, Bluehost introduced discount coupons –some of which you can find even outside the Black Friday event. This allows users to obtain high returns on investments for products and services which would otherwise cost an arm and a leg. In fact, Bluehost offers a great deal here, an attractive 75% discount for website owners, service providers, entrepreneurs, and others. Recommended by top-tier online marketers and numerous blogger, Bluehost is one deal you should keep an eye on this Black Friday.

2)   Game.co.uk

Game.co.uk is known for launching its Black Friday deals on Thursday evening before Black Friday. Whether you’re on the market for a new console or controller, the latest Assassin’s Creed game or any equipment for your gaming den, this is the place to look for it. During the last couple of years, we have seen deals go live around 8 pm and sometimes even earlier than that, as most customers have their alarms set for the moment when they can grab the best possible deal. Of course, you will need to bear in mind that the there is a limited stock allocation and thinking quick is the way to guarantee that you will grab your dream bundle deal. You might even find yourself looking at consoles, Xbox Live subscriptions, GTA V shark cards, or games you may not have wanted before gasping at these incredible deals.

3)   Debenhams

Debenhams has a whole Black Friday webpage that you can use to stop the top discounts on kitchen appliances, TVs, furniture, makeup, and even clothes. It’s rare to find people who don’t know or love Debenhams, and that’s due to the vast array of products featured both in store and on their webpage. If you’re looking for significant discounts which typically start at around 30% of the original price, this is an excellent option for you. Hey, you might even find yourself a new king-sized bed!

4)   Currys.co.uk

Currys.co.uk is another online and high-street brand that features incredible Black Friday deals. Including names such as PC World, Mobiles.co.uk, or Carphone Warehouse, Currys talks about ‘black tag deals’ rather than Black Friday. Their discounts make themselves known as early as the beginning of November, undercutting its rivals by revealing some amazing deals and exclusive products.

In the week before Black Friday, it becomes more and more apparent that Currys doesn’t shy away from rewarding its customers with attractive offers on TVs, fridges, consoles, mobile phones, kitchen hobs, and many other trinkets that you may not need but want due to the incredible price. Their top brands include Nespresso, HP, Samsung, Dyson, Sony, Bosch, Beats and LG, and these are just some of the most well-known names that you’ll have the pleasure of potentially purchasing.

5)   Argos.co.uk

Competing with Currys.co.uk, Argos features an impressive range of electrical products, starting from coffee machines or tumble dryers to consoles or controllers. There is no denying that Argos loves Black Friday and was one of the very first retailers to understand the fantastic opportunity to generate some serious revenue.

Although their deals start in early November, you will be able to see a price drop-down as the month goes on, thus ensure that you keep an eye out for these incredible options. A side note would be that last year, Argos promised that if it deals prices would be different by the end of November, they would happily refund you the difference!

6)   Amazon.co.uk

This is undoubtedly a moment you have been expecting. We are all aware that Amazon is basically responsible for creating Black Friday as the online shopping phenomenon we know it as today.  In fact, Amazon.co.uk does not shy away from astonishing deals on almost any item your mind can conceive. It’s essential to note that while the giant retail store believes that its Prime Day deals are even better than Black Friday, people are more likely to closely watch as the clock turns to the 24th of November –marking the day when Amazon goes all-out with its best-thought deals.

For those who are not yet aware, thousands of products will have a reduced price of up to 50%, including high-end electronic gadgets such as Kindle e-readers, Echo Dot speakers, 4K TVs, mobiles, and other little bits and pieces. Don’t forget that if you’re a Prime member as well, you will get early-bird access to some of the best deals Amazon has to offer, and reductions on consoles such as PS4 or Xbox One are some of the most common things that gamers love to get their hands on!

The Most Outrageous Football Scores of All Time

Elliot
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The Most Outrageous Football Scores of All Time

Compared to other sports, football isn’t exactly known for its outrageous scores. Most games end with fairly close scoring, with even the best teams rarely besting their opponents by more than a few points.

However, like every sport, football has its fair share of blowouts. From embarrassingly gigantic World Cup victories to Premier League matches, there are plenty of incredible scores in the history of football.If you want to check the data of the football games you are currently watching, this is possible with the help of sport data sites online you can see the real time data for soccer matches. And this is a way to cool on your end to be updated on the event happening on the sport matches.

Below, we’ve listed five of the most outrageous scores of all time, as well as some background information for each game to help you put each score in context.

Australia 31 – 0 American Samoa

One of the most infamous football scores of all time occurred during a 2001 FIFA World Cup qualification game. Australia — at the time, not a country that was known for its football team’s ability — scored an incredible 31 goals against American Samoa.

The game started out relatively normally, with American Samoa’s goalkeeper saving a goal attempt in the first few minutes of the game. However, Australia attacked aggressively for the first half of the game, scoring seven goals in the first 21 minutes of the game.

The final score for Australia vs. American Samoa? An incredible 31-0 to Australia, making this one of the most ridiculous televised matches in football history.

Arbroath 36 – 0 Bon Accord

In 1885, Scottish football team Arbroath earned one of the highest scores in football history, winning a match against Bon Accord by 36 goals. The match was the biggest defeat in the history of Scottish football, earning Bon Accord an unwanted place in the history books.

Arbroath were so dominant during the game that the team had scored an incredible 15 goals before half time. Spectators were reportedly so amused by the game that they scored it like a cricket match, jotting down each goal with enthusiasm as they rolled in.

Dundee Harp 35 – 0 Aberdeen Rovers

Another Scottish football match, as well as another game from 1885. In fact, this outstanding game of football between Dundee Harp and the Aberdeen Rovers actually took place on the exact same day as the Arbroath vs. Bon Accord match listed above.

During the game, Dundee Harp reportedly scored 37 goals, making their victory the biggest in the history of Scottish football. However, the team secretary for Harp failed to count two goals, meaning the Arbroath vs. Bon Accord match was the one to end up in the history books.

Germany 7 – 1 Brazil

Germany’s thrashing of Brazil during the 2014 world cup might not be the highest score in the history of competitive football, but it was definitely one of the most incredible World Cup defeats  in recent history.

Before the game, both Germany and Brazil were undefeated during the World Cup, with Brazil proudly hosting the tournament. However, Germany’s incredible 7-1 victory shook the Brazilian team and put Germany in the record books as the top scoring team in World Cup history.

AS Adema 149 – 0 SO l’Emyrne

Finally, the most outrageous football score of all time occurred during a 2002 match between Madagascar-based teams AS Adema and SO l’Emyrne.

Prior to the game, SO l’Emyrne were disqualified from winning the championship after a late, disputed penalty during their previous game with DSA Antananarivo. In protest, SO l’Emyrne scored a record 149 own goals, turning the playoff match into a ridiculous farce.

After the match, SO l’Emyrne’s coach was suspended for three years, with several players suspended until the end of the season. Interestingly, the referee faced no punishment for allowing the bizarre game to continue for 90 minutes.

New regulatory body for leasehold rentals

Elliot
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New regulatory body for leasehold rentals

For a number of years now, many of those working in the leasehold and private rentals sector have been calling for increased regulation. And finally it seems the people in charge are listening. Communities Secretary Sajid Javid recently announced that the Government is considering creating a new independent regulatory body to handle leasehold and private rented management and letting agents.

Though it’s yet to be fully outlined, it’s thought the new regulatory body will be charged with addressing the main issues facing the sector, namely affordability, transparency and standards. By protecting consumers from unfair costs, making relations between freeholders and agents fair and open and ensuring standards across the industry are consistently high, it’s hoped the regulatory body will make leasehold and private rented management better for everyone and ensure consumer rights are protected.

Industry calls for increased regulation

Leading figures within the leasehold and private rented management industry have been calling for greater regulation of the housing sector for years. Over-inflated fees, poor management and rogue agents have long been damaging the industry’s reputation. Organisations like the Letting Industry Council, the National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS) and ARLA want regulation improved to weed out these bad apples and ensure consumer rights are protected across the board.

According to Isobel Thomson, chief executive of NALS, 72% of respondents to a recent consultation on a letting fee ban called for broader regulation within the industry. Several major lettings agents including Your Move, Reeds Rains and Rendall & Rittner also welcomed the proposed initiative, showing that there is a real need for improved regulation in the area.

Making fees fair and improving standards

According to Sajid Javid, there are over 4.2 million leasehold homes across the country. The combined service charges on these properties can climb as high as £2.5bn – £3.5bn per year. Although many costs are of course justified, many leaseholders and industry bodies believe these charges are often inflated. In many cases, these increased costs are passed onto tenants, something that affects up to 4.5 million people living in rented accommodation.

As part of the initiative, the Government is also looking at ways to increase transparency in the sector. The new regulatory body could force agents to explain exactly what services they’re charging for and why. It could also put additional power into the hands of consumers by giving leaseholders more of a say over their agent.

Deposit Safety Schemes

The proposed regulatory body is in line with other government back schemes such as the tenancy protection deposit scheme (TDP). The scheme successfully protects both the landlord and the tenant and it launched all the way back in 2007. The scheme meant that the landlord had to return a deposit deposit within 10 days of both parties agreeing how on much the tenant got back. If there was any dispute, the deposit was then protected in the TDP scheme until the issue is resolved.

Unsurprisingly, a large proportion of those disputes were due to the property not being in a clean and fit state. Professional end of tenancy cleans are always recommended in these situations to ensure the dispute is resolved quickly.

Increase in the number of leasehold properties

Over the past 20 years, the number of leasehold properties in the UK has risen sharply. In 1996, just 22% of new build homes were sold as leasehold. This has now increased to 43%, trapping millions more owners into paying annual fees and ground rent. In London, nine out of every ten new build homes are now sold as leasehold. This means that the issue of leasehold rentals is likely to affect even more people in the future, especially with ground rents on some new build homes going up faster than ever.

Although the industry has done a reasonable job of regulating itself, there are still a number of areas of serious concern that need to be addressed. By introducing a new industry body to regulate fees, management practices and standards, the Government hopes to make the housing sector fairer, more transparent and more affordable for everyone.

Take Control Of Your Debt In 2018

ABC Staff
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Take Control Of Your Debt In 2018

It’s fair to say careful spending is one of the biggest challenges of life in the 21st century. Thanks to economic turbulence, rampant inflation, and the rising cost of living, it’s getting harder to live without debt.

In fact, a majority of adults in the United States owe money to banks, credit cards, insurers, or student loan companies. Without careful management, these debts can spiral out of control. So, it’s imperative you stay on top of balances, deadlines, interest rates, and other details.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to escape the red zone and get back to black. Keep reading our guide to money management to find out more.

Establish Goals

Often, people find it hard to save money because their goals are too vague. You’ve got to give yourself clear, precise targets to work toward. Don’t commit to saving some money. Pick an amount and a timeframe and stick to it.

Set Up a Savings Account

One of the simplest ways to save is to take the decision out of it. If you set up an automatic payment, once or twice per month, it will happen without your help. Even the smallest amount – five or six dollars – can add up to something valuable given enough time.

Pay in an Orderly Fashion

Credit card debts are particularly nefarious because they carry high interest rates. If you owe money on multiple cards, order them according to percentage. Always prioritize the bill with the highest rate, as this is the highest stakes debt. Where possible, pay off more than the minimum amount. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying off the interest, rather than the actual debt.

Reduce Your Bills

It is easy to shave a chunk off household bills. In fact, turning the thermostat down by just one notch is usually enough to cut costs down to size. This can be tough in winter, but there are plenty of options. Turn the heating down just a little and relish the chance to dig your coziest socks and jumpers.

Change Your Cell Plan

Cell phone plans are like car insurance or mortgages. Most people stick with their current plan just because it involves less work. However, you could be missing out on major savings. Get in touch your network provider and ask about a cell phone downgrade. They’ll fill you in on the best possible package for your budget.

Pocket Spare Change

It sounds like a trivial detail, but you’d be amazed at how much money gets thrown away as change. Having a pocket full of coins can be a bit frustrating, but it’s worth holding on to them. Find yourself a jar or container. Throw in your cents and quarters. Before you know it, you’ll have a heap of coins that can be turned into notes at the bank.

Put the Credit Card Down

Credit and debit cards are wonderful things until you stop viewing them as ‘real’ spending. This is quite common. As no physical money is behind handed over, it often feels like card payments don’t really count. To reverse this effect, commit to paying for everything with cash. Set out a specific amount each day. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Don’t forget that saving cash and taking control of your debts is all about little steps. It’s important to be patient and realize that, even though it might be a long journey, perseverance will lead to success.

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