Whether your audience wants to learn how to run a business or simply advance in their career, they will always turn to specialized business blogs for advice.
Pratheesha posted: " A combination of attractive interest rates and the launch of real estate-focused financial products is leading a trend towards investing in apartments, according to John Keells Holdings Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing (Property Group), Nadeem"
A combination of attractive interest rates and the launch of real estate-focused financial products is leading a trend towards investing in apartments, according to John Keells Holdings Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing (Property Group), Nadeem Shums.
Sri Lanka's financial sector has reached a phase of low interest rates - for fixed income products and housing loans. Together with strong underlying demand for condominium properties, the developer reported a surge in demand from investors on the look-out for stable, high yielding investments.
"Despite the challenges arising from the pandemic, the real-estate sector has continued to perform well. We have also made steady progress on construction with the towers ascending to the 39th floor. You can now start to see TRI-ZEN taking shape and transforming Colombo's skyline," Shums stated.
He added that with increased urbanisation more Sri Lankans are seeking a new standard in convenience offered by properties like TRI-ZEN because of the central location, superior amenities, and attractive rupee pricing. "This is where our competitive pricing, relative to other metropolitan developments, proves to be particularly attractive. Especially with increased construction costs and land costs, the value of such condominium properties will continue to appreciate."
In order to offer aspiring homeowners greater financial flexibility, JKP announced a slew of partnerships with some of Sri Lanka's leading banks for its ground-breaking 'Freedom Mortgage Package'. By providing customers a two-year interest free period on their mortgage, it requires customers to only pay 20% now and nothing more for the next two years. Customers can enjoy a payment free period of two years, after which the interest payments begin, and the capital repayments are made three years thereafter. Interest rates are attractive, from just 7% per annum, and homeowners have the choice of a suite of mortgage packages with minimal down payment required. With three leading banking partners offering expansive branch networks and excellent customer service embedded within the pioneering mortgage plan, homeowners have the choice of partnering with a financial institution of their choice.
"The response to Freedom Mortgage has been very positive, and it has allowed many investors who, would typically not be in a position to put together large amounts of capital, to finally have a clear path to invest in a project like TRI-ZEN. This is game changing for those looking either to hold the property as a long-term investment or to simply have a pad in the city for your family," Shums said.
TRI-ZEN is a joint venture between Indra Traders (Pvt) Ltd and John Keells Holdings PLC, with China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd (CSCEC) serving as the main contractor. The three tower 891-unit apartment project on Colombo's Union Place will have one, two and three bedroomed apartments, with two-bedroomed apartments starting from just Rs. 36 million. The complex will have over 35 amenities for a thriving community including green spaces, a jogging track, a swimming pool, fitness and wellness studios, and a games room, providing residents with an integrated living space capable of meeting all their needs, while its central location provides easy access to the heart of Colombo.
Cristian Mihai posted: " Hey guys, Last deal of the year, and the best deal ever. Here's the TL,DR version: until Monday, I'm offering access to all the courses on the Academy (and all the courses and premium content on irevuo and the Polymathic Club) for only $50. No, "
Here's the TL,DR version: until Monday, I'm offering access to all the courses on the Academy (and all the courses and premium content on irevuo and the Polymathic Club) for only $50.
No, this is not a joke. Hundreds of lessons, tutorials, guides, video lessons, eBooks... all for life, for only $50. FOREVER.
I want as many of you to take advantage and join and upgrade your blogging skills, your mindset, master the art of self-publishing, marketing, and a dozen or so other skills.
P.S. We'll even get on a quick chat over Skype/Zoom, so I can show you all that you get, show you around the platforms, and talk about your blog.
Now, here's everything you get:
From 0 to 5,000 Readers in 6 Months
This is our flagship course, with over 200 video lessons, tutorials, guides, and eBooks. It's more like 14 courses into one, to be exact. You learn everything about growing your audience, from branding your blog, figuring out your ideal reader, creating high-value content, email marketing, social media marketing, guest blogging, you name it.
It's insane, and right now it sells for $339.
Here's what people are saying about it:
Insanely well-delivered information. Actionable steps. Tools to use and how to use them. Incredibly valuable course.
Patrick B
I think this program is great for teaching others to blog well. Cristian's writing style makes me laugh and the course gives a lot of great advice. Not only that, the feedback that Cristian sends you is thorough and detailed. He has lots of good ideas for improving your blog. I highly recommend!
Alexandra Acosta
To say this was money well spent is a massive understatement. If you want to further your blog, be a better writer, and grow as an all-round human being, Cristian's program has it all and then some. I highly recommend anyone remotely interested in being a better blogging to sign up. I promise you won't regret it.
David Stagg
The Art of Writing Blockbuster Articles
Over 75 video lessons, tutorials, guides, and eBooks to help you master the art of writing high-value articles.
It currently sells for $149.
Here's what people are saying about it:
"I can not wait to see how applying the new information I learned from this course affects my blog. I recently started writing posts based on the way they should be structured according to this course and they all look more organized and well put together. I am so thankful I enrolled and I highly recommend this course."
Britt Diane
Principles of Blogging
The most unconventional course I've ever designed, it's focused on mental frameworks that will help you upgrade your blogging game, better understand content creation, and apply some crazy techniques.
It currently sells for $59.
Here's what people are saying about it:
"The advice in the course was easy to understand and quite helpful. The lists/guides embedded in the modules were enlightening! Thank you for such great content!"
Ben H
The Art of Blogpreneurship
As the title implies, this course is all about teaching you the principles, the mindset, and the strategies of making money blogging.
But that's not all. You also get lifetime access to irevuo, a platform dedicated to helping aspiring indie writers and self-publishers.
Currently, a lifetime membership costs $249, and gives you access to all courses (present and future).
As of right now, you get access to 10 different courses, over 100 different lessons, on topics such as selling and marketing a self-published book, mindset, character development, and some unique frameworks inspired by the world's leading writers and creators.
You also get access to the Polymathic Club. For life. All premium articles, and everything else we might release in the future.
If you're into personal development, psychology, self-help, or philosophy, you're going to love being.part of this community.
This is the last deal of the year. And I am offering you this deal because I want as many of you to join and take advantage of all the premium content, courses, and tutorials that I've invested thousands of hours of work in the past couple of years.
Pratheesha posted: " Nations Trust Bank American Express, announced an exciting new promotional campaign for loyal customers, in partnership with Samsung, Sri Lanka's No.1 smartphone brand, to giveaway the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G smartphones. N"
Nations Trust Bank American Express, announced an exciting new promotional campaign for loyal customers, in partnership with Samsung, Sri Lanka's No.1 smartphone brand, to giveaway the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G smartphones. Nations Trust Bank American Express Cardmembers will be eligible for this promotion when they use their card to pump fuel.
Cardmembers who pump fuel worth LKR 2,500/- or more at a time with their Nations Trust Bank American Express card will be eligible for the promotion. The cardmember can perform the transaction at any fuel station around the country using their Nations Trust Bank American Express Card. They can also perform multiple transactions for multiple entries in to the draw. This promotion is valid for fuel transactions made between 1st October and 31st December.
All eligible transactions will be entered into the draw and winners will be chosen at random by the Nations Trust Bank American Express Team and Executives of Samsung Sri Lanka in the presence of Ministry officials to maintain transparency.
"Nations Trust Bank American Express is committed to give the best rewards to our loyal Cardmembers, going above and beyond the usual. We are very excited to be able to partner with the global Smartphone giant, Samsung to offer our Cardmembers the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G smartphones, in keeping with our commitment to offer the best for our loyal Cardmembers. Every time you use your card for fuel transactions over LKR 2500, you will be eligible for this exciting 'Pump Fuel and Win' campaign." said Niluka Gunatilake, Head of Cards at Nations Trust Bank.
In Sri Lanka, Samsung has been recognized as the 'Most Loved Electronics Brand' for three consecutive years by Brand Finance Lanka's review of the country's most valuable brands. As Sri Lanka's No.1 smartphone brand, Samsung's customer base in the country spans across all age groups, particularly the Gen Z and Millennial segments.
"This partnership allows our consumers to align themselves with Nations Trust Bank American Express to win the most cutting-edge smartphone that Samsung has to offer. We are very happy with the phenomenal global and local response that we have received from our consumers. While Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are industry pioneers, they are also equipped with groundbreaking tech that allows a seamless and refined experience," said Kevin SungSu YOU, Managing Director, Samsung Sri Lanka.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, launched in Sri Lanka on the 16th of September, has seen a large positive feedback and has struck a chord with many consumers. Consumers who are seeking the ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment will love Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, a true multitasking powerhouse with next level performance. Thanks to the world's first under-display camera on a foldable device, it provides an uninterrupted 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display along with the first ever S Pen support on a foldable device. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are equipped with IPX8 water resistance and built with new Armor Aluminum—the strongest aluminum ever used on a Galaxy smartphone—along with the toughest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus to protect against scratches and accidental drops. Both devices come with a new protective film made of stretchable PET5 and optimized display panel layers resulting in a Main Screen that's 80% more durable than previous devices. Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 are verified by Bureau Veritas to withstand folding 200,000 times. They are equipped with the latest powerful 5nm processor and 5G band compatibility for the best experience inside and out.
Nations Trust Bank PLC is among the top 15 business establishments in Sri Lanka as ranked by Business Today. Stemming from its vision of "helping people and businesses by providing financial services and information to achieve their goals and aspirations in a sustainable way", the Bank serves a diverse range of customers across both individual and corporate, with an enviable portfolio of banking and financial products and services. Strongly focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, the Bank is a pioneer in many innovative customer centric banking solutions such as extended banking hours, and FriMi – Sri Lanka's first digital banking experience. Delivering premium value, service and connecting its Card Members to rewarding experiences and opportunities Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka. The Bank operates 96 branches across the country and has an ATM network covering 127 locations and 48 Cash Deposit & Withdrawal Machines, plus more than 3,700 ATMs on the Lanka Pay Network.
grattanstreetpress posted: " By Lily Miniken When you read or hear the word 'crochet', your first thought may be of your grandma, or perhaps a scene from a Jane Austen novel. For me, crocheting means self-expression and hours of fun, not to mention a way to preserve my sanity du"
When you read or hear the word 'crochet', your first thought may be of your grandma, or perhaps a scene from a Jane Austen novel. For me, crocheting means self-expression and hours of fun, not to mention a way to preserve my sanity during the mess that has been the last two years. Crochet has always received plenty of love from a wide range of people, but during the Coronavirus pandemic, it has had a sort of renaissance, especially amongst the young women of Generation Z, and I am one of them.
The pandemic has seen a resurgence in multiple household skills and activities such as baking, knitting, embroidery and cross-stitching, but the one that has influenced my life and has seen the most growth in the wider world is crochet. While such skills have been previously linked to ideas of domesticity and homemaking, today a whole new generation is discovering and using crochet as an embellishment of their identity. And frankly, it is very trendy.
My crochet journey
I first started crocheting when I was fourteen and I was truly terrible. I didn't even follow any patterns; I just forced my yarn into wonky headbands. But in early 2020, at the age of 21, I realised that I was going to be confined to my home for a long period of time, so I tried again.
It all began with bucket hats. I must have watched the same YouTube tutorial at least 20 times before I finally started to get it. During this endeavour, I began to learn the language of crochet, discovering the different types of stitches and understanding their meaning. As I moved onto more challenging items, the whole process became more and more relaxing and I found myself gravitating towards it to curb my anxiety. One of my favourite things to do now is to listen to a podcast or story, such as Stephen Fry's audiobook of Harry Potter or Office Ladies, whilst I create.
Since the start of my crochet journey, I have made a dozen hats (bucket and beanies), shopping bags, backpacks, coin purses, jumpers, tops, earrings, coasters and other oddities. I just can't get enough! Instead of YouTube tutorials, I now follow written patterns, getting the majority of these from Etsy. There is something so exhilarating but humbling about making your own clothes and accessories: they aren't always perfect, but they wouldn't exist without your determination and perseverance. I have even sold a few of my items!
Some of my creations - a strawberry backpack and a blueberry purse.
A brief history of crochet
Before I delve into the reasons behind this recent revival, let's look at the history of crochet just to bring you up to speed. I should also clarify that crocheting is not the same as knitting. With crochet, you only use one hook, while two needles are needed to knit.
Knitted textiles have been around for centuries, but tangible evidence of crochet first emerged in the 1800s. Crochet was first conceived as a technique to serve as a cheaper alternative to traditional lace. Throughout the 1900s, crochet was used to make entire garments of clothing such as hats, gowns and cardigans, but it really took off in the 1960s and 70s. Alongside crocheted clothing items, there was a huge trend in crocheted homewares and the 'granny square' was born. We are certainly seeing the biggest comeback since this 60s–70s era.
Why is crochet becoming cool again?
As the world slowed down during 2020, people started looking for new ways to keep themselves busy and to explore their creative abilities when in isolation, leading to the rise of overlooked household skills.
Crochet started trending because it has the same pull and attraction as thrifting does, which is also incredibly trendy amongst Generation Z. Making your own clothes is a form of sustainable slow fashion. Despite whether you use ethically sourced yarn or not, you are at least in some way avoiding the endless cycle of waste that is synonymous with the fast fashion industry. Additionally, the crochet boom can be linked to the resurgence of 70s fashion trends that we have seen over the past few years in the form of platform boots and flared pants.
Personally, I believe the rise of crochet amongst Gen Z is due to TikTok and YouTube. Crochet is largely considered to be part of the 'Cottagecore' aesthetic of TikTok and Gen Z – think countryside scenes and peasant dresses. There are tens of thousands of TikToks related to crochet: tutorials, hauls – you name it, it's there. Crochet was able to go viral on TikTok because of the unique nature of the app's algorithm. Depending on what type of TikToks you watch and 'like', the app will continue to show you like-minded or similar TikToks on your 'For You Page' (FYP). Basically, once you are on crochet TikTok, the more crochet content you will be exposed to!
The best YouTube videos for crochet are definitely the numerous beginners tutorials or the ones from the experts who may have forgotten one of the trickier stitches. Tutorials that teach viewers how to make certain celebrity clothing items or accessories (such as the viral Harry Styles Cardigan) are also becoming extremely popular. With these videos getting hundreds of thousands of views, there's an endless amount of variations for you to choose from. Another type of video trending on YouTube is compilation videos of different crochet TikToks, showing how these two platforms are able to cross over successfully.
The outcome of these viral videos can be seen on Depop, a fashion marketplace platform. Depop enables users to sell and purchase clothing items, often second-hand or hand-made to create a more sustainable shopping experience. Depop functions on a peer-to-peer basis, meaning anyone can post their items for sale. As such, there is a wide range of crocheted items available which sell for increasingly higher prices, especially if they contain some of the viral crochet TikTok creations such as the strawberry or frog bucket hat.
I am so happy crochet is 'in'. If anything, learning to crochet has provided me with an outlet for my stress and anxiety during difficult times and has taught me a little more about resilience. Not to mention that there is honestly nothing better than being able to make things for the people I love. Hopefully I'll have my own Etsy store up soon!
Lily Miniken is a 23-year-old Publishing Communications student at the University of Melbourne. Lily has previously been published in Farrago and is currently our website editor and co-editor of the Publishing and MZ blogs.
Lisa posted: " For the first time in my many years on earth, I am the queen of my own castle! When I made the bold decision to live alone for the first time, it was supposed to be a temporary thing. I wanted to see what it would be like living alone and whether it w"
For the first time in my many years on earth, I am the queen of my own castle!
When I made the bold decision to live alone for the first time, it was supposed to be a temporary thing. I wanted to see what it would be like living alone and whether it would be something that I could actually do. Well, turns out I did it so well because a year and a few months later, I have been loving it.
I have grown and flourished in ways I never would have had I not made this decision to live alone.
Here are some lessons I have learned from living alone:
