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5 Of the Top News Stories from 2017

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It should come as no surprise that most of the world is glad to usher in a brand new year as in 2017 a multitude of negative events rocked the world. To discover 5 of the top news stories from 2017, simply continue reading.

5 of the top news stories from 2017:

Donald Trump’s inauguration divides a nation

On the 20th of January, Donald Trump was sworn in as 45th President of the United States, an event which divided a nation. While Republic fans flocked to DC to witness Trump’s inauguration thousands of disgruntled citizens took to the streets to protest Trump’s election win. Trumps presidential win also concerned the international community, with over 2 million individuals worldwide protesting Trump’s inauguration.

Terrorists target an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England

On the 22nd of May, terrorists bombed an Ariana Grande concert held at the Manchester Arena. In total, 23 individuals were killed and over 500 spectators were injured as a result of the terrorist’s explosions. Amongst the fatalities of the bomber Salman Ramadan Abedi’s violent act of terrorism, there were several children who lost their lives as a result of attending Grande’s concert.

White supremacist runs over and kills a protestor

On the 12th of August, a white supremacist plowed his Dodge Challenger into a group of citizens who were protesting a public white supremacist rally which was held in Charlottesville, Virgina. As a result of the man’s act of hate, one woman ultimately lost her life and several others will seriously injured.

Further blood was shed at the Unite the Right rally with multiple brawls taking place and the police declaring a state of emergency. To add further fuel to the fire, some Unite the Right members decided to turn up to their rally wearing military-style uniforms and carrying loaded guns.

North Korea threatens the USA

North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un spent the year testing a wide variety of illegal nuclear weapons, which he threatened could be used against the USA. Although the United Nations condemned North Korea, the United Nations failed to stop North Korea from continuing to test illegal nuclear weapons.

Later in the year Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, waged a war of words on Twitter, a social media platform. With individuals around the world, left puzzled at the current political climate, where international leaders have taken to insulting and threatening each other on popular social media platforms.

The US gets hit by not 1 but 15 serious natural disasters

In 2017 alone the US was hit by 15 serious natural disasters which are estimated to have cost the federal government 180 billion dollars in damages. Examples of some of the natural disasters which shocked the US include Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, and Hurricane Harvey.

As a result of the torrential storm which took place during Hurricane Harvey parts of Texas were flooded and 82 Texas citizens lost their lives.

Whatever 2018 may bring, global citizens hope for less destruction, death, division, and devastation as 2017’s top new’s headlines were flooded with tragic new stories.

 

Top 5 Bands from 2017

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In 2017 a wide variety of bands, including some old favorites such as Maroon 5 topped the music charts which catchy new beats. To discover the top 5 bands from 2017, simply continue reading!

Top 5 bands from 2017:

Maroon 5

In 2017, Maroon 5 which is fronted by Adam Levine who serves as a judge on the Voice, released a new album Red Blue Pills, which features a variety of hit tracks. Examples of which include “What Lovers Do”, “Cold” and “Don’t Wanna Know”. All of which were released as singles and featured in a variety of charts.

“Don’t Wanna Know” was Maroon 5’s breakaway hit and featured on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, the Hot 100 Airway Chart, and Adult Top 40 Chart.

DNCE

While DNCE which is fronted by ex Jonas Brothers member Joe Jonas released their debut self-titled album in 2016, DNCE achieved a high level of recognition in 2017. In 2017 DNCE headlined their first tour where they performed some of their most popular hits. Examples of which include “Cake By the Ocean”, “Toothbrush” and “Body Moves”.

In 2017 DNCE which is famous for its infectious, dance tracks were also nominated for several awards. Examples of which include the People’s Choice Awards statue for Breakout Artist of the Year and the iHeartRadio Music Awards’ Best Duo or Group of the Year Award.

Joe Jonas also featured in international entertainment headlines when he proposed to Game of Thrones’ star Sophie Turner.

Jamiroquai

British band Jamiroquai, which is best known for their 1996 hit “Cosmic Girl”, which featured an iconic music video which boasted three supercars, released a brand new album “Automaton”, which was Jamiroquai’s first album in 7 years.

“Automaton” was received favorably by the music community, achieving an impressive average score on Metacritic of 71. If you’re on the search for new tracks to play on your road trips, it’s well worth listening to “Automaton”.

Tokio Hotel

Tokio Hotel is a German rock band, which was founded back in 2001 and has sold over 1 million CDs and has won numerous European MTV Music Awards. Some of Tokio Hotel’s most recognized tracks include “Monsoon”, “World Behind My Wall”, “Automatic” and “Don’t Jump”.

In 2017, Tokio Hotel released their latest album “Dream Machine”, which featured a variety of catchy dance tracks. Examples of which include “Something New”, “Easy” and “What If”.

Fifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony is one of the most popular girl bands in the world and were formed as part of the X Factor. By December 2016, Fifth Harmony had already amassed 7 million digital downloads and 1.6 billion on-demand streams. In 2017, original member Camilla Cabello chose to leave the girl group in favor of pursuing a solo career.

However, Fifth Harmony still achieved a great level of success and won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Group. An award which they picked up for the second year in a row! In May 2017 Fifth Harmony released a chart-topping single “Down”, which featured Gucci Mane and in August the girl group released their third self-titled album.

So if you’re looking to add some new tracks to your favorite playlist, it’s well worth exploring the albums of each of the 5 bands listed above!

 

Home Decor DIY Ideas

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If you’re looking to spruce up your home’s decor, simply continue reading to discover a wide array of DIY projects which are well worth trying out.

Home Decor DIY Ideas:

A handmade mosiac mirror

If you own a plain mirror, you may want to consider giving your mirror a makeover by decorating your mirror’s frame with a mosaic. To create an eye-catching mosaic which will sparkle in the sunlight, simple use a bunch of old CDs, which you can break in order to create your mirror’s sparkly mosaic frame.

Faux antique table

All you need to create a faux antique table is a shelf and a bit of paint. Once you’ve hung your shelf on your desired wall simply use a stencil to draw a fake antique table underneath your shelf. Once you’re happy with the outline which you’ve drawn, simply use your choice of paint to fill in your stencil and you’ll have your very own shelf, which looks like it’s a faux antique table.

Use old picture frames and old drawers, to create practical yet eye-catching shelves

Instead of throwing out old drawers from a dated chest of drawers, you can give your drawers a new lease on life by using them to create unique storage units which you can hang on your walls.

Simply paint your old photo frames and attach them to the front of each old drawer to create an attractive frame shelf. Which you can use to store little bits of pieces such as car keys and mail.

Furry desk chair

In order to create a comfortable, stylish furry desk chair, purchase an inexpensive faux fur rug, which you can then use to cover your desk chair. If you spend a lot of time studying or working from home.

DIY reading nook

If you’re interested in creating your own little reading nook, in the corner of your bedroom, office or lounge, you can use a curved curtain rod to hang up some netting to create a private reading nook. Which is the perfect place to retreat to, when you need some space from your family members or housemates. Just place a fluffy rug or blanket at the bottom of your reading nook and to place a few decorative pillows in your reading nook.

If you’re a parent, you may also want to consider setting up a fairy or circus themed DIY reading nook in your child’s bedroom.

Light bulb vases

If you’re interested in displaying a single flower which you picked from your garden, you may want to consider opening a light bulb and removing the contents, so that you can use your old light bulb as a mini vase. If you’re looking to display several flowers, simply tie a bunch of lightbulbs to a piece of rope as you’ll be able to hang your rope from your ceiling or on your garden fence.

So if you’re keen to add a few stylish yet practical decorations to your home, it’s well worth testing out your DIY skills by trying one or more of the DIY decor projects listed above.

 

6 Upcoming Fashion Trends for 2018

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If you’re proud of being a trendsetter and are interested in finding out about some of 2018’s hottest fashion trends ahead of their release, simply continue reading to discover 6 upcoming fashion trends, which are well worth working into your closet.

6 Upcoming 2018 Fashion Trends:

Sequins

In 2018, expect to see sequins make a come back as a variety of designer brands upcoming collections. Examples of which include Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Dior and Tom Ford. Expect sequins to feature on sweatshirts, wrap dresses and bomber jackets as well as accessories such as purses and backpacks. If you’re looking for a subtle way to incorporate sequins into your wardrobe, you may want to consider purchasing a sequined pair of high heels, which you can pair with a little black dress!

Pastel hues

You can also expect to see pastel hues dominating your favorite stores’ shelves as 2018 is set to become the year of pastel. If you’re looking for a unique way to rock a pastel hue, consider pairing a pastel maxi skirt with a white blouse and a pair of loafers or high heels or investing in a pastel blazer, which you can wear with skinny jeans for a chic off-duty weekend look.

Checked prints

If you’re not sold on the idea of sporting pastel hues such as lilac and periwinkle, you may be more interested in sporting a checked print. While checked shirts and ties are set to dominate men’s fashion, women’s fashion is set to debut a variety of head to toe check inspired outfits.

As examples both Victoria Beckham and Burberry have released photos of their upcoming checkered outfits. If you can’t see yourself wearing a checked skirt, shirt and coat, simply choose one piece from your favorite collection which you can pair with neutral items which are already hanging in your closet.

Bold fringing

While fringing debuted in 2017, expect to see fringing soar in popularity in 2018. Expect to see fringing on designer handbags as well as on maxi dresses, mini dresses, and leather skirts. As well as on leather jackets, bomber jackets, and denim jackets.

Sheer fabrics

As the weather starts to warm up expect to see sheer fabrics hit the runway and the streets of your city. Expect to see skirts and dresses which feature lightweight sheer panels as well as white button-down shirts which feature carefully positioned sheer panels. Also expect to see shear coats which are designed to be layered over evening dresses, hit stores.

Ruffles

Ruffles are another trend which is set to return with a vengeance. Designers such as Erdem and Alexander Mc Queen and Valentino, have all released lookbooks which heavily feature dresses, blouses, and coats which feature prominent ruffles. So whether you’re looking for the perfect cocktail dress or for a new coat, which will turn heads, it’s well worth investing in at least one piece which boasts ruffles!

So if you want to inspire your friends and colleagues to copy your fashion sense, it’s well worth incorporating all of the trends listed above into your 2018 closet!

 

5 Home Design Trends for 2018

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If you’ve decided to update your home’s interior decor during the coming year, simply continue reading to learn about 5 stylish design trends for 2018, which you may be interested in incorporating into your home’s fresh new look.

5 Home Design Trends for 2018:

Velvet fabrics

In 2018 expect to see velvet sofas, velvet throw pillows and velvet blankets, dominate the shelves of your favorite homeware and furniture stores. If you’re looking for a bold way to give your lounge a new lease on life you may want to invest in a classic navy blue velvet sofa. Alternatively, add a touch of class to your lounge or office with a velvet ottoman, which can double as a handy footstool.

While if you’re interested in trying out this particular trend with less commitment, simply purchase a few inexpensive velvet through pillows, which you can use to dress up your sofa, chaise or bed.

Bold floral patterns

Instead of coming across the dainty floral patterns which dominated the market for the past few years, expect to see bold oversized floral patterns released in the form of wallpaper, throw pillows and curtains. A unique way to utilize a large piece of floral material is to create an eye-catching floral headboard for your master bedroom! You can get your own prints of flowers at sites like Paperless Post.

Copper elements

Expect to see the rise of copper sinks, taps, cupboard handles, and vases. As in 2018, stainless steel is out and copper is in. Whether your home is inspired by a traditional school of design which features wooden furniture or your home has been designed with a modern aesthetic in mind it’s well worth incorporating a few eye-catching copper elements into your home’s design.

Black and white color schemes

Black and white color schemes are set to rise in popularity as homeowners seek to subscribe to a timeless color scheme, which will never date. If you prefer to update your home’s decor every few years and are looking for a classic color scheme which is both classy and modern, you can’t go wrong opting for a classic black and white color scheme.

As an example, you might want to consider investing in a white sofa and to place white and black geometric throw cushions on your sofa. To complete the look invest in a striking black coffee table and paint your walls and fireplace a fresh crisp shade of white.

Millineal pink

While 2017 was arguably the year of millennial pink when it came to fashion, in 2018 you can expect to see millennial pink influence the word of interior design and home decor. As an example, don’t be surprised if one of your friends purchases a millennial pink sofa, throw rug or vase.

So if you love earthy neutral tones but would like to add a pop of color to your home’s decor, it’s well worth experimenting with purchasing a millennial pink item or two!

You simply can’t go wrong choosing to incorporate any one of the design trends listed above into your home’s stunning new interior design plan.

 

What’s the Bitcoin Hype All About?

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Chances are that one or more of your friends has invested in Bitcoin, in the hopes of potentially doubling or tripling their initial investment. If you’re curious as to why so many individuals are choosing to invest their hard earned money in Bitcoin, simply continue reading.

What’s the Bitcoin Hype All About?

Potentially acquiring so much wealth, that you’ll be able to retire early

If you don’t want to spend the majority of your life working and would love to spend the bulk of your life traveling, pursuing your passions and volunteering, you may be interested in investing a small proportion of your disposable income into Bitcoin. As so far Bitcoin has helped countless individuals around the world earn enough money to quit their day jobs.

If you invested $100 in Bitcoin in 2010, your initial investment would now be worth around 75 million dollars. Which is proof that Bitcoin can potentially help you become wealthy enough to retire early as Bitcoin has shown no signs of slowing down and is forecasted to rise in price for the next two years.

Bitcoin offers a much higher potential return on your investment than other shares

Most shares will bring in a 3-20% return on investment, while you can still expect to double any money which you invest in Bitcoin. Especially if you invest in Bitcoin during the short intervals when Bitcoin drops slightly in price.

Bitcoin will only rise in popularity in the future

In today’s day and age, not many individuals are comfortable with letting a bank charge exorbitant fees in return for less than 2% interest a year. In today’s society, individuals are also getting more concerned about their privacy and are looking for ways to store their money anonymously, without a bank or their government watching every transaction they make.

As Bitcoin is an anonymous digital currency, you can expect Bitcoin’s popularity to continue to soar in the coming months and years. Further evidence which shows that you can expect Bitcoin to go from strength to strength is that since Bitcoin was launched in 2009 a wide variety of copycat currencies have emerged on the stock market. Popular examples of which include Ethereum and Dash.

However, since Bitcoin’s debut in 2009, no new digital currency has managed to topple Bitcoin as the number one performing cryptocurrency on the stock market.

You can purchase Bitcoin tax-free

If you’re interested in purchasing Bitcoin tax-free, you may want to consider opening an IRA Bitcoin account, which will allow you to purchase Bitcoin in order to save for your retirement. Just keep in mind that you may be subject to penalties if you withdraw any funds from your IRA account before you retire.

So if you’ve heard the hype surrounding Bitcoin and are keen to jump on the Bitcoin bandwagon, it’s well worth seriously considering using some of your disposable income to invest in Bitcoin and to invest in your future! If you’re lucky you may even make enough money to provide your children’s entire lives.

 

5 of the Best Music Releases Coming in 2018

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If you’re always on the lookout for new music to add your smart phone’s playlists, simply continue reading to discover five of the best upcoming music releases in 2018. And if you want to keep up-to-date with monthly music releases, the team of music bloggers at Upbeat Geek summarise the best music every month. Which include music from up and coming talents such as Zayn Malik and Charlie Puth as well as albums from world renown artists such as Justin Timberlake and Moby.

5 of the best music releases coming in 2018:

1. Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks is set to release her second studio album “Fantasea II: The Second Wave”, in March 2018. Which will be the first album which Banks releases under her own record label Chaos & Glory Recordings.

Banks is world renown as one of the world’s leading female rappers and her debut album “Broke With Expensive Taste” which featured dance rap and dance pop was packed full of hits. Examples of which include “Yung “, “Heavy Metal and Reflective”, “Ice Princess” and “Chasing Time”. “Broke With Expensive Taste”, featured on the US Billboard 200 chart and “Fantasea II: The Second Wave”, is expected to feature multiple successful singles.

2. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake’s new album “Man of the Woods” is scheduled for release on the 2nd of February. Timberlake is set to perform several tracks from his fifth studio album at the much-anticipated Superbowl halftime show two days later, on the 4th of February. One of which is rumored to be “Filthy”, Timberlake’s first single off “Man of the Woods”, which was released in January and features vocals from Timberlake’s wife actress Jessica Biel.

Timberlake who is famous for tracks such as “SexyBack”, “Rock Your Body”, “Suit & Tie” and “Mirrors”, claims that “Man of the Woods” is influenced by his country roots growing up in Tennessee.

3. Zayn Malik

While Zayn Malik created a name for himself as a member of the teen boy band “One Direction”, Malik has already proven his solo talent by releasing a plethora of hit solo tracks. Examples of which include “Pillowtalk”, “Still Got Time” and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”. The latter of which Malik released with pop princess Taylor Swift for the film “Fifty Shades Darker”. Malik’s second studio album is predicted to achieve phenomenal success and is described by Malik as being more personal and more optimistic than his first solo album.

4. Charlie Puth

Charlie Puth’s upcoming album “Voicenotes”, is expected to drop during May, 2018 and is set to feature “If You Leave Me Now”, a single which features the iconic band Boys II Men. To date, Puth has already released two successful singles from “Voicenotes”, “Attention” and “How Long”. Both of which have received critical acclaim.26-year-old Puth debut studio album “Nine Track Mind” was released back in 2016 featured two extremely successful chart-topping singles “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and “One Call Away”.

5. Moby

Moby is set to release a new album, “Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Was Hurt”. With the very first track to debut being released in January, peaking at number 37 on the highly regarded US AAA chart.

So it’s well worth keeping an eye out for each of the albums listed above, which are set to be released over the coming year.