Grant Cardone

Between soaring home prices and high mortgage rates, buying a home has become unaffordable for many Americans.

The outcome of the upcoming presidential election could potentially affect housing affordability and Grant Cardone a private equity fund manager and real estate investor believes that a victory for Donald Trump could be good news for the real estate market.

Find Out: Im an Investor: Im Making These Money Moves Immediately If Trump Wins

Be Aware: 6 Unusual Ways to Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

Heres why Cardone believes a Trump win could make buying a home more affordable:

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Although the president doesnt directly control interest rates, Cardone believes Trump would do everything in his power to get them lowered during his potential presidency.

Trump will hammer the Fed for lower rates, Cardone told GOBankingRates. If he doesnt get his way, he will try to collapse the Fed and make it part of his executive office. I think it is not a bad idea that the president would control the interest rates of a country, because we cant be competitive right now. Japan has a mortgage rate of 2.5%. Ours is 7.5%.

If interest rates were reduced, mortgage rates would drop as well.

Trump would put pressure on the Fed to reduce rates and get them competitive again so people could actually afford a mortgage, which would be under 4% or 4.5% for a mortgage to be competitive with a rent, Cardone said.

Trending Now: Im an Economist: Heres My Prediction for the Housing Market If Trump Wins the Election

Not everyone agrees that mortgage rates would be lower under Trump. Melissa Cohn, the regional vice president at William Raveis Mortgage and a 40-year veteran of the mortgage industry, believes that a Trump win would be more likely to result in inflation, so interest rates would not be reduced.

Trump has all of his tariffs and his isolationist policies that he would want to put into place, which would be inflationary in this country, she said.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Grant Cardone: Heres How a Trump Win Could Make Buying a Home More Affordable

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Grant Cardone: Heres How a Trump Win Could Make Buying a Home More Affordable - Yahoo Finance

Oriental College Kohima held its first graduation day for the batch of 2021-24 at its campus on July 20.

Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Governor La Ganesan, in his speech, expressed gratitude to be a part of Oriental Colleges 1st Graduation Day a momentous event that marks not only the end of a significant chapter in the lives of our graduates but also the beginning of a promising new journey.

Traversing the journey of the College since its establishment in 1996 under the auspices of the Christian Revival Church, Kohima village, the Governor noted that Oriental College has been a centre of academic excellence and cultural enrichment.

To the graduates, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your hard work, perseverance, and determination have brought you to this milestone. Today, as you receive your graduation certificates, you are being recognized for your academic achievements and the commitment you have shown to your education. This is a moment of great pride for you, your families, and everyone who has supported you on this journey, wished the Governor.

According to Ganesan, Oriental College stands out not only for its academic rigor but also for its emphasis on instilling discipline, moral, and ethical values.

The college promotes the diffusion of knowledge and seeks the personal advancement of its students, regardless of caste, creed, community, or social status. This inclusive vision of holistic education aims to mould you into responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society, stated Ganesan.

To the graduating students, the Governor reminded them that their education is a tool not just for personal success but for the betterment of society.

Your integrity, honesty, and empathy will define you in your personal and professional endeavors. In a world that often faces ethical dilemmas and challenges, it is essential to hold onto your values. Integrity and honesty are not just moral imperatives but the cornerstones of trust and respect in any relationship or organization. Hard work and perseverance are critical, but they should always be accompanied by a sense of empathy towards your fellow citizens and a spirit of patriotism towards your country, stated the Governor.

He also advised the students to strive to make positive contributions to your community and your nation, since their actions have the power to impact others. Your sense of duty towards your country will be reflected in your actions, whether big or small, said Ganesan.

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As the students venture into their future careers and lives, the Governor urged them to carry the lessons learned at Oriental College. Continue to strive for excellence, uphold your moral and ethical principles, and work toward the common good. May you shine brightly in all your endeavors and make us all proud. Very big congratulations once again, wished the Governor.

Kevikhruny Kiso presented a speech on behalf of the Graduating students. Sharing gratitude for letting the students witness the first graduation day, Kiso said, This is a day of reflection. This is an end of one chapter and a beginning for another. The spirit of this institution has gifted us with the opportunity to experience so many things which will help throughout our lives. She also expressed her gratitude to the teachers and faculty for helping them and guiding them in their academic journey.

Best graduate Awardee Menuotuolie James Yhome, in his speech, shared his gratitude and appreciation to the faculty and staffs for their dedication in helping and shaping the students . He also expressed gratitude to his parents and family who supported and helped him through out his journey.

Neishekhonuo Thami, Tenyidie subject topper, Nagaland University was also felicitated during the program.

Dr. Khrieliezhnuo Dzvich Principal, OCK gave the welcome address. The program was blessed with an invocation by Vizotuony Suokhrie Asst. Pastor CRC, Kohima Village while a special performance was presented by Hopong and Senti, and Dzzienuo. The vote of thanks was pronounced by Chubanenla Imchen Dean, Students Welfare.

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Education is a tool not just for personal success but for betterment of society: Governor La Ganesan addresses Oriental College Kohimas first...

Becoming a retirement super-saver is within reach, with a few tweaks to your finances.

Retirement super-savers are on a path to a secure future, at least according to recent research. If you're hoping to leave the workforce with plenty of money invested to live a life of leisure, you may want to join them.

But what does it take to be a super-saver? Here's what you need to know.

Image source: Getty Images.

The term "retirement super savers" was coined by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. According to its research, 44% of workers who participate in a retirement plan fit this definition. Here's what you'd need to do to be one of them:

People of all generations are among these super-savers, but those in Generation Z are actually the most likely to belong to this group. In total, 53% of Gen Z, 44% of millennials, 40% of Gen Xers and 44% of baby boomers are investing more than 10% of their income in retirement plans.

These individuals are still in the minority, though, as 56% of all workers who participate in retirement plans contribute less than 10% of their earnings.

Becoming a super-saver is both easy and difficult at the same time. It takes only two steps to do, so that part isn't complicated. You just need to sign up for a workplace 401(k) or open an IRA if you don't already have one. Then you need to start regularly and consistently putting more than 10% of your earnings into that account.

This is where the difficult part comes in. You must free up that much money to put aside for your future if you aren't already investing it. Depending on just how much you're saving now, this could mean making some pretty big lifestyle changes. After all, if you're currently saving 0% or 4% or even 6% or 8% of your income, increasing that rate to save more than 10% could seem out of reach.

The good news is, you don't necessarily have to do it all at once. It would be ideal if you could, though: The sooner you begin investing for your future, the easier it will be to achieve your goals, thanks to the power of compound growth.

If you do want to dramatically increase your savings rate quickly, a big lifestyle change -- such as downgrading to a cheaper home or car -- could help you do it. Unlike slashing many different expenses from your budget, this is a change you only have to make once, and it will have an outsized impact.

If a big lifestyle change can't happen, though, start to inch up your savings rate as much as you can over time until you hit your target. If you're contributing 4% of your income to your 401(k) today, ask your human resources (HR) department to change that amount to 5%. The difference will probably be small enough that you can accommodate it. Then in a few weeks or months, ask to move up to contributing 6%. Keep inching those contributions up until you truly can't do it any more.

If you get a raise, you can also divert it directly to your retirement plan, since you aren't used to having those funds anyway. This can make a big difference over time, as you'll effortlessly increase your savings rate.

Before you start heavily investing for your future, you do want to make sure you don't have high-interest debt, and that you have an emergency fund in place. But, once you've checked those tasks off your list, there's no reason not to try to join the ranks of super-savers. When you reach retirement, the nest egg you've built will give you the peace of mind you deserve.

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Yes, It's Possible to Join the Ranks of Retirement "Super-Savers." Here's What You Need to Do - The Motley Fool

Sanskrit shlokas for Guru Purnima: Explore meaningful Sanskrit shlokas for Guru Purnima. Each shloka is presented with its English and Hindi meanings, helping you understand and appreciate the wisdom and guidance imparted by our revered gurus.

Sanskrit shlokas for Guru Purnima with English and Hindi meanings

New Delhi: Guru Purnima is a special day to honour and celebrate our teachers and gurus. This day is dedicated to showing gratitude to those who guide us on our path of knowledge and wisdom. One of the best ways to express our respect and reverence is through the recitation of Sanskrit shlokas. These shlokas not only convey our feelings of gratitude but also reflect the deep spiritual significance of the guru-disciple relationship.

In this article, we will explore some of the most profound Sanskrit shlokas dedicated to gurus, along with their meanings in English and Hindi. These shlokas highlight the essential role of a guru in our lives and remind us of the timeless wisdom imparted by our teachers. Lets delve into these sacred verses and understand their significance in honoring our gurus.

Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwaraha. Guru Saakshat Para Brahma Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha.

English meaning: Guru is Lord Brahma, Guru is Lord Vishnu, and Guru is Lord Maheshwara (Shiva). Guru is verily the Supreme God. I offer my salutation to such a Guru.

Hindi meaning: Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Maheshwar hain. Guru hi Saakshat Parabrahma hain. Aise Guru ko mera naman.

Om Saha Nau-Avatu. Saha Nau Bhunaktu. Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai. Tejasvi Nau-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai. Om Shaanti Shaantih Shaantih.

English meaning: Om, May the God protect us both (Teacher and Disciple); May the God nourish us both; May we work together with energy and vigor; May our learning be enlightening and fruitful; May not give rise to hostility.

Hindi meaning: Om, Ishwar hamari raksha karein. Ishwar hamen poshan dein. Ham saath mein urja aur utsaah se kaam karein. Hamari shiksha ujjwal aur phaldayi ho. Ham mein dushmani na ho.

Akhanda-Mandalaakaaram Vyaaptam Yena Charaacharam. Tat-padam Darshitam Yena Tasmai Sri Gurave Namah.

English meaning: My Salutations to that Guru who revealed to me that Truth, which is unfragmented, infinite, timeless divinity, and which pervades the entire universe movable or immovable.

Hindi meaning: Meri us Guru ko pranam, jinhone mujhe us satya ka darshan karaya, jo akhand, anant, aur kalateet divyata hai, aur jo poore brahmand mein vyapt hai chal ya achal.

Agyan Timir-andhasya Gyananjan Shalakaya. Chakshur-oonmeelitam yena tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.

English meaning: My Salutations to that reverent Guru, who opened my inner eyes and removed the darkness of ignorance from my blind eyes by applying the light of self-knowledge.

Hindi meaning: Meri us Guru ko pranam, jinhone meri antarik aankhen kholi aur agyanata ke andhkar ko svayan ke gyan ke prakash se door kiya.

Naleeka Neekasa Pada Hrithabhyam, Nana Vimohadhi Nivarikabyam, Nama Janabheeshtathathi Pradhabhyam, Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukhabyam.

English meaning: My prostrations to the holy sandals of my Guru, which remove all kinds of ignorant desires, and which fulfill in plenty, the desires of those who bow down to them.

Hindi meaning: Meri Guru ke pavitra charan padukaon ko pranam, jo sabhi prakaar ki agyani ichhaon ko door karti hain, aur jo unhein naman karne walon ki ichhaon ko prachur matra mein poori karti hain.

Guabdastvandhakra Syt Ruabdastannirodhaka. Andhakranirodhitvt Gururityabhidhyate.

English meaning: The syllable Gu means darkness and ignorance. The syllable Ru means eradication of darkness or ignorance. Because of the power to dispel darkness, the guru is thus named.

Hindi meaning: Gu akshar andhkar aur agyanata ko darshata hai. Ru akshar andhkar ya agyanata ka naash karta hai. Andhkar ko door karne ki shakti ke kaaran guru ko yah naam mila hai.

Anantha Samsara Samudhra Thara Noukayithabhyam Guru Bhakthithabhyam, Vairagya Samrajyadha Poojanabhyam, Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukhabyam.

English meaning: My salutation to the holy sandals of my Guru, which serve as the boat to cross this endless cycle of worldly existence, which endow me with devotion to Guru, and which grace me with freedom from all worldly desires.

Hindi meaning: Meri Guru ke pavitra charan padukaon ko pranam, jo is anant sansar chakra ko paar karne ke liye nauka ka kaam karti hain, jo mujhe Guru ke prati bhakti pradaan karti hain, aur jo mujhe sabhi sansarik ichhaon se mukt karti hain.

Shoshnam Bhav Sindhoshch Gyapnam Sar-Sampdah; Guroh Padodkam Samyak Tasmae Shri Gurve Namah.

English meaning: I pray to the noble Guru, by washing whose feet, the ocean of transmigration and endless sorrows is completely dried up and the Supreme wealth is revealed.

Hindi meaning: Main us mahan Guru ki prarthana karta hoon, jinke charanon ko dhone se, sansar sagar aur anant dukh poori tarah se sookh jaate hain aur param dhan ka darshan hota hai.

Om Namo Gurubhyo Gurupadukbhyo Namah Parebhyah Parapadukabhyah. Acaryasiddhesvarapadukabhyo Namo Namah Srigurupadukabhyah.

English meaning: Salutations to the guru and gurus sandals; Salutations to elders and their sandals; Salutations to the sandals of the teacher of perfection; Salutations to the sandals of Vishnu, the husband of Lakshmi.

Hindi meaning: Guru aur Guru ke charan padukaon ko pranam; bade-bujurg aur unke padukaon ko pranam; siddhi ke acharya ke padukaon ko pranam; Vishnu, Lakshmi ke pati, ke padukaon ko pranam.

Reciting these Sanskrit shlokas on Guru Purnima is a beautiful way to honor and remember the immense contributions of our gurus. These verses encapsulate the essence of the gurus teachings and the invaluable guidance they provide. As we celebrate this special day, lets reflect on the wisdom shared by our gurus and express our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support and knowledge.

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Sanskrit shlokas for Guru Purnima with English and Hindi meanings - News9 LIVE

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?

Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about ASML (ASML) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.

ASML currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.32, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 19 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.32 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the 19 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 16 are Strong Buy, representing 84.2% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for ASML

Check price target & stock forecast for ASML here>>>

While the ABR calls for buying ASML, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.

Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.

In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.

Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.

Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABR

In spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.

The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

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Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.

On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.

Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.

Is ASML Worth Investing In?

Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for ASML, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 0.9% over the past month to $20.30.

Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for ASML. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for ASML may serve as a useful guide for investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Think ASML (ASML) Is a Good Investment: Is It? - Yahoo Finance

Director of cult favorites The Favorite and Poor Things, Yorgos Lanthimoss Kinds of Kindness is a cruel contemplation on the painful sacrifices we make to get what we want. The film asks: Are we controlled by our desires? And how much control do we give to those who hold the key?

Fittingly, the film opens with the high-synth Eurythmics Sweet Dreams Are Made of These, in which Annie Lenoxs voice calls, Some of them want to use you / Some of them want to get used by you. Kinds of Kindness concludes with Emma Stone dancing feverishly to COBRAHs Brand New Bitch.

In the nearly three hours which connect these two blithely-spirited moments, Lanthimos offers a triptych of stories each with different plots that all use the same set of actors. The cast includes Lanthimoss long-time favorite Emma Stone protagonist of Poor Things Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons and Margaret Qualley, among others.

The first parable, dubbed The Death of R.M.F., follows businessman Robert, played by Plemons, as he grows consumed by the commands of his boss Raymond, played by Defoe. Raymond determines when Robert eats, sleeps and has sex. The audience never quite learns why Robert is so intent on pleasing his boss. Perhaps that is the point: Lanthimos critiques the all-too-common fiending after wealth and status.

R.M.F. is Flying, the second story, trails along as police officer Daniel, also played by Plemons, investigates whether his wife Liz just recently back from being lost at sea has been replaced by an imposter. As a test of her identity, Daniel asks Liz, played by Stone, to complete brutish tasks. In one scene, she chops off her finger to serve as dinner. In another, she cuts out her liver. Chilling, I know.

In the final story, R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich, Andrew, played by Plemons, is a member of a purity-obsessed cult in the bayou. Guided by a prophecy, Andrew along with Emily, played by Stone searches for a girl with the power to bring the dead back to life. The subsequent tale includes bizarre sauna ceremonies, a set of twins played by Qualley and a resurrection.

If these stories packed with rituals, sacrifice and prophetic dreams sound a bit sacramental, thats no accident. Not only does Kinds of Kindness include biblical references, including to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but the entire film is also a rumination of gods and their followers. Several characters become god-like to those around them: the boss, Raymond or the policeman, Daniel. Those in their lives Raymonds employee, Daniels wife are driven mad by a feverishness to satisfy. What will we do to please the people we worship?

In addition to the films religious allegory, there are both visual and conceptual sinews which bind the film together: games of power and control, moments of dark humor. And in each narrative, the surreal is mapped against the ordinary. In the last story, for instance, Stone drives a purple Dodge Challenger to find a veterinarian who has the power to resurrect the dead into the living. Cloaked in everyday clothes, the characters embark on medieval-esque endeavors against the backdrop of New Orleans.

Of course, violence serves as a persistent throughline of the film. The characters treat both sex and violence with a subversive flippancy, while operating in a world that looks remarkably like our own. The absurdity of Kinds of Kindness mirrors our own existence: while the real world may appear more buttoned-up on the outside, it is just as rotten as that of Lanthimoss sick fables. Or so the film posits.

Especially as a fan of Poor Things, it feels tempting to chalk off the films gore and debauchery to some high-brow genius spilled from Lanthimoss imagination. Theres brutal rape, a myriad of naked female bodies notably, very few male ones orgies and faint-inducing violence. But ultimately, its perversion masked as intellectualism. Strip away the biblical references and avant-garde air, and the film is mere bone-chilling depravity.

Perhaps, I told myself, Im approaching Kinds of Kindness all wrong. Maybe Im too uptight. But Lanthimos never properly develops any part of the film. The entire spectacle seems to operate on the surface of a surrealist dream with no real center. The film never pushes past the rather incoherent first unravelings of each story. Its a strange, lurid world not simply without rules or logic, but without depth.

Lanthimos-fans might declare the film as representing a sort of nihilism that resonates with our time. Its a tired story. As our world teeters toward ruin, nothing means anything. We are all savage animals of flesh and bone. Frankly, Im bored of it. I just cant help but feel Kinds of Kindness is ultimately empty.

There are echoes of life, just barely audible, between the borders of Kinds of Kindness. Push deep enough, and you will detect something in the film about love about how desperately and wholly we are committed to being loved that we will do anything to receive it. Stone offers poignant acting throughout, giving a glimpse at what Kinds of Kindness might have been if Lanthimos was able to excavate a bit more of that humanness.

Instead, the film chokes up a dark conclusion. Taken from the Eurythmics Sweet Dreams: everyone is looking for something. Lanthimos makes clear that we never quite find it.

Rating:

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Review: Kinds of Kindness is a bleak, disappointing meditation on control - The Dartmouth

On day one of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, at 8:45 a.m., as I walked into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and watched the lines of people form, I could hear the commotion beginning. People were ready. But as I entered inside and walked to the Wellness House activation and inside a curtained space with elevated stages, poufy orange cushions to sit on, sound bowls placed around, and sage being spread, it was a completely different scene and vibe. The practitioners, beautiful Black women from New Orleans who were preparing to teach guided meditation and utilize sound therapy, were dressed in ethereal white ensembles, greeting people with warmth and in a calm voice. They were ready, too. They were there and would be there every morning throughout ESSENCE Fest weekend to help guests heal.

Meditation is not necessarily doing anything, says Dirieal Perkins of Stretch Galore Yoga about the practice, which shes done for about five years. As we talk, her two-and-a-half-month-old son Yiannis, also in white, sleeps on her chest in a carrier. It is more so becoming, not necessarily one with your thoughts, but really just entertaining those thoughts and not so much dwelling on it, but just allowing it to flow and just let it pass. It is not, we have to sit down and only think about good things. Thats literally not what it is. Its kind of impossible in a sense. Your mind works; its all over the place. Its allowed to be that, but just also allow yourself to come back to center at some point. Like I said, entertain it. Then let it pass. Let it fly. But dont dwell on or hold on to those thoughts.

One way to entertain and release those thoughts is through breathwork, which Aries D, one of the practitioners who works at NOLAs Divine Essential Magic, says is essential.

We take breath for granted. Thats something that were born with. Thats the last thing we do when we leave this earth. But at the same token, its the main way that you can allow yourself to release not only oxygen, but different endorphins to help yourself relax, she shares. As challenging as it sounds, we have the ability to tell our minds next. So if its a thought that you dont want to have, say next, push it to the next spot. You have so many things that you encounter on a daily basis, let alone that you endure throughout your whole life. So even though its some unwanted memories or thoughts that pop up, you have a plethora of other ones that you could bring forth to manifest different beautiful realities for yourself.

Practicing meditation and learning the ability to acknowledge and then move on from thoughts that fill our minds has changed the life of lead instructor Shan-coa Burke. She has been doing it since 2016 and guided ESSENCE Fest guests through a stirring experience.

I needed to heal. I needed to do some real healing, the Stretch Galore leader recalls. I was ready to grow, and I saw how the power of manifestation changed my life, and I wanted to bring it to our people because it wasnt big in our community. And I was just this Black girl from New Orleans and thought, I need to bring this to our people. Because our people really need some healing. And one thing I know about God, he aligned it, and he aligned me with every one of these women.

Not only does the practice provide mental clarity, but it can also have physical benefits. This was clear from looking at the very youthful Burke, who one might confuse with a young college student but is actually a soon-to-be 30-year-old mother of three.

Even by me looking so young, thats because Im not letting the stress take me. The meditation is the detachment, Burke says. I envision myself detaching from these situations and pushing the negativity out. Pushing it out, inhaling that light, and exhaling that darkness.

The setting for the guided meditation service was quiet, and they even asked vendors across the way to turn down their music to maintain the sanctity of the space. However, the ladies made clear that such introspection doesnt have to be done only in hushed rooms.

The best way is to just do it no matter what youre doing. Most people feel that they have to be in a certain area or a certain spot, and it has to be quiet. I read a book once where it talks about different meditations. So Ive learned a whole lot. But you can literally sit down and eat and do food meditation, focus on the foods that youre eating. You can meditate while youre walking. You can meditate literally while youre working out, in the tub, sitting at your desk, and working. You can literally meditate anywhere. So this whole ideology that it needs to be peace, quiet, certain surroundings only, its not true. So its about just implementing it in everyday life, no matter what youre doing, just knowing you can do it anywhere, Perkins says.

While the guided meditation started with just a few participants, by the time I opened my eyes at the end, the room was full. People were sitting wherever they could find a spot, whether there was an orange cushion to rest on or the hard floor. But they were centered and at peace, ready to take on the Festival experience in a good headspace. That impact is the purpose behind all of the womens work.

Its how you start your day. You control your day because you can meditate and say, Im going to have this kind of day. I just believe in the power of manifestation and positive thoughts, Burke says. I learned this trick and I want to share it with you so you can see how it transforms your life. If you want balance, ask yourself every day, Why is my life balancing out the way I need it to? Ask yourself that because the why reveals itself. The why reveals answers.

She adds, Anytime you question why, your brain starts to work. It helps you cultivate the answer. It starts to find answers, and it starts to reveal things, too. So I want you to get there. I want everybody to be there. I want, especially our people, to be there because we really, really need this. We do this for our people.

Originally posted here:

The Guided Meditation Space At EFOC Was A Perfect Place To Find Healing - Essence

I am excited to announcethat headlining day two of this yearsWomen, Influence & Power in Lawconference will be tennis champion and New York Times best-selling author Venus Williams!

With seven Grand Slam titles, including five Wimbledon championships, and four Olympic gold medals,Venus is one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports.

Beyond her accomplishments on the court, Venushas also been a steadfast advocate for equality throughout her career.

In 2006, UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organization, titled her as the first Promoter of Gender Equality. In 2007, it was her unwavering fight which led Wimbledon to award women players the same pay as their male counterparts.

Mostrecently, she launched an awareness initiative called the #PrivilegeTax to bring attention to wage inequality and unveiled a platform of resources for young women to get inspired and address the issue on a grassroots level.

Register today to be part of this intimate conversation with Venus as she shares her journey of resilience, determination and the importance of celebrating individuality. Whether its overcoming self-doubt or providing tools to navigate a male-dominated industry, Venus unique insights will sure to inspire our WIPL community to not only discover that inner champion but unleash its full potential!

We are also excited that this yearsWIPL conferencewill be held in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

I hope to see you there!

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Venus Williams to Speak at WIPL on Acing Self-Empowerment and Inspiring Change | Corporate Counsel - Law.com

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. - OCTOBER 18: Exhibition model of IBM Q System One quantum computer. (Photo ... [+] by Misha Friedman/Getty Images)

Like the hapless tramps in Samuel Becketts play Waiting for Godot, the world has been waiting not for the mysterious Godot, but for quantum computing, which is much anticipated but has yet to arrive. But while the ghostly Godot never does show up, quantum is beginning to materialize.

Its about time. Global powers, led by China, have invested more than $55 billion in the promising technology and we are closer than ever to realizing the $500 million to $1 billion in gains that quantum promises to deliver to businesses over the next fifteen years. The quantum market is already estimated to be worth more than $1 billion this year, even though quantum computers are not yet very useful.

In Europe, Germany has launched an investment plan of more than $3 billion by 2026, and France has announced an investment of nearly $2 billion, aiming to train 5,000 quantum-ready engineers and create 30,000 jobs. In the United States, the National Quantum Initiative Act has authorized $1.2 billion in funding over five years for quantum computing research and development.

What are we talking about? Computers that could be a billion times faster than conventional computers for solving certain complex problems.

Classical computers, such as the one youre likely reading this article on now, rely on binary bits to store and process information as strings of zeros and ones. But quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states, allowing for an exponential number of simultaneous combinations of zeros and ones. Dont bother trying to visualize this - no one has ever seen a qubit. Its all math.

Nonetheless, this superposition can be measured, enabling quantum computers to perform complex computations at an exponential speed.

Several technologies at the boundaries of current physics are being tried to make this work: superconductivity, neutral atoms, trapped ions, and photonics.

Are they used in businesses? Not yet. At this stage, quantum supremacy, meaning that a quantum computer is more efficient than a conventional computer, has only been established for algorithms without truly useful applications, such as verifying that a die is not loaded (Google, 2019).

But progress in developing quantum computing has been steady, and many people believe quantum computers will be a practical reality within a few years. IBM, the leader in quantum computing hardware, predicts that quantum computers will outperform classical computers in specific tasks by 2027.

Quantum supremacy is expected to first materialize for "native" quantum problems, which lend themselves particularly well to quantum modeling. They fall into four categories: modeling physicochemical reactions to discover innovative materials, new proteins, and future drugs; optimizing complex systems to improve flow management or the design and engineering of complex systems; generating synthetic data to train AI models; and finally, cryptography.

So, is it too early for businesses to be building their quantum muscle? Absolutely not. It takes time to build a team that understands how to use the burgeoning technology, and the future will belong to those who can harness the power of quantum computing early.

Banks, hedge funds, and car manufacturers are recruiting specialized quantum teams. They are tackling the construction of algorithms coded in qubits for their strategic applications. They are forming partnerships with quantum computer manufacturers - IBM, Atos, Pasqal - and academic research centers. These companies will be ready for the day when manufacturers offer sufficiently powerful machines. The aim is to increase the number of high-quality qubits and reduce error rates, eventually multiplying the power of the best current prototypes by a thousand.

The first challenge will be cybersecurity: with quantum supremacy, many of our security devices will become instantly obsolete. Businesses should start now to shift to quantum-hardened encryption technologies. The American National Institute of Standardization and Technology (NIST) is working on developing and standardizing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and plans to impose a schedule for using encryption solutions capable of resisting quantum attacks.

But quantum computing has the potential to help mankind solve some of its biggest problems - mitigating climate change, for example, by accelerating the development of new materials for carbon capture, more efficient catalysts for hydrogen production, better batteries for electric vehicles, and optimized power grids that can handle renewable energy sources.

Quantum computing is also expected to accelerate drug discovery, enabling the development of personalized medicines and more effective treatments for diseases. And quantum algorithms could be used to optimize logistics and supply chain management, reducing fuel consumption and increasing efficiency. The list goes on.

AI can complement and enhance quantum computing, helping to develop error correction techniques for quantum hardware, for example, one of the main barriers to practical quantum computers. Quantum computers, meanwhile, can simulate complex natural processes, like the behavior of molecules or weather systems, much more accurately than regular computers.

Scientists collect relatively small amounts of data from experiments with such natural processes, but this isn't always enough to train AI models effectively. Quantum computing is expected to be able to generate additional, high-quality data to fill in the gaps, making the simulations more accurate and reliable. This, in turn, can help AI make more precise predictions about natural phenomena.

And quantum computing can generate synthetic data to train generative AI models when real-world data is scarce or difficult to obtain. While GenAI does not directly use quantum algorithms, hybrid algorithms that combine classical and quantum computing can leverage the strengths of both computing paradigms, potentially leading to more powerful and efficient AI models.

And if quantum doesn't come? In Beckett's play, when Estragon asks this question to Vladimir, the wise vagabond replies: "We'll come back tomorrow." Businesses will do the same and remain busy with generative AIs.

Here Are Five Steps That Business Leaders Can Start Implementing Today

Working with quantum computing requires deep expertise, including quantum software developers and quantum hardware engineers who can design and optimize quantum circuits and algorithms for specific business applications. Quantum computing will initially augment rather than replace classical computing, so quantum teams will also need traditional software developers who can integrate quantum solutions with existing classical systems. And companies will need people who can translate complex business problems into quantum algorithms.

Since quantum computing is still an emerging field, companies will need to collaborate with academic institutions, technology providers, and quantum research organizations to keep up with the latest advancements and integrate cutting-edge solutions. Building a multidisciplinary team with these areas of expertise takes planning and time. While this may not be something smaller companies can undertake, large companies should start now. Because quantum computing is a new computing paradigm, hiring and developing talent capable of harnessing it in conjunction with company domain expertise will be the winning combination. But quantum scientists and engineers will be in short supply when quantum advantage will trigger interest, not dissimilar to what happened in AI in 2015 and GenAI now.

Companies need to identify and develop specific quantum use cases that align with their business goals. This involves exploring how quantum computing can solve industry-specific problems, such as molecular modeling in pharmaceuticals or portfolio optimization in finance. Conducting proof-of-concept projects and pilot studies ahead of time will help refine these use cases and demonstrate their potential value.

Companies will need to implement post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (PQC) to secure data and communications. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has been developing these algorithms designed to withstand quantum threats. Companies large and small should track these developments and start integrating PQC algorithms into their security frameworks to ensure their encryption is hardened against quantum computer attacks.

Companies should begin forging strategic partnerships with quantum technology providers, research institutions, and other industry players. These alliances will facilitate knowledge sharing, accelerate innovation, and ensure access to the latest advancements.

Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial for the successful adoption of quantum computing. Quantum computing is considered by governments as dual-use technology and critical for national security and competitiveness. Transitioning away from RSA to PQC protocols will a massive undertaking on a scale larger than the Y2K bug. Business leaders should stay informed about emerging regulations, mandates and standards.

Preparing for quantum computing is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. It requires vision, strategic foresight, and a willingness to invest in the future. The rewards, however, will be immense for those who are prepared.

Excerpt from:

Quantum Computing Takes Off With $55 Billion In Global Investments - Forbes

A core part of the Israel Innovation Authority's Israel National Quantum Initiative, the center is the first to tightly integrate multiple types of quantum computers with supercomputers using NVIDIA DGX Quantum

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Machines (QM), the leading provider of processor-based quantum controllers, announced the opening of the Israeli Quantum Computing Center (IQCC), a world-class research facility that will serve the quantum computing industry and academic community in Israel and around the world. The center was built with the financial backing and support of the Israel Innovation Authority and is located at Tel Aviv University.

The IQCC's grand opening took place yesterday, June 24th, as part of Tel Aviv University's AI and Cyber Week. The ceremony began with the ribbon-cutting, followed by speeches from Asaf Zamir, First Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv; Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority; Prof. Yaron Oz and Prof. Itzik Ben Israel from Tel Aviv University; and Dr. Itamar Sivan, CEO of Quantum Machines. Industry experts, including Eyal Waldman, co-founder and former CEO of Mellanox, Ofir Zamir, Senior Director of AI Solution Architecture at NVIDIA, and Niv Efron, Senior Director of Engineering at Google, also shared their insights.

About the IQCC:

In the global race to develop practical quantum computing, access to cutting-edge facilities is crucial. "All of the world's most advanced quantum computing research facilities are closed or offer very limited access to those outside of their organization. You can't compete if you need to fly halfway around the world for limited access," said Dr. Itamar Sivan, CEO and co-founder of Quantum Machines. "When we thought about what would propel quantum computing forward, we realized that building the most advanced facility in terms of interoperability, modularity, and integration with high-performance computing (HPC) and the cloud was the way to go. Our open architecture approach will ensure that the facility can be continuously upgraded and scaled to stay at the cutting edge, making it an accelerator for the entire ecosystem in Israel and internationally."

The IQCC is a state-of-the-art quantum and HPC center that uniquely integrates the power of quantum and classical computing resources. It is the first in the world to house multiple co-located quantum computers of different qubit types, all utilizing the NVIDIA DGX Quantum system. This offers on-premises supercomputing resources and cloud accessibility, while being tightly integrated with Quantum Machines' processor-based OPX control system. The center also features the world's best-equipped testbed for developing new quantum computing technologies.

The unified DGX Quantum system for integrated quantum supercomputing was co-developed by NVIDIA and Quantum Machines. DGX Quantum implements NVIDIA CUDA-Q, an open-source software platform for integrated quantum-classical computing. The system features a supercomputing cluster headlined by NVIDIA Grace Hopper superchips and also including NVIDIA DGX H100, all connected to AWS cloud platforms for remote access and to leverage additional cloud computing resources. The center also utilizes QM's new OPX1000 controller, designed to enable scaling to 1,000+ qubits.

"The tight integration of quantum computers with AI supercomputers is essential to the development of useful quantum computing," said Tim Costa, Director of Quantum and HPC at NVIDIA. "This work with Quantum Machines to enable a flagship deployment of NVIDIA DGX Quantum in the IQCC offers researchers the platform they need to grow quantum computing into the era of large-scale, useful applications"

"Before the IQCC, a developer of a quantum processor chip would need to build their own testing setup, costing millions," said Dr. Yonatan Cohen, CTO and co-founder of Quantum Machines. "Now, researchers can plug their chip into our testbed and benefit from the most advanced setup in the world, leveraging NVIDIA and Quantum Machines hardware to accelerate their development process and reduce costs significantly."

The IQCC is open to researchers and developers of quantum computers from around the world. By providing an open, cutting-edge platform for research and development, Quantum Machines aims to accelerate the progress of practical quantum computing and foster collaborative projects with industry leaders that will drive the field forward. The center is poised to become a destination for companies and researchers worldwide, securing Israel's quantum independence and cementing its position as a leader in the quantum computing revolution.

For more information about the IQCC please visit https://i-qcc.com/.

Additional information on technology and partners:

ContactGavriel Cohen Concrete Media for Quantum Machines[emailprotected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2447560/Quantum_Machines.jpg

SOURCE Quantum Machines

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Quantum Machines opens the Israeli Quantum Computing Center - PR Newswire