Charter Research & Investment Group Inc. boosted its stake in Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) by 2.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 9,596 shares of the social networking companys stock after acquiring an additional 225 shares during the period. Facebook accounts for about 2.0% of Charter Research & Investment Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Charter Research & Investment Group Inc.s holdings in Facebook were worth $1,970,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. California Public Employees Retirement System raised its position in shares of Facebook by 32.6% in the third quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 5,218,412 shares of the social networking companys stock valued at $929,295,000 after purchasing an additional 1,284,127 shares during the period. Johanson Financial Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Facebook by 21,147.8% in the fourth quarter. Johanson Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 1,219,198 shares of the social networking companys stock valued at $5,940,000 after purchasing an additional 1,213,460 shares during the period. DNB Asset Management AS raised its position in shares of Facebook by 55.4% in the fourth quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 3,163,030 shares of the social networking companys stock valued at $649,212,000 after purchasing an additional 1,127,759 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its position in shares of Facebook by 52.7% in the fourth quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 3,106,221 shares of the social networking companys stock valued at $637,552,000 after purchasing an additional 1,072,494 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Facebook by 0.7% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 93,435,833 shares of the social networking companys stock valued at $16,639,053,000 after purchasing an additional 627,442 shares during the period. 63.86% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

In other news, VP Jennifer Newstead sold 260 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $216.14, for a total value of $56,196.40. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 526 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $113,689.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CRO David B. Fischer sold 11,638 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $202.00, for a total transaction of $2,350,876.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 407,258 shares of company stock valued at $78,808,199. Corporate insiders own 14.53% of the companys stock.

FB stock opened at $201.91 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 4.66 and a quick ratio of 4.66. Facebook, Inc. has a one year low of $145.70 and a one year high of $224.20. The stock has a market cap of $575.80 billion, a PE ratio of 31.35, a P/E/G ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.05. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $211.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $195.42.

Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 29th. The social networking company reported $2.56 EPS for the quarter, topping the Zacks consensus estimate of $2.53 by $0.03. Facebook had a net margin of 26.15% and a return on equity of 20.59%. The business had revenue of $21.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.90 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.38 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 24.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Facebook, Inc. will post 9.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Facebook Company Profile

Facebook, Inc provides various products to connect and share through mobile devices, personal computers, and other surfaces worldwide. The company's products include Facebook that enables people to connect, share, discover, and communicate with each other on mobile devices and personal computers; Instagram, a community for sharing photos, videos, and messages; Messenger, a messaging application for people to connect with friends, family, groups, and businesses across platforms and devices; and WhatsApp, a messaging application for use by people and businesses to communicate in a private way.

Further Reading: What is a portfolio manager?

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Charter Research & Investment Group Inc. Buys 225 Shares of Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) - Slater Sentinel

Those new to crypto and with money signs in their eyes can easily be taken in by scams, and there are many, thanks to the decentralized nature of bitcoin and the lack of knowledge surrounding it for beginners. Promises of easy and incredible gains thanks to the guidance of some shadowy bitcoin expert or auto trading software abound, and the wise old rule of thumb still applies: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This article describes three of the most infamous crypto scam sites, all of which promise to automatically trade for the user.

Also Read: How To Start Using Bitcoin: Buying, Storing, and Spending Crypto

The word con-artist is shorthand for confidence artist. The way cons work is to gain the confidence of the mark, or victim, and then the rest is easy. The same holds true in the crypto space, and cons are especially easy to pull off when the victim knows little to nothing about the subject at hand.

What follows are descriptions of some of the most common con operations in bitcoin, and information on how to spot and avoid them.

The so-called Bitcoin Code is a scam operation whose website is continually changing. Like many scams, the website offers a service which is said to predict market trends and automate trading for users guaranteeing ridiculous gains such as $13,000 in exactly 24 hours.

While some may marvel at how anybody in their right mind could fall for such an outrageous claim, people knowing nothing about bitcoin often allow their lack of knowledge to woo them into thinking such things just might be possible. They also tend to imagine needing an experts guidance to buy in, or that crypto is a centralized affair like stock market brokerage. Many are too afraid of missing out.

Confirmation that Bitcoin Code is a scam is easy with a little internet sleuthing. Not only does a reverse image search of Bitcoin Code creator Steve Mckays picture show it to be a fake, but even the so-called testimonial videos on the site are phoney. The images below show a man featured in the Bitcoin Codes promo video, who turns out to be an actor from e-gig website Fiverr.

Even top Google search results still give the Bitcoin Code good reviews and maintain it is not a scam. Its important to remember that being a top search result does not mean a piece of content is reliable.

The multi-website, actor-leveraging scam that is Bitcoin Code is reported to have duped many already. The links lead to various websites all said to be the Bitcoin Code. Sometimes just to error messages. Bitcoin Code maintains you must invest any amount you desire of $250 or more. Just dont expect to ever see it again.

Bitcoin Doubler is another scam model, featured on multiple websites, such as this one. Like Bitcoin Code, doublers promise insane gains in short periods of time, preying on the naivety and financial desperation of victims.

These sites typically ask the user to enter an email and a bitcoin address, followed by a deposit. They are then instructed to wait for their big returns to arrive within mere days or hours. The returns, of course, do not arrive, and the only thing doubled is the marks financial woes.

Rounding out the list of scams sites is another autotrader scheme called Bitcoin Trader. As is common with crypto cons, urgent messages about a lack of time left to invest or get in, misappropriated images and video of famous millionaire or billionaire investors speaking highly of bitcoin, and location-customized news of the latest individual to make a killing are all present.

Another dead giveaway that this Bitcoin Trader site is a scam is that it shares the exact same promotional text as featured on the Bitcoin Code site. Both sites maintain that Like any business, you need working capital to get started, and request the same amount of $250 to begin.

So whether a suspicious site promises exclusive use of time leap technology that is ahead of the markets by 0.01 seconds, or binary trading advantages that cant be beat, remember: if it sounds too amazing, it almost always is. Binarysignalsadvise.com recently posted their own warning about Bitcoin Trader, stating:

The claims are so dumb that anyone can identify that they are false.

For those genuinely interested in crypto, its important to learn about bitcoins underlying mechanics and the basics of how it works and to vet all potential trading platforms and other crypto websites for authenticity before making even the slightest move toward investment or trading.

Bitcoin allows users and users alone to hold their own private keys so the funds are never in the hands of some obscure Steve Mckay. Its electronic cash that untrustworthy third parties cannot touch, if used properly. As far as the code underpinning the bitcoin network itself, its open source and viewable by all, and doesnt require any sort of investment to investigate.

Did you know about these scams already? What are some other common methods crypto scammers use? Let us know in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation, endorsement, or sponsorship of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock, fair use.

Did you know you can buy and sell BCH privately using our noncustodial, peer-to-peer Local Bitcoin Cash trading platform? The local.Bitcoin.com marketplace has thousands of participants from all around the world trading BCH right now. And if you need a bitcoin wallet to securely store your coins, you can download one from us here.

Graham Smith is an American expat living in Japan, and the founder of Voluntary Japanan initiative dedicated to spreading the philosophies of unschooling, individual self-ownership, and economic freedom in the land of the rising sun.

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Don't Invest in Bitcoin Code, Bitcoin Doubler or Bitcoin Trader They Are All Scams - Bitcoin News

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney speaks to the Canadian Club of Ottawa, Monday December 9, 2019 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld ORG XMIT: ajw105

Premier Jason Kenney is off to Montreal and Washington, D.C., to push for pipelines and promote investment in Alberta.

The Monday through Sunday trip is designed to build on governments work to drive investment, expand Alberta exports and get pipelines built, said a Sunday government press release.

Albertas economic future depends on new private sector investment. Thats why I have put a priority on meeting with key investors to tell them about the tremendous opportunities that exist in Alberta, and the policies that are making us one of the most competitive places for job creation in North America. Thats what I will be doing in Montreal, the premier said in the release.

We also have critical issues at play with our largest trading partner, the United States. Thats why I will be travelling to Washington, D.C., to meet with state governors and key congressional and administration officials. I will be discussing the future of NAFTA and the construction of pipelines, like Line 3 and Keystone XL, while in the U.S. capital.

While in Montreal, Kenney is slated to speak to a roundtable of business leaders, and will meet with Canadian CEOs. He will also be available to media there to underscore how all Canadians benefit from a thriving energy sector, and why Alberta is a preferred source of energy in both environmental and social terms.

Then, during his time in Washington, the premier is scheduled to attend meetings hosted by the National Governors Association. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Quebec Premier Franois Legault and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are also to attend. Kenneys agenda also includes holding bilateral meetings with governors of U.S. states with strong ties to the Alberta economy, and with members of the House of Representatives, the senate, and the administration.

Kenney and Moe are to deliver a joint presentation to the Wilson Centers Canada Institute. Kenney is to meet with the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute, the American Enterprise Institute, and the School of Advanced International Studies.

Three political staff will accompany the premier for a total estimated cost of $32,000, says the news release.

View original post here:
Kenney off to Montreal, Washington to tout pipelines, investment - Edmonton Journal

If youre interested in Asure Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASUR), then you might want to consider its beta (a measure of share price volatility) in order to understand how the stock could impact your portfolio. Modern finance theory considers volatility to be a measure of risk, and there are two main types of price volatility. The first type is company specific volatility. Investors use diversification across uncorrelated stocks to reduce this kind of price volatility across the portfolio. The other type, which cannot be diversified away, is the volatility of the entire market. Every stock in the market is exposed to this volatility, which is linked to the fact that stocks prices are correlated in an efficient market.

Some stocks mimic the volatility of the market quite closely, while others demonstrate muted, exagerrated or uncorrelated price movements. Beta is a widely used metric to measure a stocks exposure to market risk (volatility). Before we go on, its worth noting that Warren Buffett pointed out in his 2014 letter to shareholders that volatility is far from synonymous with risk. Having said that, beta can still be rather useful. The first thing to understand about beta is that the beta of the overall market is one. A stock with a beta below one is either less volatile than the market, or more volatile but not corellated with the overall market. In comparison a stock with a beta of over one tends to be move in a similar direction to the market in the long term, but with greater changes in price.

Check out our latest analysis for Asure Software

Given that it has a beta of 1.26, we can surmise that the Asure Software share price has been fairly sensitive to market volatility (over the last 5 years). If this beta value holds true in the future, Asure Software shares are likely to rise more than the market when the market is going up, but fall faster when the market is going down. Beta is worth considering, but its also important to consider whether Asure Software is growing earnings and revenue. You can take a look for yourself, below.

Asure Software is a rather small company. It has a market capitalisation of US$132m, which means it is probably under the radar of most investors. It has a relatively high beta, suggesting it is fairly actively traded for a company of its size. Because it takes less capital to move the share price of a small company like this, when a stock this size is actively traded it is quite often more sensitive to market volatility than similar large companies.

Since Asure Software tends to moves up when the market is going up, and down when its going down, potential investors may wish to reflect on the overall market, when considering the stock. This article aims to educate investors about beta values, but its well worth looking at important company-specific fundamentals such as Asure Softwares financial health and performance track record. I highly recommend you dive deeper by considering the following:

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.

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How Does Investing In Asure Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASUR) Impact The Volatility Of Your Portfolio? - Simply Wall St

Bitcoin had an amazing past decade by every definition of the word. The price of the cryptocurrency surged by literal millions of percent since its birth in 2009, some of the worlds most important people Elon Musk included(!) gave a nod to the cryptocurrency, and the broader industry began a mainstream technological trend.

Bitcoins clear outperformance against all other assets in existence has left many wondering if the cryptocurrency can keep its macro uptrend intact for the coming decade.

According to Raoul Pal a former Goldman Sachs executive who now is the CEO of finance media company Real Vision BTC may do just that.

He argued that the cryptocurrency would be his choice if he could only own one asset for the next 10 years.

On Friday, the Wall Streeter turned markets researcher and media magnate explained why the asset he is most optimistic about for the 2020s is Bitcoin.

In a to-the-point Twitter comment, Pal said that he thinks Bitcoin is the perfect asset for him to hold for the next decade because it encapsulates all of larger macro views, referencing previous statements he made suggesting the world will turn to an alternative system of finance that will be digital. (Previously, the Real Vision executive said that Bitcoin is basically an option on the future of finance.)

He added that from a pure risk-reward analysis perspective, Bitcoin beats all.

Indeed, per previous reports from NewsBTC, Pal told prominent BTC podcaster Stephan Livera that all popular asset classes are extremely expensive (meaning overvalued), save for BTC.

Equities, he explained, are roughly at all-time highs, and are pushing extreme valuations for relatively little profit and potential.

Bonds arent much better, Pal opines, drawing attention to the virtually zero yields andnegative yields in some cases that debt deemed safe provides.

Even real estate isnt attractive, with the prominent investor calling this asset class unaffordable, adding that it makes even less sense to purchase homes because theyre trading near all-time highs.

Hence, Bitcoin.

Others agree that the following decade for Bitcoin will be formative. More formative than the last.

Deutsche Bank in a report published in December said that it thinks that crypto assets have the potential to take over fiat currencies as a whole:

The forces that have held the currentfiatsystem together now look fragile and they could unravel in the 2020s. If so, that will start to lead to a backlash againstfiatmoney and demand for alternative currencies, such as gold or crypto could soar.

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Bitcoin to Be One of the 2020s Top Investments: Ex-Goldman Sachs Exec Says Why - newsBTC

By: C. RANGARAJAN The Union Budget 2020-21 was looked forward to with great expectations. Growth rate for 2019-20 was estimated at 5%, the lowest in a decade. The fixed capital formation rate had fallen from 34.3% of GDP in 2011-12 to 27.8% in 2019-20, a steep decline of 6.5%, reducing the potential growth rate by1.6%.

The budget was expected to address these problems. Have these expectations been fulfilled?

Overall, the budget is well-intentioned, even though it does not use the word slowdown even once. It outlines, in extenso, the multiple objectives it seeks to achieve. While the expenditure programmes may show how demand will be revived, the revenue projections, along with the fiscal deficit, will indicate whether these expenditure programmes are sustainable.

While the fiscal deficit in the current fiscal goes up to 3.8%, the projected fiscal deficit for 2020-21 is 3.5%. While these levels are above the implicit mandate of 3% of GDP, they may be condoned, given the need to raise government expenditures to stimulate demand. However, the critical question is whether the 3.5% fiscal deficit will stick.

The nominal GDP in 2019-20 is assumed to grow by 10%. This is realistic. The gross tax revenue is assumed to grow by 12%. Thus, the buoyancy is greater than one that did not materialise in the current year. The reliance on disinvestment is high, even after allowing for LIC disinvestment.

The finance ministry will have to monitor the revenue growth so that expenditures must be adjusted such that the fiscal deficit can be maintained. In fact, taking the expenditures as given, the possibility of GoI exceeding the budgets fiscal deficit is very much there. The escape clause should be seen as permitting GoI to exceed by 0.5% the implicit mandate of 3%, rather than over and above what is budgeted.

It is hoped that GoI would not by invoking the escape clause and ask RBI to enter the primary market in government paper. That will tantamount to monetising directly the fiscal deficit.

Some of the changes in the tax regime are significant. A major effort was made some months ago to cut the corporation tax rate. In this budget, some steps have been taken in the direction of simplifying personal income tax (I-T). The impact of this may be very limited. In fact, the broad principle of reducing the tax rate along with withdrawing exemptions must be taken to the logical end and must cover the entire gamut of personal I-T. We should move towards a single regime rather than give options.

Bulk of the time was spent by the FM on explaining the various programmes in different sectors. Quite clearly, sectoral experts must examine how relevant these expenditures are. More importantly, much depends on how they are implemented. The overall expenditures show a rise of 12%. Within that, capital expenditures are expected to increase 18%. However, the ratio of capital expenditures to GDP stays at 1.8%, which is the average over the past few years.

The financial sector has come in for special treatment. Reforms are needed to strengthen the financial system and move it forward. As far as the banking system is concerned, the crucial question is not so much mergers as the extent of the total banking system, which the public sector wants to own. The action relating to the Industrial Development Bank of India gives us some idea. But more clarity is needed.

The second important reform measure is to determine the arms length between GoI and the board of management of public sector banks. Efficiency is a function not only of technology, but also the structure of the organisation.

It is a moot point if the proposed government expenditures will stimulate demand. The room available for GoI is limited. Also, expenditures lack focus. As for stimulating investment, GoIs own participation is still limited. In fact, in 2020-21, of the total fiscal deficit of 3.5%, revenue deficit is 2.7%. The driver of deficit is not investment. Much of the overall capital expenditure of GoI comes from extra-budgetary resources. Therefore, a lot depends on the pick-up in private investment. Will the budget help to create a favourable investment sentiment? We have to wait and see.

(The author is the former Governor of RBI)

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View: Is this budgetary shrug really a nudge enough for private investment to pick up? - Economic Times

The FTSE 100 has experienced a volatile start to 2020. Its price level has been highly changeable in the first month of the year, with initial investor optimism giving way to concerns about the spread of coronavirus and its potential impact on the world economy.

While further uncertainty may be ahead in the near term, the FTSE 100 could offer long-term growth potential. As such, investing 1k, or any other amount, today over a period of 10 years could lead to sizeable returns.

Since its inception in 1984, of course, the FTSE 100 has experienced a significant amount of disruption, risks and periods of volatility. Despite this, it has risen from 1,000 points in January 1984 to trade at 7,500 points at the time of writing. This equates to a capital return of around 5.8% per annum.

When its dividends are added to that figure, it equates to a total annualised return of around 9%. Assuming a similar rate of growth in the next decade would mean a 1k investment today would be worth around 2,367 in 2030 assuming dividends are reinvested.

Of course, the FTSE 100s performance has been somewhat disappointing over the past 20 years. In fact, it reached a price level of 6,930 points at the very end of 1999. Since it trades only 8.2% higher than that level today, its annualised capital return since 1999 has been just 0.4%.

The main reasons for its disappointing returns over the past two decades have been a high valuation in 1999, as well as the impact of the global financial crisis. The index was significantly overvalued in 1999 as the tech bubble grew in size. And, just a few years following the bursting of the tech bubble, the index faced the largest recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

As such, in the past 20 years, it has failed to live up to its annual capital growth rate of 12.9% which was recorded in the 16 years from its inception at the start of 1984 until the end of 1999. In this sense, its performance has been akin to a game of two halves, where the indexs performance prior to the millennium was strong and its growth since then has been rather disappointing.

With the FTSE 100 having a dividend yield of 4.4% at present, it seems to offer good value for money. This suggests it could deliver an improving performance compared to that experienced over the past two decades. This may mean an investment today records a relatively high total return over the next decade.

As such, now could be a good time to buy a range of FTSE 100 stocks while they trade on low valuations. They may experience an uncertain near-term future, but history shows that they could improve your financial position in the long run.

The post If you invest 1k in the FTSE 100 today, this is how much it could be worth in 2030 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.

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Peter Stephens has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

Motley Fool UK 2020

Originally posted here:
If you invest 1k in the FTSE 100 today, this is how much it could be worth in 2030 - Yahoo Finance UK

Although Thailand is notorious for its decadence and party atmosphere, that doesnt mean that this country doesnt also offer a wide range of exciting and unique fitness opportunities.

From water sports for beach lovers, to specialized boxing for those who prefer a more combative sport, to fitness retreats that promise to transform your body in a matter of weeks Thailand has a sporting activity for everyone.

So, whether you are looking to get fit in Thailand, or if you are planning a trip there and want to ensure you maintain your fitness levels, keep reading to discover the top five ways that people exercise in this southern Asian country. This way you can still indulge in all the delicious street food without feeling too guilty!

Not for the fainthearted, but if you can stand the heat, there are some beautiful trekking opportunities in Thailand including the famous Tiger Temple trek where you can marvel at the massive statue of Buddha if you manage to get to the top that is!

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is another great option with the chance to scale the sacred Doi Pui mountain and enjoy the tropical views of the surrounding banana and giant fig trees.

Remember to pack plenty of water though, as the heat coupled with the intense physical exertion can be dangerous if you become dehydrated.

Arguably the most popular way to keep fit in Thailand, Muay Thai is a form of boxing or kickboxing that is unique to the country, where participants use their fists, elbows, knees and shins to fight each other.

Not only will this sport help you to build muscle and burn calories, it will also teach you about the importance of self-discipline a vital skill for ensuring that you achieve your fitness goals.

Thailand is home to many fitness retreats with Ultimate Fitness being the number one Fitness retreat overseas worldwide, providing visitors with the opportunity to revolutionize both their diet and fitness regime.

If you struggle with motivation or feel like you need something radical to kickstart your fitness routine or weight loss journey, then a fitness retreat is the ideal experience for you.

If you want to get fit without it feeling like a chore, then you cant go far wrong with an afternoon diving in the calm and crystal waters that Thailand provides. With a diverse selection of exotic marine life for you to marvel at, plus the chance to burn up to 600 calories per hour, scuba diving or snorkeling is definitely up there on the top five fitness activities to try in Thailand.

If you want to embrace the beautiful natural surroundings of Thailand but are not a fan of the ocean, then why not practice some Thai Chi or yoga on the beach. Both of these popular activities can be as rigorous or low impact as you would like, with some of the health benefits including the ability to:

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Five Popular Ways to Keep Yourself Fit in Thailand - Chiang Rai Times

While The Sims 4 is still alive and kicking as EA's latest Sims game release, and one of PS Plus's free February games, talks are happening regarding future content relating to The Sims franchise. Specifically, EA CEO Andrew Wilson spoke of the possibility that The Sims series may get multiplayer in the future.

According to EA's conference call regarding the third quarter of the fiscal year 2020, Wilson spoke about the possibility of Sims multiplayer. Wilson was asked whether an online iteration the franchise would get released again at some point, which triggered the reply.

RELATED: EAs 10 Best Franchises, Ranked (According To Metacritic)

Wilson responded that "What The Sims has done is really focus on fulfilling the motivations and inspiration, escape, creation, self-improvement and not necessarily focus as much as on social interaction and competition." He added to this, saying that The Sims could get a multiplayer version or feature in the future. Specifically, he said so, given the communal aspects "that were actually present in The Sims Online many many years ago that they will start to become a part of The Sims experience in the years to come."

Basically, Wilson says that EA recognizes the importance of self-expression and single-player creativity in The Sims. However, there is already a community element to The Sims. Players share experiences but are also competitive about it at times. Players are willing to compare styles of creating families and households while debating their methods of doing so.

So far, nothing regarding the next Sims iteration has been officially announced by EA yet. Much has been teased about it, though, including that it is in the works. Further, the conference call with Wilson grants some idea of what is being factored into the development of the next Sims game.

As for the moment, The Sims 4 is still being played by many. The game is full of features and content, so a The Sims 4 guide is helpful. For example, there are a variety of standard cheat codes available for the game that are useful to know. Moreover, there are career-related tips that are serviceable going into The Sims 4.

The game also has a bunch of purchasable side content, available on the digital stores. These include game packs. However, the extra content does vary in its usefulness. Some game packs add more to The Sims 4, though some ofthem don'tadd as much in comparison. Nonetheless, several of these packs are worth checking out.

The Sims 4 is currently available on PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

MORE: The Sims 4: Every Essential Pregnancy Mod Youll Need For Your Family Gameplay

Source: Sims Community

Grand Theft Auto Online Diamond Heist Stream Gets Out of Control for Rockstar

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Buddhi, the intelligence, is not only a process of thinking but also the rationale behind that thinking. It is the seat of understanding and wisdom.

The senses are said to be great, but mind is greater than the senses ; and intelligence is greater than the mind. And that which is greater than even the intelligence, is the self (Shloka 3.42).

The buddhi, thus, works as a bridge between the senses and the mind on one hand ; and the soul on the other. When, instead of being guided by the buddhi, the mind becomes a slave of the senses ; one is driven by the desire for the objects of those senses. His actions are determined by such desires. Hence, he is subjected to the bondage of works.

In shlokas from 2.39 to 2.53, Krishna explains as to how, through buddhi yoga, one can free himself from this bondage.

Buddhi is not merely the power to frame and retain concepts ; but it has also the function of recognising, comprehending, reasoning, judging ; and discriminating.

When illumined by consciousness of the self, buddhi is cleared of the ignorance. The wisdom so revealed enables one to discriminate between good and evil, between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood ; and between the self and the non-self.

Whereas the one whose intelligence is disciplined, has a firm determination and a clear aim ; the thoughts of others are scattered and endless. Singlemindedness is a great asset for the achievement of ones goal.

The work done only for the fruits is far inferior to the work done under the discipline of intelligence. The one who is established in his intelligence casts away, in this very life, both good and evil. Since he has overcome selfishness, he is not attracted towards evil. He rises to an ethical status which transcends both good and evil.

It is important not only as to what one does, but also as to how one does. The spirit behind ones actions is equally important.

The wise who have united their intelligence with the Divine, free themselves from the bondage of repeated births by renouncing the fruits of their actions. In this manner, they attain that blissful state which is beyond any sorrow. When ones intelligence crosses the muddy waters of delusion, he becomes indifferent to enjoyments in this life or the next.

Those with superfluous knowledge get unduly influenced by the flowery words of the religious texts. Immersed in material desires, such people aim only at the heaven and good life in the next birth. They always remain bound by rituals. Intelligence of such people is not well-established in the self. They do not focus their mind on the God.

By the practice of buddhi Yoga, one understands that for the one whose intelligence has been illumined by consciousness, ritual observances are not very important. Instead of being led by the letter, he follows the spirit of the scriptures. He renounces all selfish desire and lives life like a sacrifice, offered with true devotion.

He undertakes any work with the understanding that he has right only to action, and never at all to its fruits. Therefore, he performs his prescribed duty without any attachment to the results of his actions. For the one who is so established in buddhi yoga, impending results of the past actions are neutralised and one is freed from the compulsion of future actions and their binding results. Intelligence of such a doer of work gets purified and remains established in the self. He then attains the divine consciousness. Even while remaining ever engaged in the performance of his assigned work, his mind always rests in the Supreme.

Buddhi yoga is the foundation for attaining perfection in all other paths of self-realisation ; because it is not possible to achieve success in any sphere of life, without proper self control and adequate discipline of mind. Krishna has assured that no effort is ever lost on this path of self-improvement. No obstacle on it lasts for long. Even a small move on it saves one from great dangers. In other words, even if one practices yoga only for some time and later abandons it for whatever reason, he still reaps its benefits. Moreover, no negative impact ever accrues from the practice of such yoga.

Krishna has advised that one should be free from all dualities like pleasure and pain, be firmly fixed in purity ; and be free from anxieties of gain and safety. In this manner, he can rise above the three modes of material nature ; and thus be established in the self.

To conclude, when one spontaneously follows the discipline of buddhi yoga, his intelligence gets more and more illumined and touches higher and higher levels of consciousness. As a result, bonds of the egoistic desire are broken. One realises the self, which is his true nature. The false ego dissolves and the sense of separateness vanishes. A vision of harmony is created in which one sees One in all and all in the One.

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Buddhi Yoga - Discipline of the Intelligence - Daily Pioneer