Hustlers Chapter Album Review.

 DG Woks & CE Savage - Hustlers Chapter

DG Woks & CE Savage embrace positivity and faith with “Hustlers Chapter”. A refreshing take on hip-hop, this brings the listener into their own distinct lives. Quite revelatory, they bare their very souls over the course of the album. Production here stuns for a distinct polished perfection to it. Genre-wise, they bring together elements of the aforementioned hip-hop mixed with Afrobeat, gospel, pop, and rock into a cohesive whole. By far the true center of the album rests with the life-affirming lyricism. Verses virtually cascade one on top of the other resulting in a truly spirited dialogue. 

A lot filters into the mix as far as influences go. On a contemporary kick, they bring to mind the joyous approach of Chance, the Rapper in terms of the undeniable optimism of the whole work. There is a hope here that guides the tracks along. Deep within their Nigerian roots, the group touches upon the inspirationally funk grooves of William Onyeabor. Hearing the way that they let these grooves play out is a particular thrill, for they definitely defy listener expectations every single step of the way. 

From the piano chords the song unfurls on the opener “Praying”. The song trades in its subtle hues. A nice degree of distortion “Big Star” has a clear-eyed ferocity to it, all the way down to the swagger of the rhythms. “Big Star” brings things to a much faster tempo, with the snares doing rather fantastic work, giving it a drill quality in its hard-hitting way. Much mellower “Sexual (feat. Upgrade)” has a tenderness to it. Nimble to its core “Ten Bottles” has a glee to it, featuring a strong party attitude. Vocals race through on “Get Rich”. On “Street Anthem” they strip things back to their essentials. Dreamy effect swirl about as “Ara” has a communal aspect. Melodies go for an understated quality for “Blessings on Blessings” features some particularly fine flows to it. Good bass frequencies worm their way through on “Fight (feat. TheBranch)”. Percussive effects skitter about as “Big Nyash” keeps it sounding so crisp. With a stately stride to it “Joo (feat. Upgrade)” offers up a commanding stance. Reflective to its core “Facts” has a heaviness to it. Gritty detail comes into focus for “Hustle” has a hardness to it. Toy box melody with fine footwork makes “O /Set” the highlight of the entire album. Playful to its core “Next Rated” has a wildness to it. Stabs of strings give “Bottom to the Top” a defiance. Gently bringing the album to a jazzy finale is the gorgeousness of “Ashi Ashi”. 

“Hustlers Chapter” explores a different side of rap, one that shows off the impressive personal journey of DG Woks & CE Savage. (306).

-by beachsloth

HOW TO AVOID HACKERS.

 

SEANairHow hackers break into your WhatsApp account, and how to avoid them

Never make payment, or give out a loan to any contact based on a WhatsApp message.

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Have you ever received a message from any of your contacts that reads something like this; “Hello, I’m having trouble and asked WhatsApp to send you my sms code”?

Well, if you have received such from a friend, his/her line had most likely been hacked, and the hackers were trying to do same to yours.

recent research conducted in Australia showed that in 2019 alone, Australians have lost almost $90 million. The figures rose by 62% during the period the COVID-19 lockdown lasted, with one in every 6 social media user falling victim.

According to the research conducted by software security provider, NortonLifeLock, this was common across WhatsApp, TikTok and Instagram, getting even more young people who considered themselves too smart to be scanned.

How is this possible?

WhatsApp is a messaging application linked to your mobile phone number. The app is designed to be used on one device at a time, with an advanced end-to-end encryption that only allows sender and receiver to see the messages.

Any attempt to log in from another device requires a 6-digit verification code that only the owner of the sim card has access to.

When the hacker tries to access your WhatsApp account from another device, the app prompts for the 6-digit verification code.

Now, this is where you have to be alert. The hackers will try to get the six-digit verification code by any means.

They could claim to be calling for any reason, and then request the code to verify that you really own the sim card. Or they could claim that you are the beneficiary of some windfall, and they need the code to confirm.

The sad part of it is that as soon as you fall victim, all your contacts become potential victims as well, because they now utilise the access to send a WhatsApp message to them.

The message could also be asking them for their verification code, personal or financial details, or it could start out as romance or online dating where the victim is roped into believing that he is in some sort of romantic tryst.

Worse still ask them to make payment for some product or service they would never receive, or offer juicy deals where they claim to double the victim’s supposed investment.

Quick tip here; Never make payment, or give out a loan to any contact based on a WhatsApp message. No matter how stranded the person claims to be; insist on a voice or video call before sending money into any account.

Personal details, pins and codes should be a no-no.  Any verification code, token or pin sent to your sim card is not meant to be divulged to anyone else.  Giving it out allows the hackers to impersonate you.

So what if you discover you have been deceived into giving out your details?

Quickly try to change your passwords and deactivate all online transactions on your accounts. If you can reach your bank, place a hold on transactions of any kind and freeze your cards. This authorises your bank to disregard any request to move out funds from your account, until you say otherwise.

This can only work if you discover really fast, but as advised, it is a situation best avoided.

What to look out for?

According to Cybersecurity expert Mark Gorrie, the first red flag to look out for is “spelling mistakes or poor grammar”. Fortunately, the scammers are not that ‘smart’ and they make errors which they keep sending to their potential victims repeatedly.

Once you find that your contact (friend or client) is sending you a message containing spelling errors, don’t ignore it. Place a call across and find out what is going on. Scammers almost never take such calls and if they do, you will figure out that you have the wrong person.

Another thing to beware of is generic greetings or URLs that don’t match the company in the message. Often, such urls could take you to sites where you are then asked to fill in personal and sensitive data.

Importantly, if the offer looks too good to be true, it most likely is.

From Dgwoks Collection

 

5 reasons watch collectors love Richard Mille

Founded on technical innovation, artistry and a culture of fine watchmaking, Richard Mille has become a dominant player in the watch industry. Christie’s explains why

In the world of Swiss watchmaking, tradition often rules the day. Brands such as Patek Philippe and Rolex are often viewed as the kings of the mountain, both at retail and at auction, yet a new breed of watchmaker is shaking up the established order. In the vanguard of this new group is the independent watchmaker Richard Mille, which makes futuristic watches regarded in many quarters as the ultimate expression of wealth.

• 1
• The watchmaking

Richard Mille established his eponymous brand in 1999 with the backing of Audemars Piguet and its legendary development company, Renaud et Papi. The mission was to push high-end, hand-made watchmaking to the very limits of technical innovation. 

Two years later the Richard Mille RM001 was launched, featuring no gold, diamonds or precious stones — just exceptional engineering. The price tag? A cool €159,000. The entire production run of 80 units sold out almost immediately.

The prototype RM056 (above), which sold for £1.2 million at Christie’s in 2017, contains probably the most complicated movement to have featured in a Richard Mille watch to date — one that it shares with the RM008 (below), which was the first reference that paired a split-seconds chronograph and a tourbillon mechanism.

• CMMdesign

The size and shape of a Richard Mille watch is instantly recognisable, even from a distance. Inspired by automotive design, the aesthetic is unapologetically bold and, according to Forbes, acquiring a Richard Mille watch is the equivalent of ‘buying a miniature sports car for the wrist’. As Mille himself has said, ‘I want people who see my watches to go, “Wow”!’ 

Richard Mille. An extremely rare carbon limited edition tonneau-shaped skeletonised split seconds chronograph wristwatch with power reserve and torque indicators. Signed Richard Mille, Felipe Massa model, ref. rm004, circa 2015. Estimate: HK$2,000,000-3,000,000. Offered in IMPORTANT WATCHES Including The Titanium Collection and an Important Private Asian Collection Part 3 on 13 July 2020 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

Richard Mille. A unique 18k white gold and white ceramic rectangular sekeltonised tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve and function selector. Signed Richard Mille, tourbillon extra flat model, ref. rm017, circa 2017. Estimate: HK$2,400,000-3,500,000. Offered in IMPORTANT WATCHES Including The Titanium Collection and an Important Private Asian Collection Part 3 on 13 July 2020 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

• 3
• The scarcity

Fewer than 5,000 Richard Mille watches are made annually. For a young brand, this is a relatively high number of pieces, yet demand for the watches consistently outstrips production. Strong prices at auction continue to reflect this trend.

Richard Mille. A highly attractive, very fine and extremely rare white ceramic and 18k pink gold limited edition tonneau-shaped skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch, signed Richard Mille, no.01/06, ref. RM52-01, case no.28, circa 2015. 42.7 mm wide, 50 mm overall length, signed. Sold for HK$5,285,000 on 27 May 2019 at Christie’s in Hong Kong

The RM52 Tourbillon Skull (shown above) is an exceedingly rare example – it is number ‘01’ of just six examples made in white ceramic and 18k pink gold especially for the Asian market.

• 4
• The comfort

When you try on a seemingly bulky Richard Mille reference RM 50-3 McLaren F1 split-seconds tourbillon chronograph, the first thing you notice is the weight. At just 1.41 ounces (40 grams), it seems to defy physics with its solid construction and featherweight feel. To produce this revolutionary watch and case, Richard Mille worked with the University of Manchester and McLaren-Honda, both known for their research and expertise in lightweight materials.

• 5
• The statement
  
  

Nicknamed the ‘billionaire’s handshake’, Richard Mille watches adorn wrists within the most exclusive circles. The brand reinforces this message by partnering with ambassadors such as Felipe Massa, the former Formula One driver, and Rafael Nadal, the tennis champion, among them. 

Mille developed the RM006 tourbillon for Massa in 2004. The watch, which weighs little more than a credit card, is capable of resisting shocks up to 500G. Massa was wearing an RM006 when his car crashed into a tyre barrier ahead of the 2009 Hungary Grand Prix. The Brazilian driver suffered serious head injuries; the watch emerged unscathed.

For Nadal, Mille wanted to develop a watch he could wear during matches. The Spaniard broke five prototypes before the RM027, which weighed just 20 grams, was finalised. He was wearing the watch when he won his first US Open tournament — and the 9th grand slam title of his career — in 2010.

In addition, American golfer Bubba Watson wore a Richard Mille while winning the 2012 Masters tournament at Augusta National, and the Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake wore a watch in green, gold and black during the Olympic Games in London.

IN LIFE NEVER GIVE UP BECAUSE YOU FEEL REJECTED.

THIS IS SO TOUCHING!!! George McLaurin, the first black man admitted to the University of Oklahoma in 1948, was forced to sit in a corner far from his white classmates. But his name remains on the honor roll as one of the three best students of the university. These are his words: "Some colleagues would look at me like I was an animal, no one would give me a word, the teachers seemed like they were not even there for me, nor did they always take my questions when I asked. But I devoted myself so much that afterwards, they began to look for me to give them explanations and to clear their questions." ©African History

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What does the Bible say about a man marrying an older woman? Is it acceptable?

What does the Bible say about a man marrying an older woman? Is it acceptable?  

The Bible places no requirements for age in marriage. Since the Bible is silent on this concern, all believers have liberty in this area, meaning a man of any age may marry a woman of any age so long as both are old enough to enter into marriage by law and custom and both have consented to the marriage.

Teaching found in some cultures and churches asserts that an older woman may not marry a younger man, but such teaching is not based on scripture. It is a man-made requirement only, and if it is presented as if it is a biblical requirement, then it is a false teaching. For example, some teach that because Adam was created first then the man in every marriage must always be older than his wife, but this is not a proper interpretation of scripture. . 

The Bible never suggests that because Adam was created first that the man in every marriage should be older than the woman. This is an example of confusing description for prescription. Furthermore, it is a ridiculous use of the text of Genesis. Taken to its logical conclusion, if we hold that all marriages must mimic Adam and Woman's marriage in every respect, then we would also conclude that every man must find his bride from a part of his own body just as Adam did! Clearly, this is faulty logic.

Proper interpretation of scripture must distinguish between prescription and description. The creation story of Man and Woman is descriptive. It describes how these two came into being, however this story is not a prescriptive for all people or all believers. The Bible does not prescribe how all marriages shall begin, and it is entirely silent on the age of individuals entering marriage. Not all marriages form with a younger woman and an older man. and there is nothing sinful when a woman is older than a man.

Proper interpretation of scripture is essential if we hope to live it out properly. 

By: Dg_woks 

Never push loyal employees to the point where they no longer care.

Employees are your Most Valuable Asset!

Employees are your most valuable resource. Yet many companies ignore and treat their employees poorly. Our system has fallen into a self-reinforcing command loop construct as follows: Increase shareholder value at all costs without regard for the human factor. Sadly, if you do not cure the cancer in the root of the tree, not only.

Employees are your most valuable resource. Yet many companies ignore and treat their employees poorly. Our system has fallen into a self-reinforcing command loop construct as follows: Increase shareholder value at all costs without regard for the human factor. Sadly, if you do not cure the cancer in the root of the tree, not only with the branches and leaves die; but so will the the tree. Unhappy employees cost companies billions of dollars each year in lost revenues, settlements and other damages. The loss of revenue can send even established companies into financial distress, with some even filing for bankruptcy.

Financial Losses can result from:

Decreased Productivity. According to research conducted by Gallup, disengaged employees cost companies $450-to-$550 billion in lost productivity each year as a result of poor performance and high absenteeism.

Put your staff first, your customers second & your shareholders third ~Richard Branson

Employee Negligence: When employees are put first, they feel a sense of ownership to the business. Such employees will always take the initiative to solve problems before they get worse. On the other hand, an unhappy employee will just move along and not care as an issue escalates. It is also common for dissatisfied employees to neglect to complete tasks or make mistakes. This leads to poor quality control standards, unsafe products and dangers to consumers. Cases of serious injury or death, caused by company negligence often results in hefty settlements being paid out to those affected.

Tarnished Reputation: Employees interact with customers and could say anything negative about the company’s culture, products and services. The actions of one individual can bring down a company or uplift it.In an age of social media, individual employee actions can have dire effects on an organization. Video accounts of poor customer service experienced by a consumer can go viral on Facebook with similar hashtags on Twitter calling for a boycott of the company. This story can then be picked up by mainstream news bringing negative press resulting in companies having to settle lawsuits.

Employees are the branches of the tree that makes a company grow. Research has found an economic link between employee satisfaction and company financial performance. Employees who genuinely like coming to work every day may have a positive impact on a company’s stock performance. A happy workplace culture does translate into better stock returns. Happy Employees = Happy Customers = Happy Shareholders.

Take good care of your employees, and they’ll take good care of your customers, and the customers will come back. ~J.W. Marriott

Employees are your best brand ambassadors. Your brand position is determined by the customer’s experience. The experience is delivered by your front line employees. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the business. Your employees know your customers best. They use your internal tools and systems every day. They have the answers on how to improve customer service and your products. They have the solutions on how to improve systems which can save money by driving efficiencies.

Employees are the backbone of any organization. In order to remain strong in an industry, employees have to be kept happy. Happy employees are always willing to do more, they will go to great lengths to help the company grow. Charity begins at home. If you want to get the best out of your employees – Put them first.

Leading the Workforce of the Future provides concrete advice and best practices on how to engage and retain top talent. It addresses several areas to focus on to future proof yourself and your business. The future is no longer some far-off destination; it is already here. Don’t be caught off guard!

Thank You. 

Dg_woks

Protests across US as cop charged with murder of George Floyd

Demonstrations erupt in major cities as thousands defy Minneapolis curfew to protest against unarmed Black man's death.Protests have broken out in cities across the United States calling for justice following the death of George Floyd in police custody when a white officer in Minneapolis pressed a knee into the unarmed Black man's neck for several minutes.

In scenes both peaceful and violent across the country, thousands of protesters on Friday chanted "no justice, no peace" and "say his name. George Floyd." They hoisted signs reading: "He said I can't breathe. Justice for George."

More:

• George Floyd protesters: No justice unless all four cops charged

• Derek Chauvin charged with murder in death of George Floyd

• Brother of George Floyd: 'I just want justice'

The demonstrations came as Derek Chauvin, the officer involved in Floyd's death, was arrested and charged with one count each of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Graphic video footage taken on an onlooker's cellphone and widely circulated on the internet shows Floyd - with Chauvin's knee pressed into his neck - gasping for air and repeatedly groaning, "Please, I can't breathe," while a crowd of bystanders shouted at police to let him up.

The video reignited an outpouring of rage that civil rights activists said has long simmered in Minneapolis, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, and other towns and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the US criminal justice system and the deaths of Black people in police custody.

Peaceful demonstrators observe a moment of silence outside the US Bank Stadium during the fourth day of protests after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US on May 29, 2020 [Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters]

The charges brought by Hennepin County prosecutors came after a third night of protests in which protesters set fire to a police station, and the National Guard was deployed to help restore order in Minneapolis. 

Authorities had hoped Chauvin's arrest would allay public anger and avert continued unrest. But defying an 8pm curfew imposed by Mayor Jacob Frey, thousands took to the streets for a fourth night. A heavy contingent of National Guard, state troopers and police moved in, some on foot and some in vehicles.

"We saw a confrontation between a number of demonstrators and state police ... [that] ended with tear gas," Al Jazeera's John Hendren, reporting from Minneapolis, said. 

Protester Naeema Jakes told AFP news agency she needed to be on the streets so she could verbally confront officers.

"I need you to look in my eyes and feel me," Jakes said. "This is pain, this is hurt."

Some cars were set on fire in scattered neighbourhoods, while a pair of restaurants and a Wells Fargo branch were also set ablaze. 

A person walks amid two fires during a demonstration against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African American man George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, May 30, 2020 [Lucas Jackson/ Reuters]

A group of protesters rally around the Fifth Police Precinct on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota [Stephen Maturen/Getty Images via AFP]

Among the cities with larger protests on Friday were Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles and Louisville.

After hours of peaceful protest in central Atlanta, some demonstrators turned violent, smashing police cars, setting one on fire, spray-painting the logo sign at CNN's headquarters and breaking into a restaurant. The crowd pelted officers with bottles, chanting "quit your jobs".

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms pleaded with the crowd to go home.

"This is not a protest," she said. "You are disgracing our city. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country. We are better than this."

But the violence continued, prompting Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency to "protect people & property in Atlanta".

Kemp said 500 members of the state National Guard would be deployed to quell the unrest.

Demonstrators paint on the CNN logo during a protest in Atlanta [Mike Stewart/ AP]

Protesters also gathered outside the White House, with President Donald Trump inside, and some tried to push through barriers set up by the US Secret Service along Pennsylvania Avenue.

In New York City, an initially peaceful demonstration spiralled into chaos as night fell. Protesters skirmished with officers, destroying police vehicles and setting fires.

In Brooklyn, activists who had marched from Manhattan chanted slogans against police brutality and pelted officers lined up outside the Barclays Center with water bottles. Police sprayed an eye-irritating chemical into the largely diverse crowd multiple times, then cleared the plaza.

Numerous people were arrested and police brought in buses to carry them off.

"We have a long night ahead of us in Brooklyn," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. "Our sole focus is deescalating this situation and getting people home safe. There will be a full review of what happened tonight. We don't ever want to see another night like this."

People take part in a protest over Floyd's death in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, US, May 29, 2020 [Brendan McDermid/Reuters]

In Houston, where Floyd grew up, several thousand people rallied in front of City Hall. Among them was 19-year-old Jimmy Ohaz, who came from the nearby city of Richmond, Texas.

"My question is how many more, how many more? I just want to live in a future where we all live in harmony and we're not oppressed," he told The Associated Press news agency.

In Detroit, a 19-year-old man was killed after someone in a vehicle fired shots into a crowd of people protesting Floyd's death. Police said an officer was not involved in the shooting and the suspect had pulled up in a Dodge Durango and opened fire at the protesters.

Tensions also rose in several cities on the US's west coast as night fell and protesters blocked highways in Los Angeles and Oakland. Demonstrators in Los Angeles scuffled at times with police, with a few protesters arrested and one officer receiving medical treatment, police said.

The unrest was the worst the US has seen in years. The AP news agency, citing three anonymous sources said the Pentagon ordered the army to put military police units on alert to head to Minneapolis on short notice at Trump's request.

A protester holds his hands up as police officers enter Lafayette Park as the officers keep demonstrators away from the White House during a protest in Washington, DC, US, on May 30, 2020 [Tom Brenner/ Reuters]

Trump said on Friday he had spoken to Floyd's family and "expressed my sorrow". 

He called the video of the arrest "just a horrible thing to witness and to watch. It certainly looked like there was no excuse for it".

Earlier in the day, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said a key piece of evidence in the case against Chauvin was the video clip showing Floyd lying face down in the street, with the officer kneeling on the back of Floyd's neck - Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, according to an autopsy report.

"We have evidence, we have the citizen's camera's video, the horrible, horrific, terrible thing we have all seen over and over again," Freeman said.

He added the investigation into Chauvin, who faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, was ongoing and he anticipated also charging the three other officers, identified by the city as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng.

All four were fired from the police department on Tuesday after the video surfaced of Monday's arrest.  

The 46-year-old Floyd's relatives welcomed the news of Chauvin's arrest as a "step on the road to justice". But they said they hoped for tougher charges and action against the other officers involved in Floyd's detention and death. 

"We want a first-degree murder charge. And we want to see the other officers arrested," they said in a statement.

"The pain that the Black community feels over this murder and what it reflects about the treatment of Black people in America is raw and is spilling out onto streets across America."

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES