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It really is amazing what technology we can fit in the palm of our hand mobile smartphones are one thing while the best cycling computers are another. GPS cycling computers can range from affordable to ridiculous, with capabilities including GPS tracking, Bluetooth, maps, speed, distance, time, and even Wi-Fi connection. Higher-end computers wirelessly connect to sensors such as options from the best power meters and can track your power output, cadence, left/right balance, and more. And thats not all many computers can connect to third-party apps such as Strava, Zwift, and Komoot.

While some the best cycling computers such as the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, run as high as 500, there are cheaper options on the market with many of the same capabilities. In this buyer's guide, well help you sift through the marketing jargon, and pick out a few of our favorites from the best budget cycling computers segment.

Read on for our pick of the best budget cycling computers available today, or if you're unsure of which model is best for you, check out our advice on how to choose the best budget cycling computer.

The tiniest Garmin cycling computer is also one of its best

Retail price: 169 / $199 / AU$219 | Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth | Companion app: Yes | Navigation: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellites | Battery life: Up to 15 hours (claimed) | Colour screen: No | Screen size: 27.0 x 36.0 mm; 1.8" diagonal (45 mm)

Small and lightweight

Easy-to-read screen

Connectivity

Buttons instead of touchscreen

Price

GPS doesnt always work smoothly

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is about as simple as it gets, with a few buttons to help navigate its screens, and ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities. Experienced riders and those who value performance will love the Edge 130, which can pair with heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and power meters.

However, it is a bit pricier than many of the other options on this list, so if youre not interested in power or heart rate data, the Edge 130 is a bit too much. You can even load Strava live segments onto the Edge 130. The lack of touchscreen is both a pro and a con, depending on which you prefer. Garmins higher-end computers use touchscreens, but ultimately it is up to you to decide.

Read about how the Garmin Edge 130 Plus performed in our full review.

It may take a while to get used to, but its one of the best value options out there

Retail price: 109.99 / $TBC / AU$TBC | Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth | Companion app: Yes | Navigation: Breadcrumb | Battery life: 35 hours | Colour screen: No | Screen size: 2.3in / 58mm diagonal

High value

Many features

Battery life

Not the easiest computer to figure out

Difficult user interface

One of the newer companies on the market is Bryton and while the company isnt one of the most popular brands, you can get a lot more bang for your buck with its products. The Rider 420 is a fantastic cycling computer that barely costs more than 100.

Unfortunately, Bryton computers arent the easiest to figure out, as the user interface tends to have a bit of a learning curve. But once youre in, the features are almost unlimited complete with 77 functions and a claimed 35-hour battery life, the Bryton 420 support ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors, and auto-syncs to third-party training software. You can even export workouts directly from TrainingPeaks through the device, and set up your screens and data field through the companion smartphone app. Sounds a lot like the Wahoo Elemnt series which costs more than twice as much.

For more details on how the Bryton Rider 420 cycling computer performed during testing, read our full review.

An old-school computer with few functions, but also a tiny price tag

Retail price: 49 / $59 / AU$65 | Connectivity: None | Companion app: No | Navigation: None | Battery life: ~1 year (based on one hour a day use) | Colour screen: No | Screen size: 93.5 X 54 X 36mm

Ease of use

Price

Easy-to-read display

No connectivity

No external data recording

Few functions and features

Heres the entire list of this computers functions: speed, distance, time, and clock. Thats it but dont let that dissuade you. The Cateye Quick Wireless Cycle Computer is a sleek and slim product that takes out all the fluff of modern data recording. Without power, heart, cadence, and all that nonsense, the Cateye simply tells you how far you rode and how long it took you. Simple.

Its a refreshing outlook but, of course, its not for everyone. The unit comes with a handlebar mount that puts it right out front, and it is as light and aero as any other cycling computer. Were not really sure why the battery life is described in years, but were not complaining it lasts that long. To serious riders and anyone wanting navigation or connectivity: the Cateye won't be an option but for many others like commuters and beginner cyclists this affordable budget cycling computer could be the perfect fit.

Dont let its looks fool you this is one of the best budget cycling computers available

Retail price: 95 / $99 / AU$189 | Connectivity: Bluetooth Smart, Micro-USB | Companion app: Yes | Navigation: Breadcrumb | Battery life: 10 hours | Colour screen: No | Screen size: 2226mm

Price

Connectivity capabilities

Pairs with a smartphone companion app

Small screen

Doesnt look great

While it isnt the best-looking cycling computer on the market, it is certainly one of the most valuable. For a fraction of the price of many of its competitors, the Lezyne Mini GPS includes navigation capabilities, its own smartphone app, as well as power, cadence, and heart rate data-reading capabilities.

The units small screen may be hard to read, but most riders dont find it problematic since the display shows just two data screens at a time. For serious or performance-focused cyclists on a budget, the 95 Lezyne Mini GPS is a great option.

A valuable buy full of features found in higher-end rivals

Retail price: 129 / $149 / AU$219 | Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Companion app: Yes | Navigation: Breadcrumb | Battery life: 28 hours (claimed) | Colour screen: No | Screen size: 32.6mm (W) x 39.8mm (L)

Feature-rich

Connects with smartphone app

Black-and-white screen

Awkward design

Low quality navigation system

Unlike the Cateye we've listed above, the Lezyne Super GPS has almost all the features you could ask for - and at a fraction of the price of similarly capable rivals such as the Garmin Edge 530. In addition to power meter connectivity, phone notifications, offline maps, rerouting, and GPS navigation, the Super GPS even includes the ability to complete structured workouts, a feature that many associate with high-end Garmin or Wahoo models.

The Lezyne Super GPS isnt the most beautiful cycling computer, and its screen doesnt even have colour; but that only adds value because those costs are taken off the price tag. Its display is functional and its design helps improve battery life past the 24-hour mark. The Super GPS can even connect to the Lezyne Ally companion app for easier navigation and computer customisation.

Plethora of data and performance features in an affordable and versatile package

Retail price: $74 | Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth | Companion app: Yes | Navigation: GPS and GNSS | Battery life: Up to 24 hours (claimed) | Colour screen: No | Screen size: 2.7" (65mm) measured diagonally

Detailed power data and interval training

Customisable display

Battery life

Complete lack of navigation capabilities

When Stages Cycling first released the Stages Dash, it was seen as an affordable and lightweight cycling computer designed to centralise the data-monitoring experience - the Dash L10 follows this ethos.

Fully integrated with Stages Link training software, the Dash L10 can put you through structured interval workouts, and even provide you with performance analysis on the back end. Few other cycling computers have this kind of capability, which really sets the Stages Dash L10 apart. However, youll need a Stages Link subscription in order to reach the units full capabilities.

The big sacrifice is the lack of navigation no GPS, no maps, and no breadcrumbs. The GPS does, however, track distance and speed, but thats about it. In summary, the Stages Dash L10 goes against the trend that many cycling computer manufacturers have edged towards: navigation. Gravel riding, adventuring, and bike-packing are skyrocketing in popularity, and people want high-tech, colourful, updated maps that they can use to navigate anywhere in the world. The Stages Dash L10 doesnt do that instead, this unit is for the performance-focused rider who wants to improve their interval training and get as much data as they can from their head unit on a budget.

A serious training tool for serious cyclists

Retail price: 169 / $359 / AU$299 | Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Companion app: Yes | Navigation: OpenStreet Map | Battery life: 12 hours | Colour screen: Yes | Screen size: 2.2in / 56mm

Power data deep dive when paired with Pioneer power meters

Improved touch screen

Pairs with smartphone companion app

Low brightness

Must pair with Pioneer power meter to unlock all features

Pioneer has completed a big step up with the Pioneer SGX-CA600. The old SGX-500 head unit was a headache but the latest computer is a huge improvement in everything from its usability to the improved touchscreen.

While the units touchscreen isnt perfect, you can easily pair it with its companion app and set everything up through your smartphone. The touchscreens colour display is one of the best out of any unit on this list and it even comes with OpenStreet base maps preloaded into the unit, including navigation and turn-by-turn directions.

Its true that the Pioneer SGX-CA600 is on the expensive side for a budget cycling computer, but thats because it comes with unmatched features and in-depth pedaling metrics when paired with a Pioneer power meter. Serious cyclists and riders focused on their pedaling technique and efficiency will find everything they need and more on the SGX-CA600, making it one of the most versatile computers on our list.

Chances are, if youre reading through a list of the best budget cycling computers, then youre operating on a pretty tight budget. Its no secret that cycling is expensive, and when you see cycling computers that cost 500, you begin to wonder what all the fuss is about.

If youre a commuter whos looking for new roads to explore, then you dont need a high-end cycling computer capable of analysing your pedalling metrics and left/right balance. You need a computer with good GPS capabilities and an easy-to-use navigation system that works even when its dark and wet outside.

When it comes to value, there are a number of cycling computers on this list that skip the famous name (i.e. Garmin or Wahoo). Companies such as Bryton might not be the most popular or easy to use, but once you get familiar with the interface, the Bryton Rider 420 has nearly all the capabilities of higher-end models. So when youre shopping on a budget, take a closer look at the options, not just the popular models.

Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a cycling computer is where you ride. Consider the weather, the terrain, the amount of natural light youll get. Will a dim, black-and-white computer screen be readable? Or will you need to see the map on a brighter, colour screen?

The display is one of the biggest faults of many budget cycling computers, as they can be small, dim, and difficult to read. And the last thing you want to be doing while descending at 60km/h is squinting at your cycling computer, trying to see where the next turn is. A larger and brighter display is more common nowadays, even on budget models, but its always worth having a proper look at it before you commit to purchasing a new cycling computer.

Commuters wont mind the short battery life of some budget cycling computers, but if youre looking for any long adventures such as backpacking, youll need a computer with decent battery life. Some of the units on this list last only half a day, while others can make it well over 24 hours. Keep in mind that recording data, keeping your display backlit, and following navigation will drain your cycling computers battery much faster than normal.

Budget friendly cycling computers dont always have the beautiful navigation maps of higher-end models which use a GPS chip and access to other satellite networks like GLONASS and Galileo. Many even have a base map pre-installed, which allows for seamless re-calculations, turn-by-turn directions, and, with some, you can even create routes directly on the device. Budget cycling computers, on the other hand, will often use breadcrumb navigation, which is when the computer displays your route as a line that you follow quite literally like following a trail of breadcrumbs.

These may not be the first thing on your mind when youre shopping on a budget, but the plethora of features included in some of these budget cycling computers is what makes them truly special. WiFi and Bluetooth capability usually enable connection to third-party apps such as Strava and Komoot, which can be one of the most underrated features of a cycling computer. With these, you can connect to your phone, receive messages, re-route on the fly and go after Strava Live Segments. A few years ago, this level of capability was reserved for only the high-end cycling computers; but now, you can find these features in a number of budget options.

If uploading your rides to Strava is your motivation for getting a cycling computer, you'll need to find one that can track your location as you ride, so look for something with GPS, Glonass or similar. Sadly a wheel-based speed sensor won't cut it.

If you want to download routes from Strava onto your device, then look for smartphone app connectivity. The app will usually be able to integrate with Strava, allowing you to share data back and forth with ease.

Round up of today's best deals

Follow this link:

Best budget cycling computers: Track your ride without the big price tag - Cyclingnews.com

The first step in filing one's Income-tax Return (ITR) is selecting the right tax return form. The applicable tax return form depends on the residential status of an individual and total income earned from various sources during the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21.

Who can use ITR-1 formMany salaried individuals have to use ITR-1 form to file their tax returns. A resident individual having total income up to Rs 50 lakh from salary, one house property and income from other sources can file his return of income using Form ITR-1. It can't be used by any taxpayer who is either a non-resident or has capital gains or profits/gains from business or profession.

Choosing tax regime in ITR 1Do keep in mind that an option to choose the concessional tax regime (under section 115BAC of the Income-tax Act, 1961) has been introduced in ITR-1 form, which allows a taxpayer to change the tax regime vis--vis the one they would have already declared to their employer at the time of deduction of tax at source on salary payment or adopted while computing advance tax payable during the course of FY 2020-21.

ITR filing modeA taxpayer may choose to fill the Form ITR-1 in either online mode or offline mode. In the offline mode, one needs to use the JSON utility to fill the details before uploading the same on the income tax website to complete the filing process.

Pre-filled informationForm ITR-1 comes with certain pre-filled information such as personal details of the taxpayer along with details of salary income, dividend income, interest income, capital gains, etc., and the form can be downloaded from either the government's income tax e-filing portal or from other tax filing websites. However, with glitches in the new income tax portal, individuals should re-verify the same (pre-filled information in the ITR form) before proceeding to submit it to the tax authorities.

Documents/papers needed to file ITRIt would be prudent for the taxpayer to have all documents pertaining to his/her income/specified investment, expenditure/pre-paid taxes etc. handy. These include Form 16 and 16As, investment proofs not submitted to employer, rent receipts for property given on rent, interest on housing loan certificate, bank interest details, other interest details Form no. 26AS etc.

Step by Step guide to filing ITR-1Go to http://www.incometax.gov.in and login with your credentials.1. Go to E-File > Income Tax Returns -> 'File Income Tax Return' to be selected from the menu.

Once return of income is filed, an SMS/e-mail intimation confirming the filing is sent by the tax department to the taxpayer. Post successful submission, the acknowledgement (ITR-V) is sent to taxpayer's registered email id. One can also choose to retrieve it manually from the income tax website.

9. Verification After successful validation, taxpayer may proceed to verification of tax return either electronically through net banking, Aadhaar OTP etc. or can sign it manually and send it to the CPC, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru within 120 days of e-filing of the return of income.

In summary, while many parts of the ITR-1 form are pre-filled it is important to carefully verify every aspect and modify the same as necessary before the tax return is uploaded on the income tax website.

(The writer is Partner and Head, Global Mobility Services - Tax, KPMG in India.)

View post:

How to file ITR-1 with salary income, home loan, other incomes for FY 2020-21 - Economic Times

LISA BURD/Stuff

Helen Rose has been placing her Rose the Firefighter cartoon all over Inglewood to give children something to look out for during lockdown walks.

They seek her here, they seek her there, they seek Firefighter Rose everywhere.

Taranaki woman Helen Rose came up with the cartoon firefighter shortly after level 4 began, and has been placing it around her home town of Inglewood to give people, primarily children, something to spot when out for their daily lockdown exercise.

Danny Chapman/Stuff

Carter Chapman finds Firefighter Rose while out with his family.

Its a little treasure hunt just to encourage people to go out and have a walk, said Helen, a mother of three.

I go all around Inglewood with her. Shes been taken all over the place.

READ MORE:* Play dough flour delivered to solo mum to feed four kids in lockdown* Covid-19: Children 'to miss out' as lockdown cuts off food-in-schools programmes * The latest and greatest ideas for kids' bedrooms

Firefighter Rose has been parked on benches, placed among tree branches and been displayed on the gates of the town hall.

She went to the train station one day.

John Vernon Tauke Wheatley/Stuff

Ella Wheatley likes to look for Firefighter Rose.

But its not just youngsters who have been photographing themselves next to Firefighter Rose and uploading the pictures to Inglewoods Facebook page. Adults have been joining in the hunt as well.

They include Erica Perry, who is one of 40 people in the world with Miller Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes facial and limb abnormalities.

Erica Perry/Stuff

Erica Perry said looking for Firefighter Rose had been a big help in motivating her to walk longer distances and to walk more often.

Along with a photo, Perry posted that taking part in the search was helping her to walk longer distances and to walk more often.

Since running my half-marathon a few years ago, my mind and body have struggled to keep up the fitness. Thanks to this, I am out walking the streets much more often.

Helen, who moved to Taranaki from England with husband Chris and children Isobel, 10, Scarlett, 8, and Toby, 5, has been a volunteer firefighter for the past three years, which gave her the idea for the cartoon.

Leslie Ireland/Stuff

Leslie Ireland also joined in the hunt.

Firefighter Rose did turn out looking a bit like me, said Helen. It was not intentional. It just sort of happened.

Alice Smith/Stuff

Sophia, left, and Tilly Smith found Firefighter Rose.

The former kitchen designer, who is now moving into a childcare career, said Firefighter Rose was keeping her busy.

I had a message today asking if I had moved her yet.

Go here to see the original:

Rose the Firefighter gives children and adults something to look out for during lockdown walks - Stuff.co.nz

You may have seen everyone posting their vaccination certificates on social media with the hashtag #JimsJabs, but it might not be as wholesome as it looks.

The trend started thanks to a TikTok campaign by Jim Penman the real-life Jim from Jims Mowing who has promised a free Jims Mowing shirt and bucket hat for the first howevermany people to tag him in their vaccination posts. So far over a million people have collectively viewed the countless TikToks that have been posted with the #JimsJabs hashtag.

Getting vaccinated is literally the most important thing you can do right now, and incentives in general are great. But encouraging young people to kiss Jims ass en masse is a convenient way to gloss over the fact that Jims actually a pretty out-there dude.

Jim (whose real name is not even Jim its David) has been a vocal anti-lockdown shit-stirrer throughout the pandemic.

Then theres the fact that he is obsessed with fringe race theories which claim that Europeans have dominated other races because theyve historically been more physiologically inclined for success.

Even when it comes to his mowing business, Jim has a reputation of being intense as fuck. The dude even fired his own sister.

Lets delve into why its maybe not the best idea to use your vaccination status as free advertising for Jim Penman of Jims Mowing (aside from, you know, uploading your private medical info in order to claim a free shirt).

To be fair, everyone hates lockdowns. But theres a difference between not enjoying being stuck at home and openly campaigning for looser restrictions during a crisis.

As early as mid-2020, Jim made a regular habit of publicly shitting on lockdown restrictions, well before it was cool.

When Victoria went into Stage 4 lockdown last year, Jim went on a media blitz to have a bit of a sook, describing certain restrictions as lunacy.

He even encouraged his franchisees to continue operating when they werent allowed to, and offered to pay any fines they might incur. Keep in mind there were some support payments like JobKeeper in place at the time.

At one point, he even partnered with fringe anti-lockdown groups to raise awareness (and, it would seem, money) for the cause, although he himself never directly funded any of these organisations.

In May, 2021, Penman harped up about Victorias lockdowns for the zillionth time.

Jim has once again actively tried to interfere with the lockdown. Hes told people to ignore the government directions and go out and work, an angry Jims Mowing franchisee toldThe Guardian.

More recently, Jim has been busy penning open letters to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklianabout the Sydney lockdown at a time when cases continue to climb like never before.

I challenge you to present one case where a sole operator has passed on or received infection while gardening, washing a car, grooming a dog or building a fence, he wrote.

He might not be wrong, but if he really cared about workers and franchisees, Jim would be campaigning for more generous emergency payments so people wouldnt have to travel to go to work in the first place.

There have been plenty of valid criticisms of Australias endless lockdowns, especially in regards to supporting people who are out of work, but Jims singular pet hate isnt one of them.

A lot of people dont know this, but Jims first love isnt mowing: its actually an obscure theory of history and race known as biohistory.

Basically, this theory reckons that all the great events in human history can be chalked down to changes in brain or hormonal activity, which he splits into Restraint (later renamed Civilisation) and Vigour.

Jim reckons different races demonstrate different levels of Restraint and Vigour, which can supposedly be used to explain why Europe invaded and subjugated the whole world not too long ago.

He actually did a PhD on the matter in the 1980s before he decided to focus on his mowing business.

In 1992, the yardwork tycoon published his own book,The Hungry Ape, which elaborated some of his beliefs on the matter.

According to Vice, Jim wrote that Jews are traditionally driven by feelings of anxiety and insecurity, which is why the key to their success has been high restraint, which has been linked to their trading skills as well as hard work.

He also wrote that Aboriginal people are unsuited in general to the discipline of academic study and of many jobs, they have become a poor-underclass.

It gets worse.

Black sexual behaviour is freer, on average, than that of whites, Jim wrote.

Unemployment is higher and occupational success lower, reflecting, alongside racial oppression, a lack of high-Restraint work ethic and commercial skills. Rates of crime are higher, because of the reduced respect for law and authority in lower-Restraint groups.

By 2007, Jim used his fortune to fund research experiments on rats which he hoped would give credence to his theory.

His hope is that one day, scientists will come up with some kind of pill or nasal spray to stabilise everyones Restraint/Civisilation and Vigour, which would presumably turn all the different races into happy little workers.

The most likely way for this to happen is for a minority segment of the population to reinforce traditional values with some form of Civilisation-promoting supplement, Jim wrote in his 2015 book Biohistory.

Over time, their economic success and higher birth rate would influence the wider society, especially given its ongoing decline.

You dont build a $500 million business empire without hurting a few feelings along the way.

Jim has earned a reputation for being a shrewd and at times ruthless businessman, perhaps because he has too much Vigour and not enough Civilisation.

According to staff and his own biography, workers who are perceived as not contributing enough get the sack.

I also fired my sister and she has never spoken to me since, he told the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age back in 2019.

I have a very single-minded focus, more than 4,000 families depend on what we do and ultimately they are what counts.

All adult Aussies (yep, even those of us under 40) are currently able to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Click here to see which clinics are offering it, and talk to a doctor for more info.

The best vaccine is the first one you can get, and thatll be our ticket out of this mess.

Link:

Friendly Reminder: Jim From Jims Mowing Is An Anti-Lockdowner Obsessed With Race Science - Pedestrian TV

Steve Harvey is celebrating the birthdays of his twin daughters and oldest children, Karli Harvey Raymond and Brandi Harvey.

On Saturday, Aug. 21, he uploaded a throwback Instagram photo of them holding hands, wearing matching smiles, matching twisted hairstyles and matching dresses. He added a heartfelt caption that reads, My 2 greatest joys @iambrandiharvey @iamkarliraymond They grew me up and I love them so Happy birthday ladies.

The two ladies celebrated their 39th birthday with a post on their respective Instagram accounts and added a shoutout to each other in their captions. Uploading two pics, Brandi wrote, Its me and my BEST FRIENDS Birthday . One year wiser and one year better.Me and @iamkarliraymond have been rocking for life and we aint stopping no time soon! Go ahead and show us some love because we love you back! .

As for Karli, she dedicated her caption not only to her sister but she also opened up about her growth in the past year to her fans. She started by telling her sister, I Love you and our sisterhood more than words could ever express, then went on to explain how she bossed up. She said, I bossed up in my prayer life. I bossed up in my faith, my walk with God AND I bossed up in business! God showed me what was possible if I just TRUST HIM!

Karli, who is a wife to entrepreneur and speaker Benjamin Raymond and a mother to 5-year-old Benjamin Raymond Jr., continued, This year I allowed myself to become more vulnerable and I started asking for the help I needed. I relied on a good sister girlfriend more and started a weekly prayer call! I exercised my NO and erected some real boundaries in my life. This year showed me what I was really capable of. THAT IF I EXPANDED MY MIND, GOD WOULD EXPAND MY TERRITORY! This year I saw myself as more loving, more powerful, more compassionate, more kind, more giving and I am GRATEFUL! I pray that my best years are ahead of me and that God continues to blow my mind with His splendor!

Steve welcomed his daughters and their brother, Broderick Harvey Jr. with his first wife of 13 years, Marcia Harvey. In 1996, he went on to wed his second wife, Mary Lee Harvey, with whom he shares son Wynton Harvey. That marriage ended in 2005, and in 2007 he said I do to Marjorie Harvey, his current wife. Although the two do not share children together, Marjorie does have three children, Lori, Morgan and Jason Harvey, from a previous relationship.

Read the original:

'They Grew Me Up': Steve Harvey Posts Throwback Picture of Twins, Fans Swoon - Atlanta Black Star

Next year will be different.

Its a mantra that Ive heard over and over since the end of a long and stressful tax seasonwith apologies to those still working on extensions. After months of long hours, ever-changing rules and regulations, and shifting deadlines, many tax professionals are rethinking how they do businessand that includes a second look at who their customers might be.

Tax services can feel relatively simple when youre just handing over a stack of papers or uploading files to a portal. But how you regard the process can be critical to understanding whether your tax professional is a good fit.

Do you view your taxes each year as one in a series of transactions? Or are you looking for an ongoing professional relationship?

The answers to those questions are equally important to your tax professional. And if your tax professional doesnt seem that enthusiastic about providing services for you, theres likely a reason.

So, what could make a tax professional want to dump a client?

When I posed this question to tax professionals on social media, I received 216 comments just on Facebook. I received more than 100 additional responses on Twitter, LinkedIn, and email.

The answers were fairly consistent from tax professionals from all over the country, and firms of all sizes. Here are some reasons that your tax pro may not be that into you anymore:

You dont pay your bills. This should be an easy one. You pay your hairdresser. You pay your doctor. So pay your tax professionaland pay on time. If youre having financial difficulties, your tax professional likely already knowsthey know how much you make and often, how much you spendand may be willing to work out a payment plan. But thats a conversation you should have before you ask to have your taxes prepared or your tax controversy resolved, not after.

You complain about costs. When you hired your tax professional, you likely signed a retainer letter or reached an agreement about the feeand you agreed. So dont complain about it after the fact. Dont suggest that you could have gotten the same work done for less somewhere else. And, of course, dont try to bargain the bill down after the fact. You wouldnt walk into your favorite restaurant, down a $10 martini, and ask to pay $6 instead, would you?

You expect miracles. Paying taxes can be painfulbut you already knew that. And your tax professional is there to help you pay the correct amount: not too much, not too little. Thats why they ask you questions and stay on top of the latest deductions and credits. But they arent magicians. Nobody can (honestly) turn a $25,000 tax liability into a refundnot even with the wave of the tax code. Instead of complaining about an unfortunate tax bill, work with your tax professional to avoid the same result next year.

You lie. Repeatedly. Trust is key to any professional relationship. I dont care what you told your neighbor or brother about how much you made or where you spent your money: You need to tell your tax professional the truth.

Youre too predictable. There can be a level of comfort with sameness, especially when it comes to taxes. But, as many tax professionals pointed out, you cant possibly have the exact same deductions every year for your business, from utilities to employee compensation. And that Schedule A? Eventually, those real estate tax and mortgage interest numbers are going to changethe IRS knows that and your tax professional knows that. Dont hand over last years tax forms or statements and expect that your tax professional wont notice.

You dont call or show up like you said you would. Deadlines are hugely important in tax. When you take days or weeks to return calls or emails, youre making life hard for your tax professional. They dont have the time and energy to chase you for documents or signatures, especially during a busy tax season. If you promise to make yourself available, stick to it.

You call too often. If you have your tax professional on speed dial, you might want to rethink things. Its good to check in once in a while. But you dont need to call in the middle of the night because youre worried about your PPP forgiveness application. If your tax professional said they would have something for you on Friday, dont call on Tuesday to see how its going (its fine). If the IRS hasnt called about an examination, thats a good sign. And no, your tax professional cant make your refund show up any faster.

You dont respect boundaries. During the course of preparing your taxes, you may find that you need additional help outside of the scope of your representation. Depending on the circumstances, your tax professional may not be in the position to offer more than tax advice. Dont be afraid to ask for help but keep an open mind: If you need an attorney, financial adviser, or other assistance, your tax professional may be able to make a referral.

Youre always on social media. Its great to be educated on the latest tax developmentsknowledge is power. And there are some excellent resources on social media. But trust your tax professional. Just because youve heard about a potential tax deduction on TikTok or Facebook doesnt make it legitimate. Definitely ask questions, but be sure to put the phone down and listen.

Youre sloppy. There comes a time when your financial records should not resemble the contents of a high school locker. No one expects perfection but there has to be a line. And that line is somewhere between a neat Excel spreadsheet and, as more than one tax professional noted, receipts and records in a garbage bag. If youre naturally scattered or very busy, seek out a tax professional willing to help you get organized. But dont assume all tax professionals are okay with digging through your old Samsonite full of expense records without first having a discussion.

You sneak around. I appreciate that you may want to resolve some tax and payment issues on your own, but make sure your tax professional understands what youre doing. It can complicate things very quickly when youre running interference on the side, like reaching out to the IRS at the same time or setting up installment arrangements while your tax professional is attempting to negotiate an alternative. Its more than just awkward: It can be harmful. Communication is key, so be upfront with your tax professional about your plans.

Youre rude to everyone. This was the top complaint across the board. And in almost every case, tax professionals were concerned about the treatment of their staff. Ive worked in companies of all sizes, including running my own business, and I can confirm: Staff is our lifeline. Theyre spending long hours at the office, too. And no matter how frustrated you might be, theres no reason to take it out on the person who answers the phone, mails your return, or fields your email complaint. Being abusive to staff will get you bounced. And rightfully so.

Relationships of all kindsincluding professional onesare a two-way street. If you, as the client, realize that things arent working out, its time to walk away. But remember that the converse may also be true. Take the time to find and develop a working relationship with a tax professional that fits your lifestyle. Youll be glad you did.

**This is the first in a series on taxpayers and tax professionals.

This is a weekly column from Kelly Phillips Erb, the Taxgirl. Erb offers commentary on the latest in tax news, tax law, and tax policy. Look for Erbs column every week from Bloomberg Tax and follow her on Twitter at @taxgirl.

Read more:

Your Tax Pro's Just Not That Into You: Why You May Get Dropped - Bloomberg Tax

Within minutes of the interview where he rather reluctantly talks about scoring a Lionel Messi kind of goal as a junior, Simranjeet Singh, the scorer of two of Indias five goals in the bronze-medal match against Germany, sends across a video. The 24-second clip is a validation of the 24-year-olds claim.

The action is from an India-Holland away game from 2016. Its probably shot by the teams computer analyst from the stands. Receiving the ball on the right, Simranjeet is close to the sideline and just inside the oppositions 25-yards. Its a position from where the less-ambitious forwards run down the flank, slap in a centre and pray that the ball finds a teammates stick in the crowded D. The handful who trust their quick hands, lightning-fast feet, look up to Dhanraj Pillay and are in a habit of watching Messi on loop go straight into the heart of the opposition. Simranjeet is one of them.

The shortest route to the goal is expectedly crowded. At one point he has two defenders in front and two biting at his heel. His speed and stickwork make him unstoppable. He has passing options, a couple of forwards can be seen running, breaking free from their markers but Simranjeet, as his idol would have done, decides to go solo.

On entering the D, two more Dutch players zero in to poke at the ball, stifle the run. Not going to work today. The ball, like a pet on a stretchable leash, doesnt run astray. The blur with a white patka keeps storming ahead. So far six rivals have been left in his wake, now theres just the goalkeeper to beat. Simranjeet just about manages stumbling, falling but still connecting the ball with a reverse swing.

Change the sport, replace the astro-turf with natural grass and it could well be Messi cutting in with his trademark hustle from the right, conning the defenders on the way and beating the goalkeeper with that magical left, barely able to stay on his feet after the frenzied run. Simranjeet says he had once seen Messi go past four players and score from a similar movement from the right and it stayed with him. That day I thought what Messi does, it can also happen to me in real life, he says.

In the dug-out that day was Harendra Singh, who was Indias junior coach then. Its been close to five years, Harendra has moved on. He is in charge of the US junior national side, presently in Santiago, Chile for the PanAm Cup. He still recalls Simranjeets Messi goal. I stood up and gave him a standing ovation with my hands folded. The entire stadium was on their feet, the opposition players were laughing, there was a sense of disbelief on their faces.

A hockipedia and a life-long student of the game, Harendra is known to have the knack to spot talent. His judgment carries weight. He calls Simranjeets skills unique. Such skills I have only seen in Baljeet Singh Dhillon and Dhanraj Pillay. Out of 100 players, maybe there will be just 1 such player. He is a solo player with great dodge and ball awareness. You need three skills to be such a good player Simran has all three. He has skills to go right, left and also the 3D skill the ability to dodge, pass and score with the lifted ball, he says.

Its been a long day for Harendra, most of it is eaten by his 14-hour long flight. But a text seeking his reaction for a story on Simranjeet, the player he rates as the finest goal-scorer and feeder in the 2016 Junior World Cup-winning team he coached, gets a quick reply. He says he is glad that the young boy is getting media attention. No one is writing about them, they are the unsung heroes.

He has a point. The fourth quarter nervousness of the bronze medal play-off, the draining relief of Sreejeshs penalty corner stop and the teary sight of Manpreet Singh leading the team on the podium after 41 years, made an overwhelmed India miss the trees for the wood.

The dazzle of Neeraj Chopras final day gold was so blinding that there was no time to put the hockey bronze under the microscope. The individual efforts however grand including Simranjeet scoring two heart-warming field-goals hung innocuously in the brief scores section below lofty reports about big hockey revival.

The subtle but significant changes to Indian hockey got overshadowed by the nations biggest-ever Olympic haul. Now that the celebratory dhols at the airport have died down, its time to gloat over the 20-something forwards Gurjant Singh, Hardik Singh and Simranjeet, who, unlike past Olympians, didnt freeze at the finish line. They werent anything like the other nervous Olympic newbies. They tried and pulled off audacious goals. They nutmegged reputed goalkeepers in do-or-die games. They even made the Germans wilt under pressure. All that bunched together, they did their bit in rebranding Indian hockey. Simranjeet, the poster boy of this change, embodies the subtle but significant change. The one who follows Dhanrajs hockey ethos but has Messi on his mind.

For the untrained eye, Simranjeet comes across as a classic Indian player, a flamboyant dribbler from the land of Dhyan Chand and Mohammed Shahid. But there is more to the story. He is way too respectful to distance himself from this flattering comparison but very politely he begs to differ.

People tell me I have a typical Indian game, I love to listen to such praise and I am proud of it but I am not a typical Indian hockey player. I have to adapt to the modern game, he says. A mix of Messi and a typical Indian hockey player? Yes, he replies with a broad smile.

Hockey for Simranjeet is a 247 obsession. So even while watching football on television, he visualises Messi with a hockey stick or him in a Barcelona T-shirt at Nou Camp. International football is covered by cameras from all angles, there are even shots from the top. This gives you an idea about the position and the structure a team adopts. Hockey has been adopting the football structure for a while now. As the ball moves from one player to another, I put myself in that situation and I keep asking questions what I would do if I was in that position, it helps me to take the right call in a real match situation, he says.

A compulsive dribbler while growing up in Punjabs Gurdaspur, coaches have repeatedly instructed Simranjeet to be selective about his solo run. With time, he would earmark areas on the field where he allows his inner Dhanraj/Messi to emerge. If I lose the ball because of my dodge it can go against the team. So I avoid them when I am in my half. But in case I am inside the rival 25 yards and in the D, I am free to do whatever. The mere thought of flying on the turf, weaving between defenders brings a smile to his face.

Were you a natural dribbler, someone born with the skill? Simranjeet smirks, its a question that undermines the countless hours he spent running around with the ball on his stick. Both he and coach Harendra reject the romantic notions that dribblers are Special Ones handpicked by the sporting Gods. They talk about the boring practice routines that shape an entertaining player. The painstaking background checks of opponents and the monotony of repetitions during training. There is also talk about the science of hoodwinking a defender and the lifelong pursuit of remaining unpredictable, the key for a successful dribble.

On the morning of the match, I visualise the defender I will be up against. We look for their weak points, I take each defender and see woh kidhar dodge kha sakta hai right or left. We observe them very closely, we really go into the details of how they react, says the forward.

Stage two is about weaponising the data. Suppose you have the ball and theres another forward joining you in the attack. In that case, the defenders have two things in mind I have to stop the pass or I have to avoid the dodge. So my job is to guess what he is thinking, he says. At this point, with the defenders weakness stored at the back of the mind, the player looks for on-field clues. If his position and angle of the stick is suggesting that he is going to stop the pass in that case I try to dodge him. And if he has the intention to stop me individually, in that case I will look to pass the ball. Mention his breath-taking dribble during the quarter-final against Great Britain at the Olympics that had the commentators jump out of their chair and call it the dodge of the tournament so that Simranjeet breaks it down. He, almost apologetically, goes blank. He mumbles a soft is it, a softer maybe, before giving up. What follows is a scientific explanation and it isnt about him being forgetful.

You train so much, you pore over the data for so long that it stays in your subconscious mind. And during the game when you have to fashion the dodge in that fraction of a second, the subconscious mind tells you which way you need to go, he says. So that special dodge against Great Britain was the mind reacting quickly and asking the limbs to make those game-changing split-second binary dribble or pass decisions. Effortlessness isnt easy, it comes after putting in a lot of effort.

The teacher in Harendra throws in an analogy. These boys train to increase awareness and deal with all kinds of tackles. They master the skill needed for every situation. I keep telling my boys, the head is the CPU of the computer and when you are training all information is in there. Once you are in the game, that same CPU, loaded with information, will transmit the instruction to the hands and legs.

The uploading of information has been on since the time Simranjeet left home in UPs Pilibhit when he was in Class V. His uncle in Gurdaspur had seen a spark in him, he didnt want it to go waste. Young Simranjeet found himself in a village where every kid played hockey and elders discussed the nuance of the game at street corners. It is a place where passer-bys stop in their tracks to change the grip of budding players or stuff notes in their pockets for a delectable nutmeg. Hockey expertise isnt confined to academies around here.

Simranjeet would follow his elder cousins one of them Gurjant, the one who found him in the crowd of German defenders with a delectable minus pass for Indias game-winning final goal in the bronze medal game to the ground. After the days training, Simranjeet says he wouldnt be bothered about the lack of company and work on his ball skills, try new things, polish old tricks.

Is Simran a loner? Harendra kills the enticing storyline of a boy away from his parents from an early age making the hockey stick and the ball his best friends. No, no no way. Just ask anyone, he was the darling of the team. He was the most intelligent player in my team. His company was sought by everyone, especially when they were going out shopping. His friends from Punjab would take him with them since he is well-versed in English. He knows how to talk, carry himself, how to discuss and how to bargain for others with shopkeepers, he says.

The fact that Simranjeet was the last-minute inclusion to the Olympic squad, wasnt played in the first two games at Tokyo and even missed the semi-final against Belgium seems to rankle his one-time coach. He has untapped talent, people have a tendency to take him lightly, says Harendra. And in the tone that indulgent teachers save for their favourites, he refers to his not quite chiseled face. Yeh golu-molu (chubby face) lagta hai so people think he is unfit, but I will tell you he is the fittest guy and he has a great temperament. It was him and Gurjant who scored in the junior World Cup final in 2016. Incidentally, Simranjeets Junior World Cup goal was similar to his first strike against Germany a tomahawk cracker from the top of the D. The boy with a beep test reading of 24 has fast legs and faster hands.

The golu-molu is also a hare-footed forward thats a deception made in heaven for this compulsive dribbler.

First goal (17th minute, India draw level at 1-1)He receives the ball inside the D with his back towards the goal. A quick turn to the right, he connects with a powerful backhand shot that grazes past the right post.

Simranjeet: Thats my favourite goal, one I will never ever forget. I had just entered the game and before that I had received a nice slap-ball from Harmanpreet that I had failed to stop and it had hit my foot. So I needed to make amends. That was when I also realised that the Germans were doing zonal marking and were focused on Mandeep, they didnt want him to receive the ball. I told Mandeep that they are focusing on you and they wouldnt allow you to take an open try so you have to make space for me. This is exactly what he did. I had shrugged off my marker when Nilakanta (Sharma) slapped the ball to me in the gap. And all I did was stop the ball and flick it. I didnt know where the ball was going. The point is if you take a hit within seconds of receiving the goalkeeper has no chance to stop the ball. The goalkeeper is standing in the centre position because he was in my line. If you are at the centre thats where the goalkeeper is going to place himself. By my quick turn and flick, I hit the ball at the angle of the goalkeeper. He was beaten by my turn.

Second goal (34th minute, India extends lead to 5-3)Gurjant runs to the baseline from the right, moves towards the goal and passes the ball to Simranjeet in front of the goal, who taps it in.

Simranjeet: Before the Germany game, we had missed four to five goals by making the mistake of waiting on the second post. Our opponents Germany, Argentina, Great Britain they are all very physically fit. They dont let you come in front of them. Germany is a very physical team and they use their body a lot. We noticed that the Germans have a kind of thumb rule they dont look at the ball, they mark the player who is in their goal-scoring zone. Inside the D, the forward does the action and the defender reacts. The defender has no idea where I am going to receive the ball. So we had trained to be deceptive we planned to show them that we are at a certain place but quickly change position. Gurjant and I had trained for this. Whenever a player is coming from the baseline, he has two options. Either he gives a minus pass or he tries to score from a zero angle, but it isnt easy to score from there. So we train that whenever someone is getting in with the ball from the baseline, he needs to look up once and weigh the options. So when Gurjant moved in, he looked up once and that was my moment of moving to the first post. He got the clue and passed the ball to first post. I got infront of one defender, dived between the other two and deflected his pass into the goal.

The rest is here:

Simranjeet Singh: Dribbler on the roof - The Indian Express

We learn a lot from the internet. For instance, a Pringles lid fits perfectly on top of a Gu pudding pot, and theres a bear hidden in the Toblerone logo.

Whether we like it or not, and whether its true or false; a lot of what we learn day to day comes from the internet.

Woman On The Internet, the debut album from Orla Gartland, dissects everything she has learned from the last ten years or so growing up, whilst also uploading music to the internet. The record is an unapologetic expos of the anxieties that she has overcome, an ode to the lessons learned and those she ignored, and a pouring of adoration for people she has met along the way.

Its title refers to the faceless people we see online, flogging products and dishing out wellness advice, encouraging us to improve the way we live our lives despite being ultimately very disconnected from us.

This notion inspired a coming-of-age album that confronts and owns the loneliness we feel that encourages us to rely on these fabricated people we seek comfort from on the gram. Woman On The Internet is a treasure cove of eclectic influences from dizzying indie dream pop, hypnotic folklore and high-octane punk attitude. It really is the pick n mix you cant help but greedily gobble in search for a sugar rush.

We spoke to Orla about the record and why now is the time for its advent.

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Having released singles and EPs in the past, why is now the right time for a full album and how does Woman On The Internet fit in the Orla Gartland catalogue?

Its hard to describe but I just felt ready. When you know you know. A big thing for me over the past couple years was working away until I felt good enough at production to be self-sufficient in the demo-ing process. Its really satisfying to have an idea and be able to execute it yourself.

This album feels connected to my EPs in that its my voice and my stories, but I think this collection of songs has a bolder, more confident feeling than before.

Like many people in your generation, you grew up on the internet, so the title of your new record seems appropriate! How would you say that the internet has affected both you personally, and then your music; and how do the two relate?

Like a lot of people, I have a complicated relationship with the internet. I think a lot about how if I didnt have music to promote that I would, as Lorde says, throw my cellular device into the sea. The internet has given me so much but its such a fractured, toxic place to be and to put yourself or art out there. We have a long way to go in making online spaces safer and less anxiety-inducing for people.

Can you tell us a little more about the series of events or realisations that led to the writing of the record, and where you were physically and mentally?

Physically, I was feeling good. It was the beginning of 2020 - a simpler time - and Id finished up a busy year full of touring, so I felt ready to put shows on the back burner and lean into writing for a few months.

Mentally, I was catching up with myself after all the moving about; touring is amazing, but it sort of freezes you at the point you were that before the tour started, so I often find I have to do some work between tours to really embrace growth. So, life was still, and I was pensive, working through ideas and figuring out what I wanted to say next.

Despite the upbeat sounds of the record, you explore some rather dark and pressing themes in the lyrics. For example, influencer culture, self-awareness, masculinity, and toxic relationships. Why do you think these themes were central to your writing and how have writing the songs helped you approach them?

I write songs about things I find it hard to talk about. Writing is almost a cop-out in that way. Its a lot easier for me to process these ideas in a song than by talking to people in my real life! Ive really been that way since I was a teenager. I guess its a strange way of working through things but its better than not uncovering those thoughts at all. There are some heavier themes on the record but as you say, theyre almost disguised in shiny, upbeat packages. As a writer I live for that juxtaposition.

I absolutely love the record and have been following your music since we were both teens. This wholly feels like a come-of-age record for today. You really confront all the familiar yet ridiculously complex feelings of being in your early 20s. The record was written during the pandemic, where many people our age mourned what society largely considers to be the last of the young years do you think this influenced Woman On The Internet at all?

That makes me so happy, thank you! I had to use a lot of imagination for the writing of these songs not to be affected by the pandemic, but for the most part I dont think it is. I think naturally lockdown gave me more time than I would have otherwise had to give these songs hyper-focus, but this is a big life moment for me, my debut album. I wasnt about to let a pandemic steal that for me, nor was I was about to write 12 songs about how hard it is to be stuck inside. Lockdown songs suck and I dont think theyll age well!

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The songs are very playful, each bursting with personality, and you played a massive part in the production of it. Can you tell us a bit more about this process? Is there any part youd like people to listen out for, that youre particularly proud of?

I did some field recording last year with Nathan Cox who collaborated in the writing and production of some of the tracks. We recorded textures out and about and made a sample pack of percussion sounds; everything from dropping keys on the floor to whacking pieces of wood together. We cut it all up and made beats from the sounds and I liked the feeling of having a set of original sounds that were truly ours! The beats made from the tiny sounds on tracks like Do You Mind? And Bloodline/Difficult Things are some of my favourite moments on the album.

I also love how you and your friends create music almost in a collective; you, Greta Isaac, Dodie a group who have always supported one another. How have your friends and family helped to shape this record in particular?

Community is everything. Friends like Greta and Dodie are my favourite in the world and its the more pure, most joyous thing when we get to collaborate with each other on our projects. Working with friends is sick because they intimately get you and unlike collaborating with strangers you can truly let your guard down. The artist experience is such a specific one and this industry is brutal, so its important to surround yourself with people you love and trust and who just get it.

I feel as though you have a superpower where you add drama to the mundane you turn observations of every day into modern day folklore, and snippets of conversations we overhear every day into epic choruses. Your introspective insights provide listeners with a soundtrack to live their own come-of-age movie fantasies; for me its the chorus of Codependency. This is paired with the imaginative music videos youve released. How did you land on this imagery?

What a compliment! Dreamy. Greta Isaac, who we mentioned just now came on board to give creative direction across all of the album visuals. Her visual brain is incredible - the ideas it conjures up straight away when you play her a song are incredible. I think throughout the process we both grew to embrace the ideas we had and found ways to bring them out in each other. All of the music video ideas came from Gret and I having tea and just talking it all through.

Woman On The Internet is utterly unapologetic. What are you no longer apologising for, which before you used to?

I love that question. I was probably just apologising for existing! I can be the biggest people-pleaser (still am) so Ive been working on allowing myself to take up more space, I guess. As a writer Ive also just learned to be more direct, more literal with language. When I was younger, I liked hiding behind metaphors but now I have no problem with people knowing what Im singing about.

What would you tell your five year old self, your 13 year old self and your 16 year old self?

Wow. Five year old self - learn the piano! 13 year old self - chill out, no ones actually looking at you. 16 year old self - keep going! IT GETS BETTER!

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Oh, and one final treat... We've nabbed this live clip of Orla Gartland performing her gorgeous song 'More Like You' - watch it now.

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'Woman On The Internet' is out on August 20th.

Words: Tanyel Gumushan

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See the rest here:

In Conversation: Orla Gartland | Features - Clash Magazine

If your organization is planning an event of any kind, please email the arts and culture editor at crockett@boulderweekly.com

July 29-Aug. 8, Outworld Brewing, 1725 Vista View Drive, Longmont. Tickets: $16.50-$46.50, venardoscircus.com/longmont

The Venardos Circus held its first performance in 2014 at the Los Angeles County Fair. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the show featured a cast of six artists in a kind of Broadway/circus musical. In the years since, Venardos Circus has reinvented the American circus tradition for a new generation no animals, all human talent. Enjoy acrobats, contortion, comedians and more.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, Aug. 1, 1710 29th St., Boulder, bit.ly/3zEQ7wO

Presented by Howard Alan Events (HAE), a national producer of juried art shows, the Boulder Fine Art Street Festival at 29th Street represents original, hand-crafted artwork from more than 100 national and international artists. The outdoor art gallery will feature photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade jewelry, collage and more. Artists will be on-site for the duration of the festival to talk about their art and answer questions.

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, B2 Center for Media, Art and Performance at the Roser ATLAS Institute, 1125 18th St., Basement Level 2, Boulder. Free, culturalcaravan.org

Mezzo-soprano Kristin Gornstein is joined by leading members of the Colorado Symphony, CU College of Music and the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado for an immersive journey from the 17th century into the present day. Featuring music by John Dowland, Henry Purcell, John Tavener, Benjamin Britten and Caroline Shaw.

6 p.m. Thursday, July 29, E. Simpson Coffee House (Upper Room), 201 E. Simpson St., Lafayette. Register via Eventbrite: bit.ly/372Ah36

Human trafficking happens every day across the U.S. With school and social interactions increasingly taking place online, there are ample opportunities for grooming. Education is the key to preventing it. How do we educate and protect our kids? What do predatory signs look like? How do we respond? This presentation is geared to equip and empower you.

5 p.m. Friday, July 30. Via Zoom, register at motustheater.org

Join National Partnership for New Americans, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Motus Theater for a special Immigrant Heritage Month performance where Motus undocumented monologists invite you, via Zoom, into their homes to share autobiographical stories about their dreams, hopes and fears. Their artfully crafted monologues interrupt the dehumanizing and racist anti-immigrant narratives around our nation and challenge people to acknowledge the danger to us all from the current threats facing the undocumented community and take action.

6 p.m. Thursday, July 29, E. Simpson Coffee House (Upper Room), 201 E. Simpson St., Lafayette. Register via Eventbrite: bit.ly/372Ah36

Human trafficking happens every day across the U.S. With school and social interactions increasingly taking place online, there are ample opportunities for grooming. Education is the key to preventing it. How do we educate and protect our kids? What do predatory signs look like? How do we respond? This presentation is geared to equip and empower you.

5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1. Virtual Event presented by the Boulder Bookstore, boulderbookstore.net

Elon Musk is among the most controversial titans of Silicon Valley. To some hes a genius and a visionary; to others hes a mercurial huckster. Billions of dollars have been gained and lost on his tweets; his personal exploits are the stuff of tabloids. But for all his outrageous talk of mind-uploading and space travel, his most audacious vision is the one closest to the ground: the electric car. A story of power, recklessness, struggle and triumph, Power Play is an exhilarating look at how a team of eccentrics and innovators beat the odds and changed the future. Hear author Tim Higgins speak about his book at this virtual event hosted by Boulder Book Store.

50 Shades of Blue.7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 29.

Wrapping up the Summer Sundown series is 50 Shades Of Blue, a savory gumbo of funkalicious blues and R&B made from Dan Creccos New Orleans tinged drums and percussion, Christine Webbs soulful vocals and solid bass lines, and Doc Seelys mastery of all things with six strings.

Dru Heller Quintet with Ron Miles. 7 p.m. Friday, July 30.

Art Lande and the S Band. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 31.

Vocal Marvel.2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 31, Grace Gamm Theater. Tickets: $22.60.

This performance will feature a variety of show tunes, pop music, jazz and the brand new featured a cappella group, Vocal Marvel a miscast night of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Gasoline Lollipops. 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 30. Tickets: Free.

Mike Wird & Plain N Simple. 8 p.m. Saturday, July 31. Tickets: $20-$25.

The Mighty Twisters. 9 p.m. Saturday, July 31. Tickets: Free.

Colorado Music Festival: Ivalas Quartet. 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 31. Tickets: Free.

Dream with Us Concert.6-9 p.m. Friday, July 30.

Get excited to dance the night away with some amazing DJs, artists and people. All proceeds from this show will go toward DREAM EQUAL, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to realize their full potential regardless of gender or sexuality.

Mat Kearney with Rob Drabkin. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2. Tickets: $35-$50.

Nashville-based, Oregon-born Mat Kearney is back with his new studio album January Flower. Written between an isolated retreat in Joshua Tree and his home studio, January Flower sees Kearney in his rawest form, distilling the songwriting process and rediscovering the joy of making music.

Colorado Music Festival: Hadelich Plays Beethovens Violin Concerto. July 29 and 30. Tickets: $48-$75.

Colorado Music Festival: Coplands Lincoln Portrait. 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1. Tickets: $48-$75.

CMF: Brooklyn Rider. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3. Tickets: $48-$75.

Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls

Join Stone Cottage Studios on Thursday, July 29, presenting a special, hybrid acoustic show featuring Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. and the show begins at 7:00 P.M., rain or shine. Ticket buyers are welcome to bring their favorite seating (lawn chairs, blankets, pillows), drinks and a picnic. Please note that all ticket holders are will have to show ID upon entry.

Chris Collins with Alex Mitchell: A Tribute To John Denver.6 p.m. July 29, 30, 31 and Aug. 1 BDT Stage, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder.

The best John Denver tribute show on any side of the Rocky Mountains will bring you home to the place you belong. Award-winning singer-songwriter, Chris Collins brings the unmistakable energy and enthusiasm to the stage that was the hallmark of John Denvers performance. Featuring Boulder Canyon musician Alex Mitchell on guitar, fiddle and mandolin.

Read this article:

What to do when there's 'nothing' to do... - Boulder Weekly

Ready for the weekend? Of course, you are. Here's our weekly dose of good vibes to help you shed the stresses of the workweek and put yourself in a great frame of mind.

These 10 stories made us happy this week because they feature amazing creativity, generosity, and one super-cute fish.

1. Diver befriends a fish with the cutest smile

Hawaiian underwater photographer Yuki Nakano befriended a friendly porcupine fish and now they hang out regularly.

2. Denver police are handing out gift certificates to auto parts stores instead of 'fix-it' tickets

Police in Denver, Colorado have a new program designed to improve public safety as well as the relationship between the police and those they serve. Instead of issuing tickets, officers will now have the option to hand out $25 gift cards in situations where people are pulled over for minor "fix-it" violations.

Read the whole story on Upworthy.

3. Stunned wildlife lover set up a camera in a bird box and it got 41 million views

43-year-old John Chadwick started live-streaming footage of birds with their chicks so his family could watch their progress before they flew the nest. But just weeks after uploading the videos to YouTube, he racked up millions of views from around the world. "It's gone a little bit bonkers," John said. "I only wanted to show my neighbors, friends, nieces, and nephews what the birds were up to. I had no idea the films would attract such interest."

UK wildlife fan sets up camera inside bird box- attracting 41 MILLION fans worldwide! | SWNS http://www.youtube.com

4. Dad with impaired mobility can walk his newborn after crafty teens built him a 'wheestroll'

Jeremy King, 37, of Germantown, Maryland has experienced difficulty with his balance after having surgery for a brain tumor. To help him take his newborn on a walk, a group of students at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland built him a "wheelstroll," a car seat attachment that connects to his wheelchair.

Read the whole story at Upworthy.

High School Students Create Wheelchair Stroller for Teacher's Husband http://www.youtube.com

5. American gymnast Suni Lee made history, winning gold in the all-around

Suni Lee, 18, a Team USA member from Minnesota, became the Olympic all-around gymnastics champion on Thursday. Lee is the first Hmong American athlete to ever compete in the Olympics and the first Asian American to win the gold in the Olympics' all-around competition. "It feels super crazy, I definitely didn't think I'd be here in this moment with the gold medal," Lee said after her win. "I'm just super proud of myself for making it here because there was a point in time when I wanted to quit."

Read the whole story at Upworthy.

6. An Israeli woman donated a kidney to a Gaza boy

Harel Segal, a kindergarten teacher from northern Israel, donated her kidney to a three-year-old Palestinian boy from the Gaza Strip. She hopes her choice will inspire others to be more humane in a land of perpetual conflict.

7. Two big ships from British Columbia launched an expedition to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The three-month-long, multimillion-dollar venture will test a new system to trap ocean plastics and load them onto vessels. If the system works, the plan is to build bigger versions for larger-scale cleanups.

8. Tunisian teen swimmer shocks with surprise gold, and his family's reaction is everything

Ahmed Hafnaoui had the swim of his life at just the right time on Sunday. After eeking into the men's 400-meter medal race in last place out of the eight finalists, the 18-year-old swimmer from Tunisia shocked everyone by taking home the gold in the event at the Tokyo Olympics.

9. Hundreds of 'tiny homes' have been built to help provide shelter for struggling Los Angeles residents

Los Angeles is the latest city to experiment with micro-homes to provide secure accommodations for unhoused people while they get back on their feet. The colorful homes of the Alexandria Park Tiny Home Village are capable of housing 200 residents in 103 one- or two-person units.

10. California Congressman introduces legislation for a four-day workweek

Citing pilot programs that have yielded positive results, Democratic Congressman Mark Takano introduced legislation on Wednesday that would reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours.

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