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Stanislav Kondrashov Demonstrates the Timeless Art of Stone Balancing

Sam Allcock

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16/10/2023

Stanislav Kondrashov Demonstrates the Timeless Art of Stone Balancing

In his recently released publication titled “The Art of Balancing Rocks By Stanislav Kondrashov,” Stanislav Kondrashov offers a comprehensive exploration of the origins and contemporary applications of a remarkable and enduring art form closely associated with meditation – the skill of arranging rocks in balanced sculptures.

Kondrashov embarks on this journey by introducing the concept that while strolling along a beach or hiking in the mountains, one might chance upon a collection of rocks arranged in a peculiar yet vaguely artistic manner, captivating the attention of both experts and novices alike.

According to Stanislav Kondrashov, these sculptures possess the uncanny ability to defy gravity and the laws of physics, exuding the expressive essence of genuine artwork. As elucidated in his article, the delicate equilibrium these creations attain holds a profound connection with meditation. It’s no accident that this particular art form was once prevalent among monks, artists, and indigenous communities worldwide. Kondrashov asserts that they regarded it not only as a form of prayer but also as a meditative exercise and artistic expression.

Kondrashov goes on to elucidate the steps necessary to achieve similar results. Careful consideration of the shape and weight of each stone, along with the selection of its precise placement within the sculpture, is paramount to maintaining overall balance. According to Stanislav, during the process of arranging the stones, a deep dialogue ensues between the artist and nature, most notably manifest in the artist’s fingers’ sensitivity to the subtlest changes in weight and balance within the stack of stones.

The author underscores patience as one of the fundamental virtues required to accomplish this delicate art. Achieving optimal results may necessitate entire days of painstaking effort, but ultimately, the correct equilibrium among the stones making up the sculpture can usually be found. For Stanislav Kondrashov, the art of stone balancing serves as a symbol of the harmony, equilibrium, and patience that everyone should strive for, particularly in today’s frenetic society that often neglects the pursuit of beauty.

To delve deeper into this fascinating art form, we encourage readers to explore the full publication and video.

England vs Italy Tips, Free Bets and Match Preview

Betting

Dean Carr

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16/10/2023

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England vs Italy Tips, Free Bets and Match Preview

England will take on Italy at Wembley once again in a repeat of the European Championship Final in 2021. Those of you wishing to place your bets on this game have come to the right place! In this article, we have provided a comprehensive list of all of the best betting offers, sites, and promos for the upcoming clash between England and Italy. If this is something that interests you and you wish to learn more, continue below.

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission

England vs Italy Free Bets and Betting Offers

In this section, we have included a full and comprehensive list of the best free bets, betting offers, and sportsbooks available in the UK. We have included such brands as BetMGM, BetVictor, bet365, and many more! If any of the following sites or brands catch your eye, make sure to click the link provided. This will then redirect you to the site’s sign-up page, where you must follow the on-screen instructions in order to successfully sign up and take advantage of the generous welcome offer! Click here for more of the best free bets offers in the UK.

BetMGM – Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets

New cust only. 3 days to claim & 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.

bet365 – Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

18+ Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org. View Significant and Full Terms and Conditions.

Spreadex – Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets

18+ begambleaware.org. Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Place a qualifying £10 fixed odds bet at odds of 1/2 or greater. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. Free bet stakes not included in any winnings from the free fixed odds bets. Free bets expire in 28 days if unused.

Betfred – Bet £10, Get £40 in Bonuses

New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.

BetVictor – Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets

18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10  on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly

LiveScore Bet – Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Win part of the E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. Click here for full T&Cs.

BoyleSports – Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

*New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply. **18+. Choose either Boost or Insurance. Available for in-play/pre-match bets on selected sports. You cannot use specials, boosts, any free bet or any other promotion. A minimum of 5 selections and minimum odds of 1/5 per selection/leg to receive Acca Rewards. Minimum stake of £/€0.05. Max free bet refund of £/€20 per Acca for Insurance. Maximum bonus payout is €/£1,000 per Acca for boost. Free bets, cashed out or voided bets will not qualify for this promotion. T&Cs Apply.

England vs Italy Betting Tips

The following are our top tips for the upcoming UEFA EURO Qualifying game between England and Italy. England has been in imperious form since their disappointing World Cup exit to France having not lost since the quarter-final exit, winning five out of six games played.

England win @ 7/10 with bet365 – BET HERE
Both teams to score @ 11/10 with bet365 – BET HERE

England vs Italy Match Preview

On Tuesday, October 17th, Wembley Stadium in London will host European Championship qualifying action between Euro 2021 finalists England and Italy! Kick-off will be at 19:45 and is sure to be a great battle between two of Europe’s best teams.

England will be looking to secure a place in next summer’s tournament in Germany. England have played six games since their disappointing World Cup exit to France in December 2022. Out of these six games, the Three Lions have won five and drawn one.

European Champions Italy, who famously beat England at Wembley in the final of the Euros in 2021, will also be looking to qualify for the tournament in Germany next year, particularly after failing to qualify for the World Cup in December. However, the Italians have lost twice in their last six outings, losing out to England in March and losing in the Nations League semi-final to eventual winners Spain.

England vs Italy Odds

The following odds have been provided by bet365.

England win @ 7/10 with bet365 – BET HERE
Draw @ 5/2 with bet365 – BET HERE
Italy win @ 17/4 with bet365 – BET HERE

Elevating Employee Performance: Bespoke International Group’s Cutting-Edge App

Business

Sam Allcock

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16/10/2023

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Elevating Employee Performance: Bespoke International Group’s Cutting-Edge App

Bespoke International Group, renowned specialists in outsourced customer service, have introduced a tailor-made employee engagement app that is making waves in improving staff retention rates and enhancing employee performance across the company.

Dubbed ‘The Bespoke App,’ this unique tool has been meticulously crafted by the in-house development team of one of South Africa’s fastest-growing companies. It enables employees to connect with their colleagues in a secure, safe, and convenient manner.

Donovan Soobramoney, Director of Shared Services, expressed his insights: “We wanted to develop a unique technology solution that would enhance employee inclusivity, engagement, KPI performance, and drive staff retention. We believe that it’s the very first of its kind within the industry, and the benefits it has brought has exceeded our expectations.”

He further explained, “The development process involved cross departmental collaboration, to effectively realise a meaningful two-way communication tool that delivers performance benchmarking, motivational content sharing and engagement between team members and senior staff.”

“Much more than a traditional intranet, we think of it as an “Employee Relationship Management” (ERM) tool, crafted via a user-friendly application that consolidates multiple features. The task was undoubtedly challenging, but we successfully transformed our vision into reality.”

“We’ve long believed that employee engagement is vital to foster a positive working culture and encourage the behaviours that we know create an outstanding business. The ‘Bespoke App’ is just one example of our investment in employees and is helping us create a happier working environment, reducing attrition rates and encouraging staff to develop their careers with us. Continuity and experience feed through to our clients by way of outstanding customer service.”

Established in 2018, Bespoke International Group operates from a cutting-edge contact centre in Durban and has emerged as a preferred supplier to the energy and retail sectors.

For more information about Bespoke International Group and the services it offers, please visit www.bespokeinternationalgroup.com or contact Keith Shanks, Sales Director, at keith.shanks@bespokeinternationalgroup.com.

Agrivert, a Renewable Energy Leader, Expands through Acquisition of Chiltern Solar Limited

Sam Allcock

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16/10/2023

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Agrivert, a Renewable Energy Leader, Expands through Acquisition of Chiltern Solar Limited

Agrivert, based in Oxfordshire, has recently acquired the complete share capital of Chiltern Solar Limited, a Buckinghamshire-based company specialising in solar PV and battery storage solutions. The acquisition, from its founders Steve and Julie Gamston, marks an important development in Agrivert’s expansion strategy within the renewable energy sector.

For nearly 30 years, Agrivert has been at the forefront of engineering and operating renewable energy assets. Since 2010, Agrivert has primarily focused on producing biomethane for renewable energy generation by designing, constructing, and operating anaerobic digestion facilities that process food waste, agricultural residues, and energy crops.

The addition of Chiltern Solar’s expertise and offerings enhances Agrivert’s portfolio of renewable energy solutions, reinforcing its commitment to providing top-notch design, installation, and operational services to its customers.

Phil Earl, Agrivert’s Chief Executive, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “We are delighted to welcome the Chiltern Solar team into the Agrivert family. Expanding Agrivert’s capabilities into other forms of renewable energy is an important next step for the group as we continue to grow. This acquisition allows us to widen our customer base but also enables us to bring new solutions to our existing customers and opportunities for our staff. We have been very impressed with Chiltern Solar’s growth in recent years, their capability and expertise in solar PV and look forward to accelerating that as part of Agrivert.”

Having nurtured Chiltern Solar from its inception over a decade ago and having completed well over 1,000 installations in the past five years, consistently earning five-star customer reviews, the founders of Chiltern Solar believe that the time is right for the company’s next phase of growth under new ownership and management.

Steve Gamston, Founder of Chiltern Solar, shared his thoughts on the acquisition: “Julie and I are very excited that Chiltern Solar is to be joining forces with the Agrivert group for the next chapter of business growth and expansion. This strategic move opens doors to new resources, expertise and opportunities and will enable the business to extend its reach and increase its impact in the Solar PV marketplace. Our decision to sell Chiltern Solar was made with confidence in Agrivert’s commitment to upholding our values, their proven track record in the renewable energy sector, and their vision for continued growth and success.”

The integration of Chiltern Solar’s operations team and processes into the wider Agrivert group will commence, with a transition period allowing Steve and Julie Gamston to eventually retire from the business.

Stannp Reports Resurgence of Conventional Marketing Approaches

Business

Sam Allcock

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16/10/2023

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Stannp Reports Resurgence of Conventional Marketing Approaches

As email inboxes become inundated with spam, traditional methods of communication are experiencing a resurgence, according to direct mail supplier Stannp.com.

Healthy food delivery firms and fashion businesses are among the types of companies turning to direct mail to entice customers to return to their online stores and complete their purchases. In addition, businesses in the estate agency and utilities sectors are sending letters and postcards featuring QR codes for easy digital access.

Some retailers are even sending physical letters to remind customers of items left abandoned in their digital shopping baskets, complete with images of these neglected items.

Data from Statista reveals that as of 2023, Britons receive a staggering 6.9 billion spam emails each day.

Sam Heaton, CEO at Stannp.com, commented on the shift, stating, “The number of people opening marketing emails has gone off a cliff – essentially we have reached spam overload, so firms are reverting to more traditional methods again.”

He added, “We have so many options to communicate now. Our devices are constantly pinging with notifications from email, SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, and social media channels, and an increasing number of people actively try to ‘switch off’ from digital communications, with the rise of ad blockers and spam filters.”

“Around 45 per cent of emails are now considered spam and consumers are becoming more selective over which emails they stay subscribed to” Heaton continued.

He noted, “It’s almost too much effort to be constantly deleting emails, let alone reading and then taking action.”

Stannp.com offers business-to-business direct mail services, assisting over 40,000 customers in boosting revenue, retaining customers, providing updates, and garnering reviews.

Sam Heaton emphasised, ““Junk mail is now email with Gen Z. They rarely get a real letter sent to them and they react differently to older generations who remember a world before email.”

““Advertising mail has grown by 42 per cent in the last five years and on average advertising mail is kept in a household for 17 days,” he added.

“Conversely, 57 per cent of email addresses are being abandoned as there is simply too much junk email. People are creating email addresses solely for marketing emails and never have any intention to even login to these accounts.”

Established in June 2014, Stannp.com was founded with the aim of providing a Software-as-a-Service SaaS solution for direct mail, offering companies a fully digital, integrated solution for their direct mail requirements.

The company promotes the use of QR codes on letters, which serve multiple purposes. Besides directing recipients to specific webpages, these codes enable tracking features that generate insightful reports on direct mail campaigns by monitoring how many recipients have scanned the code.

Sam Heaton concluded, “Whilst it might be harder to track the ‘open’ rate of direct mail, the Stannp.com platform allows you track the mail you send from production, through the postal system and shows when it has been delivered to the recipient. On average, Stannp.com can see our customers experience an average QR Code scan rate of over 15 per cent. We find that the call-to-action on the QR code is as impactful as the subject line on an email.”

For more information about Stannp.com, please visit their website at https://www.stannp.com.

Alastair Cook announces retirement from cricket

Sport

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13/10/2023

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Alastair Cook announces retirement from cricket

Former England captain Alastair Cook has announced his retirement from cricket, admitting “it is the right time”.

Cook quit international cricket in 2018 but continued to play for Essex with his contract expiring at the end of the domestic season last month. The 38-year-old has chosen not to renew, instead calling it quits on a record-breaking career spanning over 20 years.

He said: “It is not easy to say goodbye. For more than two decades, cricket has been so much more than my job.

“It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end.

“I have always given absolutely everything I possibly have to be the best player I could be, but now I want to make way for the new generation to take over.”

Cook scored 12,472 Test runs, which is the most by any English batter and fifth on the all-time list.

He was part of Ashes series wins in 2009, 2010-11, 2013, and 2015, captaining them in the final two.

In 2010-11, his 766 runs saw him crowned player of the series and helped England seal a first win in Australia since 1986-87.

Cook went on to say: “From the eight-year-old boy who first played for Wickham Bishops Under 11s to now, I end with a strange feeling of sadness mixed with pride.

“Although, above all, I am incredibly happy.”

KSI vs Tommy Fury Betting Offer: £40 in Free Bets with BetMGM Bonus Code

Betting

Dean Carr

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13/10/2023

0

One of the biggest sportsbooks in the USA, BetMGM, has finally come to the UK!

The Entain-owned brand has a global reputation and now has one of the best sports betting bonuses in the UK for customers signing up for the first time. This offer can also be claimed in conjunction with the biggest sporting event of the weekend, KSI vs Tommy Fury.

New BetMGM customers who register an account and place a £10 bet on Saturday’s highly anticipated bout can claim a generous £40 in free bets. Be sure to take advantage of this excellent offer while it still lasts!

GET £40 IN FREE BETS WITH BETMGM

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission

How to claim the BetMGM Welcome Offer

To claim this fantastic welcome bonus, be sure to complete each of the following steps:

Click here to be taken to the BetMGM sign-up page.
Create an account by entering your personal details when prompted.
Select a unique username and password combination.
Select the Sports Welcome Offer and get the offer from the ‘My Offers’ page.
Make a first deposit and place a bet worth at least £10 on a selection at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater.
When the bet settles, claim your £40 in free bets.

The £40 in free bets will be awarded to customers in the following format:

1 x £10 Free Bet Builder
1 x £10 Football Free Bet
1 x £10 Horse Racing Free Bet
1 x Free £10 Acca

New cust only. 3 days to claim & 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.

How to use your £10 qualifying bet on KSI vs Tommy Fury

As mentioned above, your £10 bet on KSI vs Tommy Fury must be on a selection at odds of 1/1 or greater to qualify for the £40 in free bets. As Fury is below evens to win the fight with all major UK bookmakers at the time of writing, this would not be an eligible market to bet on to receive the bonus afterwards. However, Fury to win by KO, TKO or DQ (13/10) and Fury to win by Decision or Technical Decision (15/8) would be an eligible bet.

Those wanting to back KSI to win the fight (5/2) are able to bet £10 on that market and receive their £40 in free bets in the aftermath, while the KO, TKO or DQ (5/1) and Decision or Technical Decision (7/1) markets both qualify for this welcome offer. Other markets, such as the draw, round betting and the fight to go the distance can also be bet on to return the £40 in bonuses.

BetMGM Sports Welcome Offer Terms and Conditions

Main Terms

1.1. These terms and conditions (“T&C’s”) apply to BetMGM’s Sports Welcome Offer (“Sports Welcome Offer”). You accept these T&C’s by opting in and submitting a qualifying bet. You can only claim the Sports Welcome Offer once.

1.2. These T&C’s are subject to the BetMGM General Terms and Conditions (“GTC’s”) and include and incorporate the GTC’s (including but not limited to all limitations on you as detailed within the GTC’s). Where there is any conflict between the GTC’s and the T&C’s, the GTC’s will prevail.

1.3. The Sports Welcome Offer is run by LeoVegas Gaming plc, licensed operator of the BetMGM website located at www.betmgm.co.uk and/or mobile applications that we own or operate using the same brand (“BetMGM”). Please see the footer for further information.

1.4. The Sports Welcome Offer will run until terminated at BetMGM’s sole discretion. BetMGM further reserves the right to suspend or modify the rules or format of the Sports Welcome Offer where a change or withdrawal is required due to any change in law or regulation; or by giving you prior notice, if the change or cancellation is required for any other valid reason (for example, if there is a fault in the software or systems used to manage the promotion, or if a mistake is identified).

Who can Enter?

2.1. The Sports Welcome Offer is open to new players on BetMGM. You must be over 18 years of age and have and maintain a valid account with BetMGM to participate (“your Account”). The Sports Welcome Offer is not available to employees, agents, partners or consultants of BetMGM, its corporate group or affiliated companies.

2.2. For your eligibility to the Sports Welcome Offer to remain valid, your Account must comply with the GTC’s. If your Account or you breach(es) the GTC’s or T&C’s, your eligibility in the Sports Welcome Offer will automatically be voided.

How to Enter

3.1. You must claim the promotion from the ‘‘My Offers’’ page on your Account within 3 days of registration, and place a Qualifying Bet (as defined below) of at least £10.00 within 7 days of registration.

3.2. To qualify and remain eligible for the Sports Welcome Offer, the bet must meet the following criteria (“A Qualifying Bet”):

3.2.1. Minimum odds of 1/1 (2.0) and any each-way bet must have a £10 stake each-way.

3.2.2. Bet Builders are considered to be one bet or set of odds per game, meaning that the odds of the Bet Builder must add up to minimum odds of 1.1 (2.0).

3.3. Free Bets or Profit Boosts do not qualify towards the Sports Welcome Offer.

3.4. Void, cashed out, or partially cashed out and/or multiples bets do not qualify for the Sports Welcome Offer.

3.5. The Sports Welcome Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

How to Claim your Rewards

4.1. Once your qualifying bet settles, 4x £10 Free Bets will be automatically credited to your Account, as follows:

4.1.1. 1 x £10 Horse Racing Free Bet (singles + upwards with minimum odds of 1/1 or 2.0).

4.1.2. 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder (minimum odds 3/1 or 4.0).

4.1.3. 1 x £10 Football Free Bet (minimum odds 1/1 or 2.0).

4.1.4. 1x Free £10 Acca (minimum odds 1/1 or 2.0 and a minimum of 3 selections).

4.2. You must select the Free Bets via the checkbox on the betslip after selecting the qualifying markets.

4.3. Should any of the Free Bets remain unused after 7-days they will automatically expire and no longer be available for use in your Account.

4.4. The Free Bet stake amount will not be included in any winnings received as a result of the Free Bet.

Wales vs Croatia Tips, Free Bets and Match Preview

Betting

Dean Carr

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13/10/2023

0

Wales vs Croatia Tips, Free Bets and Match Preview

The Cardiff City Stadium will host the European Championship qualifier between Wales and Croatia on Sunday, 15th October. This is set to be a big game for both sides as they set their sights on being involved in Germany come next summer. In this article, we have provided you with a list of the best sportsbooks in the UK, the best free bets, and tips for the game! Make sure to read on if you wish to learn more.

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission

Wales vs Croatia Free Bets and Betting Offers

Below, we have listed some of our top picks regarding free bets and betting offers in the UK. We have chosen these brands due to the generosity of their welcome offers and so much more! If one of these sites or offers appeals to you, click the link provided and follow the on-screen instructions to successfully sign up and take advantage of the welcome offer.