Americans love classic cars for their unique style. Throughout their history, classic car enthusiasts like Eugene Bernshtam have recognized that each year has unique designs and characteristics. Each decade is defined by a different look – from round fenders to square fins, boxy to smooth curves. Here are eight reasons Americans love their classic cars:

1. Style

It’s no wonder they love their cars so much when almost every year is remembered for a different style:

The 1930s and 1940s were defined by the art deco and retro styles, which included round fenders and smooth lines;

• The 1950s brought square shapes, fins, and boxy designs;
• The 1960s brought back the retro look with smooth curves;
• The 1970s had boxy cars with contrasting colors like black and yellow or white and green;
• Fancy, aerodynamic shapes defined the 1980s;
• The 1990s brought simple yet bold lines;
• 2000+ is all about unique designs.

2. Nostalgia

While most classic car owners enjoy their cars for their style, others know that the bulk of classic car fans only do it because of nostalgia. If you dig deep enough into any classic car enthusiast’s past, you’ll find some great memories that revolve around a family road trip or first date. Many may even remember what grade they were in or other memorable events during those eras.

3. Unique Models

While many car manufacturers offer unique models for car enthusiasts, classic cars are the original. Before it was ever cool to own a rare or limited edition model, classic cars were doing it years ago – like the white 1958 Corvette (1 of about 658 produced). Classic car owners love their unique models and showing them to other enthusiasts at events.

4. Handcrafted Cars

Back in the day, you couldn’t just order a car from your local dealer and have it show up a week later with no questions asked. Before mass globalization, cars were handcrafted by car manufacturers who wanted to put their personal touches on each model. Some even had features like bubble domes and shag carpeting – either of which is a car fanatic’s dream come true.

5. Rare Models

Most collectors love their rare models; many only collect the rarest and most unique they can find. From cars that were never sold in the U.S. to a limited number of models produced, it’s these cars that have the most value.

6. Childhood Memories

For many classic car owners, their love of their “ride” started when they were kids in the back seat with their parents. This is why so many classic car enthusiasts have childhood memories of being in the car with their parents whenever they hear a certain song or are reminded of family time together.

7. Craftsmanship

Classic cars were built better than your average model – or at least that’s what classic car enthusiasts think. From heavy duty parts to unique insulation, classic car owners know that their ride is one of a kind and built to last.

8. Time Capsules

Whether they’re valued as a family heirloom or just because it was their first car, classic cars are time capsules that transport owners back to the past. From old smells and familiar sounds to unique design features, many classic car owners feel closer to their favorite vehicle after owning it for a while.

Pressure to find gifts for everyone on your Christmas list is mounting as the big day draws nearer. Hopefully by now, you’ve gotten presents for your immediate family and are working your way down your list of extended family and friends. If not, then we’re here to help.

Once you make it past the top of your gifting list, it gets easier because you can transition from getting gifts for individuals to getting gifts for the home and families. Continue reading to get some ideas for practical gifts for the home.

Ice Maker

Not all refrigerators come with ice makers, making a countertop ice maker a perfect gift for some families on your shopping list. Portable ice makers are also great for friends or family members who like to host events and serve cocktails or frozen beverages. However, not all ice makers are the same. If you know someone who is picky about the flavor, shape, and texture of their ice, then a Home Labs home ice maker is a great gift idea.

Houseplants

Humans and houseplants have a symbiotic relationship. We inhale what they exhale, and vice versa—indeed, it’s a great example of the “circle of life.” Furthermore, plants can uplift the mood of a room (or entire home) and even help stimulate creativity. With that being said, a succulent houseplant such as a snake plant or money tree is a great gift for anyone on your Christmas list. Succulents are low maintenance, and you can get plants delivered as late as Christmas Eve in many places.

Kitchenware

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so there’s no better way to gift an entire family than to shop for the kitchen. Kitchenware is especially helpful for newlyweds or young people in their first house or apartment. After all, there’s a reason that cookware, blenders, and toasters are such popular wedding and graduation gifts. So, if you know someone getting a start in a new residence, kitchenware is likely near the top of their wishlist.

Area Rug

Hardwood floors are beautiful and difficult to protect. Regular maintenance and not wearing shoes in the house go a long way toward maintaining the integrity of wood floors, but the best (and easiest) way to protect them is with area rugs. If someone on your shopping list has hardwood flooring in their home, they’re sure to appreciate an area rug. However, it’s a good idea to pick a rug that matches the decor of their home. Otherwise, you might not see the rug on the floor the next time you visit your friend.

Pet Toys and Accessories.

Good pet parents treat their fur and feather buddies like family members and will appreciate it greatly if you do, too. If you have a family member or friend with a pet that’s got a place in your heart, get them a toy, Christmas treats, or some type of accessory they’ll enjoy. Both your distant fur buddy and their family will be grateful.

As you can see, shopping for a family (or their home) is significantly different from gifting individuals. There’s not as much pressure as when buying a present for an individual, and practical gifts are usually the best. Ice makers, plants, kitchenware, area rugs, and pet toys are all great gift ideas for the home and a great way to show a family how dear they are to your heart. The great thing about these gift ideas is that you can be thrifty or extravagant, depending on your budget. Ultimately, gifting is about giving presents that are useful and hold sentimental value. So, enjoy the holidays and the magic of gifting.

 

There’s no question that New York sports fanatics are a different breed. In this latest installment, I’ll focus on the fans of New York City’s Major League Baseball teams that have been around since the early 1900s. Superfans like Ron Phillips New York always have something to say on why the Big Apple fans are the best.

In 1908, when the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, New York was a three-team town with only two ballparks: The Polo Grounds and Hilltop Park. The Brooklyn Dodgers were known as the Trolley Dodgers because trolleys ran past Ebbets Field until 1940 when they moved to their park, Ebbets Field.

Today, New York is still a three-team town with only two ballparks: Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. The New York Mets are playing their first season at Citi Field, located next to Shea Stadium, where they have been tenants since 1964. The New York Yankees have played in the Bronx since 1913 at Yankee Stadium, originally built as a ballpark for the New York Giants.

When there was only one team per city, each team had its following. But, when the Dodgers moved to California in 1957 after being tenants at Ebbets Field for 52 years, New Yorkers were forced to choose sides. The National League expanded from 6 teams with two cities per team to 8 teams with one city per team. After adding an expansion team in Los Angeles and moving Brooklyn to California, only one team per city was added. So, New Yorkers had to choose between the Dodgers or the Giants.

The National League held an expansion draft to stock the new teams with players from existing clubs to make matters more interesting. The Dodgers pick first because there was no other team in California at that time. They loaded up on pitchers for their first four picks before grabbing a shortstop from the Cubs. The Giant’s picks were interesting because they had no money and some very weak teams to choose from. They did get Willie Mays, one of the greatest players ever, but you have to wonder how great he would have been for Brooklyn?

There was no choice when New York got two more teams in 1962, the Mets and the Yankees. The Mets were known as the New York Natives until they picked up its current name from another team in New York City that had gone defunct before their arrival. Their uniforms were blue with orange trim because of their affiliation with the National League’s Giants. That lasted for one year before they changed into their current uniforms and colors: blue and orange.

The Mets’ first manager was Casey Stengel, who the Yankees fired in 1960 after leading them to 10 pennants and seven World Series championships in 12 years. The city of New York embraced its new team with open arms because they were a different breed from their fellow brothers. And, the Mets took full advantage of the situation by winning the 1969 World Series in their fourth year after playing 62 years without a title. That was also when New York had two baseball teams that were very competitive on the field while having very different off-the-field fan bases.

In the United States, there are 10 million students enrolled in 4-year colleges and universities, half of whom live on campus. In addition to full-time residents, some commuters attend classes regularly but do not have room assignments through the institution. While commuter students account for more than 60% of students attending 4-year colleges and universities, only 11% typically live off-campus.

According to the latest estimates from Nelson Partners, there are 1.8 million full-time students who are enrolled in 2- or 4-year higher education institutions living on campus with approximately 0.5 million commuters. Similarly, approximately 2.5 million full-time community college students are living on campus, with 1.2 million commuters. Unfortunately, the opportunity for homeownership is limited in this market because many colleges and universities do not have off-campus housing readily available to their commuter student population.

The facility types vary significantly by market conditions, size of the institution, and other factors. There may be a significant number of traditional residence halls in some markets, while in others, many institutions have shifted to suite-style or apartment-style accommodations. The vast majority of the on-campus student housing appears to be operated by public institutions with limited service amenities such as full kitchens and laundry rooms. Private schools offer more upscale accommodations with larger room sizes, multiple bathrooms per unit, and other “luxuries” that appeal to the students.

Most institutions lease their student housing facilities to third parties who then charge an average monthly rate for double occupancy (two students per room). The rates are usually close to, but often higher than, the average rents for traditional apartment rentals in the same market. For example, according to CBRE’s 2015 Student Housing Survey, average monthly rents range from $387 for a standard double occupancy room to $1,857 for a luxury two-bedroom unit with two bathrooms and full kitchen facilities.

Average Estimated Monthly Room Occupancy Rates by Bedroom Type – 2021

Three primary factors usually drive the institutional demand for on-campus housing:

1) Cost savings compared to traditional rentals

2) Community building / socializing aspect of residency with peers

3) Curriculum alignment between academics and student life.

While most institutions prefer leasing their room inventory to third parties who operate the facilities with little to no involvement by the institution, there is a significant move away from this practice for both public and private schools. For example, according to Nelson Partners’ latest annual survey of 4-year colleges and universities, only 53% of respondents leased their on-campus housing to third parties in 2015, down from 90% five years ago (2010).

As has been the case for decades, most universities and colleges prefer to lease their on-campus housing units rather than manage them in-house. However, this is increasingly becoming an unviable option as institutions find themselves with ever-increasing financial pressures. Moreover, many colleges and universities are also shifting away from owning and operating traditional residence halls with their double occupancy bedrooms and instead focusing on providing more affordable student housing alternatives such as single occupancy rooms, suites, or apartments.

In a slight reversal from 2010-14, there was a month increase in institutions that expect to privatize 100% of their room inventory in 2015 over 2014 levels. However, this is still down significantly from 2010, when 63% of respondents planned to privatize their room inventory.

 

A graduate of Northwestern Polytechnic University, Peter Hsieh has a passion for photography. He has been recognized as a top photographer in various photographic competitions, including the highly prestigious Sony World Photography Awards, where he was a finalist in 2010 and 2011.

One of the most challenging situations to shoot in is low light. Peter will share with you how to master this challenging situation by using simple yet effective techniques for low light photography, including composing shots in low light and using high ISO settings on your camera.

Low-light photography opportunities are everywhere, such as in concerts halls and theaters, museums, churches, and even the great outdoors at night. The challenge of low-light photography is to capture enough available light so that the scene is not completely dark. Factors that affect low light photography are shutter speeds, depth of field, and sensor sensitivity (or ISO).

Using Shutter Speed to Control Light

The shutter speed controls the amount of time available light enters your camera. The longer the exposure time, the more ambient light will enter your camera through the lens. This includes the red, green, and blue spectrums, which are responsible for producing color images.

Typically in low light situations, the shutter speed is kept short to minimize the amount of ambient light entering your camera. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to capture both available lights through long exposures or shoot with wide-open apertures without producing overexposed images that lack detail when only using the available light.

The trick is to use a combination of short exposure times and wide-open apertures together to take advantage of both ambient lighting and continuous light sources, such as strobes. This technique lets you retain all the detail in an image by preventing it from becoming too bright or overexposed.

Setting up for Low Light Photography

Before you start shooting your low-light photos, make sure that your camera is set up properly. The recommended mode to shoot in if you are using a DSLR camera with a standard kit lens is the Shutter Priority mode (T or Time value on Canon models). If you have a compact digital without a manual option, then try the Twilight or Night modes.

These two modes are recommended because they allow you to set the shutter speed while the camera automatically sets the aperture value. Some compact digital cameras allow for full manual control, which lets you manually set both the aperture and shutter speeds yourself. If you are using a compact digital with minimal user controls, try to find a program mode that lets you shoot with the largest aperture value and slowest allowable shutter speed.

Regardless of your camera type, make sure to use a tripod or some other means of stabilizing your camera and lens not to produce blurry images caused by hand movement. If you are shooting without a tripod, try setting your shutter speed to a minimum of 1/60th of a second or higher. This is the threshold beyond which camera shake becomes noticeable, and image sharpness decreases, especially if you’re using a lens with a long focal length such as 84mm on a full-frame DSLR.

You may need to increase your ISO setting to allow for faster shutter speeds. If your camera allows, you can also use the built-in flash as a means of stopping action or adding light to a dark scene. Just make sure that if you are shooting in an area where flashes are prohibited (such as museums and churches) that you turn off the flash on your camera before entering these areas.

 

Even though the foodservice industry is highly competitive, the possibilities are endless. Opening a new restaurant can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The decisions you make can significantly impact your new restaurant. We’ve put together a comprehensive checklist for opening a new restaurant.

1. Staff

There’s no denying that a restaurant is as good as its staff. Employees play an integral role in the success of a restaurant. Every restauranteur must prioritize hiring competent staff. Are you planning to hire staff for your new restaurant? Consider hiring staff with good interpersonal skills.

Recruiting new employees can take a significant toll on your finances. It’s no wonder that growing businesses slow down on hiring new staff. Before you fill any open positions in your restaurant, decide on the salary and benefits. Remunerations vary according to company and budget.

You also have to purchase the right clothes or uniform for your employees. This includes slacks for women or trendier styles that highlight your foodservice brand. The bottom line is that any chosen styles should represent your brand and provide a perfect fit for the recipient.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can find the perfect pair of pants from online stores like Chico. You’ll find women’s dress pants, skinny pants, casual pants, petite pants, and work pants. Chico’s outlets also offer total purchase discounts and a refund in the event of a return.

2. Power Supply

Anything can go wrong with the conventional power source. There’s every possibility that power could go out during extreme weather and climatic conditions like hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes. Staying without could result in significant financial losses and food wastage.

That said, you should make provisions for a standby power supply. You can go for a portable generator or large generator, depending on your restaurant needs. Nowadays, owners of diesel generators order genuine diesel generator parts and accessories from rack stores. You can get alternator parts, filters, controllers, transfer switch components, and engine parts. Additionally, schedule routine maintenance to boost the Generac standby generator’s performance.

3. Kitchen Equipment

Starting a new restaurant entails investing in kitchen equipment and supplies. Keep in mind that your new foodservice business must have several pieces of equipment to function optimally. Buying restaurant equipment can be very cost-intensive, given that you have to buy many items. There’s no gainsaying that the cost of buying can negatively impact your bottom line.

If your budget cannot accommodate new equipment, consider buying used restaurant equipment. That way, you don’t have to break the bank to get the much-needed tools for your startup. So that you know, used restaurant equipment can also be as efficient and reliable as new ones.

With used equipment, you can save money that can be useful for other pressing issues. Ensure you buy second-hand equipment from reputable vendors. Alternatively, you can lease equipment to minimize startup costs.

4. Grand Opening

Grand openings have become more prevalent in recent years. Most restauranteurs leverage grand openings to leave a lasting impression in the minds of their prospective customers. Formal openings that are disorganized or understaffed tend to give fine dining establishments a bad reputation.

Keep in mind that a well-organized grand opening can make a world of difference for your restaurant. Staging an event that excels in customer service delivery can act as a catalyst for growth. Visibly impressed guests can spread positive word of mouth about your foodservice brand, which can spark organic conversations about your brand. So, try to put a lot of thought into planning your restaurant’s grand opening.

Before the main grand opening event, you may decide to organize a soft opening event. A soft opening event allows you to test your preparedness for the big opening day. Feel free to invite your loved ones and colleagues for the soft opening. For one, they can give you feedback and offer ideas to boost your operation.

 

Sports, especially football, defines Australia. Everyone in Australia is aware of the AFL but some people might wonder what AFL (Australian Football League) actually is? And how does it work?

For starters, It is a premier league of Australian football competition and is deemed one of Australia’s most popular games. Some Aussies might even say it is a way of life for them. Due to its popularity it is extremely common to see AFL odds everywhere in the media and even friends and family tip against each other to see which team amongst their favourites will beat the opposing team.

Some of the most popular teams are Richmond, Carlton or even Collingwood.

First documented AFL games were initially played in late 1858, with around 18 teams. Ever since, watching the game and adding their excitement by raising the win’s stake has been a prevalent pastime for many Aussies, where they hang out at a buddy’s place after work and crack open a beer to relax and unwind from a stressful day of work.

History of Australian Football League:

The Australian Football League was known to be played right from the Victorian Age (1897 – 1989), and hence it is also known as the Victorian Football league which is one of the reasons why teams form the state of Victoria have been dominating the AFL since 1990.( 19 out of 30)

The AFL is now extremely popular and has 18 teams in the league, mainly dominated by ten leading clubs based in Victoria, two of them from South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Every team that is playing plays a total of 22 games every season out of the total matches being played, and out of them, the top eight qualifying teams head towards playing for the AFL finals, which goes on for four weeks. It leads to the finals, with the top 2 finalists, and the Grand Finale takes place either on the last Saturday of September or could also occur on the first Saturday of October, depending on the games. This game is held in the Cricket Ground of Melbourne.

What players and teams to keep an eye out for?

It is always good to go through the top teams’ list and follow the games closely to have a precise bet. As in 2021, the AFL is expected to be played on March 18th, with the opening taking place between the three-time grand champions in four seasons, the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues.

• Richmond Tigers, with their three wins, are trying to hit their hat-trick now this season, and a player to keep in mind is Dustin Martin, who is a three-time winner of the Norm Smith Medal.
• Geelong cats did miss out on the opportunity last year, but it was essential to decide after three losses in the preliminary round. Still, the signing of Jeremy Cameron, the star forward, to play alongside Tom Hawkins, a Coleman Medal winner, and Cameron Guthrie and Patrick Dangerfield, the two midfield guns, most definitely helped recover from Gary Ablett’s retirement.
• Brisbane Lions are next on the ladder after their two consecutive second-place wins. Members of the team such as Charlie Cameron, Dayne Zorko, Lachie Neale make the team very strong and define a talent dripping squad, and it got even better post the arrival of Joe Daniher.

 

Relaxing in the shade while enjoying the benefits of spring and summer weather is a must. If your house does not have a patio cover, consider an alternative or even a patio awning. Patio shade reduces the amount of sunlight that hits your patio while also allowing you to relax outdoors in the shade. Do not let the weather keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Enjoy your backyard on warm days without hesitation. Here are some alternatives to consider for patio covers:

Patio Umbrellas

Enjoy patio shade by purchasing a patio umbrella. This is a less expensive alternative when considering patio covers. Why allow for the sun to blind you and take hours away from outdoor enjoyment? High quality and reasonably priced umbrellas will ensure a good time outdoors without breaking your wallet. Patio umbrellas are also easy to assemble and portable so that you can put them up wherever you would like.

Sail Shades

Easy to assemble with enjoyable benefits, sail shades are an effective way to provide shade. Sail shades are created to be long enough to provide a lot of coverage for your backyard. Assembly is simple and just requires stake placements where you would like the structure to go.

Wall Mounted or Free-Standing Gazebo

A cost-effective way to add shade to your outdoor space is by investing in a wall-mounted gazebo. Maximize the use of your outdoors with either free-standing or wall-mounted structure. Make the most out of your backyard in all weather conditions. Whether the extra shade serves as protection from UV rays on hot summer days or from rain. A gazebo will indeed meet your needs no matter what the season might be.

Pergola

Similar to a gazebo, a pergola is a free-standing small structure with a roof. A pergola is intended to provide shade and shelter. The structure is easier to assemble than a gazebo but depending on the design, it might not look as classy as a gazebo. Nevertheless, expect a pergola to get the job done.

Canopy

A temporary alternative to a patio cover is a pop-up canopy. Canopies provide additional shade whenever you need it and can easily be taken down. The portability of canopies also allows for them to be moved around wherever they are needed. These structures are an instant way to get shade.

Trees

This option might be a bit more obvious, but trees do provide plenty of satisfactory shade. Trees are an inexpensive way to provide shade outdoors. While also being an eco-friendly choice, trees can also contribute to the ambiance and aesthetic of your outdoor space. Planting the right amount of trees that are suitable to your location’s climate conditions can be very beneficial and pleasant on hot days.

Stay Covered

Take advantage of your outdoor space to the full extent by adding sun coverage. There are multiple options to consider that will provide you with the shade that you need. If you are uncertain about what you would like to invest in, consider a temporary option such as a pop-up canopy. These are temporary sun protectors that can be used to your benefit until you decide what option is best for you. Whether you venture outdoors for your own enjoyment or to entertain guests, create a space that maximizes comfort.

If you’ve been looking for a greener energy option, you’ve probably started considering adding solar energy power to your house.

You might worry about having to cover your roof in panels or buying more panels than you need. Being a smart solar customer means understanding the factors needed in figuring out the best solar configuration for your house.

So how many panels do you need to power your house? How many are needed to offset all of your energy use? Let’s take a look at how to calculate the optimal number for your home.

Information You Need

Unlike when you install an HVAC system, there’s a lot more than just the size of your house that goes into figuring out how many panels you need. The average solar powered home needs at least 20 panels to cover 100 percent of its energy needs, but there are a lot of factors that go into the calculation to reach that number.

A solar professional can assess your home to help you figure out the right number and placement based on these factors:

• How much electricity you use on average in a year
• Amount of usable roof space you have and pitch of the roof
• Amount of sun you get
• Type of equipment such as panel wattage and power optimizers

Electricity Use

Most energy providers have a way for you to see your annual consumption easily through their online systems. If you don’t see it in yours, you can get a good estimate by pulling some bills from the past 12 months. Get an average of the kWh amounts listed on the bills, then multiply the average by 12 to get an estimate of annual consumption.

The average household uses around 10,650 kWh per year, which should give you an idea of where your numbers should fall.

Available Sunshine

The amount of sun you get on your house plays a big role in how much solar power energy can be produced. How much shade your house gets and which direction the panels will face are key variables to take into consideration, as well as the time of year.

One other number you can track down is how much sun you’ll get based on your location. Your state’s production ratio can run from 1 in states like Maine to 1.8 in states like Arizona.

How Many Solar Panels You Will Need

A home of about 1,500 square feet with an electric bill of $100 per month would need 16-to-20 panels to cover its power needs. Now that you have the numbers for energy consumption and your state’s solar production ratio, you can figure out the specific number of panels you need for your situation.

To figure out the smart solar power configuration for your house, you divide your energy consumption by the solar production ratio. That number is then divided by the wattage of the panels you plan to buy.

For example:

• 11,000 kWh per year, divided by a production ratio of 1.5 = 9,565
• 9,565 divided by a 250-watt panel = 38.26 panels required

You can tweak the numbers by increasing the panel wattage. Upping it to 330 watts in the calculation above changes your needs to 29 panels. The cost of the panels and the amount of roof space can dictate the right wattage for your setup.

Be a Smart Solar Shopper

Adding solar power to your home is a great investment that can save you money and improve your home’s value. Smart solar shoppers know how to calculate the numbers that determine the correct number of panels to get enough solar energy to run a house.

Learn more about projects to improve your home and save money with our articles on home, money, and lifestyle topics.

 

Writing songs is a stress-relieving exercise and rewarding experience at the same time. If you can manage to come up with ideas and put them down to form a complete song, then you will feel amazing. However, the task isn’t that easy. You must dedicate some time and keep practicing to perfect up your ideas. Many people think that professional songwriters have mastered the art, and they don’t experience any difficulty through the process. There are many challenges, but you can experience a smooth journey if you have passion and dedication. With college essay example, you can get a lot of great ideas for expessing yourself not only with music but with a bunch of other interesting themes. So, how do you create the best music? Read the tips below.

• Write more often

With songwriting, you can’t figure out a situation and compose a song directly. It is not like school assignments where you can brainstorm ideas and come up with answers. It is a process. As days move on, several ideas are flowing in your mind. It is such ideas that keep writing down every other moment. In whichever place you go, have some writing materials to put down your concepts from a given situation. It doesn’t matter the nature of the idea; write it down because you will filter later and correct where necessary.

• Learn to Listen

Any good musician must master the art of listening. Do not limit yourself to a single music genre. Embrace and listen to different music compositions from other people. In the process, you will learn the types of music you enjoy the most. As you listen, note down any concept that captures your attention for reviewing later on. Again, think of the best ideas that can suit the music parts you don’t like.

• Try something new

Yes, you will listen to other people’s work. Do not try to correct what other musicians have already invented. It is like copying and modifying the existing idea, which can block your mind from creative thinking. Be unique and try something different in terms of style, tempos, and rhythms. The end goal is to focus on where your passion lies and become the best songwriter.

• Be open to feedback

Once you have all the ideas together in a song, listen to the music repeatedly to evaluate areas you can change and improve for the better. Once you have your improved piece, share it with friends and family and ask for their honest opinions. Another person can give you feedback that reflects how the audience will perceive your music. Be ready to take any feedback and improve where necessary. Do not assume you are a genius in songwriting. Sometimes, seeking others’ opinions can save you a big deal because songwriting is a learning and continuous process.

• Don’t Act as a perfectionist.

Writing songs is a creative activity. The process won’t be smooth throughout. You will get frustrating feedbacks along the way. How you take them is all that matters. Avoid focusing on producing perfect music. There will always be a slight idea that may lead to negative feedback. Instead, when writing songs, stay free and put down your thoughts as you do your best. Even if the results don’t come out as you expected, keep pushing on. After all, your goal is to improve from some simple mistakes.

You must understand that you can develop an idea, form lyrics, work on the melodies, and create your song; you are already somewhere. You only need to keep practicing as you embrace the journey. Use reliable materials, and where necessary, seek expert advice on how to handle a particular matter.