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How To Prioritize Work and Play as a Student

Striking a balance between academic workload and leisure activities is one of the quintessential challenges students worldwide face. Every student’s goal is to achieve academic excellence without compromising on the joys of recreational pursuits. Whether gaming, participating in sports, or engaging in creative activities, students often find themselves trapped in the dichotomy of work and play. But fear not; mastering the equilibrium is attainable with a few practical modifications to your routine. Below, we will explore strategies to help you navigate this balance seamlessly.

Balancing Academic Responsibilities with Leisure Activities

One critical component of maintaining a healthy academic life is acknowledging that downtime is necessary and productive. Leisure activities can rejuvenate your mind, foster creativity, and enhance problem-solving abilities. Finding time for relaxation amidst many assignments is a testament to your commitment to overall well-being.

Integrating enjoyable activities into your schedule requires planning. Whether a quick game at a free play social casino or a short walk, every bit counts towards keeping stress at bay and nurturing a positive mindset. The idea is to create a routine where work and play coexist rather than compete for your time.

Moreover, establishing clear boundaries between study and leisure time can help prevent burnout. Treating leisure activities with the same respect as your academic ones means keeping to scheduled break times as diligently as studying for an important test. Creating specific goals for both areas can help achieve this delineation.

Consider them complementary rather than viewing academic and leisure pursuits as opposing forces. The skills and relaxation gained from leisure can potentiate your academic efforts, leading to a more rounded and satisfying student life. Both spheres can synergize when balanced correctly, leading to a more fulfilling and successful college experience.

Setting and Achieving Realistic Goals for Students

When it comes to balancing various responsibilities, the ability to set achievable goals cannot be overstated. This means being realistic about what can be accomplished in a given timeframe and prioritizing tasks effectively. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to unnecessary pressure and potential disappointment, which may affect academic performance and personal time.

Long-term planning is essential for students pursuing higher education or specific career paths. For example, those interested in legal studies can enhance their future prospects by enrolling in programs such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. If you are looking for flexible options, a quick Google search like ‘online Masters Law degree‘ will provide numerous programs that fit your needs. While such a commitment requires significant dedication, setting incremental milestones can help balance the pressure of studies with much-needed breaks.

Using S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) can effectively structure your academic and leisure pursuits. Each aspect of this acronym assists in creating a roadmap that can be followed diligently, ensuring that both work and downtime are productive and gratifying. These goals can be weekly, monthly, or semester-based, depending on your individual needs.

Tracking progress is another integral part of goal-setting. This way, you can celebrate small victories, understand where improvements are needed, and remain flexible in adjusting your goals where necessary. And remember, setting goals is a dynamic process. As your situation changes, so should your goals, ensuring they align with your academic progress and personal growth.

The Role of Self-Discipline in Maintaining Work-Play Equilibrium

Self-discipline is at the heart of balancing work and play. It’s a skill that helps you focus on your priorities, resist distractions, and persist in facing challenges. Although self-discipline may sound daunting, making it a habit eventually becomes second nature. When applied, it can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your time management and goal-setting efforts.

Self-discipline involves understanding when to push through with studying, even when leisure activities seem more appealing. It’s about maintaining your resolve and commitment to your work while recognizing the importance of rest and relaxation. By establishing routine check-ins with your commitments, you can ensure you remain on track while permitting flexibility for the unexpected.

Inculcating self-discipline doesn’t mean you must bid farewell to spontaneous leisure activities. Rather, it’s about knowing when and how to accommodate unplanned opportunities without derailing your academic progress. It allows for a more controlled and thoughtful approach to decision-making regarding how you spend your time.

Fostering self-discipline is a learned process, often requiring trial and error. Some methods may include removing temptation, establishing strict study environments, and using time management tools. When properly honed, self-discipline becomes a powerful tool for balancing working and playing hard.

Overall, balancing work and play as a student is essential for academic success and personal fulfillment. By implementing effective time management strategies, setting realistic goals, and fostering self-discipline, students can create a rewarding and enjoyable educational experience.

Protected: Life Alert For Seniors In Canada: Your Safety Solution

INTERSEX AWARENESS DAY

State Dept

On Intersex Awareness Day

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

Today, the United States celebrates Intersex Awareness Day, re-affirming our commitment to promoting respect for the human rights of intersex persons around the world. We are dedicated to pursuing an end to violence and discrimination due to sex characteristics and to advancing inclusion, respect, and equality for intersex persons worldwide so they can lead full, healthy lives free from stigma.

Throughout the world, intersex persons are regularly subjected to medically unnecessary, harmful procedures that alter their bodies – often at a young age. Intolerance places intersex persons under enormous scrutiny and disregards their bodily autonomy and dignity. These harmful so-called normalization procedures inflict physical and emotional damage that can last throughout their lives. Intersex persons deserve recognition for the specific ways their lives have been impacted by targeted discrimination and violence, yet their lives should not be defined solely by their sex characteristics.

This year, with the United States’ support, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a historic resolution recognizing the human rights violations, stigma, and discrimination faced by intersex persons around the globe and reaffirming the need for all countries to tackle the root causes of these abuses. The United States will continue to seek diplomatic opportunities to advance the human rights of intersex persons and to stand with the activists, organizations, and governments who work daily to champion inclusion and respect for intersex persons. Today and every day, intersex persons deserve to live with dignity, equal protection, and recognition before the law.

LIVE 360 w/ Speedy

ComplexCon announced the first of its ComplexCon(versations) panel line-up, a live 360 with Speedy featuring special guest, iShowSpeed.

Speedy and YouTuber and streamer, iShowSpeed will sit down for a long form discussion on Sunday, November 17 at 1PM at the Conversations Stage.

360 With Speedy is a long-form conversation series with your favorite musicians, actors, and celebrities that explores their never-before-heard stories and the keys to success in an ever-changing industry.

The ComplexCon(versations) panel line-up will return to ComplexCon this year and will host live presentations of Complex’s acclaimed online content shows, bringing the digital experience to the stage throughout the weekend. The live panel line-up will feature some of today’s most impactful cultural commentators and creatives. The festival’s global dialogue programming explores core topics at the forefront of pop culture and has hosted discussions with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, Lil Kim, Issa Rae and Yoon Ambush in years past.

ComplexCon is a groundbreaking festival and exhibition that brings together music, style, sneakers, pop culture, art, food, and innovation. A weekend where creative minds converge to celebrate the latest trends and ideas shaping our culture, the festival features immersive experiences, exclusive releases from the most influential brands, thought-provoking panel discussions and electrifying headline performances from Travis Scott & Cactus Jack, Playboi Carti & Opium, Metro Boomin and many more. This year, Travis Scott is going to be acting as the curator of the event, bringing “CactusCon” to Las Vegas. We invite you to join our community and experience the future of pop culture this November 16-17 in Las Vegas.

DANCE MUSIC 4 DEMOCRACY (DM4D) LAUNCHES TO SPUR VOTER REGISTRATION AMONG EDM FANS

Dance Music for Democracy (DM4D) a NEW non-partisan 501(c)(3) charitable organization that’s been registering legions of dance music fans to vote—inspiring them to participate in and be responsible for the electoral outcomes that will impact their futures—debuted in-person last week with Beats for Change, a celebrity-studded launch event featuring headlining DJ’s at historic music venue The Mint in Los Angeles.

Dedicated to producing and promoting dance music events around the country with voter registration offered on site and online, DM4D has partnered with HeadCount, one of the nation’s leading voter registration organizations that has registered more than 1.2 million voters since 2004, to enable event attendees to register to vote both online from the web site and in-person at DM4D events.

DM4D is the brainchild of Board President Greg H. Sims, an independent film producer, financier, and artist manager. Sims has also long been active in the electronic music scene, having worked closely with luminaries like Armin van Buuren, Paul Oakenfold, and Gareth Emery. Joining Sims in the board is financial executive, business advisor, and entrepreneur Nick Mayberry; longtime tour manager Art Cisneros; film sales and distribution executive Brett Leitner; and broadcaster Roger Rose, scion of the broadcasting family that includes father Hilly Rose and brother Judd Rose.

DM4D launched in-person with Beats for Change at The Mint October 16 with live DJ sets from pioneering DJ Kristina Sky, DJ Karmå and Vassal States, who dedicated their sets to the beloved DJ Danny Stubbs, whose recent passing stunned the dance music community. Industry and celebrity guests included (in alphabetical order): Cinematographer Akis Konstantakopoulos (The Chosen); Alexander Parlee and The Ellipses (Musician new single “Raised in the Woods”); Alex Sorian Brown (EVAN WOOD); Antjuan Tobias (Army Wives, Angelyne); YouTuber AyoDden; Bobby Carradine (REVENGE OF THE NERDS); Brett Pierce (Stuck in the Middle,, Imaginary Mary); Bourke Floyd (Dawson’s Creek); actor Carlos Carrera; Christian Try (musician new single “Be the Light” produced by Danny Stubbs); producer Danny Beissel (BLUSH); producer Dale Bell (WOODSTOCK); De’voreaux White (DIE HARD, Obliterated); Danny Medici (ANYWHERE BUT HERE); Denise Faye (AMERICAN PIE 2); Dontez X. James; musician Dylan Carbone; Germany Kent; Heather Medway (THE FEAR series; VIPER); Jake Johnson (New Girl); Jeff Dowd (“The Dude”); John Blyth Barrymore; John Werskey (OCCUPYING ED); Keven Thibeault; DJ Kristina Sky; DJ Karmå; designer Mason Ewing; twice Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Phedon Papamichael; Academy Award®-winning stunt coordinator, inventor and stunt driver Robert Nagle; broadcaster and DM4D Board Member Roger Rose; TikTok influencer 2.2m Sam Vicchiollo; Sheridan Pierce (Dear White People) and DJ’s Ben Hoyt and Hershel Abram of Vassal States, among others.

Between now and the election, DM4D is dedicated to getting as many prospective voters signed up right from the DM4D web site, as well as any in-person events DM4D can mount. DM4D’s mission doesn’t end with this election. Rather, it just begins the process to secure additional voter registration for the NEXT elections. Want to help DM4D continue its mission? Join the EDM fans who have supported them by donating here. We’ll see you on the dance floor!

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Dance Music 4 Democracy (DM4D) via 360 Magazine.

Getty Images photos credit Michael Bezjian

5 Ways to Create Unique Drum Patterns with Free Samples

Drum patterns can make or break a track. A catchy beat hooks listeners and keeps the energy alive. But creating something fresh can feel like running in circles. Well, there is nothing to worry about with Unison Audio by your side.

They provide an extensive collection of free sample packs that can help you come up with one-of-a-kind drum patterns without overthinking it. Whether you’re new to music production or a seasoned pro, using these free samples can bring exciting new ideas to your beats.

Creating Unique Drum Patterns: 5 Ways to Do So with Free Samples

When working with free samples, the key is experimenting. These packs are loaded with possibilities, so it’s all about trying different techniques to create something that sounds unique. Below, we’ll go over five simple methods to help you spice up your drum patterns.

Mix and Match Drum Hits

One of the easiest ways to create a fresh sound is to combine different drum hits from various packs. Don’t limit yourself to just one set of sounds. You can pick a kick with a deep punch and a snare that has a bright snap. This contrast can give your beat a lively feel.

Also, layer sounds by stacking a soft clap on top of a snare or mix a low kick with a higher-pitched one for more impact. Furthermore, use different packs by pulling drum hits from different sample packs to keep your sound from becoming too predictable.

When you mix and match, you create an original palette of sounds. This variety in your hits prevents your beat from feeling repetitive. With free sample packs from Unison Audio, you get access to a huge range of kicks, snares, claps, and more.

Chop Up Loops and Rearrange

Pre-made drum loops are convenient, but using them as-is can be limiting. Instead of just dropping loops into your track, take it a step further by slicing them up. Rearranging loops allows you to find hidden gems within the loop that you can re-purpose to fit your pattern. Here is how you can do that:

Cut loops into small sections – Isolate key sections like the kick and snare from the loop.
Rearrange the pieces – Swap parts around, remove certain hits, or repeat specific sections to craft a pattern that feels fresh.
Adjust the tempo and pitch – Slightly shifting the tempo or pitch can transform a basic loop into something that sounds entirely new.

This technique lets you take a pre-made loop, break it down, and build it back up in a way that’s truly your own. It’s like using a puzzle but rearranging the pieces to create a new picture.

Experiment with Rhythm Variations

Creating a unique groove often means playing with the timing of your hits. It doesn’t have to be all on the beat. Moving drum elements slightly off the grid adds a whole new feel to your track. Here is how you can do it

Add swing – Swing is a slight off-setting of certain hits that can create a laid-back vibe. This is especially effective with hi-hats or snares.
Create a shuffle – By moving specific hits forward or back, you can make your track feel less robotic and more human. This keeps listeners engaged by introducing subtle surprises.
Change the velocity – Lower the intensity of certain hits to emphasize others and add more dynamic contrast. For example, reducing the volume of every other hi-hat creates a rolling feel.

By experimenting with the timing and rhythm of your drum sounds, you make sure that your drum patterns aren’t just catchy but memorable too.

Layer Percussion Elements

Percussion is a great way to fill out the empty spaces in your drum patterns. When layering, think beyond just traditional drums.

Try using shakers, tambourines, or unconventional percussion like cowbells to fill gaps and add depth to your beat. This will give your track movement and energy without overloading it.

Create Call and Response Patterns

This technique is a classic way to keep your drum patterns dynamic and engaging. Essentially, you’re creating a musical conversation between different drum sounds. Here’s how:

Choose two contrasting drum sounds – For example, a deep tom and a sharp snare.
Create a back-and-forth pattern – Play the tom in one measure and respond with the snare in the next.
Add subtle changes – Throw in a few extra hi-hats or percussive hits to keep the rhythm interesting.

The call-and-response technique gives a dynamic, evolving feel to your beats. When listeners hear a pattern that feels like it’s “talking” to itself, it naturally draws them in.

Final Thoughts

Unique drum patterns don’t have to be overly complicated. By experimenting with techniques like mixing and matching hits, chopping up loops, and creating call-and-response sections, you can craft beats that are distinct and memorable. So grab those free samples, try different combinations, and let your creativity shine!

Understanding Revenue Leakage

Every business enterprise pushes toward the singular goal of maximizing profits. However, there are numerous subtle ways through which profits can inadvertently slip through the cracks, a phenomenon known as revenue leakage. With various contributing factors and often unnoticed in real-time, this issue can quietly erode a company’s financial health. Understanding the intricacies of these losses is crucial in forming an effective strategy to prevent them. Keep reading to discover how your business can identify and address the causes of revenue loss efficiently.

Understanding Revenue Leakage and Its Impact on Business Profitability

Alt text: Two colleagues sitting at a desk, analyzing a computer screen, engaged in a discussion about revenue leakage.

Revenue leakage happens when a business loses income that should have been earned due to errors, inefficiencies, or poor systems. This can range from small accounting mistakes to larger issues like contract breaches, which can accumulate and severely impact profits. For businesses with tight margins, even minor leakage can disrupt financial planning and long-term investments.

To tackle what is revenue leakage, companies must assess their revenue streams and find gaps between expected and actual earnings. Fixing the problem isn’t just about addressing current issues but involves reviewing processes to prevent future losses. Staying adaptable and vigilant is key to minimizing leakage over time.

Identifying the Common Causes of Revenue Leakage

Revenue leakage is a significant issue that can be addressed by identifying its origins and methods. Common culprits include billing errors, contract mismanagement, poor data management, inadequate control over discount and rebate programs, and procedural inefficiencies in supply chain and inventory management. These factors can lead to under-billing, missed billing opportunities, and lost opportunities for earnings.

Companies must also monitor these programs to prevent over-encouraging incentives and to mitigate risks. By understanding these causes, businesses can focus on areas where losses are likely to occur and implement improvements to mitigate risks. By identifying these causes, companies can begin to mitigate their risks and improve their overall financial performance.

Strategies to Prevent Revenue Loss in Your Business Operations

To prevent revenue leakage, businesses should adopt comprehensive strategies such as regular audits, strict internal controls on pricing, billing, and contract fulfillment, and optimizing business processes to eliminate errors and inefficiencies. Automated billing systems can reduce human error in transactions, while clear communication of pricing structures and discount policies can prevent confusion and loss.

Investing in employee training, particularly in critical roles like sales and finance, can increase awareness of the cost of errors and the importance of precision. Encouraging a culture of accountability can also help curb practices that lead to leakage. Adopting innovative technologies like analytics and machine learning algorithms can help detect and prevent leakage, identifying unusual patterns in data that may indicate losses.

The Role of Technology in Detecting and Addressing Revenue Leakage

Alt text: Office scene featuring people working diligently at computers, surrounded by large windows that provide ample daylight.

Technology plays a crucial role in preventing revenue leakage. Advanced software can track transactions throughout the business cycle, identifying potential discrepancies and anomalies. This allows businesses to respond quickly and decisively to revenue loss. Big data analytics provides deeper insights into business operations, enabling companies to predict and prevent future scenarios. Customized reporting and real-time monitoring are also essential.

Cloud-based platforms provide a unified view of business operations, enabling better control and management across departments. Seamless integration with other systems ensures accurate financial forecasting and reporting. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in preventing errors and optimizing decision-making processes. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to detect current revenue leaks and predict future risks, allowing businesses to address issues proactively.

How Companies Successfully Mitigated Revenue Leakage

Leading companies have successfully addressed revenue leakage by addressing the root causes. A telecommunications giant overhauled its billing system to ensure accuracy and transparency, reducing billing errors and boosting profitability. A healthcare provider implemented a contract management solution to ensure compliance with pricing terms and reduced missed revenue from service-level lapses.

A retail chain used data analytics to refine inventory and supply chain processes, reducing product wastage and aligning stock levels with customer demand patterns. A global manufacturer tackled rebates and discount leakage by introducing unified software that tracked and analyzed all customer incentives, allowing strategic management and avoiding undue erosion of profit margins.

Overall, mitigating revenue leakage requires a comprehensive approach encompassing vigilance, process optimization, employee training, and the smart use of technology. As businesses continue to evolve, staying ahead of the potential for revenue leakage through these strategies secures profitability and fosters sustainable growth.

MARVEL COMICS UNVEILS ALL-NEW MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION

THE DEFINITIVE MUST-READ BOOKS FOR ALL FANS

The Marvel Premier Collection will launch with Daredevil, Black Panther, Captain America, and Fantastic Four, all debuting in 2025

Just ahead of New York Comic Con, Marvel Comics unveiled its all-new publishing line, the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION, featuring Marvel’s most celebrated and prestigious storylines and creators from its entire comic book legacy. The MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION will launch in 2025, starting with Daredevil, Black Panther, Captain America, and Fantastic Four titles.

The MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION is designed for anyone looking for the perfect entry point into the Marvel Universe or for the most definitive and quintessential stories behind Marvel’s most popular characters. Curated in honor of the groundbreaking stories and creative forces from the House of Ideas, the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION packs Marvel’s iconic stories into a sleek, high-quality, and highly readable format to make Marvel’s stories more accessible than ever before—ideal for Marvel fans across comics, film, television, games, and beyond, both old and new.

“We’ve all heard the age-old questions: ‘Where do I start? What is that one run you just cannot miss? What should I read before or after the next big movie or television show to have the best experience?’ The Marvel Premier Collection program is our answer to each of those questions,” said Dan Buckley, President of Marvel Comics and Franchise. “Comics are at the heart of everything we do at Marvel, so this collection will be our go-to publishing line for any and all fans looking for a way into—or further into—the Marvel Universe. These titles will not be the only place to start of course, but they will be one of the best.”

Starting with DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN in February, the Marvel Premier Collection will launch with one of the most quintessential and gripping runs for Daredevil in its history. The story, lauded as “one of the greatest Daredevil stories ever told” by The Washington Post, dives into the core of who Matt Murdock is and acts as a perfect introduction to his character and the world around him. The collection will also feature an exclusive new foreword by Frank Miller and afterword by Charlie Cox.

Releasing simultaneously, BLACK PANTHER: A NATION UNDER OUR FEET will collect the saga of National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Ta-Nehisi Coates’ character-and-world-defining story in one single paperback for the first time. Offering a profound look at Wakanda and Afrofuturism, the story is one of the must-reads for any Marvel fan. More details about this title will be announced at a later date.

The Marvel Premier Collection will begin with four titles next year, including:

Daredevil: Born Again, collecting the definitive Daredevil run as the perfect companion to story to read ahead of the new upcoming Daredevil show! Written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli.
Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, collecting the full saga in one trade paperback for the first time! Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze and Chris Sprouse.
Captain America: Winter Soldier, collecting one of the most influential stories to shape the Marvel Universe! Written by Ed Brubaker and drawn by Steve Epting.
Fantastic Four: Solve Everything, collecting an all-new, streamlined version of the seminal Fantastic Four run for the first time, personally curated by author Jonathan Hickman! Written by Hickman and drawn by Dale Eaglesham, Neil Edwards, and Steve Epting.

Don’t miss the first titles of the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION hit shelves starting in February 2025, wherever books are sold!

For more information visit marvel.com.

Marvel Comics Black Panther via 360 MAGAZINE.

NEW FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT CONFIRMS CONTINGENCY BUDGET CUTS

PROJECTS $120M DEFICIT IN FORTHCOMING BUDGET CYCLE

COUNCILMEMBER RAMACHANDRAN HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY AS CITY ENACTS BUDGET CUTS IN COMING WEEKS

Following yesterday’s sudden and unexpected cancellation of the City Council’s Special Finance Committee meeting to discuss the City’s budgetary situation, Councilmember Janani Ramachandran (District 4) is highlighting a report issued last Friday by the City’s Finance Department that outlines severe current and future fiscal dangers Oakland is now facing. The report, authored by City financial experts, states that the “FY 2024-25 budget is in a precarious position,” and that “the City’s fiscal health is at significant risk.” This is based on three primary factors:

The City’s implementation of the Contingency Budget passed by Council this past July due to the changed payment schedule of the anticipated Coliseum sale,
Projected overspending in the FY24-25 budget by at least $30 million, and
An accumulated deficit of nearly $80 million ending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

This news comes as continued calls by Councilmember Ramachandran – along with Councilmembers Treva Reid and Noel Gallo – for full transparency from City leadership on Oakland’s budgetary crisis have gone largely unheeded. Highlights from the the Finance Department’s report include the following:

Oakland ended FY23-24 with an operating shortfall of $79.84 million in the City’s General Purpose Fund (GPF). This is despite the City Administrator’s enacting of cost-saving measures earlier this year, including a hiring freeze and halt on employee travel. The deficit that ended the previous fiscal year is due to underperformance in several key tax and revenue collection areas – including a shortfall of $12.1 million in one-time revenue from the expected sale of the Raiders training facility that has yet to come to fruition.
The City is expected to exceed General Purpose Fund spending by an estimated $30 million during FY24-25, primarily based on public safety spending.
The City has begun implementation of the Contingency Budget, which was triggered on October 1 because $15 million of the Oakland Coliseum’s one-time sale proceeds was not received in September as originally promised. A revised Purchase & Sale (PSA) agreement between the City and African American Sports & Entertainment Group (AASEG) was finalized without City Council approval earlier this month, which will result in Oakland not receiving $48 million in installment payments previously scheduled to be paid in November 2024 and February 2025. Although the payments are anticipated to come at the end of May per the new deal, because these installment payments were tied to the GPF budget, $48 million in new budget cuts are now inevitable. There are several proposed cuts in the Contingency Budget (see pages 34-36) as passed by Council in July, including a drop in budgeted OPD officers to 600, temporary closures of five fire stations, deleting or freezing police academies, and halting violence prevention contracts.
A preliminary analysis of Oakland’s FY25-27 fiscal state projects a $120 million structural deficit due to unsustainable imbalances between revenues and expenditures. The Finance Department states that “comprehensive, ongoing balancing measures” focusing on the “strategic reorganization and prioritization of services” will be needed to restore Oakland’s long-term fiscal sustainability.

“The Finance Department’s report provides the clearest indication yet that the irresponsible budgetary decisions made by our City’s leadership have failed us, and that an honest and transparent approach is needed to restore stability to Oakland’s future budgets,” said Councilmember Ramachandran. “We need to end our reliance on one-time revenues such as the Coliseum and Raiders facility sales while being honest with our residents about the hard choices we will have to face in order to fix our City.”

Prior to the cancellation of yesterday’s special Finance meeting by the Committee Chair, Councilmembers Ramachandran, Reid, and Gallo had repeatedly called on the Administration to provide clarity on the cuts within the Contingency Budget that the City Administration will enact first – but to date their attempts at scheduling a public meeting to discuss this issue have been unsuccessful. On October 7, the three Councilmembers called a special meeting to discuss this contingency budget, but a quorum of Councilmembers failed to appear. And on October 15, the Special Finance and Management Committee meeting requested by the Councilmembers to discuss the contingency budget was unexpectedly cancelled a half-hour before the meeting began.

Click here to read the full Finance Department report.

Erika Alvarez

The Mexican is making fashion waves in London.

It was in 2004 when Erika Alvarez spent a year in California after informing her father of her desire to pursue a fashion career, to which he strongly rejected. She relocated to live half a year with her aunt near San Diego to contemplate alternative career paths if not in fashion, following her completion of a business degree in Mexico City.

In 2012, she made a life changing decision and move to London to chase her passion for the fashion industry. This bold move led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Fashion Marketing, where she would plant the seeds for her future success.

After years of dedication to her brand Erika Alvarez, founder of KOUA, unveiled her latest collection called Acapulco: Waves of Change during London Fashion Week, a collection which blends Mexican heritage with sustainable fashion, all while paying tribute to Acapulco.

Recognised as a creative force in the world of fashion, Erika Alvarez has always looked beyond just style. This new collection uncovers a deep focus on weaving together the artistry of Mexican textiles and social responsibility, making every piece a celebration of traditions, culture, and environmental awareness.

“I’m so excited to release my new collection. Acapulco-Waves of Change. It not only portrays childhood memories I had in the most famous seaside spot in Mexico, it tells the story of how this place have been impacted by environmental and social issues in the recent years.” Erika said.

The collection features 10 exquisite bags, each of which represents a love letter to Mexican craftsmanship. These pieces, brought to life by artisans from Oaxaca and Guerrero, who use sustainable materials like vegan leather and recycled cotton, combining modern design with traditional techniques.

“I know I can’t turn back time, but I can help to bring about change” Erika shared.

While this collection focuses on showcasing one of a kind pieces, it’s also inspired by meaningful moments and crafted with care to leave a lasting impression on both the fashion industry and the artisans who bring it to life.

“I encourage designers to create unique collections with my textiles. In this way, I hope to not only contribute to the artisan economy and the cultural preservation of their designs and techniques, but to also close the gender gap by empowering women fashion entrepreneurs and helping them to reach new markets, together.” Erika Alvarez, Founder of KOUA Mexico and KOUA Studio.

For Erika, this collection marks a significant step in her journey toward building a more sustainable and inclusive future, one that honors her Mexican roots while embracing global design sensibilities.

Erika Alvarez of KOUA Mexico via 360 MAGAZINE.

1st pic – Pietro Recchia

2nd pic – Fil Mazzarino