Latest news with #JamesAllen
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Science
- Chicago Tribune
Exploring the afterlife in 'Die-Mentions: The 12 Dimensions of God'
In 'Die-Mentions: The 12 Dimensions of God,' James Allen explores life, death and the dimensions that may lie beyond our physical existence. Using scientific principles, scriptural references and personal experiences, Allen offers a vision of the soul's journey after death. The Law of Conservation of Energy One of the central themes in Allen's work is the idea that energy is neither created nor destroyed but instead transformed. This principle, known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, is a fundamental concept in physics. Allen suggests that human life energy, which is inherently linked to God's divine breath, follows the same law. 'Energy does not cease,' Allen writes. 'It simply changes form.' This foundational concept sets the stage for his exploration of the soul's journey. According to Allen, death is not an end but a transition from one state of existence to another. He draws parallels between the transformation of physical energy and the soul's movement from one dimension to another. Dimensional existence beyond the physical Building upon the concept of energy transformation, Allen discusses the idea of dimensional existence. He draws from string theory and other scientific models to suggest that our physical reality is just one layer of a far more complex universe. According to Allen, there are multiple dimensions that humans cannot perceive but are crucial to understanding the nature of existence. 'Just as a two-dimensional being cannot perceive the third dimension, we too are limited in our understanding of the higher realms,' Allen explains. He refers to various scriptural accounts, such as the Transfiguration of Jesus and the resurrection appearances, to illustrate the possibility of higher-dimensional interactions. The role of faith in perception Faith plays an important role in Allen's exploration of life beyond death. He argues that faith is not merely a belief in something unseen but a way of perceiving dimensions beyond our own. Allen proposes faith allows us to tap into higher truths and connect with the divine reality beyond our limited perception. 'Faith is the bridge between what we can see and what lies beyond our senses,' Allen writes. He suggests that spiritual awareness is a form of perception that transcends the body's physical limitations. Through faith, individuals can access the higher realms and understand the soul's eternal nature. Near-death experiences as evidence A significant portion of Allen's work is dedicated to near-death experiences (NDEs), which he sees as anecdotal evidence of life beyond death. Many people who have undergone NDEs report consistent themes: traveling through a tunnel, encountering beings of light, experiencing a life review and feeling a sense of peace and love. Allen explores these experiences as indications of a reality beyond the physical world. He writes, 'People who have experienced NDEs often describe an overwhelming sense of love and a greater understanding of their life's purpose.' These accounts, Allen argues, provide a window into the afterlife and offer insight into the nature of the soul's journey after death. By examining these experiences through a scientific and spiritual lens, Allen argues that NDEs support the idea of higher-dimensional existence and the continuity of consciousness beyond death. Communication across dimensions Another important aspect of Allen's exploration is the idea of communication across dimensions. He suggests that communication may occur telepathically in higher dimensions, bypassing the need for verbal language. This idea is rooted in scriptural accounts of divine communication, such as the Pentecost experience, where individuals understood each other through thought rather than words. Allen argues that early humans like Adam and Eve may have communicated this way. He explains, 'Telepathic communication may have been the original form of interaction between humans and the divine.' As humanity ascends higher dimensions, Allen believes that communication will increasingly move away from spoken language and into pure thought, aligning with the soul's higher-dimensional nature. The afterlife and transformation Allen's book also explores the concept of the afterlife as a transformation process. He suggests that the soul undergoes a continual evolution before and after death. This transformation is spiritual and dimensional as the soul ascends through higher levels of existence. Allen ties this idea to the biblical concept of the resurrection, suggesting that the soul's ultimate goal is to achieve a higher state of being. 'Resurrection is not just a return to life,' Allen writes. 'It is a transformation into a new form of existence.' In Allen's view, this transformation is the ultimate purpose of the soul's journey. Through this process, the soul becomes more attuned to divine energy, reaching a state of harmony with the higher dimensions. The 'New Earth' and higher realities The 'New Earth' concept is another key aspect of Allen's exploration. He interprets this biblical idea as a reference to a higher-dimensional reality where the soul will reside after death. According to Allen, the New Earth is not a physical place but a transformed state where individuals will exist as beings of light and energy. He explains, 'The New Earth is not a place, but a state of existence — a higher-dimensional reality where the soul will experience eternal life in its most complete and pure form.' This aligns with Allen's broader vision of the afterlife as a continuous spiritual growth and transformation within our final resting place. About the author James Allen is a Bible student and U.S. Air Force Honor Graduate with a B.S. in Business and Land Use Development. He has had a diverse career, including roles as a real estate broker, mortgage lender, and chief operating officer of Western International Inc. Currently, Allen is self-employed as an inventor, misting systems specialist and livestock farmer. The inspiration for 'Die-Mentions: The 12 Dimensions of God' came after the tragic death of Allen's youngest son, which led him to explore near-death experiences and compare them with biblical teachings. Allen has been married for 35 years and has three children. He enjoys racquetball, weightlifting and horseback riding in his free time. Purchase James Allen's book on Amazon.
Buzz Feed
7 days ago
- Business
- Buzz Feed
33 Industry Secrets People Need To Know
Reddit user u/Eastern-Violinist-46 posed the question, "What's a dirty, little secret that you know only because you work in the industry?" People from a variety of industries came forward to share some behind-the-scenes info, and their anecdotes were super informative. Here's what people shared: "I own a sign shop, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that almost all businesses fail within the first year. If you think you are going to open a restaurant or a boutique, you are about to lose a bunch of money. Also, no matter what business you want to start, go talk to your local sign guy and ask how many businesses have been in that location and failed. Trust me, we know which locations are cursed." "I used to work for a major talent agency in Hollywood, and a lot of the Academy voters never watched the screeners and let their assistants vote on their behalf." "I'm in insurance. If you call to request an estimate for a claim, they will count it as a $0 claim on your file when they deem the damage not enough to repair. That means when another company pulls your information, it will not only impact your future rates, but might make you ineligible for future policies. Don't ever call insurance for an estimate first. Get a third party inspector to tell you whether you should file with insurance." "Always wash your new clothing before you wear it, even if it looks fresh and new. It's been thrown on the floor, moved around a dusty warehouse, tried on by a sweaty post-gym person, and probably sat in a stinky, humid shipping container for two months. Plus, you want to wash off all the starching/finishing products which make it look so 'new.'" "People cleaning their underwear in kettles is a huge problem in hotels. We find so many forgotten underpants in the kettles, and I can't even assume how many we didn't catch. Don't use them. If you want a nicer room in a hotel, book with Dr. or Prof. before your name. That makes you way more likely to be bumped up. When you're traveling privately, take a card from any hotel testing company with you and give it to the reception when you arrive to enter as the 'address for your bill.' Staff will be extra nice to you." "Engagement ring business here! Oh, so many. Most natural diamonds have been in, like, two or three rings before they end up in yours. Rings are made with more fragile designs than they used to be, because after you get tired of it breaking/needing repairs all the time, you will buy a new ring, thus giving us more $$$. This is also why the trends nowadays lean toward dainty and minimalistic with a massive stone, because it's a ticking time bomb. This is also why a lot of jewelry stores won't stop you from getting stones that are too soft for daily wear (looking at you, opal). The largest diamond distributor is Walmart. Diamonds that jewelry suppliers discard for being 'ugly' end up on James Allen and Brilliant Earth." "Leaving online shopping items in your cart while logged in will likely put you into an automated discount offer stream! So, if you intend to buy anyway, leave it in your cart for a few days and see if you get a marketing email with a discount code." "How dirty the fruits you put in drinks are. I quit getting oranges in my Blue Moons because I figured that orange drove up from Florida, got to North Dakota, was never washed, got cut up, and was put in my drink. Grosses me out." "There isn't a 'larger than normal call volume.' We just don't have enough staff. Also, your call is not important to us. We actually want you to go away." "I used to work in radio, and we totally didn't take caller number 10. We maybe counted one through six, and then sorted through the callers until we found an excited sounding voice that fit the target demographic." "Before I would go on stage as a male dancer, we would inject our penises with solution and/or take Viagra because we were supposed to be, at minimum, half hard all night. We were not allowed to be fully flaccid unless we were dressed. Same goes in amateur porn. Because of this, it's very hard to feel pleasure and finish from basic sex, and it takes a lot to get it up for women, even if you want to." "Casino boss here. If a shooting or death happens at a casino (all the time), it's almost never reported or shown in the news because local newspapers work together with casinos to avoid hurting the tourism in their city. You'll only hear whispers about it from coworkers, and that's it." Blurred Image of Gaming machines in a Casino. "Military-grade is a misnomer for high quality. While companies may sell high quality goods, deeming it military-grade would actually mean it's the cheapest, crappiest material that saves money right now and doesn't worry about 5–10 years from now because a new budget will be passed and the government will continue to be terrible with money." "I worked in grocery stores for about 40 years. Notice how most ice cream brands have lids that aren't sealed? When you're working stock, whenever a container falls on the floor, sometimes the lids fly off. Most workers just put the lids back on and put it on the shelf. It happens all the time. Always, always buy the handful of brands that actually seal the lids on, or you're just asking to get sick." "Maybe not a 'dirty' secret, but I work in the VFX industry and was shocked when I first learned how much 'beauty' work is done on actresses. All those famous middle-aged (and older) women that have aged so well? Yeah, we've gone in and removed their wrinkles, crow's feet, saggy neck, etc. Removing acne and acne scars from young performers was also a common occurrence. No wonder women and girls struggle so much with body image." "Your loved one looks at peace in their casket, but what you don't know is they have plastic eye caps under their eyelids that are (sometimes, not always) glued shut. There are either wires or sutures holding their mouth together and usually some cotton and a bit of wax on the inside to form that subtle smile. There might be a styrofoam block under their back to make the positioning look more natural and comfortable. There might be styrofoam blocks under the padding to help hold their arms in position. Depending on the case, they're probably wrapped in plastic garments underneath the clothing provided. There is a LOT of smoke and mirrors in preparation of a decedent." "I am working at a sports club with way over 2,000 members, and I can tell you, you might sign some paper about data security and how we handle data, but believe me, your data will go places you don't want it to go." "There are TONS of buildings out there that don't meet code, even new construction. Inspectors either don't care, don't know the code, or don't even bother to inspect in the first place. On the plus side, building code is extremely over-conservative, so if you get 'close,' it's probably safe. Maybe. Most of the time. Except when it's not. And then everyone gets sued." "I work in the medical field. This isn't really about my field exactly but an adjacent field: health insurance. There is a guy reviewing our notes looking for reasons to deny a claim. The guy reviewing generally has no clinical knowledge whatsoever, but they are looking for certain keywords so they can stamp the 'denial' on the claim. For this reason, I will omit certain things on the clinical notes if it isn't directly applicable to what I am treating because I know from experience that they will use that word as in indication that the proposed treatment is 'inappropriate' and therefore denied." "I've worked in two commercial rest homes: memory care and assisted living. They cut every corner known to man. The kitchens are pretty much guaranteed to be eligible for immediate jeopardy, meaning that if they fail a random inspection, they will be shut down that same day. The monthly food budget was less than what salary workers got paid. Food would show up rotten right off the trucks, and we were still instructed to pick out the 'bad stuff' and feed the rest to the residents. The rent is so predatory to families and residents. It was upwards of $2,500–$3,000 for a single-person room every month WITHOUT utilities. The residents pay $50 a meal for it to come cold and mushy in a styrofoam box." Nurse holding hands with patient in empathy, trust and support of help, advice and healthcare consulting. Kindness, counseling and medical therapy with doctor for hope, consultation and depression "Video editor here. We often leave obvious mistakes in early versions of the cuts so that the client will note them, making them feel smart and involved, likely leading to them not making extraneous notes elsewhere. People in non-creative positions (the majority of committee clients) absolutely love feeling like they've contributed in clever and meaningful ways to a creative project when we, the trained creatives, know better. It can save a very solid edit from the people who want to make notes for the sake of making notes." "I worked at a company with a third party 24-hour call center. They literally had times with no one working, and if you called, the automated system would just pick up and say, 'Someone would be with you shortly.' It would just repeat until someone actually clocked in and answered the phone." "This is kind of a lame one, but I work as a shirt printer. I've found that if you're an adult small, you're better off buying a youth large or youth XL, especially on T-shirts. They're a little wider, and XLs fit better than smalls. My sister learned this trick. She's 5'0" and actually saved a decent amount of money buying youth vs. adult." "When items are listed on sale at the grocery store, the sale price will be listed on a bib part of the tag while the 'regular' price is listed on the sticky part attached to the shelf. The 'regular price' is hiked up, sometimes by several dollars, to make it look like you're getting a better sale than you actually are, when in fact, the sale might actually not be that great of a deal at all. The sale price might even be almost as much as the price was before the sale. Pay attention to items at regular price when they are not on sale, and make sure that you're not getting swindled." "Enterprise Rent-A-Car buys their cars straight from the manufacturers at a price lower than dealerships get. After they rent them for a year, they sell them to the public at a price higher than they originally paid." "Beyond the visibly captured footage, pretty much everything you see in wildlife documentaries is faked. I've spent the past few years working in post, handling the raw footage. Those lizards falling from the trees? There's a dude dropping them to get the shot. That rare snow leopard they tracked across its natural habitat? It's actually three or four similar-looking ones. That mother elephant protecting her baby? It's a male elephant with the tusks and penis VFX'd out. The sound is whatever the foley artist could find that worked. The audience expects certain sounds, and some animals don't sound like you've been tricked into believing. That's just the tip of the iceberg." "I work in large scale construction. Large developers effectively borrow on the credit of all of the smaller players who are their subcontractors. You have billion-dollar companies asking smaller companies to pay for them with a promise to pay later. The larger the developer, the slower the process is to get paid. If a project goes bust, it's these small guys that get hit because all of the developers have LLCs that are project specific. No assets to speak of." "So many of your favorite actors and actresses are wearing expensive ($8,000–$20,000+) hairpieces and wigs. I know because I put them on." "I work in a call center for a large cellular company and have a dirty, little secret that consists of just two words. Ready? Be nice. That's all it takes. There's no need to threaten anyone, be aggressive, or take your anger out on us. We're real people just like you, not just a voice on the other end of the line. When you're rude, belligerent, or threatening toward us, that makes us want to do less for you. And, we will. We'll do as little as possible and maybe make you jump through extra hoops for being a pain. But, if you're nice, patient, and treat us like human beings, we'll bend over backwards to do what we can for you. We didn't cause the situation you're in. While it's reasonable to be upset about something, it's completely unreasonable to take it out on someone else. Talk to us. Tell us what's going on. Give us a chance to help, and we will." "Luxury hotels document EVERYTHING. The really ritzy places will make note on every single phone call/interaction you have. It's great for remembering special occasions and creating a really memorable stay, but it also means we know exactly how you're a pain in the butt. Irritate us enough and we'll be oddly busy and sold out for every night you're looking to book in the future." "Digital porn artist of 20+ years here. This isn't so much a 'dirty, little secret' as it is something I think people should really know about: Hollywood and 'society' may have ridiculous body standards for people, but most everyday people's actual interests/tastes are MUCH more broad and inclusive than that. Whatever your body is like, there are millions of people who would find you sexy. Whatever kink you have, you're not the only one. As long as your personality isn't garbage and you've got the patience to sort through the incompatibles, you can absolutely find a partner who would be into you. I'd put money on it." "I work in journalism. It's not uncommon for publishers and other top-tier managers to hold stories out of fear the reporting will anger advertisers. It's also not uncommon for reporters to fight like hell to preserve the integrity of a story." And: "I worked in factory floor automation, and oftentimes, the generic products sold at supermarkets are just the brand-name product in different packaging. I worked at a massive bread bakery of a well-known national brand, and the bread was all the same. When they finished a lot of their brand-name bread, they paused the packaging line and loaded on a new wheel of bags and kept bagging bread from the same batch in whatever store brand was up next. I saw the same thing at an orange juice packaging plant. There was only one set of production lines, and they turned out a dozen different brands of OJ. It all came from the same oranges and from the same lines. It just got packaged in different cartons." What are some other industry secrets more people need to know? Tell us in the comments!
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The 14 Best Places To Buy Affordable Engagement Rings
Finding the perfect engagement ring is no easy feat—especially when you're on a tight budget. According to The Knot's 2024 Jewelry & Engagement study, the average cost of an engagement ring is $5,200 in the United States. But that doesn't mean you can't find a beautiful ring for less. Retailers like Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth and James Allen are brimming with affordable engagement rings. And, now that summer is upon us, many are hosting seasonal sale events to help you save. We've rounded up the best places to buy affordable engagement rings online—alongside some current ... More deals to pocket even more savings. For the purpose of this list, we're defining 'affordable' as any ring below that $5,200 average. Below, we've listed 14 of the best places to shop for affordable engagement rings right now, as well as some specific designs our editors recommend checking out. Blue Nile is our fashion team's pick for the best place to buy engagement rings overall. It offers a vast selection of styles—including customizable designs—and helpful assistance from virtual advisors. The brand's overall accessibility and customer service make it an easy favorite. Blue Nile This understated ring makes your diamond the center of attention (as it should be). Choose from six metal types, and complete the piece with your diamond of choice from Blue Nile's selection of gorgeous lab grown designs. Just keep in mind: The price of the diamond will vary based on factors like style and size. Brilliant Earth specializes in customizable engagement rings, with setting options starting at $550 and diamonds starting at $300. If you'd prefer a ready-to-ship design, there are options priced from $1,890. The retailer carries both lab-grown and natural diamonds, but its most affordable styles feature lab-grown stones. Right now, code DIAMOND will also get you a free natural diamond necklace with a purchase over $1,000. Brilliant Earth At $2,390, this is one of Brilliant Earth's most affordable ready-to-ship designs. Choose between a white gold or yellow gold setting. You can also opt for a larger center stone if you're willing to pay a bit more—the pictured option has a total carat weight of one carat. If you're seeking a more traditional ring, check out James Allen. While the designer offers an impressive selection of styles—including modern minimalist pieces—it specializes in timeless, vintage-inspired designs that suit just about any budget. With its current sale, you can save up to 30% on select lab-grown diamonds and engagement ring settings. James Allen This elegant pear-shaped ring from James Allen has a 1.60-carat lab-grown stone on a 14k white gold band. You also get limited lifetime warranty included for free with this ring. For sheer variety, our fashion editors recommend Zales. The brand is a household name and carries thousands of styles, many of which are fully customizable. It's currently offering up to 70% off select clearance styles. Zales If you're looking for a ring that really sparkles, this emerald diamond has a 2-carat total weight, primarily made up of its 1.5-carat center stone. The additional components that surround the center stone are trapezoid-shaped and tapered baguette-cut lab-grown diamonds. Helzberg Diamonds has been making rings since 1915, so you know its styles are reliable. Plus, it adheres to the Kimberley Process, American Gem Society and World Diamond Council standards—all ethical standards for sourcing diamonds and metals. The store is currently offering 15% off select engagement rings with code YES15 and up to 60% off select clearance styles. Helzberg Diamonds This stunning design features a 2-carat pear-shaped diamond on a 18k yellow gold band. Unlike traditional settings, this has an east-west shape that highlights the diamond, while also offering a unique and modern twist that hugs the curve of the sparkling stone. For those unfamiliar, Etsy is an online marketplace that hosts individual sellers. If you want a wide array of unique designs—including some vintage options—it's an excellent place to start your search. Just keep in mind: You'll have to do a little more legwork than at a curated jeweler, and it may be more difficult to verify the source of your diamond. Etsy A gorgeous, 5-carat IGI-certified lab-grown diamond is the star of this ring. However, on the hidden halo setting, you'll find additional diamonds for extra glamour. The ring is made to order, with options of 14k white, yellow or rose gold for the band. GrownRadiance has earned a Star Seller rating from Etsy, denoting that the designer has received consistent five-star reviews, ships quickly and provides quality customer service. This Portland-based jeweler has hundreds of affordable engagement ring designs to choose from, all of which adhere to responsibly mined and produced jewelry practices. Your ring is also covered by a Lifetime Jewelry Care Program that includes cleaning and routine maintenance, as well as repairs and replacements. While shopping through dozens of discounted engagement rings, you can also purchase additional pieces and get 20% off with code SALE. Fred Meyer Jewelry If you already know you want a white gold band, this timeless ring has a great discount right now. The design features the aforementioned 14k white gold band and a 1.5 carat princess cut lab-grown diamond. The stone is GSI-certified, ensuring the diamond is of high quality and value. The classic jewelry brand is known for more than its catchy jingle. Kay Jewelers offers a wide selection of rings to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Plus, all of its diamonds, precious metals and gems are responsibly sourced and come backed by a lifetime guarantee. Kay Jewelers This 1.5-carat marquise lab-grown diamond sits on 14K white gold setting. Although the sparkly center stone steals most of the attention, there are smaller details that are equally as captivating. This includes the round and marquise-cut diamonds that surround the diamond across the band. Take note: the band is only available in 14k white gold at the moment, but it's ready to ship immediately. Whether you're looking for a simple design or want a more elaborate look to your engagement ring, Ritani has you covered. Right now, you can customize your diamond or lab-grown diamond ring for as low as $1,600. The retailer has countless of affordable rings, but you can increase your savings by joining Ritani's email list to secure $100 off your order. Ritani The 'Toi et moi' or 'you and me' engagement ring style is the perfect way to symbolize your upcoming marriage due to its unique two-stone design. Personalize the ring by selecting the second stones shape, metal and carat size. Depending on your preferences, the price of the ring may increase. Our editors named Vrai the best place to purchase lab-grown diamond engagement rings thanks to its sustainable practices, high quality stones and sophisticated designs. The retailer offers made-to-order and ready-to-ship engagement rings as low as $2,100. Vrai This simple ring has a 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond front and center. The 14k yellow gold engagement ring secures the stone with its hidden halo setting that has handset pavé diamonds surrounding it, so it can shine from all angles. To maintain the look and feel of the ring, it also comes with Vrai's care package, which includes warranty, annual shine service and complimentary resizing. Our editors love Grown Brilliance because of its Truly Custom program—you send in inspiration images, and a jeweler will create a one-of-a-kind piece for you. But it also offers plenty of high-quality, pre-designed engagement rings that are on the affordable end of the spectrum. Grown Brilliance Emerald cuts rose in popularity during the Art Deco era, and they appear to be making a comeback. This stunning, vintage-inspired design combines intricate details and shapes to create a cohesive work of art. The ring features a lab-grown emerald diamond at its center, accompanied by additional stones that build upon it, as well as the band itself. Although you can't customize its shape, you can choose from white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum bands. Our team named Quince the best retailer for affordable engagement rings. 'Its pieces are stunning and well made,' says deputy editor Kari Molvar, who is a certified gem expert. The site offers both high-quality lab-grown and natural diamond rings—without the luxury price point. At Quince, find timeless and classic stones (including the setting) for as low as $900. Quince This carefully sourced and crafted engagement ring is a true showstopper. At its center sits a round lab-grown diamond, surrounded by a halo of smaller stones that amplify its shine from every angle. The ring is available in 15 sizes, three carat weights and three metal options. Another editor- and expert-approved engagement ring site is With Clarity, a retailer that allows you to build your ring or choose from its ready-made natural or lab-grown styles. Right now, you can shop rings for as low as $1,200 and also get up to 30% off select styles. With your purchase, you'll receive a free diamond set (on orders $1,000+) or a free diamond necklace (on orders $3,000+). With Clarity For those who want a slim band with subtle accents, this With Clarity engagement ring is an excellent choice. The ring shown above features 14K yellow gold and a 2-carat lab-grown diamond with tiny, round stones set alongside it. However, if you prefer a different carat weight, diamond shape or metal, you can customize it to your liking. You can also add a meaningful touch to the band by personalizing it with 15 characters. This tried-and-true jewelry brand is renowned for offering a diverse selection of pieces suitable for all occasions, including engagements. Get up to 70% off select engagement ring styles and get 20% off your choice of accompanying wedding rings. You can shop for premade options, customizable rings or designer rings from Vera Wang VOW, Chosen, J'Lure and more. Jared Jewelers Although Jared Jewelers has countless options, this is one of its more affordable, ready-to-ship engagement rings. Reviewers say that this simple, classic ring is a perfect option because it's stunning without being overly expensive. What Is A Reasonable Engagement Ring Price? A reasonable engagement ring price largely depends on your budget. You should factor in the cost of the ring itself, taxes, insurance and any personalization details. However, a quality diamond paired with its setting typically starts at around $2,000 and increases from there. Still, there are plenty of beautiful rings available that are less expensive than the average ring price. What Is The Most Affordable Engagement Ring Site? There are a handful of engagement ring websites that offer options to meet most budgeting needs and style preferences. After assessing multiple factors, our team named Quince as the site with the best affordable engagement rings. Quince offers high-quality rings at a low cost, including both lab-grown and natural diamonds, and has a generous return window. How Can You Shop For Affordable Engagement Rings On A Budget? When shopping for an affordable engagement ring, it's essential to set a budget for yourself before you start looking. To maximize your spending, consider purchasing a lab-grown diamond, as these tend to be more cost-effective than mined diamonds. Characteristics and qualities to consider when looking at natural diamonds include the Four C's (cut, color, clarity and carat weight), certifications, metals and diamond setting.
Otago Daily Times
05-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
New life for British youths
Young British men gather with New Zealand high commissioner Sir James Allen (centre) at Waterloo Station, London before their emigration to New Zealand. — Otago Witness, 2.6.1925 Some 320 assisted settlers are travelling to New Zealand by the SS James Allen was among those who saw them off at Waterloo Station. Thirty boys selected under the terms of the Sheepowners' Fund, fifty boys under the auspices of the Salvation Army, and thirty-six domestic servants are included in the number. The High Commissioner spoke to a good many of the boy settlers and wished them every success in their new home. Numbers of high officials of the Salvation Army were on the platform to give an official farewell to their section of the young travellers. Before the train left the platform there were many hearty cheers. Greyhounds chase live hares The June meeting of the Dunedin Coursing Club was commenced at Forbury Park yesterday afternoon, the coursing being witnessed by a fair number of those interested in the sport. The plumton was in good order, and the hares ran well. Very few kills were recorded; the game, in almost all cases, being given plenty of grace before the dogs were slipped. Among the dogs competing were several from Canterbury and Southland. The judge was Mr R. Prebble, Mr J. Ronald acting as slipper. Two rounds of the Boyle Memorial Stake were run off. Relief funds strong to save The executive of the Shipwreck Relief Society of New Zealand, in its annual report, state that the past year was free from any shipping disaster involving loss of life. During the year the sum of £20 1 shilling was expended in relief for the crew of the launch Sunlight, and £230 in relief to the crew of the steamer Ngahere, wrecked at Greymouth. To the Union Steam Ship Co the executive is again deeply indebted for its handsome contribution to the funds during the year, the sum of £206 11s 4d having been received from entertainments hold on board the company's steamers. The causes of crime Is it possible to find any root cause of crime that can be dealt with practically? The investigation undertaken by Professor W.S. Athearn, Dean of the Boston University School of Religious Education and Social Service concluded that the cause of crime is the failure of society to teach virtue, and that the crime wave will last until society builds a system of moral and religious schools to match the public schools of the land. The implied suggestion is that the churches have too long devoted almost all their resources to preaching to the mature, and that the time has come when they must accept as their primary work the teaching of the young. Obviously the more they can agree to work in unison the more effective will their work be. A survey of the facts of juvenile crime and of the provision of moral teaching in the dominion would provide a fitting basis for drawing attention to the urgency of the problem and to the need of some whole-hearted effort to abolish the spiritual illiteracy of the child which, according to Dr Athearn, is at the basis of all crime and moral delinquency. — editorial — ODT, 6.6.1925 Compiled by Peter Dowden
Forbes
01-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Smart Leaders Fail: The Missing Link Between Trust And Execution
Leadership Under Pressure: The Missing Link Between Trust and Execution Research from the Corporate Executive Board (now part of Gartner) and Harvard Business Review estimates that 50 to 70 percent of new executives fail within their first 18 months, regardless of whether they are hired externally or promoted from within. With good intentions, these leaders double down on execution while neglecting the relational work and organizational acumen that enables lasting change. In doing so, they underestimate the importance of political acumen, stakeholder alignment, employee mindset shift, and relational equity. As a result, they struggle to realize the cultural shifts required for their strategic and operational agendas to succeed. What's missing is not often a better strategy or execution—it's trust. And without it, even the most innovative leaders and well-designed plans fall short. Chris Zook and James Allen, authors of The Founder's Mentality, and leadership expert Patrick Lencioni have emphasized that organizations rarely fail because of the technical aspects of the business, like strategy, innovation, and marketing; they fail because of people-related issues. Zook and Allen found that 85% of executives attribute stunted growth to internal factors rather than external market forces. Lencioni's work in his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, makes a compelling case that trust is the foundation of high-performing teams and the lack of it derails team and organizational performance. At its core, leadership is not only about direction but also about connection. As John Maxwell puts it, 'People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.' Contrary to corporate opinion, caring sells. It accelerates the translation of vision into tangible outcomes. Trust is not built through an impressive slide deck or a bold strategic plan; it is created in everyday interactions and shared experiences. Investing in these experiences is vital for leaders whose abilities are still being evaluated and whose trust-based relationships have yet to be formed. Chip and Dan Heath, authors of The Power of Moments, said shared experiences create connection, deepen trust, and build relational memory. These moments are not limited to off-sites or milestone celebrations; they occur when teams navigate challenges, reflect after wins and losses, brainstorm under pressure, or listen to each other. Shared experiences don't need to be grand, but they must be authentic. Feelings are rarely discussed in organizations because their impact on performance is difficult to quantify. However, shared experiences are shaped by how people feel after interacting with you. Maya Angelou wisely said, 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' The emotions that leaders evoke in their teams influence engagement, trust, and execution. If that's true, the question becomes: Are you filling your team's emotional tank with confidence, clarity, and respect or draining it with fear, defensiveness, and detachment? To win over your team, you must connect with their heads and hearts to move their hands to action. Otherwise, they will drag their feet and ultimately head towards the door. In my experience, a clear pattern emerges across industries and leadership teams: when shared experiences are missing, people disengage. They may appear aligned, nodding in meetings and following direction, but they withhold honest feedback, compete with each other, avoid challenging assumptions, and are reluctant to take ownership. What begins as quiet compliance often evolves into costly silence. Even innovative leaders would make poor decisions when they lack input from those closest to the work. It's no surprise that 70 percent of organizational change efforts fail. I once coached a leader who had just been appointed to a senior role. He was driven, visionary, and eager to make an impact. However, frustration set in quickly. He sensed passive resistance from team members and, instead of engaging, dismissed their feedback and sidelined their input. The real problem? He believed he got the job because he was the most competent, so he skipped the relational groundwork that could have provided insight, revealed context, and built trust. As a result, the organization stalled. This is the missing link between trust and execution: shared experiences. It turns direction into alignment, compliance into commitment, and talent into a unified team. Without shared experiences, even the most compelling strategies fail because people don't just follow your credentials; they follow who they trust. How do you regain confidence when trust is low, silence sets in, and momentum stalls? In my work coaching and helping executives and leadership teams through high-stakes transitions, results are a lagging indicator, and when leaders fixate on this, they struggle. Instead, focusing on a shared purpose and cultivating relationships helps restore alignment and drive results. To help leaders transition from disconnection to energized, I developed The Trust-Shared Experience Matrix. It's a practical framework grounded in two critical dimensions: trust and shared experience. When represented on a 2x2 matrix, relationships typically fall into one of four zones: Trust-Shared Experience Matrix The goal isn't to just diagnose where a relationship stands, but to help leaders identify the relational barriers that block execution and offer paths to move each relationship forward. Below are tips to help you get started: At every transition, a shared purpose acts as a catalyst for progress. Without it, people lose direction, but with it, they progress. Take a moment to reflect on the vital relationships in your leadership circle: peers, direct reports, cross-functional partners, and customers. Ask the following: Next, categorize each name into one of the four zones of the Trust-Shared Experience 2x2 matrix. Now ask: Camaraderie brings people together. When you navigate tough times, share laughter, or spend late nights working with someone, your trust in them deepens. Caroline Santiago, a global executive leadership advisor and Navy SEALs coach, emphasized that camaraderie is one of the most underutilized superpowers in high-performing teams. It is the driving force behind success, moving people from co-workers to co-owners. It fosters a sense of 'we are in this together,' not 'I am on my own.' It produces the emotional glue that binds teams together through uncertainty, conflict, and rapid change. The true power of shared experiences lies in the results and connections built among people. Strategy doesn't fail in isolation; it fails due to a lack of trust, common purpose, and co-ownership. When leaders invest in shared experiences, they restore alignment and ignite commitment, creativity, and execution at scale. That's the missing link between trust and execution, and it's what separates smart leaders who fail from those who thrive.
