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Day: July 24, 2024

The Best Amazon Prime Day Alternative Sales of 2024: Target, Walmart

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As shoppers opened their wallets for Amazon Prime Day, other retailers piggy-backed off the e-tailer’s shopping holiday with their own rival deals. And while Amazon‘s sale may technically be over, many of its competitors’ sales are still live.

Shoppers who are upgrading their outdoor spaces, restocking their summer wardrobes or getting stocked up on makeup and skincare essentials have plenty of ways to save this season. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing through August 4 with steep savings across every category, from clothing and beauty to luggage and travel.

Looking for a home refresh? Wayfair is hosting a surprise 72-Hour Clearout through July 18. The site is offering up to 60 percent off across all categories: indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, home accessories, cookware, major appliances and more.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best Amazon Prime Day competing sales that are still happening now. From beauty deals at Charlotte Tilbury to fashion steals at Neiman Marcus and Saks, see our top picks below.

The Best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Alternative Sales at Major Retailers and Brands

Bed Bath & Beyond Shop the 72-Hour Flash Sale for 70% off thousands of items

Best Buy Through Wednesday August 4, shop the Outlet Event for up to 50% off clearance, open-box and refurbished items

The Best Amazon Prime Day Alternative Sales of 2024: Target, Walmart

Apple Geek Squad Certified Refurbished MacBook Air 13.3″ Laptop

Bloomingdale’s Save 60-75% on thousands of items through July 23

The Home Depot Take up to 30% off select appliances and up to 60% off patio furniture

Kohl’s Through July 21, cardholders take an extra 30% off with code SAVE30 and non-cardholders take an extra 20% off with code 20SAVE

Lowe’s Shop the Closeout Event for up to 60% off over 10,000 items through August 7

Macy’s Enjoy up to 70% off home and women’s clearance and up to 50% off designer handbags

Neiman Marcus Shop the Gift Card Event and use code JULYGC to get a $50 gift card with your $200 purchase, $125 gift card with a $500 purchase, $250 gift card with a $1,000 purchase and $500 gift card with a $2,000 purchase

Nordstrom During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale through August 4, save on contemporary and luxury designers, beauty exclusives, home goods, travel gear and more

On Cloudmonster Running Shoe

On Cloudmonster Running Shoe

Dior Diorshow Glow Makeup Set

Dior Diorshow Glow Makeup Set

Petco Shop the Ruff & Mews Sale for up to 40% off sitewide

Saks Fifth Avenue Through Sunday, July 21, spend $400 and get $100, Spend $800 and get $200 and spend $1,200 and get $300 with code JULYGETSF; plus, shop the Designer Sale for up to 70% off clothing, beauty, bags, shoes and accessories

Mansur Gavriel Champagne Bucket Bag

Mansur Gavriel Champagne Bucket Bag

Target Save up to $100 on Apple devices and up to 25% on thousands of kitchen and dining items

Total Wine & More Through the end of the month, save big on hundreds of bottles of wines and spirits; plus, through August 4, shop the Digital Coupon Event to get an additional 15% off when you purchase 8+ bottles of Winery Direct wine

D'Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir

D’Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir

Mix six bottles for $12.59 each.

Walmart Take up to 70% off thousands of home, tech, fashion, toys, school supplies and travel gear

Wayfair Shop the 72-Hour Clearance through July 18 for up to 60% off furniture, decor, kitchenware, appliances and household essentials; check out our top 15 picks from the sale here

QVC Shop the Black Friday in July savings event through July 25; plus, new customers get $30 off $60 orders with code HELLO30 and customers get $10 off their second purchase of $25 or more with code HELLO10

More of the Best Amazon Prime Day Rival Sales

Beachwaver Co. Shop the brand’s biggest sale ever for up to 90% off viral best-sellers through July 18

Charlotte Tilbury Now through July 23, save up to 40 percent on the celebrity-loved makeup artist’s bestselling Magic Water Cream, Pillow Talk lip sets and more; check out our top sale picks here

Coach Take up to 50% off bags, shoes, clothing and accessories; check out our top Coach sale picks here

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Quilting

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Quilting

Everlane Enjoy up to 70% off new markdowns for men and women

Fabfitfun Use code FREEGIFT300 for a free gift ($300+ value) and get access to shop this season’s biggest sale with discounts up to 75% off

Fenty Beauty Take up to 50% off select makeup and skin care

Fwrd Save up to 60% on designer labels such as Chloe, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Zimmerman and Valentino

Khaite Marcy Flat

Madewell Take an extra 50% off denim with code COOLDOWN

My Sheets Rock Enjoy 15% off temperature-regulating sheets and bedding with code HEATWAVE24

Net-a-Porter Enjoy up to 60% off clothing, footwear and accessories from JW Anderson, Helmut Lang, Staud, Self-Portrait, Gianvito Rossi, Stuart Weitzman and more luxury designers

Nike For a limited time, take an extra 25% off select styles with code SPORT25

Old Navy Get 50% off everything (online only) during the Cyber Summer Sale through Thursday, July 18

Parachute Extended through July 21, shop Parachute’s Warehouse Sale for up to 70% with an extra 20% off sale items; shop our top sale picks here

Priceline Take advantage of Rental Car Week through July 21 for up to 20% off rental cards with code RCWEEK

Sephora Take up to 50% off makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrance

Rose Inc Softlight Skin-Smoothing Hydrating Non-Comedogenic Foundation

Rose Inc Softlight Skin-Smoothing Hydrating Non-Comedogenic Foundation

Skims Shop Skims’ Bi-Annual for up to 50% off hundreds of styles during the brand’s biggest sale ever; check out our top sale picks here

Ulta Through July 21, shop the Back To School Glow Up event: Diamond Members get 20% off with code GLOWUP20, Platinum Members get 15% off with code GLOWUP15 and all members get 10% off with code GLOWUP10

10 Top Executive Wellness Programs 2024

Best Executive Wellness ProgramsBest Executive Wellness Programs

Leadership positions chronically demand optimal performance and participation, and health directly impacts one’s ability to lead effectively. Leaders are expected to meet a certain standard, as other employees look up to them for guidance, direction, inspiration, and motivation. Constant strategic planning, decision-making, financial management, and maintaining stakeholder relationships are just a few of the stressors top executives are expected (and paid) to manage. But these responsibilities can take a toll on the mind and body. 

Worth has carefully curated the list of the 10 best executive wellness programs that have proven effective. These programs improve executives’ physical, mental, and emotional health while addressing other stressors caused by the work environment. (Disclosure: The authors have no business relationships with or financial interests in the companies covered here or their competitors.)

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One key reason for choosing the Cleveland Clinic’s executive wellness program is its doctors’ relatively long-term experience dealing with executive health. They have a personalized approach to meeting the needs of patients. Their examination is usually based on the risk factors, family history, gender, age, and personal goals of executives. They offer specialty consultations, granting executives access to more than 120 medical and surgical experts. There’s an option for personal phone calls with your physician, and a program is created to meet your specific needs. A central focus of the program is creating a space where executives feel comfortable talking about all aspects of their health and lifestyle.

Contact: 866.320.4573

Cooper’s unique approach is its complete focus on prevention. “It is all we do,” says Dr. Tyler Cooper, CEO. The company has a long history of wellness and preventative services: iIt was founded in 1970 by Tyler Cooper’s father. The center’s 30-acre Dallas campus caters to busy executives seeking a one-day preventative screening and individuals who want to focus on improving overall fitness, diet, and health habits through a stay at the center’s hotel. Clients at Cooper Aerobics are said to be “getting Cooperized, which is the simple process of getting healthy,” says Cooper. The services offered to patients are individualized, “Nothing more, nothing less.”

Contact: 972.560.2667

Similar to many of the best executive health programs, Duke’s program benefits from access to the resources of one of the nation’s top academic medical centers—Duke University School of Medicine. The Durham, N.C., program features a standard battery of health screenings and regular follow-ups throughout the year. With a thorough health assessment covering a preventive and diagnostic exam, the program provides a realistic schedule and plan for periodic health maintenance to ensure consistency and complete improvements. The core of the program is a team approach: Patients receive services from physicians and an entire group of medical professionals, including dieticians and physiologists. 

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Contact: 919.660.6606

The Johns Hopkins program comprises a team of doctors (including Dr. Bimal Ashar, director) specializing in preventative care and patient-doctor communication, among other areas. One-day consultations include an EKG and comprehensive blood testing to eye, ear, and dermatology screening and nutritional counseling.

A host of optional tests are also available, including a colonoscopy, exercise stress test, and body-fat analysis. The program’s biggest advantage is access to Johns Hopkins University’s world-renowned medical center in Baltimore, where enrolled individuals can engage with experts in their field and gain hands-on clinical experience in healthcare.

Contact: [email protected], 410.955.9819

“Our program is built around prevention, wellness, and healthy lifestyles,” says Dr. Kurt Carlson of the Rochester, MN.-based center. (Mayo also has programs in Florida and Arizona.) All new patients undergo a series of exams, particularly a cardiovascular screening, to identify potential risk factors early, creating room for timely preventive measures, treatments, and interventions tailored to each executive’s health needs.

These exams are customized based on the patient’s needs, and the medical provider is dedicated to building a long-term relationship to attain and maintain peak health. The focus is on finding and preventing ailments first. “Stress management can be a key concern for executives,” Carlson says. “We don’t have a package. Our goal when patients call in is to find out what they need help with, then we reach out to our resources everywhere in the clinic.”

Contact: [email protected], 507.284.2288

MDVIP is a network of more than 1,100 doctors nationwide, often resulting in travel savings for patients. The network also means that as patients travel, they can access personalized executive wellness medical services almost anywhere in the country. Patients are “paired with a doctor who is local to you and who can typically offer same-day, extended appointments,” chairman and CEO Bret Jorgensen says. As proof of the quality of care, Jorgensen points out that MDVIP has a 94% retention rate and a readmission rate (the rate at which patients must return to a hospital after an illness) of 1%.

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Contact: 844.393.6070

The Mount Sinai program in New York City connects its clients with the most experienced medical professionals from one of the nation’s top hospitals. “We only allow senior-level physicians to participate,” says Sarah Pesce, director of business development. “The patient leaves at the end of the day with real peace of mind.” Because of Mount Sinai’s size, clients have access to imaging equipment, tests, and specialists on a same-day basis. Unlike some executive health programs, which encourage an à la carte approach, Mount Sinai bases its treatment on a program designed to screen for preventable illnesses, including heart, pulmonary, ophthalmic, and dermatologic evaluations.

Contact: 212.241.8000

The NYU clinic, as the name implies, focuses on men. The center provides a range of services—such as cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and neurology—to holistically address various health needs. The intent is to “overcome this barrier and create an environment where men would feel comfortable in both sickness and health,” says Dr. Steven Lamm, medical director of the New York facility. 

“The center gives the sense that you are in an academic setting and have the support of an institution,” Lamm adds. It boasts innovative technology, such as palm-print scanners for accessing patients’ medical records. For every executive health exam taken, a consistent follow-up is required for optimal results.

Contact: 646.754.2000

Northwestern University’s executive health program in Chicago offers standard physical and 24/7 concierge medical care. Services include guaranteed same-day or next-business-day appointments, an annual executive physical, multiple annual wellness checkups, email and phone consults, and expedited specialist care through the university’s medical center—all tailored to fit the schedule and lifestyle of a busy executive.

Contact: 312.926.1300

The University of Pennsylvania’s executive health program is modeled on concierge services. The Philadelphia center includes 24-hour phone support, personalized care programs for each patient, and a battery of doctors available to patients for basic health screenings or emergencies. “I have all of the resources of the Penn health service almost at a snap of the fingers,” says Dr. Gary Dorshimer. One of the head physicians of the program, Dr. Dorshimer has burnished his credentials as head physician for the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and internist for the Philadelphia Eagles football team.

Contact: 610.731.1429

While these programs are primarily designed to support all executives, there are executive wellness programs specifically for women and employees at all levels. These programs may vary in scope, but they all aim to promote and foster a culture of well-being across the entire workforce.

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13 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: July 25–28

More than 100,000 pop culture fans will descend upon the convention center this week, but trying your hand at cosplay and attending celeb-stacked panels aren’t the only things to do in San Diego. The Ramona County Fair brings fried food and fun rides to the county, while triathlon competitors will run, bike, and swim in Solana Beach. Read on for 10 more exciting San Diego events. 

Food & Drink | Festivals & Art | Concerts & Theater | More Fun Things to Do

Things to do in San Diego this weekend July 25-28, 2024 featuring the Whiskies of the World San Diego drink event at Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay
Courtesy of Whiskies of the World

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Sip of Julian

July 27 

Julian will showcase regional craft beer, wine, and hard cider at the seventh annual Sip of Julian. After checking in at Julian Town Hall, take a self-guided tour of Julian’s local tasting rooms from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll enjoy drink samples and small bites and receive a free Julian wine bag and wine glass. Tickets are $35 ($15 if you’re serving as designated driver). For an extra $25, you can hitch a ride from stop to stop on the event shuttle. 

2129 Main Street, Julian

Whiskies of the World San Diego

July 27

This Saturday, the Bahia Resort Hotel will become a 21-plus whiskey wonderland for one night only, offering tastings of more than 200 whiskeys from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Both big brand and small-batch distillers will serve up scotch, single malts, bourbons, and more. The event will also feature seminars, live entertainment, expert tastings, and light bites and cigars to pair with your drinks. General admission tickets are $125, while VIP tickets are $175 and come with an additional 45 minutes of tasting with exclusive pours from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Two Rooms Gallery & Quint Galleries Opening Receptions

July 26 & 27

This weekend marks the opening of two fresh art exhibits in La Jolla. Over in Bird Rock, the visually stunning mixed-media exhibition Slow Dance: Max Lofano and Joshua Moreno will open this Friday at Two Rooms Gallery with a free reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be on display through August 30. Just a few blocks from La Jolla Cove at Quint Gallery, Nancy Blum’s Gathered is currently on display through August 31. The showcase of colored pencil and graphite drawings will have a free opening reception this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Two Rooms: 5560 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla | Quint Gallery: 7722 Girard Avenue, La Jolla

Civita Park Summer Band Festival

July 27

Cart chairs, umbrellas, and picnic lunches to Civita Park’s Band Shell for a free day of music courtesy the Civita Summer Band Festival. A different community band will take the stage each hour from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will close with a performance from the US Navy Southwest Band. The event will also coincide with the Mission Valley Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

7960 Civita Boulevard, Mission Valley

Things to do in San Diego this weekend July 25-28, 2024 featuring La Jolla music Society's SummerFest Concert series
Courtesy of La Jolla Music Society

Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend

Hello, Dolly! from Patio Playhouse Community Theater

Opens July 26

The Patio Playhouse Community Theater production of Hello, Dolly! runs through August 10 at the Kit Carson Amphitheater. In early-20th-century New York City, matchmaker Dolly Levi schemes to find a partner for herself, leading to a comedic clash of social classes. Directed by Geoffrey A. Cox, the production will feature live orchestration from the 14-piece Coastal Communities Concert Band. Performances of Hello Dolly! will be held Thursdays through Sundays (except Aug. 4) at 8 p.m.; tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for kids ages 16 and under. 

100 Amphitheater Drive, Escondido

La Jolla Music Society SummerFest Concert Series

Begins July 26 

The La Jolla Music Society has a month-long festival of chamber music concerts in store at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center through August 24. Friday’s opening night performance is already sold out, but SummerFest’s first weekend also includes performances titled “Danse Macabre” (Saturday) and “Passions and Storms” (Sunday). Both concerts are at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Sonic Symphony at San Diego Civic Theatre

July 27

Sonic Symphony will produce a SEGA soundtrack for the ages this Saturday at the San Diego Civic Theatre. The live concert of orchestral, rock, EDM, and 8-bit tracks inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog’s many adventures will be a treat for gamers of all ages. Tickets for Sonic Symphony start at $91 and can be purchased here.

1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp

Derecho at La Jolla Playhouse

Through August 18 

Written by Noelle Viñas and directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Derecho surrounds a thunderous emotional conflict between two sisters that mirrors the powerful storm raining down outside. This world premiere production is part of the La Jolla Playhouse’s DNA New Work Series. Tickets for Derecho range from $29 to $59 and can be purchased here. 

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Things to do in San Diego this weekend July 25-28, 2024 featuring the Ramona County Fair with rides, attractions, and games
Courtesy of Ramona County Fair

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Comic-Con

July 25–28

The mecca for superhero fanatics and pop culture partisans returns to the San Diego Convention Center this Thursday through Sunday. The weekend festivities include trailer premieres, entertainment panels, costume contests, and short film screenings. Attendees can also peruse and purchase a wide-ranging selection of memorabilia, action figures, comic books, and autographed items. Badges for Comic-Con are sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fun with a variety of pop-up festivities happening citywide. 

111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown

Moana Screening at North City 

July 26

North City screens Moana this Friday as part of its Summer Movie Night series. In this uplifting, family-friendly adventure story, the title character teams up with a mischievous demigod and sets forth on a brave oceanic expedition. There will be games, activities, and character meet-and-greets before the screening begins at 6:30 p.m. (Seating is limited, so arrive early!) Attendees can bring low chairs and blankets for a snug screening experience. There will be complimentary popcorn for all, while grown-ups can purchase beer, wine, and cocktails from Draft Republic. 

The City Drive South, San Marcos

Ramona County Fair

July 26–28

From 4 to 10 p.m. this Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, the Ramona County Fair will feature fried food, craft vendors, barrel racing, carnival games, and amusement rides. The entertainment lineup includes western shows, medieval demonstrations, and several live music performers concluding with “Banda Night” on Sunday—a big-band display of música Mexicana. 

421 Aqua Lane, Ramona

Layover Summer Soiree at InterContinental San Diego 

July 27

This Saturday, InterContinental will host a free outdoor market with pop-ups from a handful of local brands from 1 to 4 p.m. and tunes from Alific Music, featuring former Stick Figure bassist Brendan Dane, from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees will hang at Layover, the hotel’s fourth-floor pool bar; shop brands like Local Beach, VOLO Beauty, and LoveShackFancy; and get inked with flash tattoos from @twin.suns. Partial proceeds from Bayside Blushin’ and LoveShackFancy purchases will benefit the nonprofit My Girlfriend’s Closet; new and lightly worn clothing donations will also be accepted at the event. 

901 Bayfront Court, Embarcadero

Solana Beach Triathlon

July 28

Just in time for the Summer Olympics, San Diego’s endurance athletes can race for growth or glory at the Solana Beach Triathlon. Competitors can skip out on swimming or biking by choosing to sign up for a duathlon, aquabike, or 5K, or they can go for the ultimate trifecta. Over the course of this strenuous relay, racers will swim a quarter mile in the ocean by Fletcher Cove, then bike nine miles and run a 5K down the smooth and scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Anyone interested in signing up for one of Sunday’s racing events can register here.

111 South Sierra Avenue, Solana Beach

Upcoming conferences, expos and networking events – The Irish News

Northern Ireland’s Biggest Business Breakfast

Entrepreneurs and business leaders are being invited to attend Northern Ireland’s Biggest Business Breakfast on Thursday May 30, where they can discover the wealth of business support and funding available to them through Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges. Taking place simultaneously across each Further Education College in Northern Ireland, the breakfast event aims to empower entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry leaders by highlighting the diverse range of free support initiatives offered by local FE Colleges. Business can register for Northern Ireland’s biggest business breakfast at furthereducationni.com/bigbusinessbreakfast or via their local College’s website.

Serverless Days

Serverless Days Belfast, the software community conference focused on the movement of the industry towards serverless and modern cloud technology, takes place at Titanic Hotel, Belfast on May 23. Speakers for the one-day conference will include internationally renowned experts Jeremy Daly, CEO and co-founder at Ampt; James Eastham, senior cloud architect at AWS; and Julian Wood, serverless developer advocate at AWS. Book at serverlessdaysbelfast.com and follow the conversation at @BFSServerless and ServerlessDays Belfast on LinkedIn.

Aircraft Interiors Expo
Pictured (L-R) are Francis McCartan, from Rostrevor-based Bradfor Ltd; Joanne Liddle, from Carrickfergus-based IPC Mouldings; and Stephen Cromie, from Newry’s Exact Group.
Three local companies are set to highlight the epitome of supply chain excellence, and the value of the north’s thriving aerospace manufacturing sector to the global market, at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), the world’s leading marketplace for airlines and the supply chain, which takes place in Hamburg from May 28-30. Pictured (L-R) are Francis McCartan, from Rostrevor-based Bradfor Ltd; Joanne Liddle, from Carrickfergus-based IPC Mouldings; and Stephen Cromie, from Newry’s Exact Group. (Kelvin Boyes)
Devolution at 25: Productivity & Skills

The Economics Observatory is holding three events to mark 25 years of devolution. The chief aim of these events is to be forward looking and stimulate debate as to how we create prosperous Northern Irish, Scottish, and Welsh economies. The theme of the Belfast event, on Friday 21 June, is productivity and skills. It will take place from 9am to 11am (with refreshments available from 8.30am) and will be hosted by the Northern Ireland Productivity Forum. The event will consist of two roundtables focusing on skills and productivity in Northern Ireland and the two other devolved nations. For further information, please visit the event page on the Economics Observatory website.

SSE Airtricity Community Fund
Ashley Morrow, SSE Airtricity head of brand, and Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity general manager, launching a new £4.3m million all-island community fund.
Ashley Morrow, SSE Airtricity head of brand, and Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity general manager, launching a new £4.3m million all-island community fund. (Kelvin Boyes)

SSE Airtricity has launched a £4.3m million all-island community fund, with the aim of delivering meaningful community benefits across the island of Ireland. The company plans to undertake a ten week consultation process, which will continue until July 26, inviting views from communities, individuals and organisations from towns, villages, inner cities, and rural heartlands, to advise how the fund could best support green initiatives throughout our communities. To submit your views to the consultation or for more information, visit: www.sseairtricity.com/communityfund

Graduate recruitment fair

University graduates from across Northern Ireland are gearing up for an exciting opportunity to be matched with their perfect job as the annual Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair returns for 2024. Organised in partnership by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, this premier event will take place at Ulster University’s new state-of-the-art campus in Belfast, for the first time, on June 4. From 11am to 3pm, at the UU campus on York Street, attendees will have the chance to explore a wide range of career opportunities by establishing valuable connections and gaining insights from industry professionals as they take strides towards seeking job possibilities that align with their passions and career goals. You can find out more about the Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair by visiting the website nigradfair.org.

2024 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards
The 2024 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards will take place Thursday 7 November 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. The event will see a Fiat 500 worth over £5,000, auctioned in aid of automotive charity Ben. Pictured (L-R): Stephen Kelly, CEO at Used Cars NI; Michael Tomalin, chief executive at City Auction Group; Sasha Jeffrey, ASG & Partners; and two fundraising representatives for Ben.
The 2024 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards will take place Thursday 7 November 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. The event will see a Fiat 500 worth over £5,000, auctioned in aid of automotive charity Ben. Pictured (L-R): Stephen Kelly, CEO at Used Cars NI; Michael Tomalin, chief executive at City Auction Group; Sasha Jeffrey, ASG & Partners; and two fundraising representatives for Ben. (Brian Thompson)
ScaleX Summit

The ScaleX Summit takes place at ICC Belfast on Wednesday, November 13, with over 900 businesspeople from across the UK and Ireland expected to attend. Founded by scaling experts Brendan McGuigan and Claire Colvin, the ScaleX Summit will provide attendees with the opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to help businesses scale with purpose. This year, serial entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Dent Global, Daniel Priestley will speak at the one-day event and challenge SME leaders to make the UK and Ireland a global scaling powerhouse. Early bird tickets are available until July 16. For more information and to secure your place at the summit visit scalexsummit.com.

IOD annual dinner

BBC newsreader and presenter Clive Myrie has been confirmed as the key speaker at the Institute of Director’s annual dinner, which returns to the Culloden Estate and Spa on Thursday September 26. Around 400 delegates are expected at the event, supported by headline sponsor Bank of Ireland, which will be hosted by former news anchor Donna Traynor. The event, open to both members and non-members, is also being supported by Arthur Cox and Hire IQ. For more information or to book a table, visit www.iod.com

Food to Go Awards

The Northern Ireland Food to Go Association, founded by Michael Henderson, has launched a new series of awards to celebrate and help grow the businesses which make up the vibrant take-away and food to go sector in the north The inaugural NI Food to Go Awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Tuesday November 19, hosted by Q Radio presenter Ibe Sesay. Full details of the awards, which will be supported by one of Ireland’s leading suppliers to the hospitality industry, Henderson Foodservice, can be found at www.foodtogoawards.co.uk.

Delta to Reimburse Passengers Who Booked Another Airline Amid Mass Cancellations

Delta Air Lines has offered its most substantial assistance to passengers yet following the IT outage that canceled thousands of flights last week.

On Wednesday, the airline announced it will reimburse travelers who booked a flight on a different airline amid the chaos of last week’s CrowdStrike meltdown. The airline had already promised to reimburse travelers for rental car or hotel expenses, but previously stopped short of paying for another airline fare.

“We know many customers have incurred unplanned travel expenses, including purchasing tickets on other airlines, rental cars, train tickets and more,” the airline said in its latest update. “Delta will cover reasonable costs for additional categories of expenses incurred during the duration of the travel waiver.”

Although the airline didn’t disclose what “reasonable” expenses are, they directed passengers to submit a request though a refund page on their website.

Delta will also extend its rebooking window and travel waiver through August 4. This means that if a traveler had a ticket booked between July 19 through July 28, they will have the ability to make a one-time change to the itinerary and the fare difference will be waived if it is in the same cabin of service originally booked. 

“To our customers who were impacted, I want to thank you for your patience and apologize again for the disruption to your travel,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a published letter to customers. Bastian also noted that the airline has “made good progress” in stabilizing operations and that Thursday is expected to be “a normal day.”

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has published reminders to passengers of their rights through the FlightRights.gov website, and the opportunity to file a complaint. Passengers are encouraged to first contact their airline to resolve the issue promptly, before filing a complaint. 

“Before you contact DOT for help with an air travel problem, you should give the airline a chance to resolve it,” the DOT shares on the complaint site. “Airlines have trouble-shooters at the airports, usually called Customer Service Representatives, who can take care of many problems on the spot.”

If the airline is unable to process the refund or adjust the booking, travelers can file a complaint on the Department of Transportation website. 

Remodeling Historic Homes for Comfort and Today’s Lifestyle at Architectural Heritage Center in Portland, OR – Saturday, July 27

The following description comes from the event organizer.

Join Jacob Chavez, Owner of J-Chavez Design Build, for an exclusive journey blending preservation and luxury. Delve into the secrets of insulating historic homes, where comfort and efficiency meet timeless craftsmanship. Explore the transformative impact of proper insulation techniques and learn to maintain the character of these treasures. Then, enjoy a look into the art of high design remodeling. From custom kitchens to highly crafted bathrooms, discover sophisticated home design and remodeling.

Jacob, an architect trained home designer and building scientist, will unveil the meticulous methods behind crafting beautiful, thoughtful spaces while ensuring functionality, comfort, and durability. Join us for insights into elevating both comfort and aesthetics while preserving the unique character of homes.

Free Health Screenings at Walmart Wellness Day

BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 14, 2024 — Vacations, camps and summer get-togethers are on the horizon, and Walmart wants to help make your health a priority for them all. Join Walmart for Wellness Day on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers can receive free health screenings for things like glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure, as well as affordable immunizations against COVID-19, shingles, tetanus, measles and others at pharmacies nationwide. Customers will also find a broad assortment of product offerings ranging from allergy relief options to vitamins and more.

Walmart Wellness Day encourages families to check in on their health by providing tools and resources to seek care, improve healthy lifestyles and maintain successful habits. Nearly 4,600 Walmart pharmacies across the country will host Walmart Wellness Day events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 18. Select stores will feature vision screenings, in-store giveaways and demos of wellness products to make it even easier for customers to access the specialized services they need.

Walmart Wellness Day events feature the following health resources, administered by qualified pharmacy and Vision Center teams:

  • Free health screenings, including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and vision screenings (select locations).
  • Affordable immunizations, including COVID, measles, mumps, pneumonia, tetanus, HPV, rubella (MMR), varicella (chicken pox/shingles), whooping cough (TDAP), Hepatitis A & B and more.
  • Wellness resources and the opportunity to talk with pharmacists.

“Our pharmacies are pillars in the communities they serve, and Wellness Day creates wonderful opportunities to deepen those connections while also offering impactful services such as free screenings and affordable immunizations,” said Kevin Host, Walmart’s senior vice president of Pharmacy. “We’ll continue to build and execute through our pharmacies and Vision Centers to ensure we’re doing what we can to help people save money, live better and live healthier this summer.”

Since 2014, Walmart pharmacies have hosted Walmart Wellness Days, contributing more than 5 million free health screenings for customers. More than 4,000 Walmart stores are in medical professional shortage areas, which means Walmart is often the first stop for health care in these communities.

These are the 9 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Bastille Day arrives this week and a few Dallas dining destinations will celebrate the French holiday with food and drink specials. Margaritas, whiskey, tequila, and wine are also on the menu this week during several tasting events and pairing dinners.

Monday, July 8

Bastille Day at Mercat Bistro
French-inspired dining destination will celebrate Bastille Day with a week-long special prix-fixe menu. Highlights from the three-course experience include lobster bisque, seafood bouillabaisse, and chocolate crepes. The meal is $55 plus tax and gratuity, and available through Sunday when Mercat will open for a special dinner service. Add an optional wine pairing for $30.

Bar Takeover at Ginger’s Cocktail Lounge
Underground craft cocktail bar in downtown Dallas’ east quarter will host a bar takeover by one of Denver’s most decorated bars, Williams & Graham. Taking place July 8-9 from 5–11 pm, the pop-up will feature cocktails by Williams & Graham owner Sean Kenyon, recognized by the likes of
Esquire for his mixology skills, who’s bringing his entire bar team for the two-day event to shake up everything from negronis to margaritas. Entry is complimentary.

Wednesday, July 10

Casamigos Tequila Dinner at Thirsty Lion
Grandscape location of gastropub and grill has a few tickets left for this four-course tequila pairing dinner featuring Casamigos. (All other Dallas locations are sold out.) In a unique twist, the evening will feature tasting stations with a different menu item and tequila expression, from straight pours to cocktails. Station highlights include shrimp ceviche and chicken tinga tacos. Tickets are $75 plus a small fee, and will run from 6–8 pm.

Thursday, July 11

Pappy Van Winkle Dinner at Monarch
Touted as the world’s most sought after bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle headlines this opulent (read “pricey”) multi-course pairing dinner at Monarch. The $600 ticket, plus tax and gratuity, includes pours of 10-year, 12-year, 13-year, and 15-year labels. (Add the 20-year for $200 more.) Menu highlights include Texas Wagyu carpaccio, fire-roasted Texas peach salad with burrata, lasagna Diane, and bourbon-glazed rosewood Wagyu short rib. Dinner begins at 6 pm.

Friday, July 12

Bastille Day Celebration at The Adolphus
Channeling its French roots, The Adolphus celebrates Bastille Day in The French Room all weekend with themed tea service. The experience includes a three-course menu with tea sandwiches, scones, and festive French pastries, tea, champagne toast, live music by a French quartet, photo ops, and more. Tickets are $75 plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are available July 12-14 from 11 am-3 pm.

Kelleher Family Vineyard Dinner at Margaret’s
California’s Kelleher Family Vineyard will share a select assortment of wines exclusively with JW Marriott Dallas Arts District for a multi-course pairing dinner at Margaret’s, the hotel’s 11th floor restaurant. Taste six reserve collection wines paired with a five-course meal from executive chef Jonah Friedman. Tickets are $300 including tax and gratuity, and dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

Whiskies of the World
The nation’s largest whiskey tasting tour returns to Dallas with more than 150 expressions from distillers around the world. This year the event will take place at Thompon Dallas. Admission is $125 and includes gourmet bites, souvenir glass with complimentary engraving, and live entertainment. Or go VIP for $175 and get early entry and exclusive pours. The event will run from 7:45-10:30 pm (VIP entry at 7 pm).

Saturday, July 13

McKinney Margarita Stroll
Sip, stroll, and shop around historic downtown McKinney during this margarita walk. The $40 ticket, plus tax and $4.52 fee, includes at least 15 stops with margarita sampling at each, including varieties like pineapple basil, watermelon, and even frozen bourbon margaritas. Time slots are 11 am-2 pm, 1-4 pm, and 4-7 pm.

Parker County Peach Festival
Famous annual event west of Fort Worth will feature a bounty of Parker County peaches, live entertainment on two stages, the Peach Pedal Bike Ride, and more than 200 arts-and-crafts, food, and activity vendors. Visitors can get their fill of homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peaches, or just plain juicy peaches. Tickets for adults are $10, or $5 for children 5-12. Festivities will run from 8 am–4 pm at Barber On The Square in Weatherford.

Networking is key to effective workplace relationships

With daily business often overrun by agenda-led meetings and networking events driven by the exchange of business cards – the need for authentic communication is growing rapidly. Entec Si chief executive Eman Al-Hillawi explains why networking is key to effective workplace relationships.

In business, professional networking is an ideal way to get in front of a specific group of people. The usual approach is to focus on an immediate goal, such as gaining new business or employment opportunities. However, this narrow approach could drive potential relationships away. Instead, it’s important to remember that people respond to authenticity in networking situations.

By removing the goal of immediate financial gain, individuals will reap the benefits of authentic interactions, particularly when networking across a variety of sectors or seniorities.

Networking is key to effective workplace relationships

Through building and nurturing organic relationships, individuals can gain a unique and organic perspective of the market, including any pain points that different sectors are facing. It is at this point that individuals can choose to offer their services in response to a specific issue rather than taking a scattered or generalised approach to new business.

It’s important to note that the means for building and nurturing relationships are constantly evolving, as technology and social attitudes continue to change. Since the pandemic, people are meeting face to face a lot less, whether that’s peers, clients or customers, which has meant that organic conversations or ‘water cooler moments’ have become few and far between.

With the rise of hybrid working, everyday conversations have been replaced with agenda-led meetings, with little room for small talk. That’s why it’s so important for people to schedule in time to visit the office or clients in person, and prioritise attending regional, national and trade networking events to get in front of the right people and encourage organic conversations.

But authenticity is not just about engaging in organic conversation: personal branding is also a ‘buzzword’ that has taken over the corporate world in recent years. Some might assume personal branding is all about being assertive in a social environment and put pressure on themselves to portray themselves as something they are not. Instead, personal branding is all what makes a person different to everyone else and can be drawn from life experience and core values. To truly resonate with people, it’s essential that your personal brand is authentic to who you are, your goals and career aspirations, instead of acting as a mask that hides the true you.

Creating good professional relationships isn’t just about selling, and people are more likely to resonate with someone they feel is true to themselves. It’s important to share values, goals and skills with people rather than going into networking scenarios with a planned sales pitch.

Although the way people communicate is changing, networking is still a crucial part of business, so understanding what people respond to and how to approach conversations is key. Whether this is done by frequently catching up with clients to gain a better understanding of pain points and areas for additional support or attending networking events to find new business contacts or employment opportunities, authenticity will pay off in the long run.

Eman Al-Hillawi is CEO of Entec Si, an award winning business change consultancy firm.

This Super Easy Hack Lets You Track Your Flight Right From iMessage

On July 19, an IT outage caused thousands of flights to be canceled or delayed across the world, including flights with major carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines. While it certainly caused a headache for the airlines, it absolutely wrecked the travel plans for countless passengers. However, this experience did teach us all one thing: It’s critical to have easy access to your flight information. And there’s no easier way than this iPhone hack. 

“Did you know you can pull up real-time flight data right in your Messages app,” Captain Chris wrote in an Instagram post in 2023. “Using iMessage, you don’t actually need an airline app, a flight tracking app, or even the ability to Google your flight or someone else’s flight.” 

Instead, he shared that iMessage has a simple-to-use “flight status tool with real-time information about departures, arrivals, gate changes, and baggage claim numbers.” All you need to do to access it is to text someone else with an iPhone (preferably the very kind person who has offered to pick you up at the airport so they have your information, too) with your airline name and flight number to populate the data. 

“For example, Airline + flight number: ‘Virgin Atlantic 007’ or ‘Delta Airlines 007,'” Captain Chris explained. “Or simply the word ‘Flight’ + airline flight number: ‘Flight VS 007’ or ‘Flight DL7.'” You can also use the airline abbreviation + flight number, like “DL007” too. 

Once you text it, the flight number should turn into a clickable link with all the pertinent information. 

“If you or the recipient of your iMessage click on that link, the option ‘Preview Flight’ will appear with an image of an airliner. Click on this link, and Voila! All the information you need will appear,” he added. 

That information includes the departure time, arrival time, status (on time, delayed, or canceled), flight duration, and even the baggage claim area when that data becomes available. While the hack won’t help your flight get there any faster or save you from delays, it will at least give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve got all the information you can get right in front of you. Now, if only our iPhones could pre-order our favorite in-flight beverage, we’d be all set.