The Montreal Jazz Festival is a musical extravaganza that draws music lovers from every corner of the world. A total of 3,000 performers and musicians from over 30 nations entertain audiences in a variety of indoor and outdoor shows.

Montreal Jazz Festival  

Experience The Wonder Jazz

Have you heard about one of the most enigmatic music fests in the world? Yes, I am talking about the Montreal Jazz festival, the one with admirers around the world. If not, then do scroll down and read more about this fantastic event organized every year for music lovers.

 

Montréal International Jazz Festival organized in Quebec, Canada is one of the most sought-after musical events in the world today. For ten days music enthusiasts from across the globe converge in Montreal to witness and be part of, one of the most massive Jazz musical extravaganzas in the world. Yeah, you read it right, ten days of complete madness, isn’t it cool? The festival has flourished as a melting point of different styles of jazz music, much to the joy of the audience.

Part of history

Montreal Jazz festival inaugurated in 1980 with a limited audience and music bands have grown to become an annual pilgrimage for musicians and enthusiasts. Such is the craze that the audience, musicians, singers, technicians, organizers, wait in anticipation throughout the year to be part of the much-celebrated event on the calendar. You will be amazed to know that people plan their lives around the jazz festival.

The annual jazz festival has great significance for local Canadians who brave long harsh winters. The music event that falls during summer is a perfect excuse for Canadians to come out in large numbers and party. After all, who wouldn't like to have some fun after unforgiving, cruel winters?

 

Montreal Jazz Festival Line-up

Montreal jazz festival is the largest in terms of the crowd. Each year the music event is attended by more than 2 million people with a sizeable (12.5%) being tourists. The musical extravaganza also holds the Guinness World Record (2004) of being the most significant jazz event organized in any part of the world. If you don't believe it witnesses the event and comment :)

 

The performance of more than 3000 artists from different parts of the world adds to the diversity and popularity of the musical blowout. The concerts are organized in both outdoor and indoor venues. Throughout the ten days, around 650 shows, the majority of them free (about 450) enchants the audience.

 

It's all the climate Stupid.

One major contributing factor to the success of the Montréal jazz festival is the ideal climate during that part of the year. As the warm weather approaches Montreal city, it transforms into a gracious host, the ultimate destination for music lovers. It is the time of the year when thousands of musicians, enthusiasts groove to the rhythmic melodies of Jazz.

 

The city administration, on its part, enforces a significant shutdown of city traffic to facilitate the outdoor venues that organize concerts. The performances by artists typically begin at noon and continue till early morning. Approximately 100,000 to 200,000 people attend each site, and the number swells by weekends. There are live jazz performances held at small indoor venues for a limited audience.

 

The Jazz

Jazz music originated in Africa and traversed a long path to become part of the urban music scene in the Northern hemisphere. The rhythmic music was passed on from one generation to another before eventually taking the center-stage in western nations like Britain, Canada, and America. The penetration of the Jazz continued throughout the 1900s and gradually became popular among the general population.

 

As it transcended racial boundaries, its popularity breached geographical limits. The original tradition of swinging to beats, clapping, and performing songs to reflect human emotions is still the crowd puller. The soulful jazz music has evolved over some time with many new forms added much to the joy of the young generation.

 

At the Montréal Jazz festival, music fans can enjoy different genres and styles of Jazz in one place. Although the festival was conceptualized for jazz fans,  another type of music that is influenced by Jazz is additionally performed now. The variety of jazz forms, including Gypsy jazz, Bebop, Modal Jazz, Latin Jazz mesmerize the audience. Apart from it, music forms inspired by Jazz such as jazz fusion, hip-hop, electronica also enthralls the audience. The versatility ensures there is something available to match the musical tastes of every individual irrespective of age.

 

An Abundance of Talent- Local and Foreign

Montreal jazz festival also serves as an excellent podium for emerging local talent in Canada to showcase their skills. Competitions are organized amongst different Canadian music bands much to the delight of the audience. Awards to budding musicians is a token of appreciation and encourage them to work hard.

 

The rich diversity of the music festival is also due to the plethora of world-class jazz artists apart from the local talent. The music at the festival spans classic Jazz to chart hopping reggae. There are even roaming bands that perform on the pedestrian section for free. The music blended with fun and comradeship captivates the audience. I am loving it.

 

Its also about Money Honey.

Festivals are an inherent part of the jazz culture and are sprinkled in different parts of the world. These festivals embrace the local flavors and enrich the overall music scene. Moreover, these festivals also give a significant boost to the local economies.

 

According to organizers, the Montréal jazz festival contributes more than $100 million to the local economy. It is a perfect outing for the whole family to visit the venue. Besides music, people can indulge in a variety of food cuisines to satisfy their taste buds. Apart from different cuisines food trucks selling street food are also in high demand—the organizers at Montréal jazz festival boost of sales of food and beer worth millions every year. I want golgappas too :)0

Multiple benefits

Music festivals provide opportunities and are beneficial to host countries, and the Montréal jazz festival is no different. But the massive scale of opportunities created by the Montreal festival makes it unique. Apart from providing a platform to local evolving music talent, the festival has far-reaching economic benefits to add to its legacy. Don't we need such festivals in India too?

Finally

The Montréal jazz festival conceptualized by Alain Simard and André Ménard as a pure jazz venue has evolved in the last 40 years. Today, a broad spectrum of events such as seminars, music workshops, competitions for specific instruments organized in the ten-day festival for spectators, and music enthusiasts is an added attraction.

 

What makes the Montréal International jazz festival spectacular is, it has something special for everyone; a tiny piece of souvenir in the form of memories to cherish and take home and a promise to come back next season. It has emerged as a major tourist destination where the tourists flock in droves to witness an enchanting life-changing moment. Impressive indeed. 

Image Courtesy - Google

A cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that was generated employing encryption algorithms.

 Factors that Affect Cryptocurrency Prices 

What we all know about crypto?

Cryptocurrency, a type of digital currency operating on blockchain technology, was non-existent about a decade ago. Today, over 6,700 different types of cryptocurrencies are publicly traded demonstrating its popularity among investors and speculators alike.

But one intriguing issue is the fluctuation in cryptocurrency prices. With current (total) valuations of all digital currencies pegged at $645.7 billion, have you ever wondered what factors affect the cryptocurrency prices? Here, we discuss important factors that drive the cryptocurrency prices.

Now, the factors

v  Supply and Demand 

     One important factor affecting/influencing the prices of cryptocurrency is the supply-demand scenario. Increase in demand from end-users is what fuels the price value, higher the demand higher the prices and vice-versa.

v  Mining costs

     The cost of mining cryptocurrency influences its prices in the market. The cost of mining also includes the validation and the addition to the blockchain process. 

v  Legal issues

   There is no uniformity in regulating the cryptocurrencies around the world. Some countries are more receptive of the idea, while others have banned their use. The evolving rules and regulations to regulate digital currency impact cryptocurrency prices. 

v  Media analysis

   Sentiments drive the markets, and the media plays a pivotal role in creating market sentiment. Positive analysis, imparting knowledge on cryptocurrency and related news help in better understanding affecting the prices.

v  Financial volatility

    In case of any financial crisis, investors often flock to alternate places to park funds. One popular place to invest in the cryptocurrency market as the virtual market is insulated. The increase of participation results in fluctuation of prices of digital currency.

The final verdict

    Cryptocurrency is a speculative and risky asset to buy with multiple factors driving the prices. The volatility in the cryptocurrency prices is generally due to the above-mentioned factors, but other factors like manipulation by vested interests can not be ruled out. Cryptocurrency is not a uniformly recognized legal tender and hence needs caution to add to your portfolio. 

Images: Google images

As a result of the economic lockdown and recession, more students may have difficulty finding employment or internships, which may negatively impact their future employment prospects.

How Has The Current Lockdown Situation Impacted A Student's Career? 

Coronavirus pandemic has emerged as a formidable challenge to humanity. The worsening health crisis prompted governments across the world to impose lockdown. In India too, all schools and colleges were temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure by the government.

The temporary measure to close down educational institutions had a domino’s effect on the entire education sector. From board examinations to competitive exams in universities, everything got cancelled, much to the horror of students who are stuck in the limbo and are staring at the wastage of an academic year.

Impact of lockdown on schools

The school lockdown disrupted academic activity immensely. To start with, there were no nursery admissions in schools; similarly, board examinations across the nation were cancelled. One of the significant drawbacks of the lockdown was the complete breakdown of the teaching system in the majority of our schools. 

In our country, most of the state-run government schools and a large number of low-income private schools do not have access to technology-driven e-learning solutions. As the vast majority of students are admitted in these schools, there is complete floundering of their academic activities.

On the other hand, only a small number of private schools, with limited enrolled students, have the ability to impart education, through e-learning programs.

The lack of e-learning facilities due to paucity of resources is a significant roadblock today. It has severely dented the continuation of the academic session in the majority of our schools. With no certainty emerging on the schedule for reopening of schools, the bleak outlook for students is likely to continue in the immediate future.

Colleges and Universities

Not just schools even the academic session in colleges and universities are impacted severely. The significant disruption in higher education is, however, limited in scale because of access to e-learning solutions.

The situation is, however, different for students applying for courses in various universities abroad. The pandemic badly hits many of the countries where students migrate to study—these countries such as USA, China, UK. Etc have barred the intake of international students in the present academic year. 

Similarly, students who have applied for higher education within the country are also feeling the pressure because of the mass cancellation of entrance exams in these universities. However, there are various initiatives taken by private individuals and socities to ensure students can study online from the comfort of their homes.

Job Scenario

The long term impact of the pandemic on various sectors is still under review, but the short term repercussions on the economy are beginning to take its toll on students.

Due to faltering economic activity, most of the graduates, around 33 lakh from arts, commerce and related fields and 16 lakh from engineering and management field are facing grim professional job scenario. Most of the companies have deferred the interviews for fresh hiring of students due to stagnant growth and uncertain economic activity.

As the businesses are affected worldwide, private companies are less enthusiastic and have scaled-down their attendance to hire students through on-campus placement drives.  

In cases where jobs are being offered, the companies have postponed the joining dates and in some cases even withdrawn the appointments.

According to the estimate, the slump in employment activity has pushed the early April unemployment rate to 23 per cent from 8.4 per cent in March. The worrying part is, the urban unemployment rate could be as high as 30.9 per cent.

Sensing the fear of fresh graduates to the withdrawal of job offers the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has urged the corporates to honour their job commitments. 

There is no denying the fact that the enforced lockdown has jeopardized the already stressed job market. The slowing economy will further deteriorate the prospects of students to secure job. 

Under present circumstances, the students who have availed education loans for higher studies are facing a double whammy. Not only faltering job prospects even loan repayment is a major headache for them. 

Summary

The lockdown has disrupted the education sector immensely and threatened the education of 285 million students temporarily. With the pandemic situation worsening and no respite in sight due to lockdown, the students have to bear the maximum brunt of the emerging scenario. The long term impact of the pandemic induced lockdown on students will be assessed only later, but the aspirations of young learners are curtailed for now. 

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells in your body.

 

Hello everyone, in this piece I'll discuss something extremely serious about our health. I'm referring to a condition known as auto-immune disease.

What's Autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune disease is one of the most hidden yet difficult to track and adjust conditions. Autoimmune disease is more of a lifestyle-oriented disease. I can tell you something about it as I am facing it for the last twenty years. One of the most significant problems is the silent grip of the disease. You have no clue about it till it is all over you, and the worst part, there isn't much medical science can do for you. Scary? 

Increasing graph of Autoimmune disease

Recent medical reports have indicated the tremendous rising graph of the Autoimmune disease among the masses. It can affect you at any age, and severity depends upon unknown factors. Some of the factors responsible are toxins in our food, pollution, fast food, etc. For a few days, your immune system automatically collapses in this disease, making you vulnerable to infections. I know it sucks!

At this point, when your health needs outside help, you are prone to any disease. You are a kind of a sitting chicken for others to roast. After tackling the illness for years, my hunger to learn about the condition and ways to tide over the crisis period is summarized here. 

Food To Boost Your Immune System

Spice-up your diet

First, we Indians are blessed to have and use some of the potent antibiotics in our kitchen. Yup, you will be surprised by the hidden health benefits of various spices that we use in our daily meals. All you need to do is to take them raw for maximum benefits. 

The three Musketeers 

Here, I am discussing three Autoimmune disease diets that can help you to some extent from auto-immune disease. 

Garlic for autoimmune disease

Yup, garlic, one of the simplest ingredients frequently used in our diet, has incredible medicinal properties. Apart from maintaining your blood pressure and improving cholesterol, it can help you strengthen your immune system. So it makes sense to eat raw garlic in limited quantity every day without a miss.

Onions for autoimmune disease

Onions, a staple food ingredient, is another helpful soldier in your fight against the disease. Onions have sulfur compounds, and eating it raw is exceptionally beneficial for health. Onions possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also, so do it eat raw every day.

Apples

Yea, we all have heard about eating an apple every day makes you healthy. It is not far from the truth. Apples have antioxidants, iron, fibre, polyphenols, etc. They all help you fight against the auto-immune disease. So include the apples in your diet. 

Final verdict

Every disease is a nightmare for the patients, and Autoimmune disease is no different. But it is prudent to be ahead of the curve and eat things right according to the Autoimmune diet plan. Hopefully, my advice will be beneficial to all of you and help you live a happy and healthy life.

When it comes to this picturesque destination, the Andaman and Nicobar travel guide is a must-read. Be compelled to pack your bags and go on a holiday.

 Andaman Travel

Why Andaman and Nicobar Islands Famous?

Discovering Andaman's pristine, nearly deserted beaches is the most thrilling aspect of visiting the island. Paradise is synonymous with sparkling crystal clear blue waters, a tranquil setting, and iconic sandy beaches. Well-maintained cottages and huts are available to make your stay memorable and fun. In addition to sightseeing, visitors on the Andaman may participate in a number of activities.

Apart from swimming, water sports such as kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, underwater shooting, and spotting saltwater crocodiles captivate you. There are also items that are reserved for offshore sports, such as walking along the beach while the waves caress your feet, sunbathing, and woodland trekking.

5 Best Places To Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Among several stunningly beautiful beaches, we have handpicked a list of a few that should be on your itinerary during your next travel to the Andaman.  

1) Corbyn’s Cove

The crescent-shaped Corbyn's beach is famous for its coconut plantation. The mostly untapped beaches are perfect for a lazy afternoon siesta in a beach shack or sunbathing after indulging in water sports in the morning. Evenings can be spent luxuriously taking a stroll on the sandy shores or enjoying a boat ride. The calm, soothing environment makes you fall in love with yourself. 

How to reach?

It is just seven km away from the mainland. You can take a private vehicle, auto or even rent a car to reach there.  

A trip to Cellular Jail 

While visiting the island, a traveller can also visit Cellular jail. Standing as a mute spectator to the atrocities faced by Indians during the independence struggle, its testimony is sculpted in pages of history. The display of light and sound show fills the heart with passion and patriotism.  

How to reach?

You can reach the jail museum via Corbyn's Cove road. The distance is 5.8km and hardly takes 15 minutes by road.  

 2) Wandoor Beach 

The scenic beauty of the wandoor beach attracts tourists in droves. The picturesque beaches, pristine blue waters, and calm environment create an ideal location to spend quality time with your loved ones. The beach is popular among tourists for photography, riding in glass bottom boats and scuba diving.

How to reach?
It is 25 km from the airport by road. Apart from private taxis, you can take a bus to reach the popular destination.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

One of the most sought place in the Andaman to visit among tourists is the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. A park is a group of 17 Islands known for nesting sea turtles, breathtaking visuals of corals and marine life.  

Things to do at the park

The tourists can enjoy a range of activities at the park including;
Nesting for turtles and the race of hatchlings towards the water is a spectacular visual to witness. 
Indulge in an underwater sporting activity like snorkelling and watching the aquatic animals in their natural environment is a treat to explore. 
Scuba diving to discover the underwater majestic marine world is another high activity for tourists. Watching exquisite coral reefs is a visual delight and a big crowd puller. 
Enjoying boat rides and bird watching of both migrant and local species on nearby Jolly Buoy island is another fantastic opportunity to explore the Andaman Islands. 

3) Havelock Island 

The majestic Havelock island in the Andaman enchants the tourists with its beauty and is a treasure trove of small islands. 

a)  Radhanagar Beach 
It is adjudged as the seventh-best beach in the world and the best beach in India according to Time magazine. 

Famous For Sunset 
Tourist, often fall short of adjectives to define the beauty of the Radhanagar beach. Nature has garlanded it with golden soft sandy beaches, pristine clear blue water, scenic natural beauty and the most romantic sunset one can imagine. The sunset and sunrise at the Radhanagar beach become astonishingly more romantic with clean blue water caressing the shores. 

It is a perfect dream destination for honeymooners and for people with photography skills to wander around in the quiet atmosphere for that perfect shot. 

How to reach? 
The beach is around 10 km away from the Havelock dock. One can reach the beach via road transportation. There are buses, taxis available for the road trip to the beach. 

b) Elephant Beach 
The visit to Elephant beach is an enchanting experience for tourists. With proximity to mangrove forests, sparkling blue water and serene sandy shores, the beach is dotted with spectacular natural beauty. One can witness beautiful bright coral reefs at shallow depths in the surrounding waters around the beach.

Things to do 

~The beach offers a fun-filled adventure extravaganza for tourists. The tourists can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, underwater photography, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking.
~Trekking in nearby forests or meditating at the quiet beach is also famous among the tourists.
~The spotless beautiful paradise is also known for its colourful and exotic flora and fauna. 

How to reach?   
You can either take a boat from the main Havelock dock. The boat ride takes 20 minutes to reach Elephant beach. You can also take a but or hire a private vehicle to reach the beach. 

4) Neil Island 

The tourists are smitten by the turquoise sea water and remarkably white sand of the island. The island holds some incredibly fascinating beaches to lure tourists.  

a) Laxmanpur Beach

The Laxman Pur beach is one of those places that are still away from public glare. The white sand, coral reefs, shallow seawater coupled with picturesque natural locations are breathtaking.  

Things to do 

~Water sports like snorkelling, swimming are frequent here.

~Due to shallow water, collecting seashells apart from the photography of scenic beauty is another activity to explore.

5) Rangat Island 

The Rangat island is situated in the middle of the Andaman islands. The picturesque island is known for its amazing waterfalls and verdant greenery. Rangat is known for a string of islands under it, some of them are marked here. 

a) Amkunj Beach 

The beach is a popular destination among tourists. It has been developed as an eco-friendly beach with structures made of renewable material such as eco-huts and groves. 

Things to do

~It is a popular picnic spot, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and wandering on the shore.

~Nature lovers can witness turtle breeding during the season at the beach. 

The grey sand and clean greyish water are ideal for photography. 

How to reach? 

You can take a bus ride or hire a private vehicle from Rangat to reach the beach. 

b)  Butler Bay Beach  

Butler Bay Beach in the Andaman islands is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. The beach is a part of Little Andaman. This less-frequented beach is perfect for the rejuvenation of body, mind and soul. The tranquil environment, blue water is encircled by lofty greenery, a piece of paradise. 

Things to do 

~Strong currents are perfect for surfing, kayaking.

~You can enjoy swimming but with a little caution.

~Sunbathing, riding an elephant, sightseeing, trekking is the other activities to explore.

How to reach? 

It is 100 km away from Port Blair. You can take a government ferry to reach the beach. 

Photos courtesy - Google