Life is everchanging. It seems to become more chaotic the older we get and the more industrialized we as a society become. So, going into stores or malls isn’t as feasible as it once was. Consequently, online shopping has become more common, and in many cases, is the new normal.
Although online shopping is much more convenient, there are some downsides including the possibility of not getting exactly what you thought you were buying. Additionally, more intense downsides exist, such as safety concerns. To combat some of these concerns and ensure safety, Pembroke, Ontario, a small city in Canada, is using a handshake symbol as a new solution to ensure safety. Their idea, while unconventional, could prove to ensure the safety of thousands of shoppers. If proven successful, Pembroke may transform the way people undertake online shopping.
Handshake Symbols Represent Safety
A handshake symbol is showing up in parking spaces all over the city. Pembroke’s police department, Pembroke OPP, gave a statement regarding the new handshake symbol parking spots. “The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions,” the OPP said in the news release. “Creating a ‘community safety zone’ is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.”
Parameters of the Project
Amazingly, the handshake symbol spots, called “safe trade spots,” will be available 24 hours a day and will not require appointments. The way these spots work is simple. If you’ve purchased something online but have to pick it up, or pay, in person, the handshake symbol spots become a neutral meeting point. It’s important to note these spots will not be monitored 24 hours a day. This means there will be no police intervention, such as mediation or witnessing a transaction. In contrast, they will have available officers on the scene if a call or complaint is made to the city regarding a criminal matter. The area will be well-lit and conveniently located just off the highway.
Holiday Shopping
With the holidays upon us, things become even more hectic, and people often stop looking into all the transaction details. The handshake symbol spots have been developed in tandem with the holidays. Steph Neufeld, the safety unit’s captain, says, “The local launch of Project Safe Trade comes at an ideal time with the busy holiday season upon us. Online property transactions are ever-increasing and the UOV OPP is proud to be launching a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions,” He continues in the statement, “Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.”
Going Beyond the Handshake Symbol
The handshake symbol parking lots are a great start, but there is more the city has incorporated into the project. In particular, one Canadian resident and professional. Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, offers helpful hints. While seemingly obvious, they can be forgotten during an overwhelming time like the holidays.
Levy said, “Do your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they’ve sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past.” Also suggesting people, “Insist on seeing the actual device that you’re buying before you hand over any money. Insist that they power it on. Insist that you make sure it works before you pay for it.” This is a great way to avoid being scammed and wasting your hard-earned money on something that just isn’t worth it.
Other Safety Suggestions
Other recommendations include going with someone you know and trust when engaging in online transactions. Save all interactions between buyer and seller, this includes voicemails, emails, or text messages. Additionally, shopping apps like ‘OfferUp’ and ‘LetGo’ tell you they won’t reach out for personal information. They suggest you use caution when doling out personal information with limited or only necessary information.
Furthermore, they suggest that you have those conversations strictly in the app. This ensures the conversation is logged in a secure environment so you can avoid giving your personal information to a stranger. For Canadian residents, specific to the Pembroke area, seeking handshake symbol parking lots can keep citizens safe this holiday season. Moreover, they can help bring higher levels of safety in years to come.
Men Singing ‘You Raise Me Up’ Will Give You Chills
Any kind of music can benefit from an effective acapella song, whether it’s because the vocalists can hold the listener’s attention or because there aren’t any unnecessary instruments that call attention to the lyrics.
This is particularly true of the acapella performance of Josh Groban’s 2003 hit song “You Raise Me Up” by Brigham Young University (BYU) Vocal Point. They breathe new life into this upbeat song.
Learners In 1991, Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander started BYU Vocal Point, an acapella group. The quartet became well-known on campus after their debut performance, which was sold out.
Not only did BYU Vocal Point finish fifth in the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Off, but since its founding, the group has received additional awards.
When they revealed on social media in December 2018 that they had signed a record deal with the classical label Decca Gold, part of the Universal Music Group, they became even more well-known for their talent.
“We’re just regular college students doing amazing things,” said member Jason Bromley.
The vocal performance in the “You Raise Me Up” music video is powerful.
The gorgeous landscape of mountains and valleys serves as the backdrop for the music video for “You Raise Me Up.”
The tape starts with a single, distinct voice, and a second later, another one harmonizes with it to create a rich, multilayered sound.
In addition to their crisp, bright vocals, the group produces amazing vocal percussion noises.
The vocalists’ performance of the song gets more engrossing as they move through the hilly landscape.
The situation nearly descends into an overly serene condition, demonstrating the ability of music to carry listeners away.
It’s hard to tell who the lead singers are because of how well their harmonies mesh.
They offer a strikingly distinctive interpretation of this much covered song, rather than just copying the original.
The song incorporates their distinct style and arrangement, and the new hook at the end improves the harmonies. An extra student chorus supports the crescendo, resulting in an incredibly potent finale.
You will love BYU Vocal Point’s amazing performance of “You Raise Me Up.” Enjoy this memorable and moving performance while you relax.
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