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A couple of weeks ago after school I took my grandson Joey, who is now four-years-old if you can believe that, (which I can because he is always texting me from Bee’s phone saying ‘Joey is 4’), to the garden centre. We started with a look at the Christmas decorations and the giant singing penguins. Joey wasn’t sure about them. He liked the singing, but I had to press the button in case they bit him. We stopped in the cafe and then we had a look at the toys so that I could have the honour of buying him something.

What I noticed, as is typical for children Joey’s age, is that the thing he definitely wanted more than anything in the world was the thing that he happened to be looking at at any given moment. He really, honestly had always wanted a French knitting set more than anything, until he saw the miniature marble run etc etc

It’s for exactly this reason that Whirli was invented.

Kids are fickle. They love toys, but they rarely love them for long. Parents on average spend hundreds of pounds on toys every year, only for kids to quickly get bored or outgrow them, and for the toys to end up left in a cupboard or even in landfill.

Whirli wants to change this. With a Whirli swappable toy subscription, the average customer plays with £720 worth of toys over a year for, on average, £12.42 per month – £570 of savings compared to if they’d bought the toys.

How does Whirli work?

Whirli is a new way to buy toys. Rather than buying the toys, you pay a monthly subscription that allows you to access Whirl’s library of thousands of toys. Swap your tokens for toys, delivered to your door, and keep them for as long as you want – no time limits or late fees. When your child has lost interest, simply return them and swap them for new toys.

If you do find one particular toy your child loves and can’t bear to part with, you can choose to buy it outright for lower than the retail price. It’s that easy. No more unwanted toys languishing under beds or ending up in the bin – Whirli is a sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable approach to play.

Give the gift of Whirli this Christmas

Okay, so here’s where Whirli really comes into its own. Rather than buying your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, whoever it may be, some kind of pile of plastic that you’re not entirely sure they actually want, you can buy them a Whirli subscription! It’s still a fantastic present, but they get to choose the toys and it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

If you want to gift Whirli can choose to either buy a Whirli gift card that kids can use towards a subscription, or jump right in and pick out a selection of toys that they can either keep or swap for Whirli credit of equivalent value. The gift cards are electronic, so perfect for sending to family that you’re not going to see in person or as a last-minute pick.

Whirli currently has TWO fantastic offers that make buying a Whirli toy subscription more affordable than ever:

• 30-50% off all subscriptions with the code: XMAS (ends 23:59 23/12/2023)
• 30% off gift cards and gift toy boxes with the code: GIFT30 (ends 23:59 23/12/2023)

Go and explore Whirli and give a Christmas gift that kids are guaranteed to love!

Waterloo Station in London may look like a welcoming historic building from the outside, but inside it’s an echoing glass and metal chamber that’s not the most pleasant of places to spend a few hours. The good thing is, you don’t have to stay there sitting on a hard bench, getting a headache while waiting for your next train to arrive.

Waterloo, or London Waterloo as it’s usually referred to, is right in the heart of the city and you can do and see some amazing things without having to go very far from the station at all. In fact, many of the British capital’s top attractions are nearby, so you can turn your waiting time into a mini-sightseeing tour of London.

Before you head out to explore between trains, store your luggage with Bounce first. That way, you can travel light and make the most of the limited time you have to visit all the best things to do near Waterloo Station.

What Can You Do Near London Waterloo

All of the following London attractions are either within walking distance or a short underground ride from Waterloo Station. You’re not going to be happy if you’ve only got a couple of hours to spare as you’ll want to see them all.

The London Eye 

The London Eye is London’s 135-meter tall ferris wheel. The wheel is located on the South Bank of the River Thames and a quick seven-minute stroll from Waterloo Station. Because you’ll have limited time, you won’t want to hang around lining up for a pod, so book online before you get there. Rides on the wheel take 30 minutes to do the full circuit.

London Eye River Cruise 

You don’t need to go any further than the London Eye to be able to jump aboard a 40-minute cruise down the River Thames. The London Eye River Cruise operates from a pier right by the Eye and does a nonstop circuit that takes in the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. If you have enough time to do both activities, you can purchase a combined ticket for a discounted price.

Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, also called the Houses of Parliament, are a 15-minute walk from Waterloo Station. It’s an interesting walk that will take you across Westminster Bridge and into one of the city’s more historic areas. Also of interest nearby that you might want to see if you have time are Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum, and the Cenotaph War Memorial.

Sea Life Centre – London Aquarium

If you’re traveling with kids and they’re really not into historic buildings, then they’ll probably enjoy a visit to the Sea Life Centre – London Aquarium. The aquarium is right next to Westminster Bridge, so it’s only a ten-minute walk from Waterloo Station. You might not get to see all of the 14 various aquarium zones if you have time constraints, as they cover three entire floors, but the kids will be thrilled, so it’ll be worth it.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the iconic London attractions, and if you haven’t fed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, then you haven’t been to London. From Waterloo Station, you can walk to Trafalgar Square in about 15 minutes if you don’t dilly-dally on the way. Take this route, and you’ll cross the River Thames via the Golden Jubilee Bridge, from where there are great views of the river and the city skyline.

Florence Nightingale Museum

Florence Nightingale was a pioneering woman of the Victorian era who founded the basis of modern nursing. She was also a renowned leader of her time for her work with statistics and infographics as well as being a forward-thinking social reformer.

You can find out more about her by visiting the Florence Nightingale Museum, that’s located in Lambeth Place next to St Thomas Hospital and is just a ten-minute walk from London Waterloo. It’s not a huge museum, and you can tour it in around an hour and a half.

Victoria Embankment

When you don’t have money to spare or just want a leg stretch, walking along the Victoria Embankment is a great way to spend an hour or so. The Embankment is around a seven-minute walk from Waterloo and can be reached by crossing the Golden Jubilee Bridge.

It’s a scenic walk with plenty to look at, including the Royal Air Force Memorial and a statue of Boudica, a Celtic queen, the Westminster Piers, and Big Ben. You can make it a circular walk if you return to Waterloo via Westminster Bridge. To complete the entire route will take you about an hour.

The Graffiti Tunnel

If you only have a short while to wait for your train and you can’t go into London itself, you can still see one of the city’s craziest attractions. A five-minute walk from Waterloo Station is a 300-meter-long tunnel that has been daubed to life by some of the best graffiti artists in the country.

After the world-famous UK street artist Banksy decided to hold a festival in the Leake Street Tunnel, painting there was made legal. That was almost 15 years ago, and the tunnel has now become a place where street artists go to get their work seen, although that often means painting over someone else’s creation.

It’s an ever-changing gallery, so even if you’ve been before, go again as there’ll be something new to see and who knows, you might run into the man himself without knowing it.

Having to wait for a train at London Waterloo is an absolute bonus because the station is so central to all of the city’s main attractions. You can be at some of London’s top sights by walking for just a few minutes. Take photos of everything you see for your social media accounts, and your followers will think you’ve been in London for a week rather than a couple of hours, so don’t tell them any different.

According to the Collins English Dictionary, artificial intelligence (AI) is the word of the year in 2023. With how popular it’s become over the past twelve months or so, no wonder there are all kinds of false assumptions surrounding AI. 

Some believe that it’s about to destroy humanity. Others are less ambitious, but despite the sensational concerns, they consider AI a better essay writer than a human being. Spoiler alert: both are wrong. So, let’s debunk common myths about AI. Is save my grade legit a valid concern in this context? Let’s explore the realities of AI’s impact on academic performance.

#1 AI Is Capable of Developing Its Own Goals

One of the most popular misconceptions about AI is that it can develop its own goals and ambitions over time. That’s where the popular “evil AI” trope widely used in sci-fi and publications that thrive on the “humanity is doomed” mindset comes from. 

In reality, though, AI operates strictly within the parameters set by its programming. Therefore, it has no independent will and can’t develop its goals.

An example would be an AI system playing chess. The mistaken view is that it is actively trying to win the game for its satisfaction. That’s not the case whatsoever. AI is merely executing programmed strategies to achieve an outcome defined by its creators. As simple as that. So, yes, it’s perfectly fine not to say please and thank you to ChatGPT; it’s not out to get you.

#2 AI Will Eventually Surpass and Replace Humans

The most common myth about AI is that it is on its way to replacing humans and is about to leave most of us out of jobs. This misconception is rooted in the fear that AI will become so advanced that it will surpass human capabilities in every field, rendering human effort obsolete.

While AI is improving efficiency and automating routine tasks, there’s a vast spectrum of human capabilities that AI can’t replicate, such as emotional intelligence. So, at least now, the only jobs threatened by AI consist of routine and repetitive tasks. Those are the jobs that most people don’t get any satisfaction or sense of accomplishment from.

#3 AI Is Infallible and Unbiased

Even the people who realize that AI won’t be able to perform managerial tasks competently any time soon seem to be under the impression that it’s completely unbiased. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Any AI system is only as good as the data fed during training. If the data are biased (which most are inherently so), AI will be as well.

That’s one reason why relying on AI to build an advanced and well-thought-out argument is not the best idea. A competent SaveMyGrade writer will do a much better job writing your essay than Jasper or ChatGPT because they are aware of their implicit biases; AI systems aren’t. With data typically lacking diversity and representation, AI tends to be racist, sexist, and otherwise discriminatory.

#4 AI Can Learn and Evolve on Its Own

The myth that AI can independently learn and evolve like a living organism is a massive misunderstanding of how AI works. AI systems can’t operate without continuous human input. Initial programming matters, sure, but so does machine learning, which can’t happen without human intervention. Contrary to what sci-fi horror books and movies tell us, no AI system evolves spontaneously.

#5 AI Has the Ability to Understand Emotions

Many people believe that AI can understand emotions, and the growing popularity of emotional support chatbots reinforces this belief. But that’s not true. While advancements in AI have led to the development of systems that can recognize facial expressions and analyze speech patterns, these are far from actual emotional understanding. 

AI can mimic empathy and emotional responses based on programmed algorithms, but it lacks the genuine emotional depth and comprehension that humans have. The subtleties and complexities of human emotions are something AI cannot fully grasp. For example, an AI might recognize a smile and interpret it as happiness, but it can’t understand the nuanced emotions behind that smile (say, if it’s a nervous smile or a joyful one).

#6 AI Can Completely Automate Creative Processes

Here comes another reason why it’s a bad idea to entrust ChatGPT with your college assignments, even more so if they require even an ounce of creativity. Sure, AI has made inroads into creative fields. It successfully assists creatives in graphic design, music composition, and writing.

But it has no intrinsic creativity and, most importantly, no emotional depth (see #5). That’s why if you ask an AI-powered writing tool to create a short story about something related to human emotions, the result will be either painfully cliched or so wrong it’s absurd. AI can offer you a few interesting ideas to develop but doesn’t come even close to the creative potential of a human being.

#7 AI Works the Same Across Different Cultures and Languages

Few people know that AI’s effectiveness varies across cultural and linguistic contexts. Languages have nuances, idioms, structures, and cultures have unique contexts and norms. As a result, AI algorithms trained on data from one language or culture may not perform well when applied to another. Once again, AI is only as good as the data it is trained on. The amount of data used must be enormous for an AI system to be more or less universal.

An Afterword

Although AI is a powerful tool with immense potential, we must recognize its capabilities and limitations. This is why it’s crucial to understand that not everything we hear about AI is true. Not only is it not out to get us, but at this point, it’s not even advanced enough to competently replace humans in any task that requires critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity.

So, think twice before asking an AI writing tool to complete your homework for a Creative Writing class.

As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the sandy shores and the rhythmic waves gently kiss the coastline, there’s an enchanting atmosphere that beckons us to embark on the literary journey of our dreams. 

Seaside storytime, with its beachside reading and literary adventures, offers a unique and immersive experience that combines the magic of storytelling with the tranquility of the seaside setting.

The Serenity of Seaside Reading

There’s something inherently calming about the sound of waves crashing and the feel of soft sand beneath your toes.

Imagine yourself nestled in a paradise like Maui, where the serenity of seaside reading takes on a new level of enchantment. Picture yourself on the shores of this idyllic Hawaiian island, the rhythmic waves serenading you while the soft sand cradles your toes just a stone’s throw away from your beachside cabin. To truly immerse yourself in this coastal haven, selecting the right accommodation is paramount. Looking for the right Maui vacation rentals can offer a personalized touch to your experience, ensuring that every moment spent with your favorite book is complemented by the perfect surroundings.

Whether perched on a beach chair or lounging on a cozy beach blanket, the gentle breeze and distant seagull calls become harmonious elements in your literary sanctuary, allowing you to escape into your chosen tale with the breathtaking beauty of Maui as your backdrop. Discovering the right accommodation amidst the stunning vistas of Maui amplifies the tranquility of your seaside reading, turning each page into a cherished memory against the backdrop of this tropical haven.

Choosing the Perfect Seaside Read

Statistics show that 75% of US citizens delved into at least one book in the past year. Connecting with this literary trend, selecting the ideal book for a little bit of seaside reading demands thoughtful consideration.

Not all books resonate with the beachside ambiance. An ideal seaside read should not only capture the essence of the ocean but also delve into themes of self-discovery, offering a captivating narrative that can thrive amidst the distractions of the beach.

From timeless maritime tales to contemporary beach reads, the options are as expansive as the sea. Delve into the classics like “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway or modern gems like “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens for an exquisite fusion of seaside atmosphere and compelling storytelling that will enhance your coastal reading experience.

Children’s Seaside Storytime: Building Lifelong Memories

Seaside storytime isn’t exclusive to adults. It’s an opportunity to instill a love for reading in children and create cherished family memories. Picture this: a beach picnic with a basket of snacks, colorful beach towels, and a collection of whimsical children’s books. Engaging in seaside storytime with the little ones not only enhances their language skills but also fosters a deep appreciation for nature and literature.

Literary Adventures Beyond the Pages

Seaside reading isn’t confined to the written word alone. It extends to literary adventures beyond the pages. Imagine exploring tidal pools after reading a marine biology book, or engaging in a seashell scavenger hunt inspired by a story about ocean treasures. Seaside storytime opens the door to a world of interactive experiences, allowing readers to connect with nature and the narratives they immerse themselves in.

Book Clubs by the Sea: Community and Connection

Seaside book clubs offer a unique sense of community and connection. Gathering with fellow book enthusiasts by the shore creates a shared experience that goes beyond the pages of the book. Whether it’s discussing the latest bestseller or delving into a classic novel, the beach becomes a dynamic setting for literary exploration and vibrant conversations.

Seaside Storytime Events: Bridging Literature and Nature

Communities and organizations around the world are recognizing the allure of seaside storytime and are organizing events that bring literature to the beach. From author readings on the shoreline to literary festivals with an oceanic theme, these events bridge the gap between literature and nature, celebrating the magic that happens when storytelling meets the sea.

Mindful Reading by the Ocean

Seaside storytime transcends the confines of literature. It’s a gateway to mindfulness. The rhythmic waves, the salty breeze, and the sun’s warmth offer an idyllic setting for readers to cultivate mindfulness.

Seaside reading transforms into a meditative experience, enabling individuals to break free from the chaos of daily life, embracing tranquility, and discovering solace within the captivating pages of a good book. The symphony of nature and literature creates a sanctuary, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the present moment, fostering a sense of peace that transcends the stories within the pages.

Conclusion

Seaside storytime, with its beachside reading and literary adventures, invites readers to embark on a journey where the lines between fiction and reality blur with the ebb and flow of the tide.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, building family traditions, or connecting with a community of like-minded readers, the seaside offers a magical setting where literature and nature converge. So, the next time you find yourself by the ocean, don’t forget to bring along a captivating book and let the waves carry you into a world of literary wonder. Seaside storytime awaits, where the possibilities are as boundless as the sea itself.

In California, where the car culture is as integral as the state’s iconic landscapes, selling an old car can be a journey filled with potential and pitfalls. This bustling marketplace offers ample opportunities for car sellers, but it also demands savvy preparation and strategic execution. This guide is designed to navigate you through the process, providing key insights and essential tips to ensure you get the best possible deal for your old car.

Preparing Your Car for Sale

Cleaning and Detailing: The visual appeal of your car can significantly influence a buyer’s decision. A thorough cleaning and detailing job not only enhances its aesthetic but also indicates a well-maintained vehicle. Focus on both the interior and exterior, addressing any dirt or blemishes. Consider professional detailing services if necessary, as they can help address hard-to-clean areas and provide a showroom-quality finish.

Minor Repairs and Maintenance: Small investments in repairs can lead to higher returns. Addressing obvious mechanical issues, such as unusual noises, leaks, or worn brakes, can increase the car’s value and buyer confidence. Similarly, fixing dents, scratches, or chipped paint can improve its appearance. Record all repairs and maintenance activities, as this documentation can be a persuasive selling point.

Ensure all necessary documents, such as the car title, service records, and warranties, are readily available. These documents not only establish trust but also provide a clear history of the car, which buyers highly value.

Accurate Valuation of Your Car

Understanding the true value of your car is critical in setting a fair and competitive price. Use reputable sources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to gauge the market value, considering factors such as make, model, age, mileage, and overall condition. Remember that the market in California might vary from national averages due to higher demand for certain models, especially fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles. Setting a price slightly above your minimum acceptable price can provide room for negotiation while ensuring you don’t undervalue your car.

Understanding the BAR Program

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Retirement Program offers an alternative for owners of older cars that may not fetch high market value. Eligible vehicles can be retired in exchange for financial compensation, often a more advantageous option than a traditional sale for cars in poor condition or with high emissions.

Exploring BAR Program Alternatives

If the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Retirement Program doesn’t suit your needs, or if its requirements seem too stringent, the California cash for cars program is a noteworthy alternative. This program particularly benefits those seeking a faster process or car owners whose vehicles don’t meet all of BAR’s criteria.

This program offers a straightforward and less restrictive path to retire older vehicles, often with fewer eligibility conditions and a quicker processing time. It’s an attractive option for owners looking to receive financial compensation without the extensive requirements of the BAR program. This alternative not only benefits car owners but also supports environmental initiatives by facilitating the removal of older, less efficient vehicles from California’s roads.

Effective Advertising and Marketing

Choosing the right platform for your sale can make a significant difference. Online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay Motors, or local California-centric websites can offer wide exposure. When creating your listing, include comprehensive details about the car’s condition, history, and unique features. Use high-quality photos taken from multiple angles in good lighting to showcase your vehicle effectively. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms and word-of-mouth within your community can expand your reach to potential buyers.

Negotiation Strategies

Effective negotiation is a blend of art and science. Be transparent about the car’s condition and history, as honesty fosters trust and can facilitate a smoother transaction. Be prepared for potential buyers to haggle; decide in advance the lowest price you’re willing to accept. Practice patience and courtesy during negotiations, as a positive interaction can often lead to a successful sale.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Navigating the legal and regulatory aspects is crucial. In California, sellers are required to provide a smog certification if the car is more than four years old. Additionally, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form within five days of the car sale to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the change in ownership. Ensure all paperwork, including the bill of sale and title transfer, is correctly filled out and signed to facilitate a smooth transfer and avoid future liabilities.

Conclusion

Successfully selling an old car in California involves more than just a transaction; it requires a thoughtful approach to preparation, valuation, marketing, negotiation, and legal compliance. By adhering to these essential tips, you can confidently navigate the sale process, ensuring a profitable and satisfactory deal for your old car in the Golden State.

It is only right that grandparents see their grandchildren but how do they stand when it comes to seeking visitation?

Understanding visitation laws is crucial for grandparents rights seeking legal access to their grandchildren. Laws vary widely, with some explicitly granting visitation rights to grandparents under specific circumstances, while others have stringent criteria or restrict visitation unless deemed necessary for the child’s well-being.

Familiarise yourself with these laws, as they typically outline the circumstances under which grandparents can file for visitation, such as parental divorce, death, or other exceptional situations. Understanding the legal framework sets the foundation for a viable case.

With this in mind, this article will explore strategies for grandparents seeking visitation. Let’s delve in…

Strategies for Grandparents Seeking Visitation

Build Strong Relationships with Grandchildren

The cornerstone of a strong grandparent-grandchild relationship lies in consistent effort and genuine interest. Amidst any difficulties or challenges, dedicating time to share moments, express care, and actively engage in their lives cultivates a deep and enduring bond. Attending significant life events such as school functions, birthdays, or celebratory occasions not only showcases support but also leaves lasting impressions.

Regular and varied forms of communication play a pivotal role in fostering this relationship. Whether through heartfelt letters, uplifting phone calls, or modern video chats, these interactions bridge physical distances and strengthen emotional connections.

Encouraging their interests, participating in their hobbies, and sharing stories or experiences further solidifies these ties, creating a nurturing environment where trust and affection flourish.

Recognising the value of their perspectives, engaging in meaningful conversations, and being a consistent source of support instils a sense of security and affection that transcends time and distance.

Have Open Communication with Parents

Creating an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual respect with the child’s parents lays the groundwork for fostering visitation between grandparents and grandchildren. Acknowledging the concerns and perspectives of the parents while effectively expressing the significance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship is essential.

Approaching discussions with empathy and understanding allows for a more constructive exchange. Highlighting the positive impact of maintaining these familial ties on the child’s emotional well-being and growth can be pivotal. Emphasising the value of the bond without undermining the parents’ authority or decisions is key.

Initiating conversations regarding potential visitation schedules or arrangements that consider the convenience and preferences of all parties involved, primarily centred on the child’s best interests, can pave the way for a collaborative resolution that benefits everyone involved.

Explore Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

When conflicts regarding visitation rights arise, embracing mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can pave a less confrontational way forward. Mediation establishes a structured, impartial setting where both parties can openly share perspectives, aiming to collaboratively find common ground.

This method allows grandparents and parents to express concerns, desires, and expectations in a moderated, non-adversarial environment. It encourages respectful dialogue, focusing on the best interests of the child while aiming for mutually beneficial visitation terms.

Utilising ADR techniques fosters negotiation and compromise, avoiding prolonged and emotionally taxing legal confrontations. By opting for mediation or ADR, grandparents demonstrate willingness to engage in constructive discussions, prioritising the preservation of familial relationships and the well-being of the grandchild.

Seek Legal Advice

Engaging an experienced family law attorney experienced in handling grandparents’ rights and visitation laws is a crucial step. An attorney well-versed in family law possesses the expertise to evaluate your unique circumstances and offer tailored advice. They provide comprehensive insights into the intricate legal landscape, clarifying the complexities surrounding visitation rights for grandparents.

These legal professionals meticulously assess the specifics of your case, outlining the available legal pathways and potential challenges. They offer invaluable guidance, helping you understand the legal procedures and complexities involved. Should the situation escalate, an attorney can adeptly represent your interests, ensuring your voice is heard in court proceedings if necessary.

Investing in legal counsel ensures a thorough understanding of your rights and equips you with the tools needed to understand legal processes efficiently.

Demonstrate Best Interest of the Child

In legal contexts, showcasing the paramount importance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship is pivotal. Underlining the positive influence this relationship has on the child’s overall well-being forms a crucial argument for visitation rights.

Accentuating the emotional support, stability, and unique guidance grandparents offer can significantly bolster the case for visitation. Highlighting the enriching experiences, lessons, and values imparted through this bond solidifies the argument for maintaining these connections.

Articulating a commitment to providing a loving and nurturing environment that complements the child’s upbringing reinforces the stance on the positive impact of the grandparent’s involvement. Emphasising the role in cultivating a well-rounded and emotionally fulfilled grandchild contributes substantially to advocating for visitation rights.

Strategies for grandparents seeking visitation…

Successfully understanding grandparents’ rights in seeking visitation requires a varied approach. Understanding the legalities, nurturing relationships, fostering open communication, exploring mediation, seeking legal counsel, and prioritising the child’s best interests all contribute to creating and maintaining valuable grandparent-grandchild connections.

Image Credit – Andrea Piacquadi, Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas and Andrea Piacquadio