In this time and age, perhaps the most important things that a human being should have are not only exclusive on food, water, and clothing; even mobile phones have been regarded as a basic need. If you’ll take a look at the figures, almost 80% of the world’s population is now a mobile phone user. The limitations of connecting to one another across all forms of barriers have become a problem of the past. Today, everything is just a tap away.

Because technology is ever-progressing, innovators have found a way to make the mobile device even better by introducing a variety of features to it. With so much advancement, there came the neologism “Smartphone.” It has the capabilities to do almost anything one can think of, provided that it is boosted by the right apps and accessories. Amazing, isn’t it? If you are among the few who still aren’t a smartphone owner, then maybe this is the time to get one now. You can either purchase a device from a physical store or go shopping on an online mobile store like E_cell to take hold of your very own smart device. However, the part of choosing isn’t going to be that easy. Mind you, there are a lot of smartphones out there, giving you a very hard time to make your pick. So, if you are interested enough to buy one, especially if you’re not a techie person, then take heed of these guides for choosing the right smartphone for you when it comes to their operating systems.

1.       Apple iOS (iPhone)

This operating system is basically easy to learn and be familiarized with. It is best suited for newbies, for it is user-friendly. It supports more than 800,000 apps in its App Store that you can choose from. You can be able to modify your handheld device by means of free apps or the ones that come with a price. The thing that isn’t attractive with this iDevice is its battery life. With iPhone5 for example, it can hardly keep up with an all-day usage. You are compelled to bring a portable charger with it if you want a non-stop iPhone experience.

2.       Google’s Android

The most patronized operating system is indubitably the Android. And because of this, you have the option to choose from a number of smartphones that don’t only integrate a touchscreen input method. If you are more of a keypad person, then there is absolutely something out there that runs on Android. And since Android is more widely used, it’s Play Store has more than 1 million apps that are available for download. Furthermore, Google empowers its patrons by enabling them to customize their devices however they want to. On the other hand, having an open source nature for free customization entails more risks. Without much restrictions by the developer, some apps have been found to contain Trojans that cause trouble.

3.       Microsoft Windows 8

Windows may have dominated the PC industry, but it has proven to be frail when it comes to smartphones. Windows 8 is yet to be a mainstay platform because it still has to prove its worth. The user interface of this operating system is radically unique compared with the first two platforms. Since it is Microsoft, apps like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and the like will be fully supported. Given the fact that Windows 8 is a relatively new operating system for smartphones, there aren’t many phones to choose from yet that uses this. So far, Nokia is its strongest partner aside from HTC and a few Samsung devices.

Aside from choosing your preferred operating system, there are also a lot of factors you have to consider in finally picking out a phone from the shelves or from online stores. The decision is solely up to you, although I’m quite sure that you’ll be able to love the one that you’ll be choosing no matter what brand it is or platform it possesses.

A lot of people who are a fan of wide screen gadgets just couldn’t get enough of tablets—or what’s more common nowadays, phablets. Who could blame them; it’s more fun tapping and toggling on a gadget with a wider and very responsive display. Gone are the days when gadgets get more compact than their previous versions.

But, these tablets aren’t just innovated for better viewing of videos, pictures, and whatnot. As an advancing gadget should be, some features are being added and tweaked for the user’s convenience. There are even tablet accessories out on the market to maximize its potential. But before we go to accessories, do you know any of the most wallet-friendly tablets that are right for your budget? I’m sure, getting the best of tablets is a great thing, but that doesn’t mean you should spend the money you don’t have. Check out these cheap yet awesome tablets that suit you and your budget:

#1: Google Nexus 7

First on the list is Google Nexus 7 (picked in random order). This tablet had just freshly popped last July. The old Google Nexus 7 has been revamped, and now it has a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU, Adreno 320 graphics, 2GB of RAM, and a 1920 x 1200 resolution IPS display. What’s the biggest difference you’d notice between the first and second-generation Nexus 7? It has now a 5-megapixel shooter at the back and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera. Not to mention, there is now also stereo speakers added. What about the OS? It is now running the latest version of Android which is Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Google Nexus 7 offers the perfect mix of power and portability to its users. Isn’t it worth it? [£199]

#2: Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Now, this Amazon Kindle Fire HD pretty sure is one good-looking tablet. Gadgets are real touch sensitive, aren’t they? And so, this kindle widens its frame so there won’t be any accidental screen touches. That’s quite a clever move, Amazon Kindle Fire HD. Moving on with the display, it is indeed high-definition and has vivid colors that would really spoil your eyes with its colorful display. The only drawback of this tablet is its lack of a zoom in feature when you watch something widescreen. Moreover, it gives a great accessibility to music, books, and apps that you can buy from the Amazon Appstore. This Kindle Fire HD is real hard to beat when talking about its features with only a cheap price. [£139]

#3: Acer Iconia A1-810

And lastly, the Acer Iconia A1. This 7.9-incher is great for users who are hardcore adventurers. It offers a quad-core 1.2GHz processor that supports its every feature so you could use your tablet smoothly. This 1024 x 768 4:3 ratio screen is also made up of an IPS LED-backlit display that weighs 410g and 11.1mm thick only. What makes it even greater is its Touch WakeApp gesture control that allows the user to access the app he or she intends to just by toggling its icon even when the tablet is on its sleep mode. Talk about camera, it has a 5-megapixel shooter at the back that is capable of capturing 1080p video at 30 frames per second. I’d definitely be like, “Shut up! And take my money!” [£149.99]

So, where would you put your money? Get them always charged up with your USB charger, and enjoy as you spend your time with it, since you have spent your money wisely! There are still cheaper tablets out there; just be sure to keep an eye on them. Happy choosing!

A dream is a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep. It occurs as we go through five sleep stages. On the first stage of sleep, the sleep is very light, making it easy for us to wake up even just from switching the lights on. The second stage of sleep phases to a slightly deeper sleep, and then we experience a deeper sleep as we go through the third and fourth stages. Within these four stages, our brain activity gradually slows down till we experience nothing but the slowest brain waves called delta brain waves. And after about 90 minutes of fourth sleep stage, we begin REM sleep—the fifth and last stage of sleep.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, in its name, is characterized by swift movements of the eyes. This is the stage at which most dreaming takes place. Talk about dreams, we often found them illogical since they never actually happen in real life. That’s why we refer wishful thinking of ours as dreams. But these dreams aren’t just dreams at all. They may interpret something. In this digital age where every little thing tastes techie-ness, you even dream about them. Wondering what do they imply? Here is the list of meanings of some of the gadgets, specifically on mobile phones and accessories, that we may have dreamt, or going to be dreaming:

#1: Cell Phone. If you have seen a cell phone in your dream, it indicates that you are being receptive to new information. As a mobile phone’s distinguishable trait, it represents mobility as well. Yet, the dream may also signify the lack of understanding. It may imply that you are having difficulties getting through to someone. On the other hand, losing your cell phone represents lack of communication. You may have lost touch with some aspect of your feelings or yourself. Finding a cell phone symbolizes reconnection and reopened communication.

#2: Mobile Earphones. The next thing we oftentimes see attached to smartphones is the pair of earphones. To dream that you are wearing earphones indicates that you are the only one getting the message. Furthermore, it means that you are in tune with your intuition.

#3: Battery. Of course, your phone or gadget wouldn’t turn on without it. And so it is installed in your gadget to energize it. Thus, it symbolizes life energy and vitality. On the other hand, if the battery is dead, it suggests that you are emotionally exhausted or feeling low.

#4: Portable Charger. To recharge those batteries, sure enough, you’re going to need a charger. If you have dreamt of a charger, then it suggests that you are feeling drained or empty—same with a dead battery. The dream is a metaphor that you need to be “recharged” and revitalized. Alternatively, the dream may also signify that you are disconnected from others. You are maybe isolating yourself.

Try to think of the gadgets you’ve dreamt, and look up their meanings. It’s cool to understand a dream so you could know yourself better.

No one is brave enough to let their precious smartphone be stepped-on on purpose. Dare to step on someone’s phone intently; he’ll definitely cut off your feet in no time. If it’s not even too much, there’s an invisible sign that strictly says, “DO NOT STEP. THIS IS NOT FOOTWEAR!” But is it really not footwear?

You might want to step onto these designs of mobile back case from the online mobile store I found! They are real cool; you can even step onto them literally so you’d know how sturdy they can get, although I am not really encouraging you step onto them, of course. These back cases are made of high quality and durable gloss coated polycarbonate plastic that is ultra-thin and lightweight, leaving no bulk at all as installed at the back of your phone. Indeed, the online seller E_cell is the store to look for if you’re into fine aesthetics, functionality, and durability for your pristine phone. Who wouldn’t want that? So, slip your feet on to your footwear, and let’s have a rundown through these awesome Head Case Flops Designs!

#1: HEAD CASE RETRO FLOPS DESIGN PROTECTIVE GLOSSY BACK CASE COVER

Feel the Retro in your feet—or perhaps on your hand—as you groove with retro colors of this footwear designed back case. Not that this intends for one to be nostalgic, but this design was influenced from colors past. So, let your flops groove with retro colors all the more, as this back case retails for £4.95 only.

#2: HEAD CASE STRIPES FLOPS DESIGN SNAP-ON BACK CASE COVER

Separate spots from stripes, and what do you have? Evidently, stripes! So here is the flops-inspired back case design for “Stripe Lovers” who just can’t get enough of stripes! This colorful footwear gets your phone look all stylish and attractive. You’ve gotta love the stripes! It retails for only £4.95.

#3: HEAD CASE HEARTY FLOPS DESIGN MATT BACK CASE COVER

Flip Flops should not be glossy, you say? Try out this Hearty Flops Design Matt Back Case Cover! This case is constructed of high quality and durable matt coated polycarbonate plastic so it won’t be reflecting light and won’t be glossy as the other back cases are. This Hearty Flops design will make your heart beat faster and slower at the same time, as it protects your phone from impending incidents like sudden bumps, back scuffs, and damages. What’s not to love? Price retails for only £4.95.

#4: HEAD CASE FLORAL FLOPS DESIGN SNAP-ON HARD BACK CASE COVER

Make it fashionable; make it floral! This Floral Flops design will make all girls get giddy-ups inside with this flowery design at the back of their phones! Keep it stylish, attractive, and girly with this Head Case Floral Flops design. Perk up your phone while protecting it against damages with this adorable back case for only £4.95.

#5: HEAD CASE CAMOU FLOPS DESIGN SNAP-ON GLOSSY HARD BACK CASE COVER

Want to feel the sense of protection, you say? This back case shouts out “Military!” This Camou Flops design back case cover boasts on how it protects your phone from all the impending incidents like scuffs, bumps, and damages. Be careful not to put it on green or leafy places, or you’ll definitely need a hyper vigilant skill to find it! What’s even greater about it is that you’ll find it for only £4.95.

These back cases may not have the rubber-feel like the footwear flip flops should be, but they serve their purpose to protect. As footwear protects the feet, so as this footwear inspired back case protects your phone from sudden bumps, back scratches, and damages. You need not worry about the accessibility of your phone’s every feature since the case has precise port cutouts so you can use all the accessories of your phone with ease. Want more designs? There’s more in store! Just visit the Head Case Designs website, and you could choose from varieties of designs! Just slip it on, and snap it on!

Dizzy. That is exactly what I feel whenever I hear rumors of new gadgets and technologies that are about to take the world by storm in the coming year. I have every reason to feel that way, because I remember when I was still in college, I can enumerate all the phone models of all the phone companies in the world. But now, the list is longer than ever. I haven’t enjoyed the latest gadget yet, there is already a new one next in line.

Yes I do enjoy trying out these latest gadgets, and at the time of writing, we are again bombarded with the rumors and leakages of the next generation smartphones that will definitely make noise once officially announced. Allow me to give you a glimpse.

HTC ONE

                Sporting a sleek and modern design, the HTC One is never a weakling in terms of features and specs. What really makes me drool all over this smartphone is its 89GB supported memory coupled with its next generation Quad-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz. And not only that, if you love music, this phone is the one most fitted for your vice. The HTC One is armed with exclusive built-in Beats audio. Nothing but the best and superior audio experience for you, with an iconic Beats mobile earphones.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S4

                There are so many rumors about this next flagship smartphone for Samsung. The good news is, all speculations will be over comes the official launching in the Big Apple this March 14, 2013. Although news say that it will be equipped with an Eight-core processor, a first in the world. I can only imagine how flawless and effortless app running and gaming be in this big time smartphone. Also, it will be adorned with a 13-Megapixel rear camera, and 2-Megapixel front camera. A 2GB RAM will also grace this smartphone making it worthy for a flagship.

Sony Xperia Z

                Waterproof. That one word and feature is the saving grace of this smartphone and made it a step further than the rest. It can withstand being underwater for a whopping 30 minutes. If that wouldn’t make you think twice, I don’t really know what will. This upcoming smartphone from Sony has been breaking the headlines since it was first exposed to the public. It also has a 13-Megapixel camera, 2GB RAM, and a Quad-core Processor. NFC and WiFi direct are just icing on top of the beautiful cake.

                For now, these are the ones making noise in the gadget industry. It wouldn’t actually take a blink before the newer ones will come along. Who knows what features the next generation smartphones would possess? 3D effects? Laser beams? Let’s watch out!

No one wants to be rejected. Rejection of any type, may it be in school, in work, or in relationships, causes so much pain. That feeling gives people the idea to give up on their dreams and aspirations. Even the greatest, most prominent people in the planet experienced rejection. Let’s take Walt Disney as an example. He was fired by a newspaper editor because he lacked imagination and had no good ideas. But look at what he had built—an empire where fantasy becomes a reality. Another is Thomas Edison. He was thought to be too stupid to learn anything by his teachers in his early years. Even as an inventor, he made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb until he had finally built one that really worked.

Rejection can be found anywhere, big or small. The thing is to never lose focus and never stop trying. Because once you stopped, then you won’t be able to reach anywhere. If ever you felt rejected, and think like it’s the end of the road for you, then read the tips below to conquer your fears of again being a victim of rejection.

1.       Acknowledge that you were rejected. Don’t divert your attention to other things just to shrug off the fact that you were rejected. Splurge not on the latest gadgets just to forget the feeling of rejection. Face it. You may not be aware, but the rejection you let pass may haunt you in ways you don’t expect.

2.       Feel the hurt. It’s normal to feel bad because you were rejected. Let the hurt sink in, but remember that you don’t need to linger on the pain. Desensitize yourself with the hurt until it hurts no more. Feel it initially and let it go eventually.

3.       Don’t take it personally. It’s not your fault. Don’t be too hard on yourself for being rejected. Different people have different preferences. It just so happened that they did not see what they want to see in you. Don’t let it bring you down. This may be a sign for you to better yourself.

4.       Run to friends and family. Having someone to share your hurt helps a lot. Even if they won’t say a word, their mere presence is comforting enough.

5.       Maintain your focus. Think “maybe next time will be my time”. Give yourself credit for trying. Focus on your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Or better yet, turn your weaknesses into your strengths. Don’t give up on your dreams because you were rejected once or twice. Remember, it took Thomas Edison 1000 failed attempts to come up with a working light bulb.

6.       Learn from the experience. Take note that being rejected is just a phase. It may be an experience for you to grow even better and rethink your perspectives in life. Note what needs to be improved with yourself in your smartphone so you can easily check what needs to be done.

7.       Feel free to try again. Familiar about the law of attraction? This means that what you think, you attract into your life. If you invite positive thoughts, there is a big chance that those will come to fruition. Don’t hold back for you might miss a lot of things just because of your fear of being rejected again.

Everything happens for a reason. Maybe the reason you were rejected today is because there is something better waiting for you tomorrow. Just don’t be afraid to try again. As Thomas Edison once said, “genius is one percent inspiration, ninety nine percent perspiration.” It means that great accomplishments are born out of hard work—that with dedication sans fear of rejection.

Punctuation marks are symbols that make written language structurally sound and organized. Perhaps others don’t mind using punctuations properly for as long as they can get what they want to say to the other person. Be wary because misguided use of punctuations may denote a different meaning when used in pure written communication that may cause confusion.

In the age where smartphones are ubiquitous and are indispensable accessories to every human being, people started taking proper use of punctuations for granted. Sometimes you see even misspelled words due to the practice that people make everything short as possible. To refresh your memory on the proper use of punctuations, read what’s below.

End marks (Period, Question Mark, and Exclamation Point)

·         Used to end sentences; e.g. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Comma (,)

·         Used to separate words or phrases in a list; e.g. The mobile back case for your mobile phone comes in red, yellow, orange, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

·         Used before a coordinating conjunction when joining independent clauses; e.g. He seems to be doing well in Math and in English, but he is failing Science.

·         Used before and after an insertion; e.g. Lucy, the manager, is admired because of her witty personality and her sexy figure.

Semi-colon (;)

·         Used to join independent clauses without coordinating conjunctions, e.g. Think about what you did; don’t just leave the room without learning your lesson.

·         Used to join independent clauses where the second begins with a conjunctive adverb, e.g. Sheldon considers pizza his favourite dish; however he loves fried chicken and spaghetti, too.

·         Used when items in a series contain commas; e.g. The contestants are Ms. Ling, from China; Ms. Moreau, from France; Ms. Trinidad, from Brazil; and Ms. Henderson, from Canada.

Colon (:)

·         Used to introduce a list; e.g. Buy these in the grocery: a bottle of Worcestershire sauce, a pound of sugar, a pack of menthol cigarettes, and a can of mushroom soup.

·         Used to indicate that what follows is an explanation or elaboration of the former statement; e.g. There is only one solution to your problem: accept the truth and move on with your life.

Hyphen (-)

·         Used to divide a word at the end of a line.

·         Used in compound adjectives; e.g. long-distance relationship, Spider-man.

Single Quotation (‘)

·         Used to indicate possession (apostrophe); e.g. Johnny’s dog won the pet show and garnered many admirers.

·         Used to denote contraction; e.g. can’t, don’t, won’t

Double Quotation (“)

·         Used to enclose a direct quotation; e.g. He said, “Get out of my life!”

There are tons of things we could do anywhere – at home, in the office, out in the streets, etcetera. We do them all because we have fun. The must to rest your bodies have gone long past bedtime. When you’re having fun, you’re like in a state of euphoria never wanting to get it out of your system.

There are a number of reasons as to why we decide to stay up late at night but in general, these are the causes:

1.       Website Browsing.

With an Internet connection, you can find plenty of sites that focus on the specific interests that you may have. When you actually find one, you might get hooked like those people with Facebook. They have lost track of time that they already began the next day without even noticing it. Some people looking for tablet accessories for example, cannot help themselves from looking over EVERYTHING until they locate the perfect accessory for their tablet.

2.       Video Streaming.

With smartphones always in your pockets, you can stream videos of your favorite programs anywhere and anytime. My grandma has this drama show that she doesn’t want to miss out on and when she does, she bothers me. I will give her my smartphone then after gathering those missed episodes and let her watch. She couldn’t and wouldn’t sleep without that goal achieved.

3.       Online Chatting.

Through gevey sims, you can chat with anyone from other mobile networks for as long as you want. Who would sleep if they have their crush on the other line to talk with? I know I wouldn’t!

4.       Game Playing.

People who get addicted to role-playing games are not those individuals who couldn’t sleep. They are those that wouldn’t. Like I said, it’s all about the fun that the recreation brings. Though RPG games can actually improve the cognitive and reaction abilities of the individual, it still isn’t a good excuse to stay up late just so you could finish the boss and start another level.

5.       Midnight Snacking.

For the people who can’t get enough of food, you’ll get fat! Resume your food intake the next day when all that you’ve eaten for dinner have been digested. Yes, food provides the necessary nutrients for a healthy body, however, when it’s too much, it’s never good. Word of the wise my friend: more isn’t good. It’s stupid.

Notice that most of these activities can all be done using the Internet. Well, that’s the reality of the world now. We all depend on the Internet for our personal endeavours because we’re too lazy to get up and spend a healthy time spoiling yourself with them.

There are many types of relationships that we go into in every part of our lives. It doesn’t take two to make a relationship. Sometimes, devoting all those emotions that are commonly expected in a two-people relationship can also be lavished in a relationship with yourself. There is also a kind of relationship wherein you choose to give your time and being to the Almighty like our dedicated holy brothers and sisters. Overall, the emotions given and received are all that matters in a relationship.

A relationship is like choosing a smartphone that comes by each year advertising itself to you until such time you pick one and indulge yourself into it. Smartphones have different features that make them stand out. But at the same time, their top of the shelf flairs are becoming enticing as ever which makes it harder to resist than usual. And to make it officially yours (aside from actually buying it), you buy mobile accessories that are compatible with the model of smartphone you own. Similarly in becoming involved in any kind of relationship, they say if you want it then you should put a ring on it. That’s the only way you can say it’s yours for the taking.

Women love gifts. Rings are their favorite. Presenting a lady a gift like a ring will immediately mean you’re serious about the relationship. So men, be very careful of the accessories you get the ladies. Always put a label on everything.

Friendship Ring

Unlike the many iPhone accessories readily available in stores, a friendship ring is no longer that much acknowledged today. A friendship ring symbolizes a bond between two or more individuals who value each other that they become like family. The friendship ring is equated with a promise ring for those who decide to give it to their best friends of the opposite sex. Nevertheless, for friends who have found their true companions, a friendship ring is never outdated.

Purity Ring

On the other hand, a purity ring or a chastity ring is worn to imply one’s abstinence to sex before marriage or simply to swear to be chaste. This is quite common in Christian families as they give great importance to the essence of marriage where the two people, especially the bride, should remain pure to each other as they are presented in front of the Lord. In some countries, young adults are expected to take a manifesto or a pledge to withhold sex.

Promise Ring

Some say that a promise ring is an engagement ring. To avoid the confusion, a promise ring is called a pre-engagement ring – a ring that signifies one’s commitment to his or her romantic power until such time they reached the stage where an engagement ring is fitted. Because promise rings are often confused with engagement rings, these are worn by their owners on either their left middle finger or the right ring finger.

There are other known rings like the engagement and wedding rings that all the same denote a person’s confinement in sickness and in health to the giver, that only in death can they be parted. This should also be exercised in relationships. Until the device itself wears out, it should never be replaced.

I still have a clear picture on my mind of the time when I was about to graduate college. It was a great and momentous feeling for me, especially for my family because I am the eldest child; therefore I am the first one to finish school among my other siblings. I felt a bit nostalgic of all the pains, struggles, and joy that I experienced in my two decades in school.

                To any student, school has always been their life, their whole world, their reality. As a student, your only responsibility is to study well and deliver. The transition from a student to a bona fide proletariat isn’t as smooth as I hope it to be. I remember our professors and guidance counsellors bombarding us with last minute notes on professionalism. Way back when I was younger, my understanding of professionalism is very superficial, but now that I have experienced working myself, I realized that professionalism goes a long way than showing up to the office on time, donning a sharp looking suit and tie, or having a complete attendance.

Be Competent

                The moment you get the job, it follows that you have the proper tools and skill to get the job done.  All you have to do is prove your superiors that they did not make a mistake in hiring you. Always put your best foot forward, you’ll see in the end that all your efforts and hard work will not be put to waste.

Be Reliable

                One common denominator of the student life and professional life is having deadlines. In the real world, deadlines are more crucial than what you have in school. In school, when you do not meet your deadline, the worst scenario would be getting reprimanded by your professor, or maybe have a failing grade thus the need to take the subject again. But when you’re in the professional world, not meeting the deadline might cost you your bread and butter. Time should be taken serious and must always be included in your top priorities. Invest on a trusty and reliable smartphone to help you organize your schedules and meetings, and tasks to be accomplished.

Be a Team player

                As the famous adage says, No man is an island. No matter how highly intellectual or how sterling your credentials are, you sure need other people to accomplish your tasks. Be nice to your colleagues and maintain a good relationship with them no matter how high or low his or her position may be. You’ll never know when you will need their help. Establish rapport to your colleagues, maybe you can start by opening a conversation topic that interests them all, like maybe the latest gadgets or the new mobile accessories in the market, or your favorite online mobile stores that they can visit too.

Improve your Craft

                If opportunities rise, don’t hesitate to take it if it means increasing your market value. This may pave the way to promotions or having to take more responsibilities for the company. Having more responsibilities means that your superior puts more trust in you than the others.

                As mature individuals, we must take care of our careers and behave the way that professionals are.  The world is not all clouds and chocolates, the real world is cruel, so we must do our best to take care of our reputation and our careers.