Music has been an integral part of human history and can be traced along the origins of man himself. Not only has music been a part of our culture, our lives, but it also impacts us deeply on a very emotional level. Studies have found that listening to music can not only induce moods but a change in the type of beat, rhythm, and lyrics can also cause a transition in the mood. A study published on the Journal of Consumer Research claims that people tend to hear deep, sad music when they experience something similar. The study suggested that music provides a substitute for grief. Similarly, happy and joyous music can shift the mood around as well. Strong and fast beats can pump up a person and motivate him/her and induce a feeling of competition (which in their musical fantasy leads to success) in their thoughts.

Artists like Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons, Shankar Mahadevan, Sukhwinder Singh with electrifying songs like ‘Numb’, ‘Radioactive’, and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, & ‘Kar Har Maidaan Fateh’ respectively are quite often heard to induce a feeling of success and to pursue the same. Amidst these artists lies a rapper, going by the name of Marshall Mathers a.k.a. Eminem, undoubtedly one of the greatest rappers the world has ever seen. Coming from the hoods of Michigan, Detroit, Eminem came out to be rather tough as compared to the sweet, innocent, submissive child he was in his childhood.

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Often known for hurling disses at his rivals and being quite good at them, Eminem has taken a jab at the careers of famous rappers like Ja Rule, Benzino, Machine Gun Kelly, and destroyed them all. He is one person who refuses to back down. A hardworking and devoted rapper, Eminem loves his daughter Hailie and often is seen citing her on his songs. Due to his emotional quotient being so high, teenagers especially, and fans belonging to other age groups listen and relate to his songs. Eminem has received notable awards and nominations due to his work. In 2002, he won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song for ‘Lose Yourself’ (mentioned below) , not only marking a big award in his list of awards, but also being the first rapper to do so. He has been a stunning 15-time Grammy Awards winner and has also received the Global Icon Award at MTV Europe Music Awards.

What makes his music so special ? Let’s find out.

1. Not Afraid

A song from his 7^th studio album, and probably the most famous and heavily applauded one, ‘Recovery’, the song is about Eminem facing what’s coming to him and not being afraid about it. Recovery as an album marks Eminem’s rise from the bottom again, as he dealt with and successfully overcame his drug addiction and conquered another bad phase of his life wherein he was heavily criticised for promoting drugs, objectifying women, using abusive language and being homophobic. Eminem, through Not Afraid delivers to the audience that he’s grateful to them for making him realise that he was on the wrong path. The lines ‘And I just can’t keep living this way; so starting today; I’m breaking out of this cage’ signify that he was tired of the lifestyle he was pursuing and that he was trapped in a cage from which he wanted to break out, and he did.

Like many of his songs, he also mentions Hailie on this song, but refers to her as ‘my daughter’ and claims that he will raise his legacy just like he raised his daughter, without letting a ‘single shingle’ on it.

The video is also symbolic of his rise, and fall, and consequential rise as an artist as in the video he’s seen on the top of a building, then experiencing a fall from a height, and then flying back up again to get on the top of the building.

The lyrics of the song are strong and the beat is good. Eminem mentions that he’ll make sure to take every person along with him who feels confused, demotivated, and also believes that he/she is trapped by the circumstances of his/her life.

Eminem won the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards Japan, Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Detroit Music Awards for the song.

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2. Lose Yourself

Some call it Eminem’s best song ever. Other’s call it one of Eminem’s best. Whatever the case may be, Lose Yourself is indeed one of the finest songs that the 15-time Grammy Winning artist has recorded. From the motion picture ‘8-Mile’ which is an autobiography of Eminem to a great extent, Lose Yourself has an aggressive, yet positive ring to it, which motivates the listener to pursue with as much hard-work and dedication as can be, whatever the listener is pursuing. And the aim of the pursuit is what Eminem asks the listener to lose himself to. The song starts with a nervous Eminem, as described in the lyrics, with vomit on his sweater and no lyrics in his mind, and then takes an eventual turn to his newly induced thought that he cannot back down. The song is guaranteed to motivate the listener and induce an adrenaline rush in him/her.

The song won Eminem the Academy Award for the Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for the Best Rap Song, and the Best Rap Solo Performance of 2004. The video on YouTube has crossed 600 million views. Depicting a struggle that Eminem had to endure in real life, Lose Yourself is one of the best songs by Eminem indeed.

3. The Monster

From the 2013 Album, ‘The Marshall Mathers LP 2’ the song ‘The Monster’ features Rihanna and Eminem as Eminem thinks about all the fame and the negative publicity he got because of his alter ego ‘Slim Shady’. It is theorised that the name of the song is derived from the personality of Slim Shady himself, because of his verbally aggressive and abusive content. Slim Shady as an alter ego is a lyrical genius, however, is quite aggressive. People like Eminem’s Shady version because of the hilarious insults that Eminem passes while in that form. The Monster marks an end to the Shadymania as in the video, Eminem walks off as Shady (portrayed by Eminem only) is locked up in a cell and about to be transferred somewhere. This video shows an official separation of Eminem from Shady. The video also features Eminem’s other videos as compiled clippings for the songs which Eminem performed as Slim Shady, such as ‘My Name is’ , ‘The Way I Am’ , ‘Mockingbird’ , and the 2001 performance of ‘Stan’ by Eminem along with Joh Elton.  

The lyrics of the song are quite emotional but combined with a deep thumping beat they are sure to introduce an energy in the listeners. Eminem in the song states that he’s friends with the ‘Monster’ and that he’ll continue to motivate children and other teenagers who rely on his songs for emotional balance.

4. Guts Over Fear

The serene voice of Sia combined with the powerful lyrical ballads of Eminem are the best gift an Eminem/Sia fan can get. The song generally talks about having the courage to overcome fear and Eminem in his verses throws around difficult instances from his life such as the negative attention he was getting in the news, growing up with one parent who too was a drug addict, yet thanking that parent for giving him the strength to cause shadymania and achieve all the success in life that Eminem has, and apologising for dissing that very parent on various songs for a troubled childhood. The beautiful voice of Sia covers the chorus which states that Eminem as a child was afraid to make any sounds, and believed that he would never find a way out. Eminem in the song claims that given the opportunity, he would rather make Not Afraid 2 than another stupid ‘We Made You’ ( a song of Eminem (Shady) which was highly controversial).

The song ends with Eminem passing the legacy that he’ll leave behind to the audience, as he says that the legend of the angry blonde will live on through his listeners when he’s gone.

The song is from the album Shady XV.

5. Survival

Another of Eminem’s song from the Marshal Mathers LP 2 is Survival, which is also a feature track for the video game Call of Duty : Ghosts. Eminem and Call of Duty go way back, with his songs such as Till I Collapse and Won’t Back Down being featured in the previous instalments of the video game. The video of the song features mainly scenes from the video game with occasional Eminem features visiting his hood in Detroit. The song is the most aggressive of all in this list, yet surprisingly does not induce anger but rather motivation in the listener. It goes with lyrics “This is the survival of the fittest; This is do or die” in the chorus, sung by Liz Rodriguez. As Eminem takes the song forth, it only gets verbally electrifying and is sure to leave the listeners in a state of daze and awe.

Other notable mentions for this article include – Cinderella Man, Venom ( from the album Kamikaze), Fall (from the album Kamikaze) and Till I Collapse.

Thank You.

Polluted air is linked to many life-threatening conditions including heart and lung ailments. A study by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute states that constant exposure to polluted air cuts global average life expectancy by nearly two years. The situation is worse in the northern cities of India including the capital. The life of an average person is decreasing by ten years because of continuous exposure to toxic air.

A joint study by ASSOCHAM-TechSci Research states that by the end of 2023, the anti-pollution mask market of India may generate a revenue of $16.86 million. Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and expansion of the urban population are linked to the deteriorating air quality in India. The presence of PM2.5 and PM10 in high concentration in the air has led to a massive sale of anti-pollution masks in India.

Global Health Observatory (GHO) in one of their reports state that 25% of the lung cancer deaths, 8% of COPD and 15% of heart disease cases are a cause of PM10 and PM2.5 exposure. The statistics of this report are high enough to ring an alarm in everyone’s mind.  

Though there are various remedies like using air purifiers, staying indoors as much as possible and keeping plants that aid in air purification, they only provide safety to a certain extent. Thus, buying a pollution mask has become imperative of all.

What to Look for in a Pollution Mask?

The first step is to identify air pollutants and picking an anti-pollution mask that offers maximum protection from Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Ozone (O₃), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Sulphur dioxide (SO₂). Some of these particles are so small that they can lodge themselves deep in the lungs.

Given the number of pollution masks available in the market, the journey of choosing the right one can be confusing. From large gas masks to the simple surgical ones, there are several options available to choose from. One can easily buy a pollution mask online from resellers like BreatheEasy. The wide range and detailed specifications help in choosing the right one.

How to Choose the Right Anti-Pollution Mask

When buying a pollution mask online or from the market, there are a few things to consider. The first factor that comes in play is the mask type. N-95 and N-99 anti-pollution masks are the best bet when it comes to tackling air pollution. The codes in these masks represent the particle filter class – an N-99 effectively filters out 99% of PM2.5 while N-95 filters out 95% of particulate matter. These anti-pollution masks are suitable for filtering almost all pollutants including noxious gases and heavy metal salts. There is another category of N-100 masks that are suitable for places with a higher level of pollution. These masks effectively filter out 99.97% of PM 2.5.

The next factor that needs consideration is the fit of the pollution mask. An ill-fitted mask will allow harmful gases to find their way to the nose and ultimately the lungs. An ideal mask is one that fits well on the chin, nose, and mouth. Many masks come with an adjustable strap to keep them intact and sealed from all sides.

The last and the most important thing to consider when buying a pollution mask online is the certification that it holds. Those masks with certifications like EN 149:2001+A1:2009 FFP2 R and Personal Protective Equipment by CE can be trusted to offer protection from harmful pollutants.

Your Safety Is in Your Hands

Looking at how the air quality is deteriorating at a rapid rate, wearing an air pollution mask has become a necessity. Children and senior citizens are most susceptible to the damaging effects of air pollution. So, buy an anti-pollution mask that is treated with silver to offer additional protection from virus and bacteria and comes with triple layer filtration system. Further, the mask you choose should showcase an excellent combination of quality workmanship and materials.

Choose to wear an anti-pollution mask to reduce the risk of encountering fatal health conditions when you step out in that grey haze. Stay healthy, feel fit!

When the tax season is right around the corner, Income Tax Refund filing becomes mandatory, yet a very cumbersome process, which the assesse should carry out, abiding all the right procedures. Owing to the lack of basic know-how, the basic and simple process turns into a tedious task. One should always keep in mind that whatever they are getting in a refund, or paying owed taxes, their wallet is going to get affected. It is a very common practice amongst most of the individuals, that when they receive the mail tagged ‘Important Tax Document’, they keep in aside for their accountants!

There is a certain important aspect that we should all be aware of the Income Tax Refund. A handful of useful tips are provided below so that one can become very well acquainted with the whole procedure.

7 user-friendly tips to make the filing for Income Tax Refund a lot simpler-

1. Identification of the accurate ITR form:

One should try to find out the accurate ITR form, that is based on the personalized case and fill it with the right information. you can check forms in incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

2. Return with no enclosures

In accordance with Rule 12 (2) of Income Tax Refund, it is stated that the return concerning income and fringe benefits should be provided by the assessors in Form No ITR -1 – 6. The ITR – 8 forms should not be deposited along with the statement focussing on the calculation of the total payable tax, as based on the return, income tax proofs, claimed deductions, advanced tax or self-assessment tax, claiming that the assessee has paid the same. If any other form or documents, like a form or report of the audit that should also be enclosed, with the income return or fringe benefit return.

3. Right Account number and contact details should be filled

For the on-time delivery of funds, it is mandatory to fill in the right account number and contact details. With the implementation of the new rule, the Income Tax Refund will get deposited directly to the assessor’s bank account, and this is for the major metropolis in India. Hence, this makes the taxpayer to be very prompt in providing with the bank account and contact details. If any taxpayer has chosen ECS, then their amount will get directly refunded to their bank account, and for this the correct MICR code and the bank details should be provided, when the return is filed.

4. Choose the right way to file an ITR

On initial days, two idyllic methods were used to file the ITR. Mostly it was done via a certificate which was digitally signed, followed by sending the tax return, in person, to the centralized processing center of the IT-Dept. But, in recent times, things have become much easier. One can even e-verify their returns over the Electronic Verification Code (EVC). By the aid of Aadhar card, Net banking or else via DEMAT account of the assesse, this can be produced.

5. Acknowledgment slip to be filled-in

While the assesse is filling-in the IT return in paper format, he should always fill-in the acknowledgment slip, as attached with it. Nowadays, the new ITR forms do not require to be filled-in separately.

6. Indication of meting out u/s 143 (1)

The receiving of the refund is taken as the indicator of processing done under 143 (1). The taxpayer will not be getting any separate indicator unless demand or refund arises. If demand rises, the taxpayer has 30 days in hand, from the date of receipt, to fulfil the demand. The IT department has all the right to pursue a suitable action if the demand is not meted out on-time.

7. ITR can be filed through Income Tax Preparers

Abiding by the income tax act, the members and individuals of HUFs are not asked to get their account audited. They can instead use the TRP method for filing their return. But then, one important to be noted here is that the assesse cannot avail the TRP services. If he/she is not a resident of India (all through the previous year of assessment). A token amount is charged by the tax return preparers from the assessed for preparing and filling-in the income return, for that specific year of assessment.

There are quite a few facts and tips that one should know while filing an Income Tax Refund. To make your ITR filing much simpler, it is wise to keep the following documents handy –

Few tips one should be knowing while filing an Income Tax Refund. In order to make the ITR much simpler, it is thus advisable to keep the documents handy-

• Individual PAN Card

• Individual Aadhaar Card

• Get hold of Form 16 (the present company employed)

• Form 26AS to be ready

• Investment proofs to be compiled

• All bank statements to be downloaded

• Always save the details of the owned asset

There are sure things which every single individual need to remember while filling income tax refund form. On the off chance that you are filling your personal income tax refund form, before the due date, at that point, you get an opportunity to change or document an adjusted return if there should arise an occurrence of missteps else you will be in a bad position and cannot overhaul your annual assessment form.

There are many ways you can connect with elderly people around you like your grandparents, fathers and mothers, uncles and aunties. Seniors are not only a source of wisdom but also have experienced an amazing living history. You should thus treat the elderly with much respect and honor. Nevertheless, there are people who overlook the elderly and don’t accord them the necessary care.

In most cases, you will find senior people in many communities living on their own, in assisted living institutions while others face mental and physical difficulties. All in all, getting old comes with its challenges and it can be a very lonely way of living. The good news is that there is a healing power that comes with the best large dog breeds for seniors.

Dogs will help seniors alleviate loneliness, stress, and depression as their friendship and their companionship knows no boundaries. If a senior is suffering from dementia, dogs can calm them down. Dogs can also keep a senior citizen active as they are a great source of exercise, help boost their mood, as well as reduce risks of heart condition among other benefits.

Finding the Best Dog Breed for an Elderly Citizen

Owning a dog as a senior comes with its benefits, so you should not have challenges owning a furry buddy. Breeders are the best source of dogs, but it is advisable also to get them from shelters as they will be budget-friendly and you will get a good match.

On your search for the best dog breed, you should conduct meticulous research and consult wisely. There is one key factor to keep in mind before you own a dog and this is simply;

Size of the dog

The size of the dog is a crucial factor to look at. Large dog breeds are great but they also come with their challenges. If a senior has limited mobility, it might be hard to handle a large dog.  They also require an owner who is more active, need a big shelter and might be expensive to maintain. Fortunately, there are also small dogs breeds to opt for but it is wise to shun puppies as they come with extra needs.

The Best Dog Breeds to Choose as a senior

Here are remarkable dog breeds that you should not hesitate to find and choose in the market. Have a look;

Shih Tzu

One of the best dog breeds to choose for a senior. The Shih Tzu is a gentle and affectionate dog that will give you all the companionship you need. It thrives on love, and it is stronger than it looks.  

Shih Tzu is a popular breed any elderly person will fall in love with. The breed stands out thanks to its long and silky coats. This breed does also not require a lot of exercises, so it a great breed for senior who is not physically active.

Boston Terrier

A lot of praise has been showered to this dog breed. The Boston terrier is known for its companionship and likes staying close to its owner. This dog breed is also attentive to owners needs and quite playful and will be great for an elderly citizen.

Dachshunds

Devoted lovers and admirers of Dachshunds fancy their unique characteristics like their short-legged bodies, intelligence, and affability. Their loyalty to their companions makes them a great dog breed for the elderly in assisted living facilities. They also don’t require a lot of exercises and grooming.

Greyhound

If you are looking for a companion to help you exercise despite your old age, Greyhound is a reliable dog breed to choose. A 20-minute walk each day with your Greyhound can make a lot of difference in your life. Greyhounds make great pets for seniors because there are gentle and love their handlers unconditionally.

Poodle

If you want to spend stress-free life in assisted living homes, Poodles offer the best companionship you may yearn for. This dog breed varies in size and they can fit in most living settings. A Poodle is also easy to train and perfect for seniors who want life-long companions.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an affectionate and joyful dog breed that will make an excellent companion.  They are easy to handle and carry around as well as to train. But you will have to spend some of your precious time to groom them. Hence, a Bichon Frise will present a senior an opportunity to have fun and cuddle.

Final Thoughts

There are many dog breeds for seniors that you can opt for. Whether you want a Pomeranian, Maltese, French bulldog, Papillion, Pug or even a Bolognese, you will not miss out on a breed that will satisfy your needs. Welcome a dog breed that will help you socialize, plan ahead as well as find a way to stay calm and relaxed as you enjoy old age.