Category: Lifestyle

Create Your Life Handbook

One of the tools that has been crucial in my personal growth journey is my life handbook. What is a life handbook?

A life handbook is your guidebook to live your best life.  It consists of everything from your life purpose, your life goals, your action plans right down to your daily tasks. Your life handbook reflects the essence of what it means to be you and what it takes to live your best life. Think of it as your GPS for life. Read further to learn how to create your own life handbook.

How I Came to Create My Life Handbook

Back in 2006, I was about to graduate from university. I had already found my passion to help others to grow, but decided to work in the corporate world first rather than pursue it right away. I promised myself to keep my passion in mind and pursue it when the time was right.

Fast forward to 2007, and what had I done about my passion? Absolutely nothing! It wasn’t that I lost interest, but that I had been so busy working that I had no mental space to think about anything else after work. During weekends, I would either be working or recharging after a hectic work week. I also found the same non-progress in my Quadrant 2 goals like finding love, losing weight, and spending time with my family. Despite wanting to realize these goals, it was difficult to do so with day-to-day priorities screaming at me every day.

I realized that I needed some kind of tool to remind me of my long-term goals while helping me live every day to the fullest. Not a to-do list, because this is only a micro-tool that will help with managing daily to-dos but not long-term goals. Not an action plan, as it tends to be goal-based (e.g. lose weight or improve work performance) and doesn’t give me the holistic view on life that I needed.

What I needed was a guidebook for life. A guidebook that would consist of my life purpose, personal values, daily mottoes, long-term goals, short-term goals, and my personal life lessons. A guidebook that I could refer to every day to live my best life. This guidebook would assist me in my everyday thinking, decisions, and actions; it would also remind me of my long-term priorities so that I would always be moving toward them and not forget about them.

From there, my life handbook was born.

Benefits Of Having Your Life Handbook

 

Example of a Life handbook by PE reader Karin

A life handbook is incredibly powerful in many ways.

First, having your handbook is a key step to becoming a true leader of your life. Many people live aimlessly, with no clarity of what they want to accomplish. Creating your handbook forces you to reflect on your life, think about what you want, and create plans to realize them. Subsequently, your handbook becomes a crucial tool to live a life of highest purpose — purpose as defined by you.

Secondly, it gives you clarity. There are so many distractions in our lives that it’s easy to get sidetracked by them. Many things that are urgent but aren’t important can often take center stage and pull us away from the things that matter. Your life handbook reminds you of the important things that matter and to focus on them.

Thirdly, it is your guidebook for living a great life. Not sure what to do in a dilemma? Have a conflict that you don’t know how to resolve? Feeling a little lost in life? Well, refer to your life handbook! As you review your purpose, your values, and your goals, it helps you to reconnect with your inner self and to make the decisions that align with your highest being.

How to Create Your Life Handbook

Step #1: Decide on the Format. Soft Copy or Hard Copy?

First decide on the format of your book. Do you want to go soft copy (e.g. Excel spreadsheet, MS Word, or PowerPoint) or hard copy (e.g. a notebook or a physical folder)?

There is no hard and fast rule on which format to use; it’s up to your personal preference. Some of my clients and readers prefer a digital format for their handbook. Some prefer hard copy; they purchase blank notebooks and decorate them as their handbooks.

Personally, I prefer a soft copy handbook as 1) you can easily edit the information, 2) most software has functions to help you organize information readily, and 3) you can transfer it across different mediums like mobile, your work laptop, and your home laptop. I use an Excel spreadsheet for my handbook. Some PE readers have great success using EverNote and MS OneNote for their handbooks, so you can consider them as well.

If you want to use a hard copy handbook, that’s great too! Shop for a nice notebook to get started.

Step #2: Fill in Your Handbook

Your handbook is meant to be your manual for living. It should consist of anything and everything important to living our best life. Below is a good starting point of what to put:

  1. Your life purpose/vision/mission
  2. Your values
  3. Your strengths
  4. Your improvement areas
  5. Your life adages (i.e. your personal mottos on living a great life. These can be inspirational quotes or personal mottoes.)
  6. Your vision board (Vision boards are visual representation of your goals and dreams.)
  7. Your long-term life goals, comprising of 5-, 3-, and 1-year goals
  8. Your short-term life goals, usually a breakdown of your 1-year goals
  9. Your action plans to achieve your goals

 

While the above outline may seem a little hefty, there is no need to work on everything in one sitting; neither is it reasonable to expect that. Simply filling out one section (say, your life purpose) requires deep thought and self-reflection.

Rather, take as much time as you need. Do whatever you can today, then continue tomorrow. Two weeks is a good time frame to get the core sections in place.

Remember that your handbook is meant to be a work-in-progress. There will never be a point when your handbook is truly completed, because life is a journey to be discovered every day. Make it a habit to update your handbook daily, even if for just five minutes each time.

Step #3: Decorate it!

Your handbook is all about you, so personalize it! A great way to spice up your book is to decorate it with photographs and images that inspire you.

For example, for my healthy living goal, I have visuals of fruits, nuts, fruit/vegetable smoothies, salads and water (to remind myself to drink enough water every day). Different sections of my Excel handbook is color-coded to facilitate my reading.

Here’s an example of PE reader Kulit’s digital life handbook:

Life handbook by Kulit

 

No matter how many clients I work with, it’s always exciting to see how each of them puts together his/her handbook, as everyone’s handbook always turns out different. Your handbook is a representation of your individuality, so don’t worry about conforming to a certain “standard.” Rather, let your creativity flow!

Step #4: Have a backup (if you’re using a soft copy!)

Because your handbook is extremely important, have at least one backup. I back up my handbook via email every month and also save a copy on my external hard drive.

My Experience Creating My Handbook

After realizing that I needed a tool to guide me in everyday living, I created my life handbook in the form of an Excel spreadsheet. At that time, I didn’t think of this as my “life handbook” — I simply saw it as a tool to document my life lessons.

Each day, I would add to this document, edit the content, and structure the information. If I was busy, I would spend five to ten minutes on it; if I wasn’t, I could spend hours fiddling away! From my life purpose to my values, to my daily mottoes, to my long-term life goals, to my short-term life goals, I would add all kinds of information important to living my best life.

Before I knew it, this innocuous document had transformed into my life manual. It was about a couple of months before I finally felt that the core foundations of my handbook was in place.

Today, my handbook is a massive Excel workbook with nearly 20 sheets! It’s chocked full of knowledge that I have gained in my past decades of conscious living. Below is a partial outline of my handbook:

  1. My overall life purpose/vision
  2. My life-long goals
    • 5-, 3-, and 1-year goals
    • My 1-year goals, broken down into months
  3. My vision board
  4. My values
  5. My overall life adages based on what I have learned in life
  6. My strengths, improvement areas, and my blind spots
  7. Things that motivate me in life
  8. My strategies, plans and tracking for my goals
  9. Daily to-do list (Updated on an ongoing basis)
  10. Inspirational quotes
  11. Highlights of each year
  12. Annual reflections
  13. Miscellaneous information that I access frequently: My finances, my credit card information, grocery lists, etc.

After Creating Your Life Handbook…

  1. Look at your handbook every morning before starting your day. Start off by reviewing your purpose, then your values, followed by your mottoes, and then your long-term goals and short-term goals. You will find that just spending a few minutes looking through your book every day will give you immense focus and clarity, which will ripple out to create dramatic changes in the long run.
  2. Refer to it throughout the day to remind yourself of your goals. My handbook is open in my computer all the time so that I can easily refer to it throughout the day. If yours is a hard copy book, carry it with you wherever you go. My clients carry their handbooks with them everywhere they go and they refer to it whenever they get the free time.
  3. Update it constantly. From now on, use this book to record any information that’s important to you. Whenever you come across something meaningful and noteworthy, record that into your book. Whenever you have a new goal, include it inside. Whenever you get an aha, record it so that it doesn’t get lost. Soon, you’ll find that it becomes second nature to update your book whenever you think of something.
  4. Back it up regularly. If you have a soft copy handbook, please back it up frequently (every month is a good interval).

Congratulations on creating your life handbook! From today onwards, use it to guide you to live your best life. 🙂

Article by Celes.  Create Your Life Handbook – Personal Excellence

Taurus Zodiac Sign: April 20 to May 20

Intrigued by the grounded and sensual nature of the Taurus? Represented by the Bull, Taureans are the anchors of the Zodiac. Dive into the world of Taurus personalities, from their love of comfort and beauty to their unwavering loyalty and practicality. Are you a Taurus, or do you know a Taurus?  Learn more about the Taurus Zodiac sign, including personality traits, likes and dislikes.

The Taurus Zodiac Sign at a Glance
Element Earth
Dates April 21-May 20
Compatibility Most compatible with Virgo and Capricorn
Personality Traits Grounded, Sensual, Practical, Loyal, Persistent
Symbol Bull ♉

Taurus Signs

The Earth sign of Taurus is symbolized by the steadfast Bull and is ruled by the planet Venus.  That planet is the embodiment of love and beauty. But like the earth itself, Taureans are grounded and practical individuals who value stability and comfort. They are known for their sensuality, enjoying the finer things in life, like delicious food, luxurious textures, and artistic beauty.

Taurus Zodiac Sign Traits

Smart, ambitious, and trustworthy, Taurus has amazing friends, colleagues, and partners.  Taureans value honesty above all else and are unabashedly proud that their personal relationships tend to be drama free. Bulls get the reputation of being stubborn, but they’re not always stuck in their ways. This searching sign is willing to see another point of view.  However, this sign won’t flip-flop on an opinion just to make someone else happy. They shift their thinking only if they truly have a change of heart.

Taurus is tireless

Taurus is one of the hardest-working signs in the Zodiac. A Bull is never afraid to roll up those sleeves and get to work.  It won’t blink an eye at pulling an all-nighter to get the job done. But it’s surprisingly not all work for a Taurus sign. This passionate sign is all about sensuality and is always seeking out pleasure. They love indulging in luxurious massages or spending hours in bed with their lover.  Also, they are not afraid of going on a long run, because Bulls love to feel present in their body.  Predictably, they require a frequent need to get in touch with their physical self.

Taurus-Some negatives

While Taurus signs have an intense internal drive, they sometimes have trouble respecting authority.  Don’t ask them to do something they think is pointless or should be done differently. Taurus needs to learn to be flexible and go with the flow.  Undoubtedly it can be a learned advantage to Taurus. And though valuing external attributes, may overlook someone who doesn’t have the perfect outfit, car, or resume. Getting to know someone before writing them off would be a valuable lesson to a Taurean. Certainly, another negative is their hastiness concerning love, where they might be too quick to write off a perfect match.

Strengths

  • Steadfast and reliable; strong sense of commitment
  • Practical, resourceful, and productive
  • Deep appreciation for beauty, art, and nature
  • Loyal and generous with loved ones

Challenges

  • Can be resistant to change and overly set in routines
  • Prone to stubbornness or possessiveness
  • May become overly materialistic or focused on comfort
  • Slow to forgive slights or to shift perspective

Likes

  • Comfort, luxury, and beautiful surroundings
  • Good food, fine wine, and sensory pleasures
  • Stability, security, and routine
  • Nature, gardening, and earthy activities
  • Collecting or creating well-crafted objects

Dislikes

  • Sudden changes or disruptions
  • Impulsive or unpredictable behavior
  • Being rushed or pressured
  • Wastefulness or carelessness with resources
  • Feeling insecure or undervalued

Graphic:  oldfarmersalmanac©

Oh no! These Countries want to reduce the number of tourists

I hope your favorite is not one of them.  Read on.

Too many tourists!

Tourism is huge. In recent years, the number of travelers has increased exponentially across the globe, and many cities and attractions are completely overrun by tourists. But when locals begin to suffer the consequences of mass tourism, it’s time to reduce their numbers.  This is exactly what many governments are doing.

From tourist taxes to bans and restrictions, in this gallery, you’ll get to know how popular destinations are fighting overtourism.

Prague

In 2024, city officials introduced a new rule prohibiting late-night pub crawls in response to complaints from locals. This measure will only apply to tours organized by agencies, leaving independent groups free to plan their own outings. Over the past two decades, mainly fueled by the growth of budget airlines, Prague has emerged as a favored destination for bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, particularly among visitors from the UK.

Bali

Indonesia is among the countries grappling with overtourism, and in 2024, a moratorium on the construction of hotels, villas, and nightclubs was implemented in parts of Bali. A senior ministry official stated that this measure is part of the government’s efforts to reform tourism, improve quality, create jobs, and preserve the island’s indigenous culture. Currently, over 200,000 foreigners reside in Bali, contributing to issues like crime, overdevelopment, and job competition.  Bali also plans to ban tourists from renting motorbikes.

Amsterdam

n 2023, Amsterdam launched an ad campaign discouraging rowdy tourists from visiting the Dutch city.  Limits were also imposed on bar crawls as well as a ban on smoking cannabis in the famous red-light district. Visitors can also expect to pay a tourist tax too, which in 2024 was 12.5% of an overnight rate.

Croatia

Carrying wheeled luggage through the streets of Dubrovnik city center is not allowed. In an attempt to stop the noise in the old city’s cobbled streets, tourists must leave their luggage in lockers. (OK.  That one does seem a bit odd).

Japan

Japan’s most famous natural wonder, Mount Fuji, attracts over 300,000 climbers every year. To help fight overtourism, hikers are required to obtain a US$27 permit for its four main routes—the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails. Additionally, they must pass a test demonstrating their understanding of important safety information and local customs.

And in May 2024, authorities in the resort town built a barrier at a popular viewpoint: the Lawson convenience store. The location offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, but locals complain that tourists overcrowd the pavements, litter, and ignore traffic regulations. Three months later, city officials took the net down temporarily due to strong winds in the area, leaving police officers to patrol the block, but said the measurement was effective in driving tourists away.

In March 2024, tourists were banned from entering the Geisha district in Kyoto due to “out of control behavior.”

Starting in 2025, visitors to Ginzan Onsen after 5 pm must purchase a ticket, and those without hotel bookings will be banned after 8 pm.

Machu Picchu

The 5th-century Inca citadel is Peru’s top attraction. To avoid overcrowding, tourists can only enter during one of two time slots throughout the day. In addition, a maximum of 10 people is allowed per tourist guide.

The number of visitors per day is also capped. As of 2024, the maximum allowed is 4,500 people per day. However, on some special days, up to 5,600 daily visitors may be allowed.

Venice

In 2025, Venice implemented a day-tripper entry fee that is twice as high as in 2024. Visitors making last-minute plans now pay €10 (US$10.30) instead of the previous €5 (US$5.15). Additionally, the fee applies on nearly twice as many days as last year. This measure aims to regulate tourist flow and discourage day-tripper visits during peak periods.

Rome

Italy is one of the most-visited countries in Europe. As such, measures to control crowds have been imposed in major cities, including the capital, Rome. For example, in 2023 a €5 (US$5.36) fee was introduced to those visiting the Pantheon.

Athens

The number of visitors is capped at the city’s historical Acropolis. The maximum allowed per day is 20,000, all in prebooked designated hour slots. In 2024, this new booking system was also implemented at other attractions across the country.

Barcelona

Barcelona has been struggling with overtourism for many years. In 2022 the Catalan capital limited the size of tour groups and introduced noise restrictions. New hotels in the city center have also been restricted and so have short-term room rentals. The city also closed its northern port terminal to cruises and introduced a “city surcharge,” which increased in 2024 to €3.25 (US$3.48).

More recently, the route of bus number 116 was removed from map apps. The bus route was used by many tourists to visit Park Güell, one of  Barcelona’s main attractions. This obviously had an impact on resident’s lives, who welcomed the measure.

Santorini

Picturesque Santorini is one of the most iconic Greek islands. Every year, around two million people visit the island and in 2019 some measures were taken to control overtourism. One measure was to limit cruise passengers visiting the island to 8,000 a day.

And another one, perhaps the most bizarre, was that overweight tourists (anyone over 100 kg/220 lbs) were banned from riding donkeys. (Really?)

France

From the French Riviera to Paris, the European nation is one of the most visited in the world. As a result, numerous measures have been taken over the years to control overtourism. For instance, since 2022, the Louvre in Paris has limited entries to 30,000 visitors per day.

The government announced the launch of a €1 million campaign in 2024 to encourage tourists (both domestic and foreign) “to adapt their destination choices and schedules.” The idea is to promote “year-round” and off-the-beaten-track tourism.

Portugal

The European nation has implemented a number of measures to keep tourism under control, including tourist taxes. Other measures include bans and restrictions such as playing loud music at the beach, which is punished with fines.

Cornwall

When one thinks about tourist spots in the UK, London usually comes to mind, but it turns out, Cornwall is suffering from overcrowding too. In response, a registration scheme for short-term vacation lets was proposed by Cornwall Council, and so was a tourist tax.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is probably Italy’s most visited stretch of coastline. To curb mass tourism authorities introduced an alternate license plate system. This means that rental cars with number plates ending in an odd number can drive through it on one day, while cars with number plates ending in an even number can only circulate on the following day.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a popular attraction and pilgrimage destination visited by thousands of people each year. Local authorities are planning to introduce a tourist tax and control access to the city’s historic center.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Numerous measures have been implemented over the years to fight overtourism. One example is the ban on boats in Maya Bay, on the Phi Phi islands.
In 2023, Phuket had 118 visitors for every local resident, making it one of the most overcrowded destinations in the country. Phuket is popular with backpackers, but local authorities want to attract other types of visitors, including “wealth and wellness aficionados, families with kids, active seniors, and remote workers/ teleworkers.”

Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan introduced a Sustainable Development Fee to curb mass tourism. If you want to visit this gorgeous Himalayan nation, expect to pay a daily tourist visa of US$100 (which is actually half of what it used to cost before 2023).
Source:   StarsInsider©

Happy Easter!

 

Everyone celebrates Easter differently. I honor the religious significance of the resurrection of Jesus.  For many, Easter Sunday is a symbol of Jesus’s love and a day to celebrate the resurrection, a reminder of the hope and joy of the day.

 

All joy and peace to all, for He has risen.

New on Tubi in April 2026

This is the whole nine yards of Tubi.  Get ready to stream!

 

Tubi has released their April 2026 schedule for their movies and television shows. The Tubi April 2026 streaming titles includes: Tubi Originals, TV series, and films across numerous genres. The full announcement for Tubi 2026 April Schedule is below. And it’s for real!

New Tubi series in April 2026

  • “Don’t Trust The B—- In Apartment 23”
  • “Deadly Class”
  • “Greenleaf”
  • “He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe”
  • “Married to The Game (Season 2)”
  • “Married…with Children” (Seasons 4-6)”
  • “Roswell”

New action movies on Tubi in April 2026

  • “16 Blocks”
  • “3 Days to Kill”
  • “After the Sunset”
  • “Armored”
  • “Assassin’s Creed”
  • “Bullet Train”
  • “Exodus: Gods and Kings”
  • “Max Payne”
  • “Predator” – 4/15
  • “Predator 2” – 4/15
  • “Road House (1989)”
  • “Safe House (2012)”
  • “Sahara (2005)”
  • “Samaritan”
  • “The Count Of Monte Cristo”
  • “The Last Stand”
  • “The Misfits (2021)”
  • “The Rock”
  • “Volcano (1997)”

New art house movies on Tubi in April 2026

  • “Brother”
  • “Dream Scenario”
  • “Eighth Grade”
  • “Everything Went Fine”
  • “Incendies”
  • “Landscape with Invisible Hand”
  • “Mid90s”
  • “Pi”
  • “Poor Things”
  • “Problemista”
  • “Tangerine”
  • “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”
  • “Three Thousand Years of Longing”

New Black cinema movies on Tubi in April 2026

  • “ATL”
  • “Baggage Claim”
  • “Black Dynamite”
  • “Fat Albert”
  • “Four Brothers”
  • “Johnson Family Vacation”
  • “Juice”
  • “Jumping the Broom”
  • “Little Man”
  • “Madea’s Witness Protection”
  • “Metro”
  • “Mo’ Money”
  • “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit”
  • “The Player’s Club”
    • “Vampire In Brooklyn”

    New comedy movies on Tubi in March 2026

    • “About My Father”
    • “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls”
    • “Airplane!”
    • “Army of One (2016)”
    • “Best In Show”
    • “Big”
    • “Blazing Saddles”
    • “Blockers”
    • “Bring It On”
    • “Camp Hideout”
    • “Daddy’s Home”
    • “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star”
    • “Dicks: The Musical”
    • “Dirty Grandpa”
    • “Drillbit Taylor”
    • “Fool’s Paradise”
    • “Grown Ups (2010)”
    • “Grown Ups 2”
    • “Identity Thief”
    • “Legally Blonde”
    • “Let’’s Be Cops”
    • “Like a Boss”
    • “Moonstruck”
    • “Mrs. Doubtfire”
    • “New York Minute”
    • “Orange County”
    • “Overboard (1987)”
    • “Ricky Stanicky”
    • “Scary Movie”
    • “Scary Movie 2”
    • “Scary Movie 3”
    • “Scooby-Doo”
    • “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed”
    • “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut”
    • “Superbad”
    • “The Naked Gun from the Files of Police Squad!”
    • “The Other Guys”
    • “Trading Places”
    • ‘Wild Hogs”
    • “Why Him?”
    • “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”
    • “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”

    New documentary movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “Crumb”
    • “Michael Jackson’s This Is It”

    New drama movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “A Few Good Men”
    • “Bel Ami”
    • “Brownsville Bred”
    • “Bronson (2008)”
    • “Bugsy”
    • “Cyrano”
    • “Detroit (2017)”
    • “Exodus: Gods And Kings”
    • “Goodfellas”
    • “House of Gucci”
    • “Hustlers”
    • “I Am Love”
    • “I Am Sam”
    • “Jackie & Ryan”
    • “La Bamba (1987)”
    • “Miss Julie (2014)”
    • “On a Wing and a Prayer”
    • “Saving Private Ryan”
    • “The Candidate (1972)”
    • “The Color Purple”
    • “The End of the Tour”
    • “The Last Movie Star”
    • “The Sea of Trees”
    • “The Tender Bar”
    • “Things We Lost In The Fire”
    • “War Room (2015)”
    • “Where the Crawdads Sing”
    • “White Boy Rick”
    • “You’re Not You”

    New horror movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “Blood Creek”
    • “Cabin Fever”
    • “Carrie (1976)”
    • “Carrie (2013)”
    • “Child’s Play (1988)”
    • “Child’s Play (2019)”
    • “It Comes at Night”
    • “Jeepers Creepers”
    • “Jeepers Creepers 2”
    • “Lamb”
    • “Queen Of the Damned”
    • “Scream (1996)”
    • “Scream 2”
    • “Scream 3”
    • “Teen Wolf: The Movie”
    • “The Blackcoat’s Daughter”
    • “Zombieland 2: Double Tap”
    • “You’re Next”

    New romance movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “Addicted To Love”
    • “Before Sunrise”
    • “Before Sunset”
    • “Ever After: A Cinderella Story”
    • “Hitch (2005)”
    • “Honeymoon In Vegas (1992)”
    • “I Give It a Year”
    • “Jersey Girl”
    • “My Boss’s Daughter”
    • “No Reservations”
    • “Runaway Bride”
    • “Sweet Home Alabama”
    • “Sweet November”
    • “What Happens In Vegas”

    New sci-fi and fantasy movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “Astro Boy”

    • “Beautiful Creatures”

      “Dredd”

    • “Event Horizon”

    • “Eragon”

      “Gemini Man”

    • “High Life”
    • “Howard The Duck”
    • “I Am Number Four”
    • “The Golden Compass”
    • “Lazarus: The Awakening”
    • “Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of Unfortunate Events”
    • “Mortal (2020)”
    • “Sunshine”
    • “Timecrimes”
    • “Transcendence”
    • “Under the Skin”

    New thriller movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “Alice, Darling”
    • ‘Fracture”
    • “Hijacked”
    • “Identity (2003)”
    • “Man on Fire (2004)”
    • “Mojave”
    • “Ransom”
    • “Runaway Jury”
    • “Straw Dogs (2011)”
    • “The Babysitter (1995)”
    • “The Caretaker”
    • “The Client”
    • “The Firm”
    • “The Fugitive”
    • “The Juror”
    • “U.S. Marshals”
    • “U-Turn”

    New western movies on Tubi in April 2026

    • “A Fistful of Dollars”
    • “For a Few Dollars More”
    • “Lawless”
    • “Silverado”
    • “Surrounded”
    • “The Ballad of Lefty Brown”
    • “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

    Source:  Tom’s Guide©

Earth Day April 2026

 

Earth Day 2026

Our Planet, Our Power: Earth Day Is Wednesday April 22nd, 2026!

 

This year’s theme for earth day is Our Planet, Our Power. Here are some things you can do to celebrate earth day every day.   

Embrace your power to make changes that supports our planet.  Consider planting native plants, or share native plants and vegetable starts with others.  Compost all non-meat and dairy food waste, limit consumption of single use items, fast fashion and plastic packaging, Pick up two pieces of trash from public parks and/or beaches every time you go out.  Volunteer with any organization you support.  Go pesticide free in your yard or garden and collect rain water for landscaping and garden watering.  Consider limiting your driving and use public transportation or ride a bike or walk to your destination.

I challenge you to make one tiny change in your lifestyle this year. Even small changes matter when you do them every day!

Why change?

Just in the past year we have seen stronger storms, more erratic
weather patterns, and great droughts that have led to wildfires.

Scientists almost all agree that these events are because of climate
change and that these events will continue to intensify.

While it isn’t possible for all of us to do everything experts suggest to
slow down climate change, it is important to look at what changes we can make. We only have one earth…it is important to take care of it.

Can you name one sign of climate change?

Source:  yournec.org

Good Friday. Why We Believe.

 

The Friday that comes before Easter is Good Friday. Good Friday has religious significance since it is the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. Good Friday is regarded as a day of mourning among Christians. Special church services are held on Good Friday. Read on to discover why we believe.

After much research and calculations, religious scholars concluded that Jesus’ crucifixion took place on a Friday. The estimated year of Jesus’ crucifixion is 33 AD. Good Friday is also referred to as Black Friday, Holy Friday, and Great Friday.

The Story of Good Friday

The famous Bible story begins with Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. Despite being one of Christ’s disciples, Judas betrayed Christ. Jesus was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate could not find any evidence against Jesus, he gave in to the crowd’s clamor to crucify Christ. Christ was flogged, made to wear a crown of thorns, and eventually crucified alongside two common criminals. The story goes that when Christ finally gave up his spirit there was an earthquake. This happened on Friday, which later came to be known as Good Friday.

Jesus’s followers later placed his body in a tomb just before sunset. However, the wondrous tale does not end here. On the third day, which is now known as Easter, Jesus rose from the grave. As an American author, Susan Coolidge put it, “Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart!” This is why most Easter quotes brim over with happiness. A famous quote by Carl Knudsen goes, “The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise.” It’s why we believe.

 

The Promise of Easter

The tale of Good Friday is incomplete without the optimism of Easter. Christ’s death by crucifixion is closely followed by his resurrection. Similarly, the promise of eternal life follows the despair of death. 20th century English Christian leader and Anglican cleric John Stott once proclaimed, “We live and die; Christ died and lived!” In these words lies the promise of Easter. The gloom of death is replaced with unsullied joy, an optimism that shines through in these words of St. Augustine, “And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.” If you seek a deeper understanding of Christianity, this collection of Easter quotes and sayings may be insightful.

 

Sacrifice and Triumph

Christ’s death on the cross is regarded as the supreme sacrifice. The crucifixion and the following resurrection are widely regarded as the triumph of good over evil. Augustus William Hare, writer, historian and reverend, expressed his beliefs beautifully in the following lines, “The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it.” Learn more about the Christian beliefs about Christ’s crucifixion with these Good Friday quotes below.

Good Friday Traditions

The prevailing mood on Good Friday is that of repentance, not celebration. Churches remain undecorated on this Friday of the Holy Week. Church bells do not ring. Some churches cover the altar with black cloth as a sign of mourning.

On Good Friday, pilgrims to Jerusalem follow the path Jesus walked carrying his cross. The pilgrims stop at the twelve “stations of the cross”, as a reminder of Jesus’ sufferings and death. Similar walks are observed around the world, especially among Roman Catholics who undertake the walk in a bid to atone for Jesus’s agonies.

Special services are held in many churches. Some organize dramatic renderings of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ.

 
Relevance of Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday

Children often look forward to eating hot cross buns on Good Friday. Hot cross buns are so-called because of the pastry cross that runs across them. The cross reminds Christians of the cross on which Jesus died. In addition to eating hot cross buns, families often clean their homes on Good Friday to prepare for the big celebration on Easter Sunday.

 
The Good Friday Message

Among other things, Good Friday is a reminder of the compassion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you believe in religion, Good Friday tells us a tale of hope. The Bible upholds the teachings of Jesus — words of wisdom that are valid even after two thousand years.

Jesus spoke of love, forgiveness, and truth, and not of violence, fanaticism, or revenge. He urged his followers to tread the path of goodness. Regardless of whether Good Friday is near or far, we all stand to gain from these Jesus Christ quotes. Spread the Good Friday message of compassion and love through these quotes.

 

John 3:16
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

Augustus William Hare
The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it.

Robert G. Trache
Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus so that we can see ourselves in all our stark reality, and then it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” That’s us!

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler
Exalt the Cross! God has hung the destiny of the race upon it. Other things we may do in the realm of ethics, and on the lines of philanthropic reforms; but our main duty converges into setting that one glorious beacon of salvation, Calvary’s Cross, before the gaze of every immortal soul.

William Penn
So shall we join the disciples of our Lord, keeping faith in Him in spite of the crucifixion, and making ready, by our loyalty to Him in the days of His darkness, for the time when we shall enter into His triumph in No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.

 

Robert G. Trache
There is no faith in Jesus without understanding that on the cross we see into the heart of God and find it filled with mercy for the sinner whoever he or she may be.

Bill Hybels
God led Jesus to a cross, not a crown, and yet that cross ultimately proved to be the gateway to freedom and forgiveness for every sinner in the world.

T. S. Eliot
The dripping blood our only drink,
The bloody flesh our only food:
In spite of which we like to think
That we are sound, substantial flesh and blood–
Again, in spite of that, we call this Friday good.

by Simran Khurana & thoughtco.com          

Credit: Richard Goerg/Getty Images

How to Dress on Easter

Easter Outfits Ideas – Easter signals the height of spring with little lambs and baby chicks bouncing around, Easter eggs appearing in every household and the season’s flowers coming into full bloom. What would you wear for Easter? Which colors are suitable and attractive? How would you do make-up to fit in with this season? 

Read on to discover how to dress for Easter.

What do people wear at Easter?

In general, people tend to dress up for Easter and embrace spring style, even if it’s still a little chilly out. You’ll see a lot of floral dresses, pastel tones, or white outfits. Dresses with ruffles, lace, or soft pleats are popular choices. And layering lightweight jackets like a tweed jacket or a tailored blazer can be helpful if the weather is a bit chilly. If you prefer separates, a blouse paired with a flowy skirt or white jeans works beautifully.

Latest Trend to Try for Easter 

Our absolute favorite trend this year is the choice of feminine colored, check print dresses. They’re available in a variety of colors and styles these days but we absolutely adored this look by blogger Alexis as she has flawlessly styled a dress with puffed bishop sleeves. Loving the Gingham vibes of this look.

 

 

 

What Not to Wear on Easter Sunday

While we’ll be talking about what to wear this Easter, there are, however, a few things to avoid. Dark, heavy fabrics can feel out of place, and overly revealing outfits aren’t appropriate for more formal gatherings or church services. And they also don’t lend themselves very naturally to spring weather anyway. Also, while sneakers can be a comfortable option for egg hunts or casual brunches, avoid athletic sneakers. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed when it comes to Easter.

What Color Should I Wear on Easter Sunday?

When deciding what to wear Easter Sunday, pastel shades such as soft pink, lavender, mint green, and baby blue are traditional Easter colors. White and cream tones also work beautifully, especially with delicate lace details. Floral prints in soft hues are a timeless Easter favorite. If you prefer bolder colors, opt for cheerful tones like coral or yellow.

Can you wear white on Easter?

Yes, absolutely. Easter is actually one of the best times to wear white. It feels fresh and celebratory (as it should be)! Whether it’s a white dress, a white blouse, or even white accessories, it’s a classic choice for Easter Sunday.

What to Wear for Easter Church Services

Your Easter outfit should reflect your style, but also keep reverence in mind. If you’re attending a formal church service, opt for a knee-length or midi dress with classic detailing like lace or ruffles. A flowy maxi dress or a chic skirt with a tucked-in blouse will work perfectly for a casual Easter brunch or an outdoor gathering.

Also, for Easter church services, opt for a modest, conservative outfit, keeping in mind that different churches have varying dress codes.  If you aren’t sure, a knee-length or midi dress in a pastel shade or a floral print is a safe bet.  A blazer or a cardigan adds warmth and elevates the  outfit.  White pants paired with a blouse are a chic alternative for Easter church outfits. 

 

Matching Mother Daughter Easter Outfit

 

If you’re a mom to a little doll then Easter is just another occasion to dress up with her in a matching outfit as it’s the most adorable feeling ever and you only have a few years to enjoy it. Here’s a cute look and for more inspiration, you can check out  cute mother-daughter matching outfits on the internet.

 

Be the Chic Lady in White Jeans

 

 

Women love looking all chic and pretty. A nice idea to do is wear a tea pink feminine top with off white skinny pants and to add more glamor wear heels of the same shade as your top. This will add a dramatic yet subtle look to your dress. To add on more, you can wear a delicate necklace or the watch of your choice for some glam arm candy.

 

Source:   outfittrends.com©

 

An Eastern Orthodox Easter

The religious holiday of Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in the Bible’s New Testament. Although it is observed as the holiest day by both Orthodox Christians and non-orthodox Christians, it is a movable feast and is recognized on different days by both religions each year. Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter later than most Christians in the western world because the churches calculate the holiday by different calendars. Thus, in 2026, Orthodox Easter occurs on April 12.

Many Orthodox Christian churches, including the Greek Orthodox and the Russian Orthodox churches, celebrate the “miracle of Easter” on the Easter Sunday date in the Julian calendar. Most people see Easter as the most important event in the church calendar. Orthodox Easter preparations begin with 40 days of strict fasting prior to Easter Day. Many Orthodox Christians attend liturgies during the Holy Week that leads up to Easter Sunday.

Another tradition observed in many Orthodox Christian churches is the blessing of food baskets. The baskets are usually filled with bread, cheese, meat, eggs, butter, salt, and other types of food used for Paschal celebrations. When the fasting period has ended and meat and dairy products can be eaten.

Easter’s Origins

According to the Bible’s New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified by the Romans around A.D. 30, died on the cross on a Friday and was buried in a tomb outside of Jerusalem. Three days later, on Sunday, Christ rose from the dead, according to Matthew 28:1–10.

Non-Orthodox Christians celebrate the resurrection each year on Easter Sunday, the culmination of the 40-day season of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Week.  Holy Week includes Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Maundy Thursday, honoring the Last Supper, Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified and Holy Saturday, the time of transition between the crucifixion and resurrection.

 How Is the Date of Easter Determined?

Orthodox Christians, who believe faith is inseparable from the church, follow the Julian calendar when it comes to celebrating Easter Sunday. The Julian calendar was established by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C. and is based on the solar cycle—Earth’s revolutions around the sun.

Orthodox Easter takes place between April 4 and May 8.  According to the New Testament, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ took place after he entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.

The Calendar

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII instituted the Gregorian calendar to correct inaccuracies in the Julian Calendar. The new calendar added leap years to correct an 11-minute miscalculation that caused seasons to become out of sync with the calendar.  That pushed Easter away from the spring equinox. Under the Gregorian calendar, churches established Easter to be held on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.

Much of the world came to officially recognize the Gregorian calendar, but Orthodox churches, primarily in Greece, Cyprus, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria and others, continue to observe Easter according to the Julian calendar.

Orthodox Easter Traditions

The eggs

As with many Christian holidays, decorating eggs, which symbolize new life, dates back to the 13th century when the church disallowed eating eggs during Holy Week, and they were decorated instead. The Easter egg is hard-boiled and often dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. It was an important symbol connected with spring fertility rituals in many early civilizations. Many Greek Orthodox Christians rap their eggs against their friends’ eggs and the owner of the last uncracked egg is considered lucky.

The Lamb

Another important symbol associated with Easter is the lamb. It is often depicted with a banner that bears a cross, and it is known as the Agnus Dei, meaning “Lamb of God” in Latin.

The Church

Both Orthodox Christians and non-Orthodox Christians celebrate the Easter holiday with joyous church services, often punctuated with white lilies, followed by family meals and gatherings. Eastern Orthodox churches often hold a Paschal Vigil on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.  A candlelight procession may be held that night, with Easter services and celebrations beginning at midnight.

The Meals

Traditional Christian Easter meals often include ham, spring vegetables and hot-cross buns (sweet rolls scored with a cross on top). At Orthodox Christian Easter dinners, along with red-dyed hard-boiled eggs, which are symbolic of the blood of Christ, lamb is typically served. John 1:29 says, “Behold the lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.”

Source:  history.com©

What’s Streaming on Prime Video in April 2026: The Boys Are Back!

 

 

Prime Video unleashes hell with The Boys and checks into The House of the Spirits in its April highlights. Get ready for Nippon Sangoku and more streaming gems!

 

It’s time for our monthly check-in with the team at Prime Video to find out what’s streaming in April 2026. With March now crossed off the calendar, the streamer is unveiling some hidden gems to keep us entertained during the early Spring nights. And, indeed, they have a lineup worthy of your subscription this month. With a selection of juicy new titles releasing throughout the month and another bumper crop of sports to enjoy, Prime Video is definitely the place to be as we head into the second quarter of 2026. Get ready to update your April watchlist as we review a month of fresh titles.

NEW RELEASES

After exploring Sherlock Holmes’ first case in Young Sherlock, one can be forgiven for thinking that the streamer would be easing back on the big releases, but you’d be dead wrong. Prime Video’s carefully curated catalog of April releases is like an early Easter treat. The streaming service practically invites us to stay in with new releases, including Nippon Sangoku and the original series, The House of the Spirits.

But if that’s not enough to make you reach for the remote, April brings us back with Billy Butcher and The Boys as the brutal superhero series reaches its epic finale. After five intense seasons, the adventures of Homelander and the Seven are finally wrapping up, and it promises to be the mother of all finales. If the latest final trailer is any indication, no one is safe in this last season, so expect the bloodshed to be ruthless, relentless, and brutal. Sounds like a banger, right?

AVAILABLE TO RENT OR BUY

But thankfully, the fun doesn’t end there. In April, some of this year’s biggest cinema hits will be released on digital platforms. The month starts with Paramount’s brilliant blockbuster Primate before unleashing The Bride, Cold Storage, and Scream 7. And wrapping up the month’s big releases is StudioCanal’s How to Make A Killing starring Glen Powell. We were lucky enough to get an early look at these bangers and had a blast with them all.

SCREAM 7

In his review of Scream 7, our reviewer Carl Roberts said: “Ghostface’s edge has been blunted. From what started out as a terrific, iconic, and knowing horror movie with the original film, Scream 7 is anything but. It isn’t bad, it’s just too predictable. Many people who I saw the film with guessed who the killer was almost immediately. That is never a good sign for a staple of horror cinema. Despite some inventive, nasty, gory, and bloodthirsty kills, the film feels devoid of suspense. It does have some great knowing winks at what’s gone before, along with throwbacks to the first few movies. However, it relies on these too much. And despite some jump scares, it simply isn’t scary.”

COLD STORAGE

In my review of StudioCanal’s Cold Storage, I said, “Rejoice, horror fans, because Jonny Campbell’s Cold Storage is the ultimate 80s sci-fi creature feature revival. Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell shine in this gory, hilarious, and witty flesh-eating fungus caper with Lian Neeson adding his seasoned brilliance to proceedings. Despite some occasional retro CGI, it makes for the perfect Friday night horror movie—it’s an absolute blast!”

PRIMATE

And finally, we had a blast with Paramount’s Primate. In addition to our exclusive interview with the star Miguel Torres Umba, we loved the chimpazee-inspired horror. In our review, Carl said, “Although running for just under ninety minutes, the film packs enough blood, gore, shocks, and fun to entertain the whole audience. While the premise isn’t really anything new (Monkey Shines, Link, etc.), the film delivers a fun experience that is the perfect horror movie for a Friday night’s viewing. It does enough to guarantee that the audience will leave with wide grins on their faces and a need for a change of underwear. It is, at times, jaw-dropping (you’ll get the reference once you see the film!). There’s no monkeying around here.”

So, grab your snacks and settle in for a month full of fresh entertainment on Prime Video!

UPCOMING SERIES

5th April

Nippon Sangoku (Original Series)

8th April

The Boys S5 (Original Series)

20th April

Kevin (Original Series)

29th April

The House of the Spirits (Original Series)

 

NEW UPCOMING MOVIES

2nd April

Dara O’Briain – Re:Creation (Comedy Special)

21st April

Murdered or Missing: The Millionaire’s Babies (True Crime Special)

UPCOMING SPORT

3rd April

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Detroit Pistons (00:00am BST)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (02:30am BST)

4th April

San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets (20:00pm BST)

5th April

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks (20:30pm BST)

7th April

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals (First Leg)

Fixture TBC (20:00pm BST)

10th April

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks (00:30am BST)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (03:00am BST)

11th April

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks (00:00am BST)

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets (02:30am BST)

14th April

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals (Second Leg)

Fixture TBC (20:00pm BST)

15th April

NBA Play-In Tournament

Fixture TBC (01:00am BST)

Fixture TBC (03:00am BST)

16th April

NBA Play-In Tournament

Fixture TBC (01:00am BST)

Fixture TBC (03:00am BST)

18th April

NBA Play-In Tournament

Fixture TBC (01:00am BST)

Fixture TBC (03:00am BST)

28th April

UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals (First Leg)

Fixture TBC (20:00pm BST)

 

COMING SOON WITH ADD-ON ON SUBSCRIPTIONS

Coming Soon

MGM+ (£5.99 / month)

American Classic

The Lady

UPCOMING WITH RENT & BUY

The Bride!

Scream 7

How To Make A Killing

Cold Storage

Primate

Source:  thefutureoftheforce.com©