Ryan Desmond

Growing up as an only child raised by a single mother my home life was intimate yet solitary. While my mother provided all the love and support one could wish for, there were facets of family life that I simply was not aware of. It wasn't until I began spending time at my friends' homes that I glimpsed the dynamics of larger family units. My homelife was very simple but there was an entire world filled with siblings, married parents, blended families, and the beautiful chaos that came with them.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the APA 8-Ball World Qualifier in Las Vegas. It was an amazing experience. For those unfamiliar, the 8-Ball World Qualifier is a tournament comprised of the best teams from around the world and the pinnacle of amateur billiards. It’s a gathering of skill, strategy, and most importantly, teamwork. I embarked on this journey with a team of friends hoping to walk away with a good tournament experience and a few stories along the way. I left Las Vegas with much more.

In today's digital age, the threat of phishing attacks looms large, posing significant risks to individuals and organizations worldwide. Phishing is a form of cybercrime that relies on social engineering tactics to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information and remains one of the most prevalent and effective methods used by cybercriminals. From stealing personal data to compromising corporate networks, phishing attacks can have far-reaching consequences. However, with awareness, education, and proactive measures, individuals and organizations can effectively combat phishing threats and enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Making small talk can be intimidating. For some people stepping into a room full of strangers can be downright terrifying. The idea of striking up a conversation with strangers is daunting. Although this is a fairly common fear it masks a very simple truth: talking to new people is not complicated.

In today's fast-paced world, balancing work and family life is more challenging than ever. As the boundaries between professional and personal life blur, especially in an era of remote and flexible work, it's crucial to establish a healthy work-family balance. Not only does this balance contribute to personal wellbeing, but it also enhances productivity and job satisfaction.

Life is an incredible journey, filled with its fair share of ups and downs. It's a path that twists and turns, presenting challenges and opportunities in equal measure. The phrase "life is what you make it" is more than just a saying; it's a powerful reminder of the role we play in shaping our experiences and perspectives.

Time and again my father comes over and visits for a few days. He has lived by himself for more than 20 years now. One Friday evening while he was visiting, after a busy day and week, I laid down to relax for what I thought was going to be a few minutes. Instead, I slept through the night and woke up the next morning. It wasn’t intentional, but, I was tired.