Back in the old days, going to a fine dining establishment was necessary if you’re planning to enjoy a good steak. But that was then and this is now, and today you don’t really have to shell out the serious bucks to enjoy some seriously fine steaks.

Chain restaurants like Outback Steakhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse have seen to that. Who needs 5-star restaurants when these brands have hundreds of locations to serve the steak cravings of their customers? These two brands are among the biggest steakhouse chains in the entire US.

You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a good steak these days. These steakhouse brands became popular for good reasons—they sure serve good steaks. But that just leads to the natural question: which brand offers the better steaks?

Visiting the Outback

With Outback Steakhouse, the main theme here is unsurprisingly Australian. There’s an implied promise that the steaks here would be considered great by the likes of Crocodile Dundee. If you’re that rough and ready dude that’s looking for some action, you need these steaks to fuel you up, and the flavors should match your taste buds.

From the outside, Outback doesn’t exactly look Australian, though. Even when you enter the location, it’s not as if you’ve entered a portal to Down Under. But the vibe was nice, with paneled wooden booths to give it an outdoorsy feel. There are also framed photos of the actual Outback on the walls, along with the almost obligatory pictures of kangaroos.

The server who attended to our needs was quite friendly, like how you’d expect the Australians to be when you visit their country. The server was nicely attentive, and also quite useful.

The bread presentation was notable, and the nifty knife evoked that famous Crocodile Dundee scene (“That’s not a knife. This is a knife!”). The hot honey-oat bread was sweet and airy, which we didn’t really expect.it wasn’t that hard to spread the whipped butter on it, and eating the bread didn’t really fill us up. That’s good, as that’s the steak’s job.

We went with a margarita as well. In fact, we picked the regular house margarita, which Outback calls the Sauza Gold Coast ‘Rita. It was a bit sweet for our taste, but it wasn’t bad.

But on to the food. We picked the bone-in ribeye steak cooked medium rare. And with it, we also asked for the house salad, along with some loaded baked potatoes and steamed veggies.

We also got the fabled Bloomin’ Onion, and that horseradish sauce was just fantastic. It was savory and spicy, and nicely tart.

With the 24-ounce steak, you might mistake the black stuff on top as char. But that’s actually the spice mixture, which sure tasted great. But somehow, it felt like it was compensating for the quality of the steak itself. We encountered lots of tough sinew, and in some areas, there were perhaps a bit too much salt.

All in all, it was expensive, and the steak didn’t quite live up to our expectations. Perhaps our expectations were set too high, due to the catchy commercials and those prices. All in all, it was good—but we just wanted something better.

Visiting Longhorn

Longhorn Steakhouse doesn’t have as many locations as Outback, but it’s widely considered as the top of the casual steakhouse segment. The Longhorn brand name evokes images of Texas, but the brand actually originated from Georgia.

It was dark and sleek inside. The overall vibe is like visiting the hunting lodge of some Texan oil baron who owns a ranch. That’s because there are also lots of horse sculptures all over the place.

The service wasn’t as great compared to Outback’s, at least in our case. We were presented with the bread, but we didn’t get a bread knife. We had to use the steak knife for the bread, but the steak knife just proved too heavy for the bread.

That was emblematic of the entire service here in Longhorn. There wasn’t really any sort of helpful server who attended to our needs.

As for the appetizer, we tried the Wild West Shrimp. That means we got plain popcorn shrimp with jalapeño slices and pickled peppers on top. It was better than we expected, with the shrimp fried to utter perfection.

But what about the steak? What we got was a bit smaller, weighing just 14 ounces. The bone-in ribeye featured some salty white butter. That was nice, though hardly needed. The steak also came with some sinew, but at least it wasn’t as gristly as the Outback steak.

It as noticeably watery, however. It wasn’t cooked evenly, and there wasn’t enough salt. All in all, it was a disappointment as well.

Final Words

Perhaps we were expecting a bit too much when we came back to these restaurants, after the long pandemic absence. The food wasn’t as good as we had hoped. It wasn’t bad, but perhaps they’ll improve this time.

So, where should you go? We did prefer the Outback experience, as the server attentiveness was very nice. The Longhorn offered great food as well, though the steak was the notable exception. All in all, it was average steak for both places!

CBD is short for cannabidiol, the second most commonly found active component in cannabis. This active component is derived from the hemp plant, but it does not cause an intoxicating effect by itself. So the use of pure CBD is not associated with health-related problems. So let’s find out more about it.

What is the legality of CBD consumption?

CBD can easily be obtained in most of the country, but the laws regarding it vary. The farm bill passed in 2018 made the use of hemp legal, thus also making CBD legal. All the products derived from the hemp plant were removed from the Controlled Substances Act.  This means that the CBD derived from hemp is legal, but if it’s derived from cannabis, it is illegal.

What are the benefits of CBD on our health?

CBD is known to offer a variety of health benefits, the most effective being the treatment of epilepsy syndrome, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. According to various studies, CBD has shown potential in some cases to reduce several seizures, and in other cases, it has stopped them.

Other studies have also proven the effectiveness of CBD use in reducing anxiety, treating insomnia and offering better sleep, controlling chronic pain, lowering inflammation due to arthritis, and also helping in reducing cravings and addiction for alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, opiates, and other stimulants. So while having all these health benefits, is it really safe to consume?

The most important safety concern regarding CBD is that it is sold not as a medication but as a supplement. And the FDA does not regulate the purity and safety of supplements. This means you cannot be certain regarding the presence of the active component in the product you buy.

Moreover, there are certain side effects it causes including fatigue, irritability, and nausea. It can also increase thinning of blood and other medications by fighting for the liver enzymes needed to break down medicines. This is why you should always consult with your doctor if you want to take CBD in any form, especially if you have a chronic disease.

How to take CBD?

CBD is available in a variety of forms such as extracts, oils, patches, capsules, gummies, vapes, and topical ointments. CBD infused lotions, oil and creams can be used to relieve joint and muscle pain. The best option for taking in CBD are the best CBD gummies that offer you a discreet and easy way to take in CBD oil and experience the health benefits they have to offer.

The bottom line

More research is still needed regarding CBD. But no one can deny the fact that CBD does have potential in managing and treating insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy syndromes, etc. But due to insufficient data, the effective dosage of CBD cannot be determined. Moreover, since there is no regulation on this and CBD products are sold as supplements, you don’t know what you are taking in.

So if you decide to take CBD, then it is essential to find the CBD product from a well-known source. Also, it is essential that you consult with your doctor, especially if you are taking any medication, to ensure you take the right amount and it does not interfere with your medications.

Ghanaian-American chemical engineer and inventor, Dr Thomas O. Mensah has provided massive contributions as a son of Global Africa had have greatly changed the world, but you will not find his name in neon lights, unlike those of his White colleagues. (more…)

There’s a pretty good chance that, at the moment, work is nothing but stress. The effects of coronavirus on our physical and mental health and the extra work this involves is almost guaranteed to have many people trying to catch their breath. As a result, normal ways of relaxing after a long week at work no longer apply to many people, which can be stressful for companies that suddenly have too many overworked and exhausted employees. With that in mind, here are some unusual ways that you should be relaxing and helping yourself cope with the huge amount of stress you might currently be under.

#1 You should be taking your head out of work entirely

This is one of the crucial ways that you should be separating your work and your home life. Have a routine that as soon as you enter your front door to help you get your head out of the workplace and into relaxation mode. You can do this through many means, such as:

• Playing games. This can be a good way to completely remove yourself from the troubles that might be going on at work. Playing relaxing games such like an online casino can help you make the most out of your evenings without being bogged down by work stress.
• Reading books. Reading books can help you have a break from a screen. Whether it is something educative, something funny, or something downright serious, reading a chapter of a book a night can help you refocus on what is important outside of work and give you a little escapism too.

These things can help your brain put up a barrier between work and home, which can mean that over time, you find it easier not to worry about work so much.

#2 Doing housework

OK, doing housework might be the last thing that you want to do when you get home from work, but much like playing games or reading a book, you can help your get your body in gear for staying at home, as well as make your house look great in the meantime. It can help you get some much-needed washing up or vacuum cleaning done, which can help you relax later on in the evening after you have fixed whatever it is you’re having for dinner. Waking up to a clean house might help you feel better about your day too, which could also be a great way to help you boost your motivation for work, and the happier you are at work, the more likely you are to be relaxed when you get home.

#3 Doing some exercise

Maybe not so unusual, but it doesn’t alter the fact that exercise can be a great way to help your body feel good after work. Exercise can help you boost the positive hormones in your system, making you feel better about yourself, and can also act as a relaxant. This can help your mind and your body feel healthier, and therefore more confident, and can make you feel better about your body and consequently help you at work and out of it too.

Drug and alcohol abuse in Ghana is prevalent and devastating in terms of loss of life and the knock-on effect on societies. In this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons that substance abuse in Ghana is such a widespread problem. 

The West African country of Ghana has a population of around 31 million people, and is known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife. However, despite this amazing scenery, there is an epidemic that plagues the country; its widespread substance abuse problems.

Drug cultivation and distribution in Ghana is a relatively recent problem, in comparison to other countries. So, for those charged with being concerned in the production of drugs, they are joined by a select few people in the country who make a living from this industry.

With this drug production must come an abuse of drugs by people. The question is, how widespread is the drug problem in Ghana, and what are the reasons behind this use of drugs? We posit some potential answers, here…

The Stats Behind Drugs in Ghana

A 2019 report revealed that around 10 percent of inpatient cases at state funded psychiatric hospitals – and up to 30 percent of outpatient cases – were linked to substance abuse. These alarming figures are expected to rise within the next 12 months.

Substance abuse within Ghana results in around 542 deaths every year – making up 0.27 percent of the country’s overall deaths. A significant number of these deaths are attributed to Tramadol, a super strength painkiller designed to treat serious illnesses and injuries.

The reasons for the substance abuse problems in Ghana are many-fold and, here, we’ll examine some of the factors which contribute to this deadly issue.

6 Reasons Why Substance Abuse in Ghana is Widespread

Lack of regulation

Unlike many other countries, Ghana’s lack of regulations over drugs such as Tramadol means that these substances are more widely available than they should be. It’s relatively easy to ship drugs into Ghana, and this is often done in broad daylight with canoes used to ship drugs from South America straight into Accra.

Adding to the problem is the fact that Ghana’s policy on illegal drugs tends to blame the user rather than the seller. This means that drug users are arrested rather than being offered help. In the meantime, authorities have little interest in going after those charged with being concerned in the production of drugs who are perpetuating the problem.

Photo by Nathaniel Tetteh

Poverty

While it may be a cliche, poverty and unemployment play a big part in Ghana’s drug abuse problem, with many people stating that the hopelessness of their situation was the trigger for their descent into drug addiction. In 2021, the international poverty rate in Ghana stood at a staggering 11 percent, with unemployment at around 4.53 percent.

There’s very little doubt that these figures are a major factor when it comes to the levels of substance abuse, particularly for young people. Unfortunately, when it comes to the drug trade in Ghana, the only people who profit are those charged with drug production.

Peer pressure

As with most societies, a lot of Ghana’s problems arise from peer pressure – particularly among students at colleges and universities where alcohol is widely advertised. Although Ghana has launched a number of educational initiatives in recent years in terms of drug and alcohol abuse, the mixed messaging from glamorous alcohol advertising means that young people remain a large part of Ghana’s substance problem. A form of peer pressure also comes from families whereby drugs and alcohol have simply been part of a child’s life from birth.

Religion

The population of Ghana is made up of a number of different religions, including Christianity, and many of these religions forbid or discourage the use of drugs and alcohol. For example, Christianity does not forbid alcohol but frowns on drunkenness.

A problem arises in the fact that some extreme religions in Ghana promote the use of drugs, such as hash and peyote as a tool with which to achieve a heightened spiritual state. This can lead to huge problems with young people who associate their religious rulings as set in stone.

Ignorance

Another common factor when it comes to substance abuse is simple ignorance. While those brought up in Ghana’s cities, such as Accra and Kumasi, are likely to be aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, those from smaller towns and villages do not have access to the same educational materials as city dwellers. Often, people from villages will travel to larger towns to find work, only to find themselves being offered illegal drugs within hours of their arrival, and addiction quickly follows.

Cost of treatment

One of the most harmful factors – and one which exacerbates the issues – is that of the cost of substance abuse treatment. For some, it is simply beyond the means of most people in Ghana. This tends to lead to a vicious cycle whereby the user spirals further and further into addiction and debt due to the fact that they can see no other viable way out.

Photo by Jay Martin

Looking to the Future of Drug Abuse in Ghana

Substance abuse in Ghana is rapidly approaching pandemic levels and, unfortunately, many more lives will be lost to this issue, destroying families and corroding societies. With a lack of governmental help, many feel that the answer to the problem lies first within families. As is customary with other kinds of education, it’s felt that family elders should be educating children as to the dangers of abuse.

However, this becomes less straightforward when the elders themselves are involved with drugs. Others feel that schools need to be doing more to educate about the dangers, however, only around 39 percent of children of secondary school age actually attend school in Ghana.

As with so many other things, it may come down to the internet and the media to turn around Ghana’s substance abuse problems by educating the youth.

Divorce is stressful enough, but can feel considerably harder if you have to apply for an international divorce. So that you understand whether it is right for you, in this article, we are going to provide five factors to first consider before getting an international divorce.

 International divorce can be a complex matter, so it is worth seeking somewhere that offers a free divorce consultation to help you understand the ins and outs of it, first and foremost. But, before seeking this advice, perhaps it’s best you know what you’re in for?

So that you have more of an understanding of what an international divorce is and the considerations that should be made before getting one, we have listed five factors for you to be aware of. Read on to learn more…

What Is an International Divorce?

An international divorce can be applied for, for many different circumstances. It could be due to the following reasons:

• You and your ex have different nationalities
• You or your ex live abroad for work
• You and your ex live in different countries

What Are The 5 Factors You Should Consider Before Getting an International Divorce?

1.    You Can Only Get a Divorce in a Country That Recognises Your Marriage

Unfortunately, some countries do not recognise a marriage that has taken place in a different country. For example, if you were in a same sex relationship and legally got married in the UK, your marriage would not be legally recognised in Poland. If they are the two countries you have a personal connection to, you will only be able to get divorced in the UK.

2.    You Have to Show You or Your Ex Has a Connection with The Country you Want to Apply for a Divorce In

In order for you to be able to divorce in a country, you must be able to show that you or your ex has a connection to it, and this can be through a number of ways, including:

• You or your ex are a ‘national’ of that country – acquired by birth, your parents, adoption, and in some countries, marriage is considered.
• You or your ex are ‘habitually resident’ in that country – when you regularly live in the country, by being either settled in the country or planning to stay there a while. It could be for work, study, etc.
• You or your ex are being ‘domiciled’ in that country – where your permanent home is.

It is wise to keep in mind that certain countries might have more requirements to determine that you are personally connected to the country. A solicitor will be able to provide accurate advice regarding this, which leads to our next factor; that you should consider a solicitor.

Should you need additional assistance regarding connection to a country, Advice Now can provide further information and meaning behind nationality, habitual residence and domicile.

3.    Consider an International Divorce Solicitor

One consideration that you should be doing before starting an international divorce is deciding whether you need a solicitor to assist you with the proceedings. In most instances, we would recommend you do get one, because an international divorce is more complicated than a standard divorce.

There are international divorce solicitors up and down the country, so you will be able to find the perfect one for you and your circumstances. Most tend to offer video conferencing so you can contact them from wherever you are located.

4.    Workout Which Country Will Give You the Best Outcome

It is essential that you understand that divorce legislation can vary from country to country. One rule might not apply in another country. So, it is important to consider which country you want to divorce in, and these can only be countries that you have a connection with.

Once you have realised that countries legislations vary, you need to consider the country that would work better for you in hopes that you get the best outcome possible for yourself. There is the potential that the following things will be different from country to country:

• Financial orders the court will make.
• The costs involved in divorce.
• How long the divorce takes to finalise, financial settlement, and any arrangements for children, if applicable.
• Whether it is easy for orders made by the court to be enforced.

One country might offer you a better settlement than the other one. There is the potential that men could be favoured more, over women. All these considerations need to be made before you jump into an international divorce.

5.    The UK No Longer Gets Special Rules Since Leaving the EU

Before the UK left the European Union, international divorce was far simpler if the other country you were personally involved with was part of the EU.

Friends and/or family members who have been through an international divorce themselves and received the special rules might have advised you on what will happen during yours based on their own experience. But, from January 2021, the special rules stopped applying, meaning that your international divorce will be different from theirs.

International Divorce is a Complex Matter

There is no doubt that any type of divorce is complicated and stressful. That said, what we can conclude is that an international divorce requires more awareness because there are double the options and possibilities.

Have you had an international divorce before? If so, what do you wish you had known before going forward with it? Leave a comment below.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a legal professional or divorce solicitor if you’re seeking advice regarding your divorce. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.