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2020-21 Facility Reopening Strategies
by Alison Collier | Jun 18, 2020
There are short and long-term strategies that can reduce the risk of infection on campus and in school buildings. This session will provide a collection of facility strategies that can help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19....
DC Charter School Alliance Launch Virtual Happy Hour
Join us to celebrate the launch of the new DC Charter School Alliance, DC's premier charter school advocacy group, created by the merger of FOCUS and the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools. We will raise a glass to the DC charter school movement and...
Communications Webinar Series: Media Relations
Telling your story is essential to the success of your school. In this one hour workshop, Nell Callahan joins Holly Shannon for a conversation about media best practices. You'll learn how to identify events happening at your school that have newsworthy appeal in order...
Employment Law Webinar: Is It Really Time to Return to Work, Part I
by Alison Collier | Jul 9, 2020
It has become apparent COVID-19 is going to dominate employment and labor law issues for the foreseeable future. As public charter schools begin to return staff to the workplace, they must stay informed of the evolving labor and employment law challenges in...
11th Annual DC Data Summit
The Annual DC Data Summit will provide DCPS and PCS teachers, leaders, and staff with an opportunity to learn the latest trends and best practice for data-driven instruction, decision-making, and performance management. Attend workshops around data analysis,...
Employment Law Webinar: Is It Really Time to Return to Work, Part II
Communications Webinar Series: Twitter Deep Dive
Social media is an extremely powerful tool and each channel has a wide array of resources at your fingertips. Tina Anthony, Vice President of Digital at Curley Company will join us for a social media deep dive, where we will discuss the three main platforms that...
Employment Law Webinar: SY19-20 Was Phase One of the School Safety Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018. Are You Ready For The Second Phase?
Effective April 11, 2019, the DC City Council imposed new obligations on Schools to take steps to prevent and address student sexual abuse by school staff and student-on-student acts of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and dating violence. In the first year, public...
Communications Webinar Series: Facebook & Instagram Deep Dive
In the second installment of the social media series, Tina Anthony, Vice President of Digital at Curley Company will focus on Facebook and Instagram. In this one hour session she will take a deep dive into understanding what Facebook and Instagram offer. A platform...
In-Person Learning Panel
by Alison Collier | Oct 5, 2020
School leaders have a lot to consider as they prepare to bring students back to school buildings in person. A panel of DC charter school leaders who have already brought students back in-person will share their experiences and answer any questions you have. Panelists:...
Testimony Before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee of the Whole & Committee on Education By Shannon T. Hodge
DC Charter School Leaders Call for Equitable City Support to Extend In-Person Learning to More Students
LAYC Career Academy Alumna on the Front Line of the COVID-19 Crisis
DC Charter Schools Urge All Voters to Cast a Ballot
Testimony Before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Education & Committee of the Whole By Shannon T. Hodge
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We all have IVR horror stories. We have all struggled to find what we wanted on FAQ pages.
Indeed, self-service has historically been a source of frustration within the customer experience journey. And yet, it represents one of the biggest trends and investment priorities for today's contact centers. It, in the eyes of many thought leaders, represents an impactful way to elevate the customer experience.
What changed? More importantly, what must you change about your self-service strategy to ensure it wins over your customers?


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Discover The Truth About Sex After 50
Sex After 50
We see lots of references to sex amongst those in the 20s and 30s age bracket whether it's on TV, in the movies, in books, magazines and so on but it's rare that we see a mention of sex between couples of older ages.
That is definitely not to say that the sex life of those over the age of 50 wanes in comparison to other demographics. Many couples and single people over the age of 50 live more fulfilling sex lives than their younger counterparts because they have less distractions and at times they are less stressed!
It's all about attitude and how you approach it once you hit the milestone of 50. People over that age definitely experience more physical and physiological changes to their bodies but most of these are manageable through a visit to a physician and the like.
The addition of things like adult toys and sex lubrication will also serve to enhance the sex lives of the over 50s and more and more of this demographic are utilizing these types of things to reignite sparks in the bedroom.
Self pleasure sessions and masturbation are also fantastic for those single older players and can be a hugely enriching experience. The people at Carvaka have put together this useful infographic below all about sex after the age of 50. It separates the myths from the facts in terms of sex at this particular age; it details some concerns that people should look out for eg STIs; it also covers some interesting suggestions to create some excitement (should you need it!) in your sex life after the age of 50. Check it all out below!
sex after fifty
Sex After 50 Can Be Great!
Many people think that sex after 50 doesn't exist, and that sex is the preserve of bright young things – teenagers and 20-year-olds, perhaps 30-year-olds at a stretch.
But the truth the matter is that people over 50 are just as interested in sex as anybody else – and sex in midlife can be wonderful.
One of the problems is that myths are spreading in society about what we can expect from sex in our later years – for example, there's a common belief that people lose interest in sex after a certain age. The truth is that while sex may occur less frequently, our interest in sex doesn't diminish: what does change, however, is the nature of sex and the quality of the factors that play into our sexual desire.
For example, it's been demonstrated that people over 50 need a better quality relationship to get sexual satisfaction and pleasure than those in their 20s and 30s.
This is because we enjoy sexual connection and intimacy more as we get older – for example, it may become an affirmation of the relationship rather than just the release of sexual desire, perhaps.
It's also a commonly held myth that men will become less functional sexually as they get older – perhaps suffering erectile dysfunction.
The truth is not so simple: men may experience low sexual desire because they have less testosterone, but what they actually need to get an erection is direct physical stimulation to the penis rather than just relying on their imagination or indeed their historical expected response – to get aroused – from simply being near a woman who wants to be sexually intimate.
And it's certainly true that erections can be less firm as a man gets older, but that doesn't make any difference to the pleasure of sex. The use of lubricant, either natural or artificial, will ensure that penetration and enjoyable intercourse is still possible.
On the female side of this equation, a lot of people believe that women become much less interested in sex after menopause – but the truth is diametrically opposite.
Freed from the burden of pregnancy, and the possibility of becoming pregnant, women can release their energies more freely during sexual intercourse and intimacy.
The main problems they face are about hormonal levels – vaginal dryness, in particular, can be a problem which causes discomfort during sex. Fortunately there are medications which are available such as estrogen supplementation in pellet form which can be placed directly in the vagina.
And it's certainly untrue that a woman loses her ability to reach orgasm she gets older – that's ludicrous! Often a woman's orgasm frequency and intensity is much greater after the menopause.
When men can't get an erection, they tend to lose a major part of their self-image of being a fertile and sexual man. Often the problem is physical – circulation problems, prostate problems, and sometimes side effects of prescription medications can all affect a man's ability to get an erection. These PHYSICAL causes account for the vast majority of erectile difficulties.
Of course sex won't stay the same as you get older, that's inevitable because your fitness and health change, and it can be difficult, for example, to get into certain sexual positions.
But it's important to keep sight of the fact that if you're in a long-term relationship, you almost certainly know your partner very intimately indeed, and you'll be very familiar with each other's bodies.
This allows for a greater level of relaxation and confidence during sexual activity, and this in turn will produce much better and more enjoyable sex for both the man and the woman.
And because (inevitably) hormones are declining, and your sex drive with them, in many cases sex becomes the result of emotional attachment rather than simply physical desire – which makes it more satisfying and fulfilling for almost everybody.
(Hormone replacement therapy for men is available, in case you didn't know that fact.)
Where a couple find sex less rewarding and fulfilling, the reason is likely to be some kind of emotional issue – perhaps a man or his partner has failed to accept the fact that aging is inevitable, with all the implications this has for damage to self-image.
Moving gracefully into old age is vital, and to accept who you are as you get older, may not be a simple process. It relies on emotional stability, emotional maturity, and acceptance of what is, rather than what you would like things to be.
Strangely enough, women tend find this process more easy than men – which is probably something to do with men having to retire and give up their work; this forms a massive part of most men's self-identity throughout most of their life.
If you're experiencing any difficulty about the changes happening to you in midlife, it's well with finding a therapist or counsellor who has experience in this field.
Men need to be aware that fat cells can produce estrogen – this can be a major problem in men because it preferentially attaches to cellular testosterone receptors. Therefore, if you are a man, and you're overweight, it could be helpful to lose weight and improve fitness. Women, too, need to look after their health – circulatory problems can often be caused or made worse by obesity. So if you want to experience rapid weight loss you might like to try the Venus Factor diet for women.
finding a purpose in life, living the passionate life, sex after fifty
Suggestions for women and men over 50 years of age
There is a widespread view that sex for women ends around the time of the menopause. And indeed, many women beyond 50 don't seem to have much of a sex life.
Unfortunately, this problem isn't limited to women who've gone through the menopause: in 1999 the American Medical Association published a study which revealed that as many as 43% of women aged between 18 and 59 have experienced some sexual problem – lack of desire, pain during intercourse, low arousal, performance anxiety, or anorgasmia.
What is more surprising is that these sexual problems were not limited to any particular age group: another study revealed that 36% of women with sexual problems were aged below 40, 32% were in their 40s and 50s, and 31% had gone through the menopause. That shows age alone isn't the cause of the reduction in a woman's sexual desire and activity.
In fact, some experts have argued that women can have the best sex of their lives after they've gone through the menopause.
This isn't just because the menopause provides a natural breakpoint in life which gives women a very good reason to examine how their lives are working, and perhaps to change what they're doing, it's also because women of this age have the wisdom and sexual experience to be fully in tune with their sexuality and to enjoy it to the full.
The question is of course how many women over 50 are aware of this, and how many of them know how to grasp their sexual potential and enjoy it to the full.
Myths and facts about men over 50
Culturally, we live in a society where women over 50 have traditionally not been seen as particularly sexually active, and certainly not sexually active with men much younger than themselves.
However, there is plenty of circumstantial evidence that men in their 30s, and possibly even younger, find women in their 50s increasingly attractive.
Sex is entering a whole new territory: men over 50 may find that their erections are less certain and less firm, and that their overall level of sexual desire has decreased.
Dating advice for men over 50
Women over 50, given all the advantages of a place in life where they can relinquish responsibility for family and home, begin to focus more on themselves; potentially they have more discretionary income and the freedom to help them enjoy it; above all, these days, they may find themselves the object of sexual desire from men in a way they never expected to encounter at this time of life.
And, of course, the other thing that helps women cope with life changes is that they are used to them – for women, change in status and expectations are common as they move from adolescence into young womanhood, then to marriage or relationship, then to motherhood.
Later, as they let the children go, they move into the adventures of midlife and the menopause…no wonder a woman has the experience of and ability to cope with change!
Furthermore, after the age of 50 a woman has no agenda about having children, and her biological clock has stopped ticking. She's probably overcome the fantasy of a man riding in to save her on a white charger (metaphorically speaking!); she may not expect a man to rescue her or carry her off in a dream of romance; she is probably learning how to live fully in her own sexuality and wisdom, despite the things in life that may have disappointed her and the dreams that may not have been fulfilled.
Empowered and accepting it's OK to be sexual, a woman around this age can explore her sexuality, possibly seek romance, and certainly expect to achieve sexual satisfaction.
This is something that can happen to all women, not just those who find themselves single in midlife: women in a stable, long-term, committed relationship can move from a place where sex is either unsatisfying or infrequent to a place where sex is an important part of everyday life, and provides many satisfying orgasms.
In short, 50 can represent the start of a whole new phase of life; even though you've lived through the fertile years of adulthood and perhaps brought up children, fifty represents a time of potential transition from first adulthood to second adulthood.
What's more, if you're healthy when you reach 50 your chance of getting to a ripe old age is very high: a woman in the US free of cancer and heart disease at the age of 50 can now expect to live to 92, according to epidemiological research.
Gail Sheehy coined the terms first adulthood and second adulthood. She said that in our first adulthood we're simply consumed with moving from A to B to C — meaning, I assume, that we move from one stage of life to another almost inevitably as people have done for generations: moving out of the family home, separating from our parents, testing our ability to survive as independent adults, developing intimate relationships, and gaining the skills and abilities that we need to support ourselves in life before we put down our own roots, and then have a family.
Obviously it's a mistake to believe that you can hang onto the same values that sustain you up to age 50 in the years beyond that, for the expectations that life puts on you are quite different, and so are the responsibilities that you will have.
In other words, you need to adapt your expectations and beliefs about life and yourself to be able to enjoy your second adulthood beyond fifty years of age, and to feel less anxiety and greater self-confidence and fulfillment.
A natural transition beyond the age of 50 for both men and women is to find yourself feeling less competitively driven, feeling a pull to take on a role that is more like that of mentor or teacher to those younger than yourself.
living the passionate life, sex after fifty
What's Your Life Going To Look Like After 50 ?
Slowing Down After 50 Years
Of course, it's entirely possible that you can, say, start a business and remain busy, achieving "great things", but in general the pace of life slows down.
The mellowing that occurs in the majority of people after the age of 50 means that their focus may well be different to the years before: perhaps more spiritual, directed to greater self-fulfilment, and in the area of sexuality, certainly devoted to exploration, finding satisfaction, and maybe even having new adventures.
And at the same time, we recognize that these are easy words to say, because many women are trapped in marriages where sex has died, or where the relationship itself is simply not fulfilling any longer. The question for many women then is: do I stay or do I go?
And what is going to happen to me? Is this about this emotional fulfilment, or sexual fulfilment, or both? As far as this website is concerned, the emphasis is on achieving greater sexual pleasure and satisfaction, no matter what your life situation, after the age of 50.
Men Over 50 and Testosterone Supplementation
Sexual Pleasure For Women After 50
We will have a look at many issues as we go through the various aspects of achieving sexual satisfaction after 50, including male sexual desire (or, rather, the lack of it!), how a relationship can grow rather than stultify, and most importantly of all, how it is possible to achieve greater sexual satisfaction and pleasure even in the face of what appears to be a lowered sex drive.
A woman in her 50s is often moving from a position where she serves others like parents, teachers, husbands, lovers, partners, and other powerful people, into a place where she seeks greater mastery and independence: a fulfilment of her own emotional, physical and career potential.
She can stop pleasing other people, and start pleasing herself; she may feel a sense of power, or a desire to achieve independence and fulfilment in some other way.
Possibly what underlies all of this is a search for meaning that emerges round about midlife in most human beings.
The search for meaning encompasses many things, and its exact nature is different in almost everyone, because what is emotionally and psychologically significant to each of us is slightly different.
What lies at the root of the search for meaning is a search for personal fulfillment.
This can take any form — you can think of it, in shorthand, as the opportunity to actually achieve something personally significant.
Along with this change there ought to be a natural sense of something evolving (or dying) as you give birth to new dreams, new aspirations, new expectations, and hopefully more fulfilling relationships.
It seems that women over 50 are not as willing as they once were to settle for the stability of a marriage that has no intimacy, emotional connection, or sexual fulfillment.
Gail Sheehy interviewed hundreds of women in the course of writing her book "Sex and the seasoned woman", and she had access to the membership of The Third Age, an online website with more than a million members, designed to focus on the needs of midlife adults.
Her interviews and research in this group demonstrated that women seem to divide fairly natural into five groups which she called: Passionates; Seekers; WMDs (women married, dammit!); SQs (status quos); and LLs (lowered libidos).
The Passionates, who represented 40% of the total, were described as healthy, independent, sexy women anywhere between their late 40s and their 80s.
They usually had a measure of financial independence, and passionate about their work or a cause, and usually involved with someone romantically — whether that be post-divorce or in a long-term marriage. These women often say that they enjoy more romance and novelty in their sex play since the children left home, and many of them have been widowed, but have found new sexual relationships easily.
Seekers look forward to new relationships eagerly, anticipating the pleasure of being in sexual relationship with great satisfaction.
Judging by the descriptions that Sheehy gives of her interviewees and participants, these women have always found sex important, but in this period of their life it assumes a new importance: their orgasms are more powerful and more satisfying, and there may be a blossoming of their sexuality.
The third category that Sheehy identified was that of WMD.
These women represented 15% of the total. They were women who were frustrated by marriages that had been sexually or emotionally empty for some time, or women who felt victimized by a man who was an alcoholic, an adulterer, or lacking in fundamental masculine values (power, compassion, inner strength, vulnerability, etc).
Unfortunately these women didn't feel ready to change direction, and they didn't have a passionate interest that could provide them with the energy to change direction.
Most of these women had given up on sex: they were too angry, or too busy, or too resentful, and many of them were looking for reciprocity in their relationships — and not finding it. Some of them were having affairs; some were eager to have sex; in general they didn't find their partners satisfying, and their marriages were failing to provide fulfillment.
Next, Sheehy identified the SQs or status quos, 12% of the total.
These women were resigned rather than happy. Like the WMDs, they didn't have a burning dream or a new love, but felt that maintaining the status quo was preferable to the risk and discomfort of any change. In many cases they had long-standing marriages, though sex had often dwindled to zero.
However the women didn't seem to care, for even if their husbands were having affairs, the SQs would turn a blind eye. In general they seemed to have personalities that were anxious or shy, or they lacked the confidence to seek out sexual relationships.
Continued below!
Also – you can get more information here.
living the passionate life
The next group was the LL's — the lowered libidos — who also represented 12% of the total.
These women had totally given up on sex, or were simply complying with their husbands' or partners' demands. Most of them were married, and most of the rest were divorced; the only thing that they all had in common was that they had had a lowered libido since going through the menopause.
Gail Sheehy In Person
This group don't do anything about it, they don't even find the motivation to take hormone replacement therapy or vaginal estrogen and they rarely enjoy masturbation or introduce a novelty into their marriages. Once again, like the SQs, they put very little energy into seeking any change in their situation.
Sheehy makes the point that these categories are not fixed, in the sense that we can move between different categories at different points in our lives, a fact which might be encouraging for women who feel stuck in a situation that seems suffocating and prevents them from growing.
One of the things that comes across again and again in her book is that women over 50 who make the leap out of a dead or dying relationship — whether propelled by desperation or by desire — say that they are having the best sex of their lives.
It's fascinating how a point in the development of a woman's life which has traditionally been regarded as the end of her sexually active period can in fact be precisely the opposite and lead to exuberant, joyous sex which provides more fulfilment than ever before.
But of course the question is, what's actually necessary to achieve this? Is good health essential, or financial independence? Do you need to be an optimistic personality to attract a mate who wants to enjoy sex with you? Or is it about your luck?
The answer is that whatever situation you're in at the moment, whether married or divorced, whether living with a partner where sex is dull or indeed completely non-existent, this is the time at which you have to do something to achieve a more passionate life, and that might mean making some important choices.
So the questions that you might need to ask yourself include:
Who am I now that I've reached maturity?
What do I see as the benefits of middle age?
What do I see as the threats and opportunities of growing old?
Do I have a passionate interest in something that sustains me?
How is my present life partner supporting me or frustrating the achievement of my objectives?
Am I still sexually desirable?
Am I still sexually active?
How long do I believe I'm actually going to live?
And how am I going to live the years that remain for me?
Do I want to spend the rest of my life in a marriage or enjoying casual relationships?
And, perhaps above all, what will be spiritually fulfilling to me?
In some sense passion is the thing that drives every aspect of human life. That doesn't necessarily mean sexual passion, it just means passion in the sense of a fervent desire to pursue something you can pour all of your energies into. Finding something you love to do is essential for your spiritual fulfilment.
And it's not just about having a hobby that you enjoy: it's about finding something that actually generates excitement and exhilaration as well commitment to your own future. Gail Sheehy talks about reaching back into your own adolescence to find the dream that slipped past you without your noticing it go by. What was that idea, that dream, the thing that motivated you, that you always wanted to achieve or to do?
(I don't agree with this. What motivates you in midlife can be very different than what motivated you earlier in life, but it's not a bad way of starting to identify what your passion might be in the years ahead. But it's true that a life without purpose is a spiritually empty life. And there is a fundamental link between finding the passionate pursuit that will enliven the second half of your life, and reopening the doorway to sexual pleasure, real intimacy, and companionship.)
The most profound aspect of this philosophy is the belief that the object is to reach mature love and a sense of meaning and purpose that lasts until the end of your life. Gail Sheehy also claims that the third thread of the passionate life is spiritual exploration: meditation, prayer, yoga; indeed anything that leads to a deeper understanding of your place in relationship to the world could be seen as a spiritual pastime. What to make of this?
For those who have come here looking for advice on how to be sexier after 50, talk about spiritual pastimes and a meaningful purpose in life may be somewhat overwhelming.
I don't believe that it's actually necessary for somebody to have an overarching spiritual sense to rekindle their sexual desire, nor do I believe it's essential to have a purpose in life to be happy: I think life can be lived perfectly well in the absence of deep spiritual fulfillment as long as there are plenty of small but meaningful episodes in everyday life that sustain you spiritually. Indeed, the principle behind all of this website is that great sex within the context of a good life is easily achievable for everyone, at all ages.
But I agree that if you have a spiritual sense, or your life is graced by a sense of spiritual purpose, then it's possible to reach deeper levels of intimacy and connection with your partner during sex.
On a simple and practical level, it's worth quoting what one of Sheehy's interviewees said: "The more a woman enjoys whatever activity she is doing, the more she radiates joy and energy for life. This acts as a beacon that attracts people, including possible life companions."
It's quite clear, however, that many people entering midlife feel the need for a change: a change in relationship, perhaps from one that lacks intimacy, companionship and sex to one that will provide more nurturing for the soul; perhaps a seeking out of a spiritually fulfilling occupation or community (or even a hobby or pastime that nurtures one in this way); or a change in the level and frequency of sex and the persons with whom you enjoy it.
A life lived passionately is likely to be a life in which the enjoyment of sex features predominantly. But what if your libido is low, you feel low little or no interest in sex, or, even worse, you feel that the possibility of sex has diminished so much that you're not even interested whether you ever make love again or not?
Happily, there are some very clear answers to these questions and we'll be dealing with them in specific detail later on. That includes the issue of low sex drive for women, low sex drive for men, and unequal sex drive within a couple's relationship.
Gail Sheehy talks of the five phases of a passionate existence in midlife.
Phase 1 The Romantic Renaissance
She describes it as a period in which something or somebody reawakens your senses, both sensual and emotional, and you rediscover the power and excitement of "the romance of the new".
This is indeed the power and passion that you experienced in your youth with your first young love — a type of personal energy which can serve to remind you that you're still a sexual woman. (For a long-married couple who are still together and wish to stay that way, the romance of the new can be sparked in unexpected ways, such as the first holiday they have together after the departure of the last child from the family home).
In the context of a personal relationship, or a new dream, or a new spiritual focus, the excitement and romance of the new can propel woman towards a new and passionate life. When you're in this phase you live completely in the moment, escaping worries about the future and untouched by the emotional consequences of the past.
In terms of romantic and sexual relationships, the romantic renaissance is often a short lived affair, but it can serve to bring you back in touch with the sexual side of your being.
Given the opportunity to seize a chance to reconnect with sexual energy, many people in midlife have taken what another man or woman has to offer, even when they know that the person is not a suitable long-term mate or partner.
Such sex is a wonderful gift from another person and doesn't provide just fantastic sex — or even just a reawakening of the spirit; it can reawakened the soul to the glories of life. You can part without regrets, holding only fond memories and gratitude for the experience you've had. Many women and men who begin dating again in midlife will find a partner who gives them the gift of great sex and new sexual skills, helping them to move on in their search for a new existence.
Phase 2: Learning to be alone with your new self.
For women who've spent all of their lives looking after others, or feeling dependent on a husband, partner, job, place or other person, it may be hard to live alone and be content with that.
But it's essential that a woman knows how to be alone without feeling abandoned before she leaves the structure of her current life to search for something new.
The pain of loss and abandonment can be considerable, as many women who have been divorced and left to fend for themselves by husbands who have searched out younger partners can testify.
But this doesn't need to happen. By using a series of exercises which help you to shed any inappropriate and outmoded rules and regulations that have governed your life up till now, you can change the beliefs which underpin your philosophy of life.
And by gaining the social skills you may need to acquire to strike out independently in the world, you'll move beyond projecting desperation into a level of satisfaction with your own company which is likely to give you the opportunity for personal growth as well as widening your imagination about the realm of the future possibilities that lie ahead of you.
Phase 3 : The boldness to dream.
Sheehy quotes Goethe, who wrote: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. / Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." It is simply time to strike out with the dream of passion, whether in a sexual or personal sense.
Phase 4: Soul Seeking
This describes the dramatic change in needs which can occur for somebody in their 50s. Certainly, the shadow of death lies ahead of us — death being the one certainty for all of us — and this means people may change their priorities, they may look towards the light of faith, or they may become more spiritual in some very personal way.
A person who doesn't go through this fundamental change in philosophy or spirituality is likely to remain unfulfilled or uncertain as they move through life, and may perhaps fear death when it approaches.
One of the best antidote is to the anxiety of later middle age to have a deep and meaningful connection with another person, sometimes from a marriage that began years ago and has grown steadily as times have gone by, and sometimes from a new start in midlife. This can occur when a person knows deep in their souls that what they have is not enough and they need to seek more.
Of course, new connections can be found in all kinds of places: within a reinvigorated marriage or existing relationship, with a lover outside marriage, within a romantic friendship, and even with a same-sex partner. You might relight the fires of passion for an old flame or friend, or begin a new relationship.
Every story is individual and there are potentially as many variations on the theme as there are individuals in the world! Nonetheless, we're all made of the same genetic and biological material, and fundamentally we all have the same developmental stages….and need for support, love and spiritual fulfillment, whatever that means for you.
Phase 5: Graduating to mature love
Which Sheehy describes as the gold at the end of life. For those who are able to incorporate their passion and their dream with the practical matters of living, there should be greater confidence, fulfilment, and self-acceptance than at any other point in life.
A broader view of life in the short time you have left to live can be a catalyst for the growth of wider love, a form of love that is expressed through giving to community and loving others outside relationship, friends or family; a love shown through your actions — which might include giving creatively, or philosophically, or through some kind of activism for a cause that you espouse. It's a phase of life in which your goals are realigned and you think about what you will leave behind when you've gone.
This is still underpinned by passion, a passion which may spread into love for and with another human being.
The Sexual Path After 50 Years Of Age
The sexual path after fifty – wanting a passionate life
If you've not had sex for years, perhaps a decade or more, meeting the right person can revitalize the spark and bring back what you felt was dormant within you. You might have concerns about finding the right person, but the evidence suggests that this is misplaced.
The 2003 AARP study of lifestyles and dating among midlife singles revealed that 75% of women who divorced in their 50s enjoyed a serious one-to-one relationship soon after their divorce, sometimes as early as within two years. (Among men, 81% found a new serious one-to-one relationship.)
There are plenty of ways to find a new relationship: the primary one these days seems to be Internet dating. Gail Sheehy reports that amongst 15,000 respondents to a study conducted by a sociologist at California State University, 50% of women say they are getting more dates, more sex, and more lasting love from online dating adverts than they would by conventional dating.
It's easy to find out much about a man online by exchanging e-mails with him, a procedure that avoids the tedium of a two-hour dinner if the guy happens to turn out to be totally unsuitable.
Sure, it takes a degree of confidence and enterprise to use online dating services, but like everything else in life, the only way to discover the advantages and benefits is to plunge right in. If you're interested in doing this we recommend Eharmony.com and Match.com.
Certainly if you're one of the many women who are feeling a sense of "I can't go on like this much longer", then you're feeling the pull of midlife towards a more passionate existence, and you need to do something about it. And while those are easy words to say, how do you face the enormity of separation or divorce or even leaving a long established partner at a time in life where traditionally you might well have never been able to find another one?
Well, for one thing, we live in a time when women are more empowered than ever before: according to a 2004 study of divorce in midlife by the AARP, two thirds of divorces among couples over aged 40 are initiated by the women; and one third of divorced or single women over 40 are dating younger men; and a single woman in her 50s is more likely to be divorced or never married than widowed.
What has changed here is that women have realized a degree of economic empowerment over the last decade or two that has enabled them to achieve both practical and emotional freedom.
Women are likely to precipitate divorce simply because they can, because they're in unsatisfactory relationships with men who can't give them what they know they need.
Along with economic power and better education comes emotional liberation; so nowadays women who suffer the challenges and difficulties of relationships that are far from satisfactory can only tolerate these problems for so long before their true selves emerge and compel them to seek out greater freedom.
No matter that as a woman you may stay with the man for the sake of the children, or for social appearances, or for some other reason; if you're unhappy, there'll be a time where you need to seek your own true destiny – whether that be sexual, spiritual, and emotional.
Sometimes a woman's decision to divorce is initiated by a lack of sex, or by the fact that the husband has established a sexual relationship with another woman; in other cases it is because the husband is alcoholic or chronically abusive in some way, or even that he simply ignores his partner.
All of these situations can provoke women to seek out new dreams and new goals. Of course one of the big issues for women in this situation is whether to actually break up the relationship in the first place or continue with things the way they are.
Many so-called WMD's want to know what's on the other side of the break-up before they take the initiative. This emphasizes that having a passionate belief or a desire to pursue some important personal objective can provide the propulsion to make the move out of a failing relationship.
In her book Sex and the Seasoned Woman, Gail Sheehy provides plenty of examples drawn from real life women whom she interviewed while writing her account of midlife changes. We heartily recommend this book.
Rediscovering dreams may not be easy if you're living in a conservative community or among friends and family who have expectations that you'll behave in a certain way, or fulfill certain social "requirements".
But if making a sudden and dramatic break such as divorce or separation is impossible, you might well ask if it's possible to reach a different place through a personal evolution, through personal growth.
The answer is "yes", it is possible, but there are many things to consider, not least amongst them the fact that when one person in a relationship begins to grow, the status quo is disrupted and the other partner is likely to respond in a way intended to maintain the status quo.
It's a classic dilemma: how to break out of the old pattern of finding your new self without breaking away from family, friends or community?
Gail Sheehy talks about the paradox of love with dual impulses: first, to stay merged, or surrendered, or attached to a stronger person who will anticipate or meet all our needs; second, the opposite impulse to seek independence, become separate, explore your capacities and become masters of your own destiny.
These two needs — one for intimacy, and one for connection with our individuality — struggle for dominance throughout our lives, and it's quite natural that as we approach midlife, the balance between them will be upset. This tension often plays out in a long-term relationship within the area of intimacy.
There can often be a dramatic divergence between the physical, sexual connection of a couple and the intimate connection of emotional closeness (i.e. sex continues but intimacy vanishes, or the other way round).
Sometimes change comes so quickly that one person within a couple becomes unfocused and rudderless, without a clear path to follow whilst the other builds a new way of life. This imbalance may provoke a renegotiation of the terms of the marriage, or it may provoke a separation in which each person has the opportunity to find what they want to do in the next decades.
Some women and men who find themselves single in crisis set out a list of expectations for their new partner-to-be which are completely unrealistic.
Incredibly high expectations may be appealing but are very unrealistic; and they are certainly not compatible with the personal growth in midlife that can lead you to a more realistic view of your own place in the world and among the people around you.
Any expectations that don't include an appreciation of human frailty and understanding that a new relationship is an opportunity to grow together to a more spiritual and emotionally connected place are likely to be expectations that induce you to act like your own worst enemy.
Also keep in mind that men and women over 50 don't have as much energy as they did when they were younger, don't have bodies that are as perfect as they used to be, and probably don't have the qualities that would attract a younger person.
Nonetheless the assertiveness and confidence that comes to somebody who is truly growing into their midlife self can provide more than enough energy and persistence to make sure that you don't remain stuck as a single sexless person, instead finding a new, exciting and passionate life
Staying Together Means Enjoying Sex After 50
The romantic renaissance
We mentioned above the phases that Sheehy uses to describe the passage in midlife: the first is the romantic renaissance. It's a recapitulation of the excitement of the heady days of adolescent romance, an exciting, passionate phase where obsession with the new love object or your new purpose in life precedes the passage into a more reflective, quieter phase of incorporation and integration.
Of course new romantic love can strike at any time in life — it's just that our cynicism from the wounds that life often inflicts on us as we age may make us feel it's not going to happen to us.
But it can happen: it can happen to a woman who is divorced, or a woman who is not looking for love, just as easily as it can happen to woman in a long-term relationship who rediscovers her passion and excitement for her husband or partner when they go out on a date after the last child has left home.
It's been called a "sweet sickness", but I think that is too negative for a vital part of our human existence — the energy and passion of romantic love or infatuation that drives us on to seek new connection, to explore relationship further, and to grow as an individual.
Dr. Helen Fisher has researched love and sex extensively, and she believes that love is one of the most powerful forces in the human being — certainly more powerful than the drive to have sex.
What makes romantic love so different at the age of 50 or 60 than when you're 15 or 20 is the fact that you have more options open to you, more wisdom and knowledge, and you can do so many more interesting things.
Helen Fisher's Ted Talk
You bring a rounder, more mature, more informed self to the relationship, and if your partner brings the same qualities, then the potential for more meaningful interaction is much greater than it was when you experienced romantic love during your adolescence.
Sheehy puts it like this: a woman without a partner in middle life must be both hungry enough and bold enough to put effort into seeking a partner — or at least hungry enough or bold enough to put out signals that she is available.
One of the more striking and positive observations that Sheehy found repeated again and again amongst happy mature couples is that the departure of children from the family home can cause a resurgence of romantic love and lead to a truly passionate relationship once again.
No matter that couples move in and out of love as they go through life: the potential for truly exciting romantic love is always there. You may have noticed how the fires of passion are rekindled in your relationship when you go on a vacation, and have more time to devote to your partner.
When you're passionate about something or someone, sex tends to resurge; equally, passion may provide a couple with enough fuel to go out together and seek new interests. If you remember the feelings that you experienced the first time you fell passionately in love, you'll recall how dramatically the power of romantic love, of passion, can transform you! Indeed, romantic love can create the energy and impetus to begin new passages in life and undertake new endeavors.
Psychologist Judith Wallerstein asserts that a richly rewarding and stable sex life is not just a fringe benefit of a relationship — she says it's a central task in a relationship. She maintains that sex serves a very serious purpose in maintaining both the quality and stability of your relationship, serving to replenish emotional reserves and strengthening the bond between the couple.
Revitalizing your sex life, is essential for stability and joy in the marriages or relationships of those who are approaching midlife; indeed, she claims that the greatest contrast between those who are happily together and those who are splitting up may well lie in the sexual arena. What shows this more clearly than anything else is that couples who are splitting up have usually not had sex for several years.
So when you undergo a romantic renaissance you can expect to be happy, you can expect to be energized, and you can expect to go through the feelings of an adolescent in love for the first time. You can make a real connection with a person who understands you and who wants to be with you, a person who thinks you're the brightest thing on the planet's surface….. and if lust sweeps over you in this phase of romance, then so much the better!
Lust is a natural human desire for physical connection and sexual satisfaction. Within a woman it can remain dormant for a long long time — many decades in fact — but it is always there to be revived and renewed when the right circumstances unfold.
Many older women now feel free to date younger, sometimes much younger, men. In a way this is a rebalancing of the equation that has existed for decades whereby it's been quite acceptable for older men to date younger women, while those women who were seeking younger male partners were criticized. Women looking for younger men are often divorced women who've lived a life with no emotional intimacy.
They are now looking for fun, for flirtation, for somebody to actually appreciate or even idealize them; they may want somebody who shares their interests or they may want somebody who isn't threatened by their achievements and isn't dependent on them. Being able to use online dating services has enabled women to achieve this unexpected new freedom, and allowed them to find excitement, passion and often rejuvenation.
And while these romances may not be permanent, they can be transformative: in my work with both men and women I've known many individuals who have said that a single relationship, whether short-term or long-term — sometimes only for an evening or a night — has actually acted as a catalyst for the release of a whole series of transformative experiences, often sexual in nature. For those over 50 who have been part of a long-term relationship, sex may have become routine and boring.
There are few things more exciting than a young passionate lover, one whose adeptness at making love both gives you great pleasure and teaches you new techniques. But while the possibility of finding true love exists in such a relationship, it's much more likely that relationships like this serve as catalysts for personal development.
information you need to know if you are over fifty!
finding a purpose in life

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We are constantly getting new vehicles in, so please check back frequently! All units are sold As Is with no warranty from Hickman RV.
We typically carry a wide range of RV's from Class A, Class B, Class C motorhomes, both diesel and gas, as well as toy haulers, 5th wheels, pop-ups and more. With a large selection of quality used recreational vehicles right here in Colorado Springs, you can't go wrong.
We also accept trade-ins in good condition. We are always on the look out to add inventory to our lot so whether you are buying a used RV from the best RV dealer in Colorado or wishing to sell your well cared for RV stop by our used RV lot.
Hickman RV will do a thorough walk-thru with you to ensure that everything is operational and you know how to operate your new coach. Every unit that is 15 years or from the current year will leave with a 30-Day EasyCare Limited Warranty. If you want coverage beyond 30-days, you can purchase an Extended Warranty also through EasyCare Total Care Warranty for anything 15 years or newer than the current year.
While we attempt to ensure display of current and accurate data, this listing may not reflect the most recent transactions or may reflect occasional data entry errors. All inventory listed is subject to availability and prior sale. Please consult dealership personnel for details. Prices are quoted for Colorado only and may not include taxes, or other applicable charges.


Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most common tooth replacement options, but it's important to know the right time to consider them. There are several factors that may indicate it's time to talk to your dentist about dental implants. Dr. Brenda Paulen is a Sandy Springs, GA dentist who helps patients make the best decision for their oral health.
2. You are starting to experience bone loss (in the jaw area).
3. You have loose-fitting partials or a loose-fitting denture.
5. You have a tooth that cannot be saved.
Live in or near Sandy Springs, GA? Call Proudsmiles Dental for an implant consultation with Dr. Paulen or schedule with us online. We look forward to helping you restore your smile!


Because time is short. Film lasts.
What's involved in an interview shoot?
After you book a date and location, we'll do a pre-interview to find what's important to capture. For the actual interview shoot, setup typically takes 60 minutes, shooting lasts for about 2 hours, and packing up takes 45 minutes.
It's a long and ever-changing list for the most part. It's not the gear; it's how we use it. If you're still interested, Contact me.
We will figure all that out during the pre-interview.
What's a good location for the shoot?
The quieter the better. The rest depends on availability on the date you prefer. The final consideration is aesthetics.
What should they wear for the interview?
Solid colors or large-print designs recommended (no tight patterns like pinstripes). Avoid bright whites or extremely dark colors like black or navy blue. Jewelry is fine if it doesn't make any noise.
Can I upgrade my package later?
We can always expand a project by adding new footage to past footage. It's possible that interviews would need to be re-done to maintain consistency.
What happens when recording is finished?
All the files are backed up in triplicate, two on-site and one at a remote location. Depending on the package selected, the interview and additional footage are combed through repeatedly to find the right parts for the story. After the dialog edit is in place, additional footage is incorporated depending on the package (animated photos, b-roll, vintage videos, graphics, etc.) Depending on the package, music is added and the edit is fine-tuned. A color grade is applied to fit the mood, and the last step is mastering the dialog, music, and other sound elements. The final video is exported based on the content delivery method and delivered to you.
Can I share the video online?
Generally, yes, but if the audience is large enough, there may be licensing costs.


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Free Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines now available
Microsoft recently released the first feature update for Windows 11 operating system, Windows 11 version 22H2. In this update, Microsoft added some new features and changed the UI of some apps. After this big release, Microsft started rolling out new features in cumulative updates, like the Tabbed View in File Explorer. Now, Microsoft has released Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines. Free Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines are now available and can be downloaded from the official website of Microsoft.
Download Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines
A Virtual Machine is an operating system that can be installed on a host operating system with the help of dedicated virtualization software. The Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines released by Microsoft are the evaluation versions and can be used for free for up to a limited time. Regular users or developers who want to test Windows 11 22H2 on their computers without replacing their host operating systems can install Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machine on their systems.
Highlights of Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines
Some highlights of Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machines are given below:
The total file size of the Virtual Machine is 20 GB.
The free version of Windows 11 22H2 Virtual Machine will expire on 10th January 2023. After that, users have to purchase the product key from Microsoft in order to activate the Virtual Machine.
The evaluation version of Virtual Machine includes:
Window 11 Enterprise (Evaluation)
Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition with UWP, .NET Desktop, Azure, and Windows App SDK for C# workloads enabled
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 enabled with Ubuntu installed
Windows Terminal installed
Developer mode enabled
To install the Virtual Machine on your system, you need virtualization software. Microsoft has provided links to download Virtual Machine for popular virtualization software, including VMWare, Hyper-V, VirtualBox, and Parallels. The file hashes for all these Virtual Machines are also mentioned on the Microsoft website.
Visit microsoft.com to know more and download Virtual Machine for the above-mentioned platforms.
Date: November 7, 2022 Tags: Windows 11
Nishant Gola
Nishant is a tech enthusiast who loves writing about technology and gadgets. He has completed B.Tech. Apart from writing, he likes to spend his time on his plantation.
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Thank you for choosing Celtic Shirts' North Catholic Merchandise supply center. We know that there are other North Catholic Falcons merchandise suppliers in Churchville, PA 18966 you could have contacted. Thanks for contacting us!


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Home/News/Finance/Stock Market/Despite low mortgage rates, America's housing market keeps many first-time buyers on the sidelines
Despite low mortgage rates, America's housing market keeps many first-time buyers on the sidelines
Karl Daniel Send an email December 4, 2021
There's been a rebound in home-buying demand in recent weeks, as evidenced by mortgage application data. But first-time buyers aren't behind the surge.
The latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, for the week ending Nov. 26, showed that overall mortgage applications dropped 7.2% on a weekly basis. But loan applications for mortgages meant to purchase homes increased by 5.1% week-over-week, building on the previous week's 4.7% uptick.
Overall, in November, mortgage applications for loans intended for purchasing homes increased by 7% in November, according to an analysis from Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. That's compared with a 1% decline in October and an 8% gain in September. But when diving deeper into the data, it's clear that not all buyers are flocking back to the market in similar numbers.
"'As home-price appreciation continues at a double-digit pace, buyers of newer, pricier homes continue to dominate purchase activity.'"
— Joel Kan, associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting for the Mortgage Bankers Association
"As home-price appreciation continues at a double-digit pace, buyers of newer, pricier homes continue to dominate purchase activity, while the share of first-time buyer activity remains depressed," Joel Kan, associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting for the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in the trade group's latest report.
Related News Swedish start-up Quartr gains high-profile backers to modernize investor relations
Evidence for this can be seen in a number of data points, including the share of applications for mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans can be a useful proxy for first-time buyer demand, since they require smaller down payments and lower minimum credit scores than loans backed by Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac
-6.54%.
In the most recent week, FHA loans made up only 9.4% of overall purchase loan applications, down from 10.2% during the same week in 2020.
The number of first-time buyers increased last year
Over the past year, the share of buyers who were purchasing their first home actually increased, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors, rising from 31% to 34%. Despite the increase, the figure remained well below the historical norm of 40%.
And those first-time buyers that managed to achieve that milestone did so in spite of many obstacles. "This year has dealt several headwinds for many of them," said George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com.
"The early part of 2021 saw an overheated market, in which pandemic-accelerated demand for homes ran headlong into a market starved for inventory, due to over a decade of underbuilding," he added. As of the mid-point of 2021, there was a shortage of around 5.2 million homes, based on analysis from Realtor.com.
Related News Chicago Fed's Evans says stalled stimulus negotiations are 'an unfortunate development' for the economy
"'Even with low mortgage rates, many first-time buyers found it difficult to compete with repeat buyers.'"
— George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com
"Even with low mortgage rates, many first-time buyers found it difficult to compete with repeat buyers bringing equity from a prior home, or other buyers leveraging all-cash offers," Ratiu said.
So far this fall, the housing market has cooled from the crazed pace earlier in 2021, while maintaining a higher rate of home sales than is typical for this time of year. But inflation has put a dent in would-be buyers' wallets — particularly when it comes to the rising cost of rent. According to the National Association of Realtors, 73% of first-time buyers over the past year were previously renters.
Plus, mortgage rates have risen above the ultra-low levels seen at the beginning of 2021, and most economists expect they will rise as the Federal Reserve eases off its pandemic-related stimulus.
"Millennials are in the market, but more of the success in actually buying a home is coming from those with larger budgets – they can beat out bids and have more inventory to choose, especially for new homes," said Adam DeSanctis, director of public affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Related News European stocks wobble and Nasdaq-100 futures drop as Treasury yields resume their climb
First-time buyers' success might depend on whether the inventory situation improves. Ratiu said that more homeowners are expected to list their homes for sale in the coming months, which would give buyers more options and put a damper on the high rate of home-price growth. If that expectation doesn't come to fruition, success could end up being a reflection of which buyers have access to financial assistance.
According to the National Association of Realtors, between 2020 and 2021 more than 1 in 4 first-time buyers used a gift or loan from friends or family for their down payment.
article_normal banking Banking/Credit basic materials Basic Materials/Resources buying Buying/Selling a Home Community construction Construction/Real Estate Consumer Affairs copper ore Copper Ore/Nickel Ore Mining credit economic news economic performance Economic Performance/Indicators Fannie Mae Financial Services FMCC FNMA Freddie Mac general news Home Buying & Selling home sales Home Sales/Housing Affordability Figures housing affordability figures indicators lifestyle living Living/Lifestyle Market America Metal Ore Mining mining Mining/Quarrying mortgage application Mortgage Application/Refinancing Figures nickel ore mining Non-ferrous Metal Ore Mining Personal finance political Political/General News property quarrying real estate Real Estate Markets Real Estate/Property refinancing figures resources retail Retail/Wholesale selling a home society Society/Community Stock Market News Stock Market Today Stocks wholesale
Penobscot Nation Members Do Not Want Ancestors' Scalping Whitewashed
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Myanmar's repressive military uses Israeli drones, despite a ban on sales of such tech to Myanmar, as well as Swedish iPhone cracking software, Western spyware (Hannah Beech/New York Times)
Kelsea Ballerini Rocks Sparkly Green Dress As She Celebrates Being 'Boosted' For The Holidays
Bad Bunny & Chester Cheetah Chill at the Studio in New Cheetos Commercial: Exclusive
Clarity AI, whose AI helps fund managers gauge environmental impact of their investments, raised $50M in August, led by Vision Fund 2 at a $450M valuation (Simon Jessop/Reuters)
Clare and Dale Sneak Around in New Bachelorette Promo


Aithent Claims Manager supports the complete claim life cycle for insurance claim activities.
Aithent's Claims Manager is a highly secure browser-based claim-centric solution that allows insurance organizations.
Insurance organizations to define business processes that best enable standardization of effective practices to process claims efficiently; identify and investigate suspicious claims; and meet organizational claims compliance requirements.
Aithent's Claims Manager is a highly secure browser-based claim-centric solution.
Claims Manager supports the complete claim life cycle for insurance claim activities.
Aithent Claims Manager can be integrated easily so the organization can begin working with the system quickly accelerating the implementation and ROI. With strict permissions and role based user access, claims information is secure but may be shared on an "as needed basis". Whether there is a team of one or a team of one hundred, Aithent has a tailored solution to support your requirements.
Aithent develops high-value custom software solutions the insurance industry to automate process workflows yielding higher productivity and profitability while supporting enhanced customer satisfaction and services.
Aithent highly scalable and secure browser based solution that can help you streamline claims processing to best meet both corporate and regulatory requirements.


Ever wondered what it takes to become an AFAA certified Group Exercise instructor?
AFAA stands for Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and has been educating fitness professionals since 1983.
Exercise standards, selection, technique, guidelines, choreography, cueing, etc.
AFAA provides two formats for certification: all online or in person. I chose to do the live option and used the 3 months prior to the live certification to read, fill out the study guide, memorize and practice my skill sets.
I was a ball of nerves the morning of the live certification. I didn't spend as much time as I needed studying for the written test. There were many concepts that I wasn't 100% confident in, however, there was no turning back!
My certification was held at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln campus. After signing in for the day, we all sat and waited for our instructor to kick start the morning session.
Just enough time to get your stomach in even more knots.
In preparation for the certification I not only studied but also researched and read multiple blog posts about AFAA certifications about what to expect. Based off their recaps, I was fully anticipating the first few hours to be a study session.
My facilitator had us working out the entire day.
This was a fun way to review terms, however, there were a couple gals who were very knowledgeable and would quickly answer his questions before the rest of us had time to process and speak. I am very much a processing type of girl. Ask me a question, let me think through it, and then I will answer. So, sadly, I was distracted by these girls and felt they were just trying to 'show off' their knowledge base. It left me a little frazzled.
After about 90 minutes we had a break and I spent that time with my head buried in my study guide.
The next part of the morning was spent demonstrating a general group exercise class. This was also part of the practical portion of the certification testing that was to be held in the afternoon, so I appreciated the opportunity to practice and gain feedback.
We were given a 5 minute block in which we were to demonstrate a generic warm-up, workout and then a cool-down. We were prepped that we'd be judged on not only skill set, but appropriateness of exercises, energy and rhythm.
I was not worried about this portion at all. I think my musical talents helps me tremendously in this area, but also my knowledge of choreography and understanding the importance of an 8 count.
I kept my warm-up pretty basic. Think step touches, cross lunges, repeater knees, grape vines, etc. For the workout section I did a mini cardio kickboxing routine and then kept my cool-down similar to my warm-up, but focused on bringing down the exertion level by minimizing arm swings and bouncing.
This concluded the morning session and led us right into lunch so I took off for a little walk around campus to get some fresh air.
I should note that just a few weeks prior to this certification the Iowa Hawkeyes and Huskers faced off in a Thanksgiving weekend football game.
After my walk and another cramming studying session, it was back to work.
Our next activity had us practicing our 10 muscle groups, of which was also part of the practical exam. This is where the facilitator calls out a muscle group and we demonstrate an exercise that engages that particular muscle and follow it up with two stretches to stretch it out.
We ended the 'Study' portion of the day by teaching the class one exercise, three different ways.
We were given about 20 minutes to study and ask questions before starting the practical portion of the examination.
They first spread us out across the room with identifying numbers. Everyone tests at the exact same time, so be prepared for that! I was put in the front row so no chance of cheating there! Maybe I should take that as a compliment as maybe they recognized I knew what I was doing? hahaha.. Right.
10 muscle group exercises with accompanying stretches.
100 questions. Multiple choice, T/F, essay, matching.
And it was hard. There were a lot of muscle group questions. I was prepared to locate the muscle group on the human body. I was not prepared to explain what muscle group was acting as the antagonist and agonist. Be sure to study that!
Once we were done with the test, we were free to go. We were told it could take 4-6 weeks before we'd receive our results. Talk about waiting on pins and needles!
Regardless, I had fun getting to know several of the gals throughout the day. You bond quickly over nerves and questions.
And 4 weeks later I received my results in the mail that said I PASSED!
I believe becoming a Nationally Certified instructor is important. It not only gives you the extra credentials but it also shows devotion to learning more about the human body and commitment to helping people get fit and healthy the right way.
Living in the city, most gyms require some sort of national certification to teach in their facilities, so if you are thinking of becoming a group exercise instructor, I strongly recommend you get a mentor, sign up for a certification and get to studying!


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Srbizacija ili posrbljavanje označava kulturnu i nacionalnu asimilaciju nesrpskog stanovništva u srpsku naciju. Sastoji se u, primjerice, preuzimanju srpskih imena, srpskog jezika i srpske pravoslavne vjeroispovjesti.

Američki autor Stephen Schwartz smatra kako korijen srbizacije čini uvjerenje da su svi Hrvati, Bošnjaci, Crnogorci i Makedonci u biti Srbi.

Pojam
Pojmovi srbiti i srbljenje prvi put spominju se u srpskom rječniku Vuka Karadžića iz 1818. godine, u značenju prihvaćanja srpstva, postajanja Srbinom.

Srbizacija u Makedoniji

Nakon priključena vardarske Makedonije u Kraljevinu Srbiju Makedonski Narod bio je suočen s politikom prisilne srbizacije.

9. rujna 1919. godine Carigradska patrijaršija je za 800.000 franaka ustupila jurisdikciju nad pravoslavnim vjernicima vardarske Makedonije Srpskoj pravoslavnoj crkvi. Pravoslavni Makedonci, su kasnije na popisima stanovništva Kraljevine Jugoslavije prikazani kao Srbi.

Politika srbizacije uključivala je i promijenu prezimena (npr. Petrov i Popov u Petrović i Popović). Područje Makedonije je u Kraljevini Jugoslaviji nazivano "Južnom Srbijom" (neslužbeno) ili  "Vardarskom banovinom" (službeno).

Prema navodima Makedonskog dela, časopisa Unutrašnje makedonske revolucionarne organizacije, nakon stvaranja Kraljevine Srba, Hrvata i Slovenaca, u makedonskim školama sprovođena je sistematska politika denacionalizacije i srbizacije makedonskog stanovništva.

Srbizacija Kosova
Po priključenju Kosova Kraljevini Srbiji (poslije Kraljevini SHS), kosovski Albanci bili su suočeni s politikom prisilne srbizacije, koja je zabranila korištenje albanskog jezika, pokrštavanju i etničkom čišćenju.

Srbizacija Crne Gore
Još od početka 20. stoljeća velikosrbi pisali su raznorazne monografije o crnogorskim temama (država, kultura, narod; ponajviše o crnogorskim nahijama, plemenima, selima, bratstvima), pri čemu su se služili izmišljotinama neslućenih razmjera, sve radi negiranja crnogorstva i prikazivanja istih srpskim. Podrijetlo crnogorskih bratstava izvodili su od poznatih srpskih osoba, pri čemu krivotvoritelji nisu prezali ni od izmišljanja osoba. Krivotvorenje i srbiziranje crnogorske baštine su u svojim radovima sprovodili Đorđe Branković, Dositej Obradović, Jovan Rajić, Gavrilo Stefanović Venclović, Simo Milutinović, Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, Ilija Garašanin, Milorad Medaković, Dimitrija Milaković i ini. Metode kojima su se služili bile su po sličnom ili istom obrascu koje se primijenilo i na Hrvate i još neke narode: u tumačenju povijesnih izvora i književnih radova crnogorsko se jednostavno proglašavalo srpskim, ili se u povijesne tekstove ubacivalo "srpski" u tekst, odnosno, mijenjalo se riječ u tekstu koju su zamjenjivali pridjevom "srpski".

Uništavanje crnogorske povijesti sprovodilo se i uništavanjem izvornika povijesnih dokumenata, krivotvorenim "kopijama prijepisa" i "rig"-ovima podmetanim pod izvornike. Veliku ulogu u tome je imao Dušan Vuksan kojeg su kraljevske srbijanske vlasti nakon što su okupirale Crnu Goru poslale ondje za povjerenika na najodgovornije znanstveno-prosvjetne položaje. Isti je u crnogorsku povijesnu znanost podvalio podosta krivotvorina i upitnih "otkrića". Preinačivao je crnogorske dokumente i/ili dodatno dorađivao i raspačavao velikosrpske povjesničarske podvaljene krivotvorine dajući im tako "vjerodostojnost", skrivajući i mijenjajući izvore (kao što je bio Simo Milutinović) tih kopija, posrbljujući crnogorski jezik u tekstovima, tako da je primjerice u slučaju oporuke Petra Prvog u svojim "kopijama prijepisa" (ne provjeravajući izvore) napravio 150 razlika "leksičke, gramatičke, sintaktičke, sadržajne, materijalne i formalne" naravi, sve radi toga kako bi se izgubila izvornost dokumenta, odnosno da bi se posrbilo crnogorski jezik i mentalitet općenito. Težina i štetnost zahvata Dušana Vuksana je tolika da se u crnogorskim znanstvenim krugovima otvoreno postavljaju zahtjevi za znanstveno preispitivanje svih njegovih "svjedočanstava". Zahtjevi idu dotle da se znanstveno preispita tradicionalna crnogorska povijesna znanost i ponovno utvrde činjenice, a radi postavljanja pravilnih zaključaka, sinteza i objašnjenja na točnim osnovama, jer je tradicionalna crnogorska povijesna znanost velikim dijelom bila građena na postavkama Dušana Vuksana koji je dugo, i u današnjici, nekritički prikazivan kao velikan crnogorske povjesnice.

Srbizacija Vlaha
Srpski povjesničar Ilarion Ruvarac spominje posrbljene Vlahe u Srbiji krajem 19. i početkom 20. stoljeća. Engleski povjesničar Noel Malcolm smatra kako su tijekom povijesti brojni Vlasi Bosne i Hercegovine asimilirani u srpsku populaciju putem pripadnosti srpskoj pravoslavnoj crkvi.

U današnje vrijeme, pojedini predstavnici Vlaha, koji se na svom jeziku nazivaju Rumâni (Rumanji), ne prihvaćaju naziv Vlasi, tvrdeći da su svi oni Rumunji koji su u Timočkoj krajini izloženi "nečuvenoj asimilaciji i srbizaciji". Međutim, drugi predstavnici Vlaha opovrgavaju ovakve tvrdnje, naglašavajući vlašku autentičnost i smatrajući kako je svrstavanje Vlaha u Rumunje zapravo pokušaj rumunjizacije.

Poznate dragovoljno posrbljene osobe

 Petar Ičko (oko 1775. – 1808.), srpski i osmanski diplomat bugarskog ili cincarskog podrijetla.
 Jovan Sterija Popović (1806. – 1856.), srpski književnik aromunskog (cincarskog) podrijetla.
 Branislav Nušić (rođen kao Alkibijad Nuša; aromunski: Alchiviadi al Nusha) pisac aromunskog podrijetla.
 Nikola Pašić, političar bugarskog ili aromunskog podrijetla.
 Đorđe Vajfert (rođen kao Georg Weifert), srbijanski i jugoslavenski industrijalac njemačkog podrijetla.
 Pavle Jurišić Šturm (rođen kao Paulus Eugen Sturm), general, lužičko-srpkog podrijetla.
 Emir Kusturica, redatelj bošnjačkog podrijetla, koji se pokrstio i uzeo srpsko ime Nemanja.
 Ivo Andrić, književnik i diplomat hrvatskog podrijetla.
 Meša Selimović, književnik bošnjačkog podrijetla.

Izvori

Povijest Srbije
Povijest Jugoslavije
Velikosrpski pokret

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Debra Price
March 15, 2016 Staff Admin	0 Comments	Christian Artist Spotlight, christian singer songwriter, Debra Price, devine jamz artist promotion, fiverr promotion, Gospel Artist Spotlight, I Need You, New Artists, Transform Me
Debra Price singing is her soothing mechanism and the way she surrender her hurts and disappointments!
About Debra Price
Recording artist, songwriter, minister, intercessor and savvy business woman Debra Price Born Debra McKinney started singing at a very young age. She brings a soulful, urban upbeat, jazzy worship blend of inspiring uplifting music. This anointed songstress recently completed one of her best Master Piece and collection of songs entitled "Transform Me". Within the album Debra conveys to women the importance of knowing who they are and how to value them self according to the word of God. She tells that there is healing for depression, death, divorce, and even shame and guilt.
Project That Must Be Shared
Debra has amazing vocals and stellar lyrics! Devine Jamz Gospel Network is compelled to share with the world what God is doing with this talented woman. We learned that she has endured through many struggles, yet use them to glorify God and encourage others. After going through a series of troublesome events, Debra is in great expectations this year. Why? Because she found her true voice and she's ready to let the world hear it through her new collection "Transform Me".
In particular, "I Need You" is based on the hurts and disappointments including the death of a twin daughter who passed while Debra was going into premature labor. The song express the pain of living in a physical abusive marriage for several years and how Debra was forced to live in a shelter for battered women. Through it all, Debra never stopped believing that God would somehow see her through her trials. Today, Debra is a nominated awards singing recording artist that is using her gift and talent to uplift others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
She sing with love and passion and always surrender to our Father God for His grace and mercy. We believe you will be encouraged, inspired and filled with love when you listen to the album "Transform Me".
Debra's hard work is the result of her being featured in "Change Gospel Artist", "Dream Out Loud" Mackie Magazine, Radio stations, and Indie blogs. Debra's consistency has awarded her recognition from the Inferno Awards show for "New Song of the Year" and "R & P Artist of the Year". Debra's single "I Need You" has also been nominated in (3) categories that includes The 2016 Rhythm of Gospel Awards Inspirational/R&P Song of the Year, Alternative Christian Song of the Year, and a top Urban Contemporary Female Vocalist.
Debra On The Web And Booking
Call For Booking 205-427-1258
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Tinalley String Quartet + John Bell Present The Words And Music Of Beethoven
When: From 26-Sep-16 to 27-Sep-16, at 7.30 pm
Where: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
Tinalley String Quartet
Tinalley String Quartet presents the second concert of its 2016 program, Speak Less Than You Know, a collaboration with acclaimed actor, John Bell.
Blending the sounds of the string quartet with the rich storytelling talents of Bell, Speak Less Than You Know is a musical insight into the complex disposition of one of the most influential composers of all time, Ludwig Van Beethoven. In addition to Beethoven's musical narrative which is titled Beethoven's Letters the program also features Mendelssohn's String Quartet Opus 13 in a minor.
Beethoven's Letters interweaves the letters and memoirs of Ludwig van Beethoven, including the famous 'immortal beloved' correspondence and his Heiligenstadt Testament, read by Bell and interspersed with movements from Beethoven's String Quartets Opus 18, 74, 131, 132 and 135.
For many, the music of Beethoven is known intimately, yet his character remains a rich tapestry of ambiguities… a lover and philanderer; a man wounded by his faith yet searching for salvation; a child prodigy abused by his father; a father figure at the tender age of seventeen; a man besieged by illness, wrestling with depression.
In Beethoven's Letters we glimpse a man yearning to be understood by his fellow man, vulnerable through heartbreak. Through his music we feel the depth of his pain and anguish but above all, his great capacity for love and wonder at the beauty of life.
The program opens with the dramatic Opus 13 Quartet of Mendelssohn in a minor. Mendelssohn wrote the Opus 13 quartet only months after Beethoven's death, and the impact of Beethoven's quartets, had a profound affect on the 18-year old Mendelssohn. There is however, another element that shines through in the Opus 13… Mendelssohn had only recently experienced the first tender flushes of youthful infatuation, and the quartet is imbued with a heartfelt sense of poetic abandon.
The Opus 13 Quartet was the first Mendelssohn quartet the Tinalley String Quartet explored in its formative years, and its performance of the Opus 13 at the 9th Banff International String Quartet Competition saw Tinalley walk away with First Prize, making it the first and only Australian string quartet to win a major international string quartet competition.
Bookings: Ph. 02 9250 7777 or sydneyoperahouse.com
Posted on September 7, 2016 @ 1.30


In a recent article regarding the division of the African Australian community due to the competing tournaments of ASFA and Somali Week, I wrote about the allegations that have been made against ASFA Cup creator Ahmed Dini. Recently, Dini spoke to Sports On The Global in attempt to clear the air and claim his innocence.
It was alleged that Dini had a hand in North Melbourne's success in the past due to him being a resident of the suburb, but he quickly made it clear that he had no illegal role in their title victories. Dini had this to say when he was asked about the legitimacy of the claims made against him.
When I asked him if he had anything to say to the creators of Somali Week and whether he believes he betrayed the ASFA Cup by creating a tournament that runs at the same time, Dini had this to say.
Well I think everybody has their intentions so I don't know what their intentions are and I obviously don't know what's going on there, but it's a little bit of competition for us so why not. I've got nothing against Somali Week and I've said many times I have nothing against them personally but yeah obviously, creating a tournament the same time as ours obviously shows that you know, they might be in competition with us. At the end of the day we have different outlooks. Theirs is apparently a Somali tournament, ours is too, but we happen to welcome other people, we live in a multicultural society and I just don't see how you could separate people who were raised together. But yeah, I have nothing negative to say about them and anything I'd have is to say is all the best to them. I think they provide a service and the service I provide is different to theirs. I'm innocent. I was born innocent and I'll die innocent. You can quote that.
Their seems to be a sense of harmony between the two tournaments so the idea of the winners of the two Cups facing off in a Super Cup does not seem too unfathomable.


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