NESCA News & Notes: What Changes When a School Embraces Mindfulness?
"We've seen this huge shift in the overall tone and civility of the school culture."
It was lunch time at Marysville School in Southeast Portland when the fire broke out. Teachers quickly herded their students out of the building to the sports field behind the school as the old colonial-style building burned. The fire that traumatized students and staff alike was in 2009, when Lana Penley was in her second year as principal.
The 460 students and 50 staff members of the K-8 school relocated to a vacant school building in another part of Portland, displaced from their school site for three years as the district rebuilt the Marysville building.
"We were already a school that struggled, and then adding [the fire] on top of it, we really thought we needed to find a social and emotional curriculum that connects to the heart to overcome our trauma," Penley explained.
When the school reopened, Penley and her staff started using the MindUP curriculum, developed by the Hawn Foundation (founded by the actress Goldie Hawn), to try to address underlying trauma both from the fire and from the daily poverty that many students face.
At first they implemented the program using a counselor, rotating between classes, teaching the 15-lesson sequence that starts with explaining to students how their brains work and what's happening when they are stressed, scared or angry. The program then moves into mindful breathing exercises, meant to help students feel present in their bodies.
There's a section on choosing to approach the world with optimism and discussions of mindfulness in all the senses: seeing, listening and eating. Towards the end of the sequence the lessons expand outward, asking students how they can contribute to the community, how they can be better citizens.
Students practice doing random acts of kindness and reflect on how that makes them feel. Gratitude becomes a daily practice.
The program is a blend of neuroscience, social and emotional tenets like empathy and perspective taking, and mindfulness, a practice which many schools have already started exploring. Several programs teach mindfulness in schools, including Mindful Schools.
After implementing the MindUP program at Marysville, Penley saw the difference. "We've seen this huge shift in the overall tone and civility of the school culture," she said.
Penley and her staff soon realized that when the counselor taught the class, students were getting the benefit, but teachers weren't. Soon teachers started coming to Penley, asking to teach the class themselves, as part of their regular classes.
"After our first year we began to think about how we could bring this to the overall health of the school," Penley said. As a staff they decided to teach the MindUP lessons concurrently, at the same time every week, so there would be a sense of synergy.
Penley says the real shifts in school culture came when they started implementing the program school-wide.
Teachers now start class in the morning with a few breaths to help students feel present. The middle school has breathing exercises after passing periods. Penley described how kindergarteners used to come into their classroom for free breakfast while their teacher was already directing them to look at what she'd written on the board. Students were having a hard time learning that way because they didn't feel settled or safe.
Now, teachers greet kids at the door and play soft music with the lights down; they talk about the practices the whole school is working on at that moment. In this low key environment, the teacher is taking roll and checking in on students.
Gradually the practices in the MindUP program became part of how the school operates. "These are the ways we treat each other and that happens all the time throughout the day," Penley said.
The switch to thinking about every interaction and learning moment in the school day as one of mindfulness has dramatically changed the tone of the school, according to Penley. She says discipline referrals have dropped and students are using their mindful seeing practice in classes like English, art and science to make better observations.
An eighth grader recently noted that he'd been watching the presidential debates and that the candidates weren't doing a good job of listening to one another's perspectives.
And this more human approach hasn't stopped at the classroom door. Teachers get a "brain break" at the start of staff meetings in recognition that they're coming from a hectic teaching day and need a moment to ground themselves in the present before starting another task. The staff also practice whatever skill they'll be teaching through MindUP with one another before rolling it out into the classroom.
"Our teachers are happier, which is really important, and we have a ton of people applying to our school now because they're interested in mindfulness," Penley said. Before they started the MindUP program, Marysville, like many other Title 1 schools serving a diverse population of learners, struggled to attract teachers. Now, Penley said she has 100 applicants for every open position, which also allows her to hire teachers who are in line with their vision.
On a teacher survey administered in the 2013-2014 school year 95 percent of the adults in the building said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied working at Marysville. And all of the adults reported that teaching MindUP has carried over into their personal lives and extends into the classroom throughout content areas.
Despite the success of the program, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. Some teachers initially pushed back with the inevitable "initiative fatigue" that plagues many schools. But Penley said she kept them engaged in conversations about what made them uncomfortable and how they could work through those issues.
"Once you are on the ground and realize that what it's teaching are just basic human practices, we've seen that even our most resistant teachers have come a long way with it," Penley said.
Penley said the program has also helped her personally. "It's helped me find the joy in my job," she said. "Being a principal is a really hard job. A lot of principals don't like their jobs." She's learned to be more present in each meeting and to think of her main job as being a listener. She used to rush about trying to solve every problem, but now she tries to stay focused and present in each moment, giving her staff her full attention. It's helped her remember why she loves education and being around kids.
University of British Columbia professor Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, who was one of several researchers consulted on the development of MindUP, conducted a randomized controlled trial on fourth and fifth graders participating in the program in Vancouver public schools.
Students reported many positive benefits of the program: 82 percent of children reported having a more positive outlook, 81 percent learned to make themselves happy, and 58 percent of children tried to help others more often.
Schonert-Reichl also tested children's saliva for cortisol levels and found those who participated in the program had healthier levels. Peers also rated students in the program as more prosocial. Schonert-Reichl says teachers in British Columbia were involved in developing the curriculum based on evidence-based neuroscience and psychology principles, which helped ensure the lessons were hitting home for educators.
"When the MindUP program was developed it was an iterative process between researchers and teachers," Schonert-Reichl said. Teachers would teach a lesson, give feedback and help the researchers improve on the program.
The program also came out in 2005, just after British Columbia had included social and emotional learning as a part of the curriculum. Schonert-Reichl said the high level recognition that these skills are valuable made it much easier for schools to get access to training money and to implement with fidelity.
In Vancouver there is a district-level person who coordinates trainings and materials, supports teachers in classrooms, and connects them to one another. "Instead of it just being this outside person who drops in and does the professional development and leaves with no follow-up, you have this core district support," Schonert-Reichl said.
Jonathan Weresch became a MindUP trainer after seeing the results in his own classroom. He taught students with learning differences and disordered behaviors, who were especially hard to teach after lunch.
Weresch said it took about six weeks for his students to get on board with the program and there were plenty of times they tested his patience as they got used to it. In the beginning when he'd ask them to focus their attention on their breathing with their eyes closed there would be a lot of silly noises.
But he modeled patience and continued to teach them about what these exercises were doing for the brain, and in time students stopped joking around. Although he's a principal now, he still does MindUP trainings on the side because he believes in it.
As a trainer, Weresch answers a lot of questions from teachers who are either having problems getting results or who don't see how three minutes of focused breathing three times a day can make such a big difference. Weresch explains that it's like any other skill.
The most common complaint he hears from teachers (who are choosing MindUP as their professional development) is that they don't have time for an extra program, the curriculum is already too big and hard to cover.
Weresch sympathizes with that argument, but tells them that in his own experience the time spent on the front end tremendously improved the quality of learning throughout the day.
He also points to research indicating that social and emotional learning improves academic achievement.


text:
Q: Issue on inheriting from DataTable public class MyDataTable : DataTable
{
    public string MyProperty { get; set; }
    public DataTable MyData { get; set; }

    public void MyMethod()
    {
        //...do some processing on itself
        MyData = this;
    }
}

I created this MyDataTable class that inherits DataTable.
public class MyClass
{
    public void ProcessData()
    {
        MyDataTable table = new MyDataTable();
        table.MyMethod();

        AcceptDataTable(table); //it won't accept the table parameter.
        AcceptDataTable(table.MyData); //it still won't accept the table parameter.
        AcceptDataTable((DataTable)table); //it still won't accept the table parameter.
    }

    public void AcceptDataTable(DataTable table)
    {
        Service1.SubmitData(table); //actually this is where it fails. It is a WCF Service's method that takes a DataTable as parameter. It works fine if I pass a DataTable, but not MyDataTable
    //There was an error while trying to serialize parameter http://tempuri.org/:dt. The InnerException message was 'Type 'SubmitData' with data contract name MyDataTable
    }
}

A: Why are you extending a DataTable?  If you are looking to add methods, you should look into Extension Methods.  I am pretty sure the the DataTable Class does not have any virtual methods or properties that you could override, and memeber hiding does not work in polymorphism.  Check out this post for another view on someone that was trying to extend the DataTable as well.
Edited:
If you are also trying to pass your object through WCF, it must be marked Serializable, but this causes some other funky issues, and could possibly be rejected if the base class has some sort of special serialization.  In that case marking your derived class as [Serializable] will kick out an error as well.
I would seriously consider the Factory Pattern from what you described.  That way you have your factory class that builds your table how you want it every time, but it is still a DataTable.
If you have any objects (not primitive) in your datatable, you must mark your WCF service to have the "KnownTypes(typeof(MyType))" so that it knows that there is something serialized inside the serialized datatable.
One final draw, you should avoid using datatables and datasets in WCF...
Returning DataSets from WebServices is the Spawn of Satan and Represents All That Is Truly Evil in the World
WCF Performance Using Datasets – Part 2

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Each day, many viewers in Europe watch TV channels operated by RTL Group: RTL Television, Super RTL, Vox or N-TV in Germany; M6 in France; RTL 4 in the Netherlands; RTL TVI in Belgium; and RTL Klub in Hungary, to name just a few. The programs are undeniably compelling, offering up-to-date information and gripping entertainment for all ages and interest groups.
RTL Group has written European radio history with Radio Luxembourg and the RTL brand. Today, its radio stations are still among the most popular in Europe. In France, 104.6 RTL (Berlin) and Bel RTL in Belgium reach millions of listeners each day.
Fremantle Media, RTL Group's content production arm, produces 12.000 hours of programming every year. In 31 countries, Fremantle Media creates and produces a range of award-winning programmes including primetime drama, serial drama, entertainment, factual and comedy. With programming rights in some 200 countries, Fremantle Media is also the largest independent TV distribution company outside the US.
RTL Group owns stakes in 56 TV stations and 31 radio stations?


We are happy to announce our participation at Security & Counter Terror Expo, which is the UK's leading national security event! It will take place in Olympia, London, from 5th to 6th of March.
Polimaster will also deliver a speech on "Smart State Security Concept" at Transport & Border Security Conference, which is held within the SCTX. Check Conference agenda here.
We are pleased to invite all ivolved in National Security ensuring to the Conference, which will be held on the 6th of March.
We are looking forward to your visit and would be delighted if you could register online as a visitor.


Purpose – To develop a good aggressive X blocking technique.
How –Two players line up 6 inches apart with two bags w/holders. The coach designates who is the inside blocker and who is the outside blocker. The bag holder of the inside blocker will line up inside eye and the bag holder over the outside blocker will line up outside eye. On "GO" the outside blocker down blocks (open steps) the bag over the inside blocker and drives him past the cone on the other side of the inside blocker (1 yard away). At the same time that happens the inside blocker drop steps and down blocks the first outside defender he comes too. Do one side and them have the blockers switch responsibilities and repeat then move to the end of the line. Work for 3 reps to each side.
Open Step – a short side-step toes at about 45 degrees.
Drop Step – a short slightly backward step, toes at about 45 degrees.


The UV "Stealth" system offers a multi-layered approach to cycle security. Recent theft figures for all cycles marked with the new Datatag Stealth systems indicate a theft rate of just 0.5%. This is an incredible result as according to the police the historic average is 10%, with road.cc suggesting it's actually as high as 20%. The Police recover thousands of cycles each year but due to a lack of crime reporting and a lack of owner registration many are simply sold at auction and never returned to their rightful owners. A Datatag system will not only help deter theft but will also help in reuniting you should your bike be stolen and recovered as it provides undeniable proof of ownership.
For cycle security there is only one choice.


text:
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Savvy Gift Guide: Top 10 Books for Young Readers
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Whether you're buying for a toddler who wants to watch Frozen for the 487th time, or a pre-teen who won't put their phone down, we've picked the best books to entertain the little, and bigger, kids in your life.
Garbage Delight by Dennis Lee
Best for kids ages 2 and up
Garbage Delight is back… And now as a board book! From the author of Alligator Pie, this picture book is filled with silly sing-a-long rhymes and a mischievous little brown bear with a big appetite.
Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick
Best for kids ages 4-8
Finding Winnie is the touching true story of Winnie the Pooh. Even lovelier, it's written by Lindsay Mattick, whose great-grandfather rescued real Winnie the bear at the onset of World War I. Little kids will love the pictures (Sophie Blackhall's illustrations are precious), and it makes the perfect bedtime read.
Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer
This book is all about Fred. Fred is imaginary, but he loves making new friends. So when a lonely boy wishes for him, down Fred goes and they become the best of friends. But the story doesn't end there… This is a great book to talk to kids about friendship, both real and imaginary, and with the quirky writing and illustrations, you won't be upset when they ask you to read it again.
Waiting by Kevin Henkes
In Waiting, five animals sit on a windowsill—all waiting for different things. The puppy is waiting for the snow, the owl, for the moon, and the rabbit just likes looking out the window. Waiting is a big part of childhood, and this little book will help kids with the big concept.
Elementia Chronicles: An Unofficial Minecraft-Fan Adventure by Sean Fay Wolfe
For fans of Minecraft, Elementia Chronicles feature the cubic characters that have made the video game a world-wide phenomenon. With novels one and two already out, and the third on its way, you can show kids that you can read and play video games: it's the best of both worlds.
Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head by Lauren Oliver & H.C. Chester
Weird in the most wonderful way, Curiosity House follows four orphans who have grown up happily in Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. When the museum's shrunken head is stolen, the four are determined to get it back. What follows are twists, turns, a rather attractive bearded lady, and one very unexpected ending.
For kids that can't get enough of Lemony Snicket, enter: The Doldrums. It's full of mysterious characters, whimsical illustrations and writing that makes the reader eager to uncover the next chapter. This novel will have kids asking for "just ten more minutes" to read before bedtime.
The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
Best for kids ages 10 and up
If you haven't heard the buzz yet, you're about to. Kenneth Oppel has written one of the biggest books of the year–a novel that fans of Neil Gaiman's Coraline will devour. In The Nest, young Steve worries for his sick baby brother, and when a mysterious wasp queen comes to him in his dreams offering to "fix" the baby, Steve thinks his problems are solved…
Grandpa's Great Escape by David Walliams
From the illustrations to the characters, David Walliams' books feel like Roald Dahl classics. In Grandpa's Great Escape, Jack's grandpa starts to forget things, lots of things, and soon he thinks he's back flying fighter planes in the War. The only person who doesn't mind this one bit is Jack, who is ready for an adventure.
And SavvyReaders, just because kids get a kick out of them, it doesn't mean those of us with a few more years can't love them too. This holiday, I've got a date with The Doldrums. Which one piques your interest? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us @savvyreader
Follow me on Twitter @teaaep
Posted by Kaiti
Digital Marketing Coordinator at HarperCollins Canada. Film, fiction and fashion blog enthusiast. Follow me on twitter @SavvyReader & @ktvncnt.
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text:
brand: finca villacreces
Region(1)
Price(5)
One of the most highly-regarded pieces of land in Ribera del Duero, the estate of Villacreces sits adjacent to Vega Sicilia along the Duero and at the center of the golden mile. There is written evidence that the first vines were planted on this estate in the 13th Century. During the 14th Century, it was run by Saint Pedro de Villacreces and, later on, with its perfect conditions for prayer and retreat, it became a monastery. In the 20th Century, the property belonged to a wealthy aristocratic family from Valladolid, who used to spend their holidays and weekends here. In the early 1970s, 40 hectares of vines were planted, which has now been increased to 60. Including a 200-year-old forest, the estate comprises a total of 115 hectares.
In 2003, the Anton family – owners of a Rioja bodega and one of Spain's most famous Michelin starred restaurants in the Basque country – purchased the estate and invested in revitalizing the property. Villacreces is situated at 2,300 feet above sea level on poor soils comprised of lime, gravel, sand and quartz which naturally keep yields low (the estate averages 1.6 tons per acre). The proximity to the Duero river helps protect the vines from and reduce the effects of the frosts that are common in the Ribera del Duero.
Finca Villacreces 'Pruno' 2009
Wine Advocate 91 "The entry-level 2009 Pruno is predominantly Tempranillo with dollops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak. Opaque
Finca Villacreces Pruno 2012
RP:93
Robert Parker 93 "This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from a vineyard situated adjacent to one of the famous vineyards utilized to
THIS ITEM IS BEING PRE-SOLD BY THE CASE! SHOULD ARRIVE BEFORE 12/10 2012 Robert Parker 94 "Wow! From a vineyard adjacent to Spain's greatest as well as
Robert Parker 93 Best Value Wines of 2015 "I've loved this wine in the past and the 2013, a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
WAS:91
Wine Spectator 90 "Plum and boysenberry flavors are ripe and juicy in this plump red. Notes of tar and mineral impart a savory aspect, while firm
End of item list


As a renter, you reap the benefit of not having to worry about extensive repairs, upkeep, or maintenance on your apartment or home. These duties all befall your landlord and are detailed in your lease agreement. So when things go south such as bug infestation, leaks, or broken appliances you should immediately contact your landlord.
But what if they refuse to handle your repairs? Is there anything you can do beyond writing a well-worded email voicing your complaints for lack of aid in completing any sort of repair? Below we've detailed responsibilities your landlord must uphold and what power you have as a renter.
Setting aside any appliances you've brought into your rental such as a microwave or washer and dryer, your landlord is responsible for it. This includes any appliance that came with your apartment or home when you moved in. Preventive maintenance on their behalf should also be going on to keep all of those appliances running and functioning properly. This includes things like replacing hoses or fixing the furnace.
Furthermore, the functioning of your furnace is the highest concern to your landlord when it comes to appliances that came in-unit. It's a requirement within local and state laws to provide adequate heating to any home they're renting. In warmer states south of the PNW this same law applies to air conditioners that are also required for rentals.
The fact remains that within the world of lease-agreements, landlords must provide you with a safe, livable space—pest-free. Within this category though there are a few areas that get fuzzy when it comes to your landlord covering everything. Depending on which state you live in, your landlord may or may not be held responsible.
Luckily in Washington, landlords are held completely responsible for managing pests in rentals. The only exception is in single family residences and in the case where the infestation is obviously caused by the tenant. If you have any infestation make proper documentation of it because it's a real repair issue. Take pictures, and make note of the beginning of the infestation and the state of the house or apartment at the time.
We all know how much it rains in the PNW—a lot. Water damage and mold are common (especially around here) and specific regulations surround dealing with it…or lack thereof. Although mold doesn't cause any major health problems it can induce headaches or allergy symptoms, or cause respiratory issues. Mold is considered a repair issue but in most states, there's no legal binding on your landlord to make extensive repairs.
In Washington, a landlord is only bound under state law to provide written information to tenants about mold and its health impacts. What they are held responsible for is eliminating the source of anything causing mold growth. The more documentation you have that there's any sort of moisture control issue, or lack of adequate ventilation that caused the mold growth, the better. You're likely to gain the most help from your landlord by submitting a repair request and properly showing them the sizable impact a mold infestation may be making on their property.


text:
Entertainment Music Videos
Brian Eno unveils music video for "Garden Of Stars"
ByPress Release
photo credit: Cecily Eno
FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE, Brian Eno's first studio album in six years, debuted last month to critical acclaim on vinyl, CD, digital formats and Dolby Atmos Blu-ray—listen here. A new video for "Garden Of Stars," produced by Eno and long-time collaborator and album artwork creator Nick Robertson.
Appearing in the first half of the album, "Garden Of Stars" is among the most ominous from a record that explores Eno's feelings about the climate emergency.
Of the video he says, "imagine a being huge enough to have our universe as a plaything, and to watch in fascination as that universe is born, flourishes and finally snuffs itself out…or alternately divides into a million parallel selves."
"'The Garden Of Stars' video imagines the creation of stars as occurring in a garden where exotic new cross breeds of flowers are created and populate the heavens," says Robertson. "Each one a unique variation on a universal blueprint."
A song-based album, FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE features Brian's vocals on the majority of the 10 tracks.
"I started with all of these tracks creating a sonic world, making a world that seemed interesting to me and then I picked up a microphone and started singing, so there is no rhythm in most of the songs and very few chord changes," said Eno in a conversation with Iggy Pop on BBC 6Music. "I thought there should be other elements just like the wind and the rain so they (the vocals) are not synchronized necessarily, they just happen…most of the time it was a pretty straightforward and immediate approach to what happened when I plugged the mic in, I got a nice sound and suddenly I was a different person in a different place, thinking I'll have an adventure."
The record was made at his studios in West London and Norfolk. In addition to the artist's daughter, Darla Eno, and niece, Cecily Eno, FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE features contributions from Leo Abrahams, Roger Eno, Peter Chilvers, Clodagh Simonds, and Jon Hopkins. Eno previously debuted the official videos for two tracks from the album, "We Let It In" and "There Were Bells."
Eno is a pioneer of spatial audio with experiments and audio installations stretching back over the past forty years. He crafted these new recordings with three-dimensional sound in mind. The album includes studio recordings of two tracks, "There Are Bells" and "Garden Of Stars." It also includes "Making gardens out of silence in the uncanny valley" which features as part of the ongoing Serpentine interdisciplinary program, BACK TO EARTH, working to address the ongoing climate emergency.
FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE
LP AND DIGITAL TRACKLIST
1. Who Gives a Thought
2. We Let It In
3. Icarus or Blériot
4. Garden of Stars
5. Inclusion
6. There Were Bells
7. Sherry
8. I'm Hardly Me
9. These Small Noises
10. Making Gardens Out of Silence
CD TRACKLIST
9. These Small Noises 10. Making gardens out of silence in the uncanny
OVID in December Presents 21 Titles with 8 SVOD Exclusives
A House Made of Splinters @ RIDM


This warm, rich ruby red wine shows great complexity on the nose. There is a mixture of dark and red fruit, mocha and mint aromas with well balanced wood. Sweet, spicy undertones give this wine great depth.
Poetry pairs harmoniously with ostrich fillet in red wine reduction on a wild mushroom risotto.
This range is about the essence of the grape - openly honest and precise. Good poetry requires the perfect juxtaposition of words, and even syllables, to illuminate a moment, an emotion and even a dream.
Great wine requires deep, intense dedication to the land, empathy for the vine and a love of grapes. We farm in a balanced and environmentally friendly way and in the cellar the grapes are treated with fanatical attention to detail throughout the winecrafting process. The resultant aromas and flavours reflect this passion for authenticity and integrity.
Poetry is about paired-down words, making, forming, creating. It is art, the essence of language, meaning a fundamental creative act using language.
Accomplished poetry is a distillation of language so that meaning shines through. Powerful poetry is utter, it pulls no punches and is not concerned with excuses. It celebrates the joy and highlights the natural sadness of our human condition, poetry eulogises the cycle of nature. Poetry is romantic, poignant and it shows the compulsion of our heart, the engine of our ambition and the spirit of desire.
We don't expect our simple offerings to do all of this of course, but we hope our authentic work and insistence on integrity carries a message of hope and love long after the last delicious sip.
Similarly, Flagstone's Poetry is all about trying to create a precise and honest reflection of the grapes we select for this range, and we want to do this at a price that offers excellent value for money. After all, we want Poets to enjoy our work too.
This range of wines is called Poetry Collection for its balance, beauty and enjoyment.


It's taken me a while but I've finally found a skincare routine that works for my skin. I used to be constantly switching up products, trying to see what I liked better, what didn't break me out or completely dry up my skin.
In the morning my skincare is pretty quick and simple, mostly because I usually don't have too much time to spend in the morning applying lots of different products, which my skin probably doesn't need anyway. To start I cleanse my skin with my Nivea Micellar Water which is the best micellar water I've tried so far! It even takes off waterproof mascara easily. I follow this with The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors which you can read more about in this post. I find that although it's a little thick and creamy looking, it's really lightweight and is quickly absorbed into skin. And, last but not least, I apply my Superdrug Naturally Radiant Eye Cream to help brighten under my eyes before I start to apply my make-up.
I use the Nivea Micellar Water to melt away all the make-up that I've had on during the day. I usually find that this is enough to remove all my make-up however if I feel like I need a second cleanse then I'll use my Emma Hardy Moringa Cleansing Balm or Superdrug's Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser (currently better than half price at only £2.95). Next up I use The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Solution to help exfoliate my skin. I find that a lot of acid based products are just too strong for my skin and cause me to breakout. This is why I love that The Ordinary have this lactic acid product in two strengths allowing you to choose between 5% and 10%. I finish up my night time routine with a little of The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors if I feel that my skin needs some moisture.
I try and make sure that I use a face mask once a week and at the moment my favourite is The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Although it's bright red and makes you look a little odd when you've got it on it works wonders on your skin. I find that after using it my skin looks much brighter and has a more even texture. I recently wrote about the solution in this post. If I feel like my skin doesn't need such a strong acid face mask then I'll use Rodial's Super Acids X-treame Acid Rush Peel. This always leaves my skin feeling super soft and really bright.
I got the Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips in my Amazon Advent Calendar. I find that these nose strips are amazing at removing any blackheads, dirt and oil from the skin and use them whenever I feel that my pores look a little clogged.


IT recycling company AMI will create 30 jobs over the next two years as part of a €4m investment, the firm has announced.
The jobs will be shared across AMI's Dublin and Belfast locations, and will bring its total workforce to 90 by 2021.
Founded in 2001, AMI disposes and reuses IT, mobile and electrical equipment. It also offers secure hard drive and media shredding services through a subsidiary called DiskShred, which operates in 13 European countries.
The €4m investment by AMI will also facilitate the company's recently launched deployment and relocation service, which handles IT refreshes and office moves.
Some €570,000 of the planned investment derives from an investment by Rob Clarke, who will take up the position of chairman of AMI's board. Debt finance (€1.7m) and retained earnings of €1.7m comprise the rest of the expansion funds.
AMI more than doubled its workforce from 25 to 60 in the last three years and reported that revenues have grown by over 50% in the past two years to €8m.
CEO Philip McMichael said that that GDPR compliance is fuelling demand for AMI's services. "The additional hires, expanded premises and the development of our technology and service capabilities will all support us in meeting this increasing demand," he added.


A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure for drooping eyelids. During this procedure, surgeons remove or redistribute unwanted skin, muscle, and fat. The muscles that support eyelids weaken as you get older. Excess fat causes drooping eyelids, which can reduce peripheral vision.
The removal of excess tissue from your upper eyelids makes vision improvement possible. You can get young and alert eyes by getting a browplasty. Eyelid surgery also helps increase your confidence.
Eye lifts will not get rid of under-eye darkness, laugh lines, or other wrinkles in the face. Surgeons may perform blepharophasties simultaneously with filler injections, browplasties, rhytidectomies, or skin resurfacing.
Before programming your eyelid surgery, you will talk about your medical history and expectations with a plastic surgeon and an ophthalmologist.
Prior to your blepharoplasty, you will get a physical exam, vision exam, and eyelid photography.
Below are some tips doctors will tell you to follow.
Cook meals in advance and ensure that you have all the necessary things.
To ensure the surgery goes smoothly, you should stop taking warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. They can increase bleeding risk. Only take medications your surgeon approves. Acetaminophen can be used to manage pain.
Stop smoking so you can increase your healing ability after the blepharoplasty.
Ask a family member or friend to transport you to and from surgery.
A face lift is generally done on an outpatient basis. The surgeon will complete the blepharoplasty in two hours if the upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time. He or she will start with the upper eyelids. Once the upper eyelids are complete, the surgeon will do the lower eyelids. Local anesthesia is typically used for eye lifts. In some cases, general anesthesia is used.
Unlike other surgery types, the recovery time of 1-2 weeks is shorter. After the surgery, you will get gauze to protect the area of the incision wound. You should also clean this area by washing it. Do not rub your eyes. Place ice packs on your eyes for 10 minutes each hour the night following surgery. The next day, apply ice packs over your eyes four to five times daily.
You cannot use contact lenses for two weeks after a blepharoplasty. Prescription glasses can be an alternative for contact lenses during your recovery period. Furthermore, the use of dark-tinted sunglasses is recommended since you might experience light sensitivity.
Bleeding, bruising, and infection can be the risks of any surgery.
If you experience any of these complications, tell your doctor immediately. Knowing the risks of the procedure can help you decide if it is right for you.


hits before the user even clicks the continue button!
> Has anyone here done any work with pay-pal's shopping cart system?
> that dropdown to insert the correct price is the tricky part.
> anyone have any ideas or code examples I can take a look at?


Security Supervisors required, Arabic speaking, for Isa Town Market. Contact 36394832, 66338850.
Required Hr Officer (Bahraini), Housekeeping Supervisor, Night Receptionist. Interested candidates with 3- 5 years Hotel experience may send CV immediately to info@alyalre.net.
Sales Supervisor: FMCG Division is looking to fill the vacancy of Sales Supervisor for food service. 4 to 6 years sales experience required in similar field. Send CV to jobsbah529@gmail.com or fax on 17293818.
Urgently Required for a reputed company in Bahrain, Buildings/ Properties Manager, Properties Negotiator, Facility Maintenance Supervisor, QA/ QC Civil Eng., Construction Manager Civil, Electrical Coordinator, 8 to 12 years of GCC experience. Email: recruitment620@gmail.com (Locally Available Candidates Preferred).


Poole's Rock was established in 1988 by the late David Clarke OAM. The 23-ha Poole's Rock vineyard at Broke was the starting point, followed by the acquisition in 2002 of the 74-ha Glen Elgin Estate at Pokolbin.
Upon his passing, the brands, vineyards and winery in Pokolbin were acquired by the Agnew family, who also own the neighbouring vineyard, Audrey Wilkinson, and have been established in the wine industry since 2004.
All brands under the Agnew Wines umbrella have kept separate identities, however areas of consolidation include management, sales, marketing and viticulture, and there has also been significant investment in upgrades to their winery.
In 2012, Jeff Byrne was promoted to Chief Winemaker for Agnew Wines, overseeing Pooles Rock, as well as the Cockfighter's Ghost and Audrey Wilkinson labels.
Poole's Rock Single Vineyard Semillon won 13 awards, including 3 Gold, and a Top Gold in the National Wine Show of Australia. This wine was awarded an amazing 97 points in the James Halliday Wine Companion!


Seeking Expert's Opinion on Intermittent Fasting.
It's good to notice that there are quite a number of friends practising the diet and well being program of intermittent fasting.
And there was good response to suggestion of forming a group to air and exchange views and experiences. However, such a group is still a dream.
In the meantime, a question has arisen, as to the continued observance of a dieting schedule. We have seen that prolonged routine of working out and eating less has the body metabolism adjusting to a lower calorie requirement resulting in the stored fat in the body, left untouched.
As for intermittent fasting, the easiest and most followed regime is the 16.8 one. That's 16 hours continuous fasting and eating during the remaining 8 hour window.
The theory is that after 10 to 12 hours of fasting, there would be no food based calorie left and energy requirements are met by taking from stored fat. The whole idea is to flatten the visceral fat, the ugly tyres around the waist.
Does the body hate the visceral fat that much to adjust the metabolism! or continuous and sustained fasting will steadily flatten the tyres!
I will be grateful to get some expert opinions and information on this. Clearly I want to stick on to the 16.8.
Have you heard of autophagy? If unwanted body fat is what you want to get rid of that is what people talk about aiming for!
Thank you Emily. Thanks to you, i read about autophagy and it looks like it needs some extreme action.
Thank you Poornima. The interesting group is for women only. So I joined another.
Oh, I didn't realise! But good luck with IF. It really is a brilliant way to lose weight & stay healthy.
Hmmm, this is where working in groups will work. We can at least exchange some notes and being in company will help us to be complying also as it's a pleasure to share and discuss.
We have a few interested. How about a group?


text:
Q: Deleting open file opened by a stream In the following Dispose function, we do not dispose our stream instance if we were called from the finalizer.
(yes, I know that this is a somewhat convoluted version of Dispose and it should be protected virtual, but this is the way it's written in the the source I'm referencing, see Essential C# 5.0 link below)
class Foo
{
    FileInfo File;
    Stream Stream;

    // yada yada yada more code goes here...

    public void Dispose(bool disposing)
    {
        if (disposing)
        {
            if (Stream != null)
            {
                Stream.Dispose();
            }
        }

        if (File != null)
        {
            File.Delete();
        }
    }
}

As far as I understand, this is due to unpredictable order of GC release of objects, including instance members.
But, the above code will definitely raise an exception (I tested it) if:

*

*The client developer forgot to invoke Dispose() directly

*The finalizer invoked Dispose(false)

*The stream wasn't disposed yet

So File.Delete() will fail and throw a System.IO.IOException exception.
So my question is,
what is the proper way of ensuring that both the stream gets closed and the file gets deleted? (even on the event that the developer forgot to manually dispose the object)
Obviously accessing Stream member (while disposing==false) is unsafe, so there's gotta be a way.
Please note that FileOptions.DeleteOnClose is not an option. Here's the motivation: I have a similar class that Open's and Close's some file, and uses the file (i.e. reads data) across method boundaries, and I don't wish to delete the file before the actual end of usage.
Reference
Essential C# 5.0
Thanks,
Ofir

A: Why don't you just implement a recommended (by Microsoft) pattern?
// When implementing Dispose, mark it my implementing
// IDisposable interface. It make you code more readable,
// allow to put using(...) {...}  etc.
class Foo: IDisposable {
  FileInfo File; // <- class, not struct
  Stream Stream; // <- class, not struct

  ...

  // Just useful thing, esp. while debugging
  public Boolean IsDisposed {
    get;
    private set;
  }

  // Since Foo is not a sealed class be ready that
  // it could be inherited: "protected virtual"
  protected virtual void Dispose(bool disposing) {
    // .Net often let you call Dispose many time, inc. on disposed instances;
    // The same should do we
    if (IsDisposed)
      return;

    // You can access classes (not structs) in "if (disposing) {...}" only
    if (disposing) {
      if (!Object.ReferenceEquals(null, Stream))
        Stream.Dispose();

      if (!Object.ReferenceEquals(null, File))
        File.Delete();
    }

    IsDisposed = true;
  }

  // MS recommendation
  public void Dispose() {
    Dispose(false);
    GC.SuppressFinalize(this);
  }

  // No finalizer here: finalizer just make you potential error
  // (resourse leak or Access Violation) unstable and so harder
  // to detect and correct.
}

Whenever developer want to use the class, he/she puts simply
using (var foo = new Foo(...)) {
  ...
}


text:
Petrus Johannes Idenburg (Hillegersberg, 28 januari 1898 - Den Haag, 27 december 1989) was jurist gespecialiseerd in staatsrecht, bijzonder lector aan de Universiteit Leiden en onderzoeker van Afrika.

Loopbaan
Hij promoveerde in 1920 in de rechtswetenschappen op stellingen aan de Universiteit van Amsterdam en studeerde verder aan de London School of Economics. Terug in Nederland werd hij in 1922 secretaris van de burgemeester van Amsterdam en secretaris van (de Curatoren van) de Universiteit van Amsterdam en later van de Universiteit Leiden. Idenburg was bestuurslid van de Nederlandsch-Zuid-Afrikaansche Vereeniging. Vanwege zijn weigering om niet-Arische docenten aan de Universiteit Leiden te ontslaan, trad hij in juni 1942 af als secretaris van de Curatoren van de Universiteit Leiden - in 1945 werd hij in zijn functie herbenoemd. In 1947 gaf hij de aanzet tot de oprichting van het Afrika-Studiecentrum te Leiden, dat hij als directeur leidde van 1947 tot in 1963. Vanaf 1947 gaf hij les in Afrikaanse studies aan de Universiteit Leiden. Van 1963 tot in 1968 was hij daar bijzonder lector Staatkundige geschiedenis en constitutioneel recht van Afrika. Hij was jarenlang lid van de Adviesraad voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking, een commissie die de Nederlandse regering adviseerde.

Familie
Idenburg was lid van het geslacht Idenburg en trouwde in 1932 met Octavie Charlotte Danièle Siegenbeek van Heukelom (1898-1989). Zij was een dochter van de hoogleraar Daniel Eliza Siegenbeek van Heukelom. Het huwelijk bleef kinderloos. Hij was een oudere broer van de statisticus en directeur van het CBS Philippus Jacobus Idenburg.

Publicaties (selectie)
 Piet Retief, voortrekker en staatsman : een korte beschouwing van den "Grooten Trek" der Boeren in den jare 1837, s.l., s.n., 1937.
 De Kaap de Goede Hoop gedurende de laatste jaren van het Nederlandsch bewind, Leiden, Burgersdijk & Niermans, 1946.
 Zuid-West-Afrika als internationaal staatkundig probleem, s.l., [1950]
 Agrarisch recht in Algerije, Leiden, Universitaire Pers Leiden, 1951.
 Vraagstukken van samenwerking tussen Afrika en Europa, Leiden, Afrika-Studiecentrum, 1961.
 The Cape of Good Hope at the turn of the eighteenth century, Leiden, Universitaire Pers, 1963.
 Politieke vormgeving in hedendaags tropisch Afrika: verhandeling uitgegeven ter gelegenheid van de aanvaarding van het ambt van bijzonder lector vanwege het Leidsch universiteits fonds in de staatkundige geschiedenis en het constitutioneel recht van Afrika, aan de Rijksuniversiteit te Leiden, Leiden : Universitaire pers, 1965.
 De Leidse Universiteit 1928-1946: vernieuwing en verzet, 's-Gravenhage, Universitaire Pers Leiden, 1978.
 De Leidse Universiteit tegen nationaal-socialisme en bezetting, Leiden, Brill, 1982.
 Herinneringen van mr. P.J. Idenburg, [Den Haag]: [In eigen beheer], [1987]

Externe links
 Petrus Johannes Idenburg, in Persoonlijkheden in het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden in woord en beeld, Van Holkema & Warendorf, Amsterdam 1938, op Resources.huygens.knaw.nl
 Archiefbeschrijving (Afrika-Studiecentrum, Leiden)

 ,

Nederlands rechtsgeleerde
Afrikanist
Universiteit Leiden
Petrus
Nederlands ambtenaar

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Easy Tech Tips
How to Fix SSL Connection Error in Google Chrome
On August 31, 2020 November 9, 2020 by Anil Sharma
Fix SSL connection error in Google Chrome: A website you are trying to view may use SSL (secure socket layer) to maintain the privacy and security of the information you enter on its pages. The secure socket layer is a industry standard used by millions...
How to Enable Caret Navigation in Google Chrome Browser
On June 13, 2020 June 14, 2020 by Anil Sharma
Enable Caret Navigation: Now we all spend countless hours on the Internet while watching movies, listening to music, reading the news, etc. Speaking of reading news and blogs, sometimes we want to copy certain lines from web pages. To copy the text, we first move...
How to Activate the Dark Mode Feature in Google Chrome
On October 15, 2019 December 3, 2019 by Anil Sharma
Do you want to use the Dark Mode feature in the Google Chrome application but don't know how to activate it? Dark mode is now one of the features that are sought after by smartphone users because it offers such great benefits both for eye...
Google Chrome browser overview and comparison with other web browsers
On June 14, 2019 by Anil Sharma
Browser Google Chrome without exaggeration can be called the most popular web viewer at this time. According to statistics, more than 750.000.000 people use this browser. When Google thoroughly won the search market worldwide (only in Russia and some countries of the former Soviet Union,...
NordVPN Special Offer
How to Run Multiple Programs at Once with Windows 10
How to Fix a Problem with Missing Security Settings
How to Fix BitLocker Enable Error
How to Set Up a VPN Network on Your Android
Perform a Routine With Your Google Assistant
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LIVE: Eurovision Song Contest 2016 tonight!
The great moment we have all been waiting for has arrived. Tonight the 61st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcasted at 21.00 CET live from Stockholm, Sweden. The most beloved music TV show in the world with all the different singers from all over Europe and Australia are going to be a guarantee of an evening full of emotions and excitement.
26 countries will be presented in tonight's show full of energy and contemporary music. There is no clear winner yet, as it's going to be a tight race. There will be Justin Timberlake presenting his new song "Can't Stop The Feeling" in the interval act.
The ESC will be broadcasted in Europe and Australia, China and for the very first time in the USA.


text:
Joe Biden's first speech as president was uneventful, and I'm fine with that
Pool/Getty Images News/Getty Images
ByRafi Schwartz
In a moment four years in the making — if not longer — Joe Biden took the rostrum at the United States Capitol shortly before noon Wednesday and delivered his first speech as president of the United States of America, setting the tone for the next four years of his administration. Notably, though, Biden's inaugural address also made a conspicuous effort to heal the wounds left by his predecessor.
Without referring to former President Donald Trump directly, Biden acknowledged the circumstances of his election, and the tests he now faces as president. "Few people in our nation's history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we're in now," Biden said, before pivoting to the main thrust of his inaugural address.
"To overcome these challenges," Biden continued, "to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words and requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity."
It was a theme he returned to over and over again in his speech, even stressing the "united" in his subsequent invocations of the States of America.
"I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real," Biden noted, after calling for a "fresh start." "But," he said, "I also know they are not new."
He continued: "History, faith, and reason show the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect."
Biden's acknowledgement that the divisive "forces" that fueled Trump, and were in turns exploited by him, are nothing new was blunted in part by his ahistorical glorification of American history. The moment — intentionally or not — served as a neoliberal manifestation of Trump's own MAGA narrative.
"We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we acted together," Biden insisted, to which I'm sure members of any number of marginalized communities rolled their collective eyes so hard the Earth tilted slightly off its axis for a moment.
Indeed, as Biden also noted, "recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson: There is truth and there are lies."
Meant as a not-so-subtle swipe at the former president, Biden's line in the sand between fact and fiction not only was an attempt to proclaim a new — or perhaps renewed — era in political truth-telling, but also an effort to mark his administration as a return to normalcy and business as usual. It was a nod to the Rockwell-tinged nostalgia for an America that politicians, eager to put the overt bigotry and rancor of the Trump years behind them, like to cite as their inspiration for what the country could be once again — never mind that it never actually existed to begin with.
Ultimately, Biden's inaugural address was a straightforward attempt at framing the country's challenges as a temporary setback, rather than the byproduct of the deep and fundamental divisions that brought us the Trump administration in the first place. The prose was lofty, but not soaring. The message was straightforward, but couched in cadence and delivery of a professional orator working with professional speechwriters. It will likely not be remembered as one of the great inaugural addresses of the era. But, unlike Trump's "American Carnage" speech, Biden's first public address as president was defined by optimism, rather than alarmism. And for now, that might be enough.
You can watch Biden's entire inaugural address below.


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alec benjamin tour merch – Get To Know Alec Benjamin, The Electro
I started sending cold emails of music to random songwriters, and then I met this songwriter in the UK and started going back and forth. In six months, I'd played 160 shows, and spent the first half of 2017 writing songs.
alec benjamin height – Alec Benjamin Official Website
Rising star Alec Benjamin is closing out his Outrunning Karma Tour with a bang. The crooner turns his attention to Europe in early 2019. But right now, the focus is on his mixtape, Narrated For You. The 12-song collection arrived Friday (November 16) and includes a string of buzz tracks such as the nostalgia-inducing 1994" and the optimistic If We Have Each Other." The result of years of hard work, it is a must-listen that establishes Alec as one of the industry's most imaginative creators. Hopping across a variety of productions, what ties it all together is his earnest and attention-grabbing storytelling.
But the best moment came when Alec talked about meeting John Mayer for the first time. Sign me up to discover more artists like Alec Benjamin and other offers. Jimin attended Benjamin's show with Eric Nam. The next day, Nam interviewed Benjamin about the concert and what it was like to meet Jimin.
It may not come across as immediately obvious when listening to Alec's music, but the rising singer was inspired by the rap icon to get into music in the first place. It was after buying an Eminem album when he was just 10 years old that Alec became determined to make it as a musician.
As a matter of fact, Alec's fears and the vicious cycle of thoughts are justified. Earlier in his career, he had been young and hopeful, looking to become a singer-songwriter in Los Angeles, California. He moved there in the hopes of fulfilling his dream, make music just like his idols John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Coldplay.
American pop singer and songwriter who began releasing self-recorded songs in 2014 and soon collaborated with Jon Bellion. Benjamin's manager then told the singer Jimin planned to attend the show. After the show, both Jimin and Benjamin posted photos with each other on their social media accounts.
Alec's recent success can definitely be attributed – at least in part – to a tear-jerking dance by 12-year-old dancer Merrick Hanna on America's Got Talent to his song "I Built A Friend". The performance blew judge Simon Cowell away and sent the track to the #1 trending video on YouTube at the end of May.
Shortly after the tour, he jumped in the studio with Jon Bellion and ended up earning a co write on the pop star's debut album, New York Soul (Part II). This session would also open the door for Alec to join Bellion on tour directly after. With an insatiable urge to rise to the top, the tenacious prodigy found himself back performing in parking when he wasn't on-stage opening for Bellion. Knowing that some of those fans would search for him after the performances, Alec made it his mission to consistently uploaded one new song every two weeks to his YouTube channel and build a catalog his fans could listen to. Within the span of six months, he logged over 165 shows and amassed 150K YouTube subscribers simply through perseverance and a D.I.Y. attitude.
To build his fanbase, Alec performed in car parks and queues for Shawn Mendes and Troye Sivan concerts, handing out business cards to everyone who listened. He undertook a slew of support slots for other acts including Jon Bellion, performing over 165 shows and clocking up over 150,000 YouTube subscribers in six months.
During another song, the performer taught his packed audience a short sequence of notes through a call-and-response moment. As the audience wailed the sounds off-key, Benjamin sang Anabelle's Homework," which follows the singer as he completed a girl's assignments in hopes of keeping her attention. Though the lyrics feel juvenile at first glance, they worked well with his soft voice and elicited a sort of nostalgic pain only felt at the peak of teenage anxiety.
Mayer's guest performance made the show feel even more casual, as the two bantered about Tinder and their distinct height difference before jumping into the songs. After the duo performed stripped-back versions of Death Of A Hero" and Mayer's Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," Mayer left the stage. Benjamin then discussed the lyrics of the former song, explaining growing up leads to the realization that heroes are fake. Yet, he said that song ironically led to him performing alongside Mayer – his own hero – Thursday night.
I think it's different every time. A lot of times I write by myself. But I usually like to start with a concept. And then like build from there. I feel like songs sometimes are like a Soduko puzzle. You know, they give you a couple of numbers to start out with and you kind of have to figure out what the common thread is. And sometimes its like that for me. Where I have a couple of words, and I'm like I love these words, but what do they mean." I kind of piece them together after that. That's the way that makes most sense to me.
I got into music because I loved singing, but you know, I really love releasing new musi c. It's exciting to me to write these songs and then kind of see how people feel about them. I love that," the 25-year-old artist says.
But the song's just about actually having a… it feels like that story. I'm not super religious or anything, but that story for me is just like a classic case of, you know, you have everything but you always want that one thing you can't have. And I feel like that's always the Achille's heel of people. And it's been my Achille's heel time and time again. So I just felt like I could write about it in a way that was kind of funny. But, no, it had nothing to do with the joke. And I also don't even think that joke is funny.
There were other challenges that accompanied getting his music out into the world while he was in label limbo. Benjamin didn't own the rights to his songs after leaving Columbia, so he couldn't share those to Spotify or iTunes, and he couldn't afford to record new music. Instead, he made demos on his iPhone or at a friend's house when they had the spare time to record with him, and uploaded the tracks to YouTube.
I'd like to meet Chris Martin. That would be cool. But I actually have to tell you that a cooler collaboration would be one that is not with music. It would be one that's with like technology or something like that. I feel like, I was talking about Elon Musk earlier today. I don't know if there is some sort of music integration thing that I could do for his company, but that would be lit.
Alec Benjamin simply refers to himself as a narrator." Inspired by Eminem, Paul Simon, and Citizen Cope, the Phoenix-born, Los Angeles-based songwriter fashioned a cinematic, lo-fi sound that stirred up a buzz online right out of the gate, landing him a major label deal by the age of 18. A day after he turned in his first album, he was dropped by the label he thought would take his artist project to the moon. However, it was going to take a lot more to stop him. Alec immediately hit the road for a self-booked European tour in May 2016. He performed parking lot shows" for fans outside of Shawn Mendes and Troye Sivan concerts, handing out business cards to leave a tangible keepsake for those listening and building his brand from the ground up.
Alec Benjamin is a new star in the music industry who has never stopped moving towards his dreams. Now his face is on a billboard on Times Square in NYC. He hails from Arizona. His first successful single is Paper Crown." Alec is also known for such tracks as The Water Fountain" and The End of the Summer." In 2018, he released a single Let Me Down Slowly" the music video for which has garnered over 64 thousand views in one day.
Benjamin: Social media is not something that I'm traditionally comfortable with, and that's part of my job. I love it because it helps me connect with so many people in different parts of the world, and provided countless opportunities for me. It changed my life completely, but at the same time there are sides of it that I don't really like. I am a really sensitive person, and there can be one small thing that can ruin my day. You have to have thick skin, and I do, but at the same time social media can sometimes really be something that's hard for me to manage. That's one of the best things and the hardest things that I do on a daily basis.
Meet Alec Benjamin, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter whose lyrics standout in the sea of same-sounding tracks that often circulate around the pop sphere. With a plethora of hit singles under his belt including "Let Me Down Slowly" and "If We Have Each Other," the Scottsdale-bred star has already proven himself through his ability to marry a customized lo-fi sound and infectious melodies with his sagacious narratives about life's hardships.
Benjamin remains alluringly cryptic about the overarching meaning of his work. I don't really like to dictate how people should feel when they listen to my music," he said. I just hope that it has some sort of impact on them that is positive." Benjamin is truly a vessel for his words, a narrator, as he likes to call himself. Appropriately, his mixtape, released in November of 2018, is titled Narrated for You. His storytelling influences include Eminem (Stan is probably my favorite song. That's great storytelling in music.") and Forrest Gump. He's thankful for his fans, and for his success, but, unlike most artists, by choice, he's not a cult-of-personality because the emphasis will always be placed on the music.
Benjamin's song "I Built a Friend" was used as backing material for a contemporary dance audition of contestant Merrick Hanna, on episode 1 of the 12th season of America's Got Talent (May 30, 2017). He made his US television debut when he performed "Let Me Down Slowly" on The Late Late Show with James Corden on January 8, 2019.
In a recent interview, Alec Benjamin was asked about new collaborations. He shared that he has a two-month break coming up to work on his album and hopefully work with other artists. I have some plans to collaborate with Khalid and also Jimin from BTS," he revealed.
I listen to a lot of different kinds of music, and I believe every genre has something interesting to bring to the table. There are certain things each genre does best. Growing up, some of my favorite artists were Jason Mraz and John Mayer and then through that, I got into Paul Simon. But I also listen to a lot of heavy metal, like Slipknot. I listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers but also listen to straight pop music like Katy Perry; I was a big fan of hers but I wasn't like going to shows or anything like that but I think she has great music. I feel like the hook in other pop songs is always something I can learn from and get inspired by. I listen to some country too; I think country is great for telling stories, but my all-time favorites are Eminem, Paul Simon, Jason Mraz and John Mayer. I love Eminem because I love his words. I like music that has something important to say, there are so many things that happen in life, so I'm into songs that hold a specific meaning.
Yeah, I wrote that song like five years ago, actually. And I wrote it about, it's about a missed connection. When you meet someone, and it's just the wrong time. And then, you know, when you're finally ready, the time has passed. And I feel like that's always disappointing. Those are the things you always look back on and go what if." So that song's just about that – the what if" feeling.
Considering all this visibility matched with the singer's alluring talent as a songwriter, it's hard to understand how Benjamin could doubt his ability to succeed. But his story is even deeper. What the numbers don't reveal is how in 2013, the Arizona-born singer moved to California, secured a record deal shortly after, created an album, and was promptly dropped afterward. So he started again from scratch.
Categories Music Post navigation


It's the portfolio that manages all things environmental related to our event.
Department of Environmental Action and Re-Generation.
The reason that the word 'regeneration' has been included is because the concept of 'sustainability' lacks the progression towards restoring natural balance. After all: if we are to simply sustain the downward trajectory that our environment is in, we wouldn't be arresting that decline. Burners are environmentalists. It's just our nature.
This is the principle that informs our approach to waste and our impact on the environment. It applies to our approach at any AfrikaBurn event, whether in the Tankwa Karoo or elsewhere (such as our Decompression, Streetopia or ParkOff events).
To learn more about Leave No Trace, check out this page.
For some years, the volunteers who managed MOOP on site in Tankwa Town have been referred to as either our LNT squad, or our MOOP team. This specifically refers to the crew that stalk the dust after our event every year, locating and picking up all traces left behind (such as thread, matches, cigarette butts, glitter, sequins, cable ties, nails etc).
D.E.A.R.'s mission is to protect and improve our natural environment as well as consistently increase awareness of this environment amongst all of our community.
Tankwa Town is fundamentally different from most other human settlements in one specific way – it's temporary. It exists for a short while in a recovering wilderness. This environment and the conservation of all nature is the focus of the D.E.A.R.
Not only do we work to conserve our natural environment but we also aim to improve life for all fauna and flora in our surroundings. We recognise that humans are an integral part of nature and that as a species we are extremely well positioned and equipped to make improvements rather than reinforce the old paradigm of consumption, waste and destruction.
D.E.A.R's vision is that one day every person in our community will think about our environment first before any action happens, for the benefit of all life on the earth under our feet and our continued existence upon it. In this regard, AfrikaBurn is an opportunity to experiment for change, invent the world anew and then apply the results – both in tankwa Town, and beyond.
What can D.E.A.R. do for you?
We put the resources at your fingertips and it's up to you to make the most out of these super resources of accumulated experience. Share it with your campmates while you're planning your trip and share the info with your neighbours onsite!
Make your MOOP Confessions and Confirmations!


Ursula S. Harvey went to be with her Lord Jan. 9 at the age of 93. She was born in Estonia in 1925 to ethnic German parents. She came to America in 1948 as the post-WWII bride of Paul M. Harvey, who was a 20-year military career soldier.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years. In 2012, she came to live in Pagosa Springs, Colo., along with her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. She was a faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
She is survived by one daughter, Olivia McCasland and husband Robert, of Pagosa Springs; one son, Paul M. Harvey Jr., of Atlanta, Texas; two granddaughters: Angela Delay, of Pagosa Springs, and Ursula Harvey Gant, of Texarkana, Ark; three great-grandchildren: David Teague of Lewisville, Texas; Jillian Delay, of Douglassville, Texas; and Denver Hale, of Texarkana, Ark.
Her family and friends will honor her memory Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the church.


text:
Joseph Pentangelo
Dendroglyphs
Introduction : Gallery : Who was W. Dixon? : Tracking Cube's Damage
In March of 2019, some friends, my wife, and I were hiking in Staten Island's Greenbelt when we found ourselves in the midst of something quite eerie. Surrounding us were trees carved with human figures. With their symmetrical bodies and lightbulb-shaped heads, they called to mind Puritan headstones and the Blair Witch Project. On closer inspection, several of the carvings were signed and dated; they were carved by W. Dixon in the early 1930s.
Two trees with carvings by W. Dixon. In the background to the left is the carving I've identified as Stripes; in the foreground, at center, is Cube. Photo: © Joseph Pentangelo.
We had stumbled upon a grove of folk art, previously undescribed anywhere, as far as I can tell, with the notable exception of a blog post from 2011.
After realizing that these dendroglyphs – tree carvings – had not been documented in any sort of rigorous way, I returned to the site several times throughout 2019, taking photos and making measurements.
Five trees contain a complex of carvings apparently by W. Dixon, including the striking human figures which had first caught our attention, as well as the artist's signature and a distinctive sacred heart design. I identified five such complexes, and named them after distinguishing characteristics: Dots, Stripes, Cube, Tree, and Messy.
Detailed descriptions of these carvings, along with more information on dendroglyphs and a call for their broader consideration in folkloristics, can be found in my article, "A grove of folk art on Staten Island: Documenting the carvings of W. Dixon," in the 2020 issue of Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore.
This page contains a gallery of photos of this grove, as well as a couple of small digressions – one, exploring a bit more about who W. Dixon might have been, and another, discussing the considerable damage sustained by one of these carvings, Cube, over the course of 8 years.
Gallery of the Grove
Named for the dots that cover the figure's tunic, this tree contains four carvings that I believe to be by W. Dixon: a human figure, a date (1930), a sacred heart, and W. Dixon's signature. Each of these elements appears on other trees in this grove.
This carving, capped with a semicircular flourish, is the most overtly headstone-like of Dixon's dendroglyphs. Dixon's signature is notably ornate, with lines extending from the W and N. The human figure, like those in Dixon's other carvings, sports an inverted triangular badge on its chest. (Note that these carvings predate the holocaust, during which the Nazis famously employed similar badges.) The writing between Dixon's signature and the figure's head is illegible.
A sacred heart, with a wound in the upper-left, is chip-carved to the right of the human figure. The heart is capped with a Tau cross, often associated with St. Francis and, accordingly, the Franciscans. This may give a hint to Dixon's faith.
This carving is named for the human figure's striped tunic. There are three key elements to this dendroglyph: a date (1931), a human figure, and Dixon's signature.
This mustachioed human figure is wearing a stripey, fringed ensemble. There is a significant amount of beech bark disease damage to the figure's skirt or apron.
To the right of the figure are Dixon's initials, with a long line extending from the W, and a date: 1931.
This carving contains a human figure and Dixon's signature. I named it for the Necker cube that appears directly above the human figure.
A human figure stands beneath a gigantic Necker cube. I am not entirely sure that the cube was carved by Dixon, but I believe that it was because (a) it seems to form a compositional whole with the human figure, appearing centered over its head, and (b) the lines' widths are similar to those in the human figure, suggesting that they were carved at about the same time. The figure's face has been ravaged by beech bark disease. See discussion below.
Dixon's signature appears to the right of the figure. The flourishes that characterize Dixon's other signatures are absent here.
This unusual carving contains what appears to be a stylized tree, perhaps a pine or a willow, as well as a chip-carved sacred heart and Dixon's initials. A mostly-illegible date appears below Dixon's initials.
The tree's trunk widens at its base, and what seems to be a large fruit or pinecone is attached to the upper-rightmost branch.
Dixon's initials appear towards the bottom, at left of the tree trunk, along with a date. Unfortunately, the digits past 19 are unclear.
This sacred heart, done in Dixon's characteristic style, is just to the left of the tree carving.
This carving of a sacred heart appears on a "graffiti tree" with carvings by many people. I cautiously suggest that it is by W. Dixon, chiefly because it is capped with a Tau cross, like Dixon's other sacred hearts — an unusual stylistic choice. It is, however, noteworthy that this heart is carved with traditional lines rather than being chip-carved.
Who was W. Dixon?
As the carvings are in close proximity to a building that was once part of the Seaview complex, used to house and treat people with tuberculosis in the mid-20th century, it is almost certain that Dixon was a hospital employee or patient.
In correspondence with people who once worked at Seaview, I learned that a number of employees as well as patients had the surname Dixon, but that most patients were too physically afflicted to have made these large, elaborate carvings in the woods. It thus seems likely that W. Dixon was an employee at Seaview.
It is perhaps worth mentioning that a Dixon family has been established on Staten Island since at least the late 19th century. A historic map in the New York Public Library's collections shows that in 1874, a W. Dixon (certainly not the artist, due to the chronology) owned 17 acres of land on Bloomingdale Road, and E. Dixon owned 3 acres nearby, to the west. In 1890, it was written that "lands of R. H. or Robert Dixon" were to the east of Sandy Ground in Harrisville. Several members of the Dixon family were associated with St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church in Rossville. Whether W. Dixon was a member of this family is unclear, and my archival research to find out just who W. Dixon was is ongoing.
Tracking Cube's Damage
The only other documentation of Dixon's dendroglyphs that I am aware of is Erik Burke's blog post. Comparing Burke's photo of Cube from 2011 to one that I took in 2019, it is clear that a considerable amount of deterioration has occurred to the human figure's face in only eight years. This is the result of beech bark disease (BBD), a serious but common result of tree carving.
The face of Cube was clearly legible in 2011. Cropped from an image by Erik T. Burke.
But by October of 2019, Cube's face had sustained considerable damage from BBD. © Joseph Pentangelo.
BBD is described by the US Forest Service as "a complex affecting American beech (Fagus grandifolia), [which] includes both insect and fungal components." When a beech tree is carved, its bark is left vulnerable to scale, an insect which feeds on the tree's sap. This feeding in turn invites further damage from a fungus, Neonectria. According to the US Forest Service, "the resulting beech snap and mortality levels may reach 50 percent in 5 years."
Damage from BBD is also obvious in the skirt or apron of the human figure Stripes, although it does not affect the carving's legibility. Still, since the disease is present in this stand of beech trees, it seems only a matter of time before more damage is done. This highlights all the more how important it is that these carvings be documented, and the importance that robust documentation efforts be carried out for other dendroglyphs.
All photos on this page are © Joseph Pentangelo, unless described otherwise in the photo's caption.
This entry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license.


text:
Dead Tone (2007)
Watch Dead Tone (2007) Online
As another semester draws to a close at the University of Dreyskill, a simple game dreamt to help students avoid studying becomes a bloody battle for survival.
Director: Brian Hooks, Deon Taylor
Actors: Antwon Tanner, Brian Hooks, Cherie Johnson, Denyce Lawton, Jud Tylor, Rutger Hauer, Wil Horneff
A young boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber known only as the Tall Man, who keeps a mysterious arsenal of terrible weapons with him.
47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019)
Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world…
Mary (2019)
A struggling family buys an old ship at auction with high hopes of starting a charter business, only to discover her horrifying secrets on the isolated open waters.
You Might Be the Killer (2018)
Counselors are being killed off at summer camp, and Sam (Fran Kranz) is stuck in the middle of it. Instead of contacting the cops, he calls his friend and slasher-film…
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned Second World War Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real…
Vanishing on 7th Street (2010)
A mysterious global blackout yields countless populations to simply vanish, leaving only their clothes and possessions behind. A small handful of survivors band together in a dimly-lit tavern on 7th…
Night of the Zombies (1980)
A tough female reporter and her cameraman boyfriend team up with a four-man commando unit in the New Guinea jungle whom are fighting flesh-eating zombies. NB: Not to be confused…
Country: Italy, Spain
The Strangeness (1985)
A group of explorers surveying an abandoned goldmine are trapped in a cave in, and find themselves at the mercy of a slimy, mysterious creature.
2 Lava 2 Lantula! (2016)
When an unprecedented amount of sinkholes erupt all over Florida, a new nest of fire spitting LAVALANTULAS is awakened… wreaking their fiery havoc all over the sunshine state.
Prey (1977)
The day after a weird green light is seen in the English sky, a strange young man stops at the country home of two lesbian housemates. It turns out that…
The Other Side of the Door (2016)
Grieving over the loss of her son, a mother struggles with her feelings for her daughter and her husband. She seeks out a ritual that allows her say goodbye to…
Country: India, UK, USA
Trailer: Dead Tone (2007)


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You are here: Home / Our Blog / Invisalign / Are Traditional Braces Cheaper than Invisalign?
Making a decision on whether to use braces, which are the more traditional treatment option or Invisalign, which are the modern equivalent, depends on several factors. Foremost is the effectiveness of your preference, and second is how much it will cost you. Regardless of the price, your choice should get the job done. Ultimately, your intention is to fix the problem once and for all.
What do I need to know about braces?
Both remedies are meant not only to straighten teeth but also to improve your smile and enhance your overall dental health. The modern option was first put to use in 2000, and therefore does not have as much history in comparison to the older version.
The traditional remedy features metal brackets meant to be glued to your teeth and fastened together using tiny wires and rubber bands. Nowadays, you can achieve discretion by getting brackets that match the color of your enamel. You can also vary the colors to match your fashion preference.
In contrast, the modern option is invisible in design and made from plastic that is BPA-free, smooth, and comfortable. This treatment aligns your teeth by subtly and gently moving them into position. By using X-rays, impressions, and pictures, your orthodontist will configure aligner trays by creating precise 3-D images of your teeth.
What are the pros and cons of Braces?
As a form of correctional treatment, this particular option is not ideal for patients who actively participate in rough contact sports on a regular basis.
It is clear and invisible, which is beneficial since it ensures your smile won't be affected in a negative manner.
The choice between which of the two is most effective to straighten teeth is not easy. Nonetheless, if you or your child is the kind that is extremely self-conscious, the modern invisible remedy is certainly a more appealing option. A plus for it is that it is removable, so you can still be able to brush, eat, drink or floss naturally. But if you consider always having to remove it before you eat or drink as inconveniencing or uncomfortable, then this may not be the best option for you. Additionally, it is worth noting that it should only be put back once you have brushed your teeth after every meal.
It is not easy to distinguish which of the two options is more effective, especially because Invisalign is still relatively new and not much is known about its performance. Nonetheless, in contrast to the older version, the effectiveness of using the removable option entirely depends on the user's commitment to ensuring they are worn continually.
More distinctively, the modern version is certainly not an option when you need to fix your back teeth, rotate teeth, or move them vertically. It is hence important that you first consult an experienced orthodontist before making a decision.
Other than your smile, you should not take your overall oral health lightly. If you need to decide which among the two treatment options is best suited for you or your child, you should consult an experienced orthodontist. You can always request a free consultation to learn some more about dentistry and whether it might be the solution for you or your child. As professionals, we strive to provide high-quality services aimed at ensuring every patient gets the desired results.
https://childersbraces.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/childer2.jpg 720 960 Kyle Childers https://childersbraces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/logo-childers-orthodontics.png Kyle Childers2017-08-29 10:00:002019-03-24 22:12:13Are Traditional Braces Cheaper than Invisalign?


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text: Reception to celebrate Heroes of Fatherland Day 2019-12-11 18:15:00 The Kremlin, Moscow Vladimir Putin spoke at a reception to mark Heroes of the Fatherland Day. Over 350 members of the military and civilians who displayed particular courage and heroism have been invited to attend the event at St George Hall in the Grand Kremlin Palace. The participants included Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, and full cavaliers of the Order of St George. The tradition of holding annual receptions to celebrate Heroes of the Fatherland Day, marked on December 9, was resumed in 2013. * * * Speech at the reception in honour of Heroes of the Fatherland Day President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends. Today we honour Heroes of Russia, Heroes of the Soviet Union, and holders of the Orders of Glory and St George, and pay tribute to people whose names are forever recorded in the annals of courage and bravery at the service to their Fatherland. Even the place where we are at now, St George Hall at the Kremlin, represents their valour, and by tradition we celebrate Heroes of the Fatherland Day here. It is a hall of our military glory, and a symbol of selfless service to Russia. We honour all those who have defended the freedom and independence of our country. We commemorate the heroic deeds of the famous generals and fearless soldiers. We pay tribute to the feat of the Russian army of 1812 and to those who gave their lives on the battlefields of the First World War. And those who defeated Nazism and won a grandiose, historic victory in the Great Patriotic War are rightfully referred to as the heroic generation. Love for the Fatherland is a sacred feeling for our people. It moves us forward, and gives strength to withstand all trials. And it makes any enemy tremble and retreat. Gathered here in St George Hall are veterans of the Great Patriotic War as well as young people, military service members who have accomplished the most difficult tasks both in Russia and abroad, and civilian professionals who have shown resilience and courage in performing their professional duties. Each of you, friends, knows – one who performs a heroic deed never thinks about recognition or awards at that moment. At the difficult, decisive moment, you do what your conscience and sense of duty – your military and human duty – tell you and show exceptional personal courage saving people or serving the Fatherland. Such selfless acts are always appreciated by the state. We in Russia honour our heroes and remember those who have fulfilled their duty, including at the cost of their own lives. May their memory live on forever. Friends, we have recently marked the 250th anniversary of the Order of St George. It is the highest military award of the Russian Empire and of modern Russia. And here, in St George Hall, where the spirit of devotion to the Fatherland reigns, we deeply feel the continuity of our country's history. We take pride and strength in this continuity of our traditions of courage and patriotism. Friends, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely wish you all the best on the occasion of Heroes of the Fatherland Day. I wish you all the best and offer a toast – to our heroes, to our Fatherland, to Russia!


Kungliga Skytteanska Samfundet, a scientific academy based in Umeå, hands out every year prizes for outstanding research and cultural commitment. This year, Ioanna Antoniadi, researcher at the Umeå Plant Science Centre, will receive the prize that is assigned to the Faculty of Forest Sciences from SLU.
Ioanna Antoniadi focusses in her research on root development and the role of plant growth factors that are controlling the development. Kungl. Skytteanska Samfundet valued in their motivation for the prize, that Ioanna Antoniadi contributed to an improved understanding of mechanisms that regulate growth and development of plants, a fundamental knowledge with potential application within plant cultivation.
After finishing her PhD at the Imperial College in London, Ioanna Antoniadi moved to Umeå in 2015. She started in the group of Karin Ljung at the Umeå Plant Science Centre, first as a postdoc and now as a researcher. She has published as author or co-author six scientific publications within the last five years and became the expert at UPSC for Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), a very advanced technique that allows detections on the single cell level.
Ioanna Antoniadi independently developed and optimised new methods based on the FACS technique. She could demonstrate that the plant hormone cytokinin forms a gradient in the root tip of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, with the highest concentration in the top. These results were published in the prestigious journal Plant Cell and are now well cited. She also contributed to studies about how plants react on the hormone level to different type of stresses, e.g. salt stress and mechanical stress.
Kungl. Skytteanska Samfundet is awarding in total six prizes to young researchers, a cultural prize, the "Margareta och Eric Modigs" prize that is assigned to the Medical Faculty of Umeå University, a prize for a young artist from the Umeå Academy of Fine Arts, a prize for a young musician from the School of Music in Piteå and the "Samfundets stora pris". All prizes will be officially handed over at the societies "Årshögtiden" on Friday, 24th of May at Sävargården in Umeå.
Cell sorting is a method that allows purification of highly specific cell populations from a mix of cells. It can be for example used to isolate scarce cell types, that are labelled with a fluorescence marker, from a plant tissue. The plant tissue is initially enzymatically digested to remove the cell walls which leads to the formation of protoplasts (plant cells that are surrounded only by the plasma membrane). The protoplast mixture is then loaded into the FACS instrument that acts as an extremely "sharp knife" sorting the cells according to their size, internal complexity and fluorescence. The sorted and isolated cells can then be used for further analyses in downstream applications.


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Stories & Resources
The Success Habit: From Micro to Macro
What's the secret to success in personal improvement, to living a healthier, happier, more productive life? By this point in the year, most of our New Year's resolutions have fizzled out, leading us to once again reproach ourselves for lacking the willpower, the character, the grit to triumph over our bad habits. But as recent research demonstrates, willpower is not a function of character but a limited neurological resource that gives out when over-stressed. Yet as I discovered for myself and wrote about in Small Move, Big Change (Penguin 2015), it is possible to succeed regularly at self-improvement by focusing precious willpower reserves on small behavioral changes with lasting impact.
Now there's a new self-improvement app called YOU-App dedicated to teaching users how to succeed at self-improvement through micro-actions. The app presents the user with an easy but significant Action of the Day to complete. The action might be one to improve health, mindfulness, nutrition, mood, or productivity. The daily micro-action is reasonable, easy to perform, and delivers an immediate benefit to the user. Over the past several months I have been advising the young entrepreneurs of YOU-App on content and functionality (along with Jamie Oliver and others) and believe that the new YOU-App will be a powerful ally in self-improvement efforts.
Why daydream about being different someday when you can do something differently today?
In many ways, YOU-App's Action of the Day is the opposite of a New Year's resolution. A New Year's resolution targets a grand goal to be completed by the end of the year (or someday), a goal generally so stressful that our willpower gives out within weeks, exhausted from enforcing a crash diet or an arbitrary decree-to-self to be organized, assertive, or thrifty. Such New Year's resolutions are rich in ambition but poor in results, with over 90 percent of resolvers giving up after just a few weeks. For most of us, the only lasting effect from joining in the annual boom and bust cycle of making and breaking resolutions is that we become so accustomed to this self-defeating approach that failure itself becomes a habit.
By contrast, a YOU-App micro-action targets a realistic goal to be completed today. YOU-App focuses the user on taking a positive and concrete action that will deliver an immediate benefit—such as taking a short walk to boost activity, metabolism and mood; eating a whole fruit to improve health; decluttering a single surface; or forgiving oneself for a mistake in the past. The YOU-App Action of the Day is a daily surprise that keeps goals fresh and takes the drudgery out of self-improvement. There is also a "Keep-it-Up" feature that allows users to sustain a favorite micro-action for a period of time until it becomes routine. The daily cycle of pledging and completing micro-actions builds the habit and expectation of success in self-improvement. Users who choose to perform the Action of the Day can share their successes by taking a picture memorializing their completed micro-action and posting it to the YOU-App community, creating a visual high-five for the group's achievement—doing better today than yesterday.
But do micro-actions bring macro change? Can small successes lead to big results?
You can answer this question for yourself simply by examining your own self-improvement goals. If your goal is to lose weight, is it because you woke up ten pounds overweight this morning? More likely you woke up one half ounce overweight on many mornings (around 320, to be exact). Did the overflowing pile on your desk materialize in an instant, or did it creep up one razor-thin paper at a time? Did your relationship sour due to a single, epic argument, or did small gestures of disrespect and discontent slowly creep into your daily interactions? Did you fail to complete a top priority at work because you deliberately ignored it day after day, or did a hundred small distractions keep you from ever gaining traction?
Once you acknowledge the power of small actions to create a negative trend, it's easy to see how targeted behavioral shifts, such as the micro-actions promoted by YOU-App, can spark a positive trend that leads to significant results. YOU-App's powerful micro-actions can teach you how to work the behavioral edge, develop the habit of success, convert small gains to big wins, and master the art of continuous self-improvement. New Year's Day is past, but Spring—the season of renewal—is here at last!
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