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https://thebrianfink.medium.com/land-the-plane-8db277b24bb7	medium.com	Land The Plane	Had a great coffee with Allan Ward the other day. While we met up to discuss my recent book, a deeper conversation unfolded about dreams…	Brian Fink	https://medium.com/@thebrianfink	8db277b24bb7	https://miro.medium.com/…D6YJTmtU7KwQ.png	1 min	2024-01-27T17:23:44.258000	2024-01-27T17:27:28.970000	2024-01-28T04:18:47.059000	0	9	en	Entrepreneurship,Self Improvement,Marketing,Startup,Self	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*eG45mzAl-tD6YJTmtU7KwQ.png" width="1080" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p>Had a great coffee with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-ward-b8984856/">Allan Ward</a> the other day. While we met up to discuss my recent book, a deeper conversation unfolded about dreams and making them a reality.</p> <p>Allan said “Stop circling the runway of life, land the plane, execute those dreams.”</p> <p>Here’s what this really means:</p> <p>You’re up there, in the sky, circling endlessly. That’s your life right now — a holding pattern. You’ve got dreams, big ones, I bet. But dreams without action? They’re just fantasies. And you’re not a fantasist; you’re a doer, or at least you should be.</p> <p>Circling the runway — it’s safe, comfortable. You see your destination, but you’re not landing. Why? Fear? Uncertainty? Comfort in the status quo? Whatever it is, it’s holding you back. You need to switch gears from dreaming to doing. That’s what separates the successful from the also-rans.</p> <p>Landing the plane — it’s risky, sure. But what in life worth having isn’t? When you land that plane, you’re committing. You’re saying, “This is it. I’m not just thinking; I’m executing.” That’s where the magic happens. In the execution.</p> <p>Executing those dreams — it’s hard work. It’s not just about big ideas; it’s about grinding it out, day after day. It’s about facing setbacks and still pushing forward. Because in the end, those who turn their dreams into reality are the ones who didn’t just circle above them. They landed, they faced the hard truths, and they executed.</p> <p>So, what’s it going to be? More circling, or are you ready to land the plane? The runway’s clear. Your move.</p> <p>Land the plane.</p> <p>So what are you waiting for?</p> <p><em>Brian Fink is the author of <a href="https://a.co/d/etHiZAe">The Main Thing is The Main Thing</a>. It’s his way of galvanizing your focus to bring your life’s work to reality. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of dispelling the constant barrage of interruptions, pings, and distractions that take you</em> away from realizing your main thing.</p> </section>	Land The Plane Had a great coffee with Allan Ward the other day. While we met up to discuss my recent book, a deeper conversation unfolded about dreams and making them a reality. Allan said “Stop circling the runway of life, land the plane, execute those dreams.” Here’s what this really means: You’re up there, in the sky, circling endlessly. That’s your life right now — a holding pattern. You’ve got dreams, big ones, I bet. But dreams without action? They’re just fantasies. And you’re not a fantasist; you’re a doer, or at least you should be. Circling the runway — it’s safe, comfortable. You see your destination, but you’re not landing. Why? Fear? Uncertainty? Comfort in the status quo? Whatever it is, it’s holding you back. You need to switch gears from dreaming to doing. That’s what separates the successful from the also-rans. Landing the plane — it’s risky, sure. But what in life worth having isn’t? When you land that plane, you’re committing. You’re saying, “This is it. I’m not just thinking; I’m executing.” That’s where the magic happens. In the execution. Executing those dreams — it’s hard work. It’s not just about big ideas; it’s about grinding it out, day after day. It’s about facing setbacks and still pushing forward. Because in the end, those who turn their dreams into reality are the ones who didn’t just circle above them. They landed, they faced the hard truths, and they executed. So, what’s it going to be? More circling, or are you ready to land the plane? The runway’s clear. Your move. Land the plane. So what are you waiting for? Brian Fink is the author of The Main Thing is The Main Thing. It’s his way of galvanizing your focus to bring your life’s work to reality. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of dispelling the constant barrage of interruptions, pings, and distractions that take you away from realizing your main thing.	2c185650-f004-562b-bba7-aab5c8aa3d62	25/08/2025 18:00:01
https://medium.com/@jenniferbailey_66016/10-years-ago-think-back-at-who-you-were-and-where-you-were-just-a-simple-century-ago-if-youre-5a8ca00e90ab	medium.com	10 years ago… think back at who you were and where you were just a simple century ago… if you’re…	As my husband starts his podcast and blog in 2018, I’d like to come along side him and learn how to walk out life with Christ leading from…	Jennifer Bailey	https://medium.com/@jenniferbailey_66016	5a8ca00e90ab	https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]	3 min	2017-12-30T21:21:51.356000	2017-12-30T22:18:51.866000	2017-12-30T22:31:22.784000	0	1	en	Btg,Momlife,Christianity	<section> <p>10 years ago… think back at who you were and where you were just a simple century ago… if you’re anything like me I never imagined I would be here, now. I am turning 35 in this new year. I will be a 35 year old wife and mom of 4 children 6 years and under while maintaining a house, working outside of the home 20–30 hours a week as a therapist, and serving with my husband who is the worship pastor at our church. If you’re anything like me, you can rattle off the details of who you are, the roles you take, and places you put your feet, but to really explain who you are on the inside and how you walk this life??? No idea. None. Every day I’m winging it.</p> <p>As my husband starts his podcast and blog in 2018, I’d like to come along side him and learn how to walk out life with Christ leading from a woman’s perspective. We take on such a unique and full role. Us ladies multitask and charge forward holding life together for our families and those we walk with daily.</p> <p>Proverbs 31 describes a noble wife… let’s take a look…</p> <p>“A wife of noble character who can find?She is worth far more than rubies.</p> <p>11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.</p> <p>12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.</p> <p>13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.</p> <p>14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.</p> <p>15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.</p> <p>16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.</p> <p>17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.</p> <p>18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.</p> <p>19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.</p> <p>20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.</p> <p>21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.</p> <p>22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.</p> <p>23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.</p> <p>24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.</p> <p>25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.</p> <p>26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.</p> <p>27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.</p> <p>28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:</p> <p>29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”</p> <p>30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.</p> <p>31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.</p> <p>This scripture was always intimidating to me. How in the world could I ever measure up? However this year when I read through, I recognize it’s less about doing everything perfectly and more about who I am in Christ and how I’m walking out my day for the good of my family. The scripture focuses on bringing good not harm to our homes, working with our hands for the good of those around us, being smart with our time, money, and resources to continue to provide in our homes, reaching into the community and helping where needed, being prepared, not worrying but trusting God with wisdom and faith. If we think about it, most of us do that on a daily basis. I know I often get down on myself, in the overwhelming demands of the world and need to be reminded that God is our provision. To remember I set out every day to use what He has already given us to love and provide for my family in His wisdom. This year I hope to walk with my family and learn how to see His hands in the every day, fearing and trusting His moves, while I pass that along to our kids and walk in community with my hubby.</p> <p>10 years ago — so young and in love</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/396/1[email protected]" width="396" height="604" loading="lazy" /> <p>This year 😳❤️ so full and still in love ;)</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1[email protected]" width="1280" height="853" loading="lazy" /> </section>	BTG : the mom, wife, woman 10 years ago… think back at who you were and where you were just a simple century ago… if you’re anything like me I never imagined I would be here, now. I am turning 35 in this new year. I will be a 35 year old wife and mom of 4 children 6 years and under while maintaining a house, working outside of the home 20–30 hours a week as a therapist, and serving with my husband who is the worship pastor at our church. If you’re anything like me, you can rattle off the details of who you are, the roles you take, and places you put your feet, but to really explain who you are on the inside and how you walk this life??? No idea. None. Every day I’m winging it. As my husband starts his podcast and blog in 2018, I’d like to come along side him and learn how to walk out life with Christ leading from a woman’s perspective. We take on such a unique and full role. Us ladies multitask and charge forward holding life together for our families and those we walk with daily. Proverbs 31 describes a noble wife… let’s take a look… “A wife of noble character who can find?She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. This scripture was always intimidating to me. How in the world could I ever measure up? However this year when I read through, I recognize it’s less about doing everything perfectly and more about who I am in Christ and how I’m walking out my day for the good of my family. The scripture focuses on bringing good not harm to our homes, working with our hands for the good of those around us, being smart with our time, money, and resources to continue to provide in our homes, reaching into the community and helping where needed, being prepared, not worrying but trusting God with wisdom and faith. If we think about it, most of us do that on a daily basis. I know I often get down on myself, in the overwhelming demands of the world and need to be reminded that God is our provision. To remember I set out every day to use what He has already given us to love and provide for my family in His wisdom. This year I hope to walk with my family and learn how to see His hands in the every day, fearing and trusting His moves, while I pass that along to our kids and walk in community with my hubby. 10 years ago — so young and in love This year 😳❤️ so full and still in love ;)	bfdacb91-3ce1-5db4-a426-c7ce886fcb2c	25/08/2025 18:00:01
https://medium.com/@billrossi/my-trip-to-italy-and-what-i-learned-about-epidemics-d2d687641486	medium.com	My Trip To Italy And What I Learned About Epidemics	I recently traveled to the Puglia region of southern Italy with my wife who was hired to write an article for United Airline’s Hemispheres…	Bill Rossi	https://medium.com/@billrossi	d2d687641486	https://miro.medium.com/…CRXFxPC0FUA.jpeg	3 min	2019-06-26T20:44:56.684000	2019-06-26T21:01:31.653000	2021-12-10T14:49:03.798000	0	1	en	Food,Epidemic,CEO,Italy	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/592/1h0Kf-CUqz36CRXFxPC0FUA.jpeg" width="592" height="404" loading="lazy" /> <p>I recently traveled to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apulia">Puglia region</a> of southern Italy with my wife who was hired to write an article for United Airline’s <a href="http://www.unitedmags.com/">Hemispheres Magazine</a> about the ancient olive trees of the region. As context, my wife visited the region five years ago and was captivated by these trees and the beauty of Puglia.</p> <p>Unfortunately, she recently learned that millions of the olive trees in Puglia have been decimated by a bacterium called <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2018/08/italy-olive-trees-dying-xylella/">Xylella</a> that has infected the region. It is believed to have entered Puglia from plants grown in Latin America and transported to Europe. It is so sad to see these ancient trees fall prey to an unknown, killer plant epidemic.</p> <p>As we discussed the epidemic with <a href="http://www.iamb.it/en/about/bari_institute">Maurizzio Raeli</a>, a government official, and <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g642178-d2390691-Reviews-Masseria_Brancati-Ostuni_Province_of_Brindisi_Puglia.html">Corado Brancati</a>, an olive tree farmer, my imagination was jolted into a Sci-Fi like future where Xylella is not just a deadly plant disease, but a human one, too. The impact could be a 1000 times worse.</p> <p>There is no cure for Xylella so farmers are forced to cut the olive trees down, or prune them back considerably to blunt the spread — millions of them! Imagine how traumatic this is for these farmers. Not only is this their livelihood, but these trees have been farmed for generations. The emotional connection to them is significant, they are literally like family.</p> <p>Then there is the politics. The denial at first that anything is happening, followed by the inevitable finger pointing as the disease spreads. In this case, the EU is blaming Italy for not reacting quickly enough to the disease, and Italy is blaming the EU for not doing their job and helping to fund a response.</p> <p>The farmers are caught in the middle because now the disease is spreading rapidly and threatening more and more farms in the region, and if it reaches the Tuscany region of Italy which is the wine and farming capital of the country, the toll will be even greater.</p> <p>There is also the scientific community desperately trying to find an antidote to the disease. They have been able to determine that “wild” olive trees are less susceptible to the disease than the farmed variety, so they are experimenting with grafts that can bring immunity to the endangered species.</p> <p>Corado is hoping this works so he can save his trees since the disease is just 3km south of his farm. But they need funding to accelerate their efforts and broaden experimental treatment.</p> <p>And then there are the farmers themselves. This is a crises they are not prepared for. They largely live hand-to-mouth financially and cannot afford to lose their farms. As I said, they and their ancestors have been doing this for literally hundreds of years, they were born to be on this farm and do this work.</p> <p>To see this disease and its impact up close was an important reminder that disaster can strike, and when it does you need adequate surveillance systems, timely and transparent communication, a well funded scientific community, and a resilient financial system that can help protect those most impacted.</p> <p>For me, it underscored the important work we do at Metabiota. I’ve included some pictures from my trip which I hope you enjoy.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/00W4NyqohI7e27Wtn.JPG" width="800" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/0r58oHRPVNBdZCeHp.JPG" width="800" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/750/0fuEAG0dtDv-1d6eh.JPG" width="750" height="1000" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/750/0*jLpwxdnFfThgI34g.JPG" width="750" height="1000" loading="lazy" /> <p><em><a href="https://twitter.com/billrossi">Bill Rossi</a> is currently CEO of Metabiota and a start-up advisor and former ex</em>ecutive at Cisco, Google and Enphase Energy.</p> </section>	My Trip To Italy And What I Learned About Epidemics Masseria Brancati in Puglia (olive tree farm) I recently traveled to the Puglia region of southern Italy with my wife who was hired to write an article for United Airline’s Hemispheres Magazine about the ancient olive trees of the region. As context, my wife visited the region five years ago and was captivated by these trees and the beauty of Puglia. Unfortunately, she recently learned that millions of the olive trees in Puglia have been decimated by a bacterium called Xylella that has infected the region. It is believed to have entered Puglia from plants grown in Latin America and transported to Europe. It is so sad to see these ancient trees fall prey to an unknown, killer plant epidemic. As we discussed the epidemic with Maurizzio Raeli, a government official, and Corado Brancati, an olive tree farmer, my imagination was jolted into a Sci-Fi like future where Xylella is not just a deadly plant disease, but a human one, too. The impact could be a 1000 times worse. There is no cure for Xylella so farmers are forced to cut the olive trees down, or prune them back considerably to blunt the spread — millions of them! Imagine how traumatic this is for these farmers. Not only is this their livelihood, but these trees have been farmed for generations. The emotional connection to them is significant, they are literally like family. Then there is the politics. The denial at first that anything is happening, followed by the inevitable finger pointing as the disease spreads. In this case, the EU is blaming Italy for not reacting quickly enough to the disease, and Italy is blaming the EU for not doing their job and helping to fund a response. The farmers are caught in the middle because now the disease is spreading rapidly and threatening more and more farms in the region, and if it reaches the Tuscany region of Italy which is the wine and farming capital of the country, the toll will be even greater. There is also the scientific community desperately trying to find an antidote to the disease. They have been able to determine that “wild” olive trees are less susceptible to the disease than the farmed variety, so they are experimenting with grafts that can bring immunity to the endangered species. Corado is hoping this works so he can save his trees since the disease is just 3km south of his farm. But they need funding to accelerate their efforts and broaden experimental treatment. And then there are the farmers themselves. This is a crises they are not prepared for. They largely live hand-to-mouth financially and cannot afford to lose their farms. As I said, they and their ancestors have been doing this for literally hundreds of years, they were born to be on this farm and do this work. To see this disease and its impact up close was an important reminder that disaster can strike, and when it does you need adequate surveillance systems, timely and transparent communication, a well funded scientific community, and a resilient financial system that can help protect those most impacted. For me, it underscored the important work we do at Metabiota. I’ve included some pictures from my trip which I hope you enjoy. My wife with Maurizzio and Corado Corado showing us the ancient press underneath his farm A 3000 year old olive tree on Corado’s farm still producing fruit! Dead olive trees like this are now all over Puglia Bill Rossi is currently CEO of Metabiota and a start-up advisor and former executive at Cisco, Google and Enphase Energy.	d236f6e3-07da-55fb-84ad-e12993907ed4	25/08/2025 18:00:01
https://medium.com/@jiotimes7/when-conservatives-unjustifiably-rebuke-biblical-christians-4a876580a353	medium.com	When Conservatives Unjustifiably Rebuke Biblical Christians	The reader may or may not know the name Israel Folau. I certainly didn’t until a few days ago. He’s a professional rugby player who’s…	Jiovanne Del Cristo	https://medium.com/@jiotimes7	4a876580a353	https://miro.medium.com/…9W5MDyVlm3Q.jpeg	4 min	2019-04-23T17:05:46.236000	2019-04-23T17:07:42.079000	2021-12-09T12:40:53.381000	0	0	en	Christianity,Israel Folau,LGBTQ,Conservatives,Rugby	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*ssHg04AroCT9W5MDyVlm3Q.jpeg" width="1280" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p>The reader may or may not know the name Israel Folau. I certainly didn’t until a few days ago. He’s a professional rugby player who’s suddenly been deemed unfit for employment. His violation? He posted a message for adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, atheists and the like through his <em>Instagram</em> account: repent, believe in Christ and be saved from Hellfire. If the reader is well versed in the modern socio-political scene, he will accurately presume that such a message wasn’t well received by the militant-homo-lobby and its vanguard. However, what if I were to tell you, dear reader, that another unexpected group also proceeded to rebuke Folau for simply communicating Biblical Truth — namely, conservatives — would you believe me?</p> <p>The prime example comes from the Senior Editor over at <em>PJMedia,</em> Tyler O’Neil. When reporting on how <em>Rugby Australia</em> arbitrarily and maliciously terminated Folau’s contract (presumably to appease the wrath of the despotic Social Council of Sodomite Overlords), O’Neil, in a case of cowardly fence-straddling, gives the <a href="https://pjmedia.com/faith/australian-rugby-star-faces-termination-for-posting-bible-verses-on-instagram/">impression</a> that Folau is partially to blame for the persecution heaped upon him. O’Neil proceeds to classify Folau’s messaging as tactless, without gentility, disrespectful and somewhat unbiblical. Additionally, he subjectively accuses Folau of not making a distinction between practicing homosexuals and homosexuals who follow Jesus Christ — a heresy which has become rather popular nowadays.</p> <p>Biblical Christians will recognize that O’Neil’s assertions are baseless, a vilification, anti-Biblical and an exercise in appeasement. Allow this writer to furnish proof.</p> <p>Firstly, in unequivocally and directly quoting the Bible, Folau is only reiterating what the Scriptures affirm. Therefore, when O’Neil writes that Folau should have been more tactful and genteel, he’s actually taking issue with what the Biblical directly teaches. Stated differently, his contention is actually against Biblical doctrine — he just won’t say so. Folau is a mere smokescreen for something O’Neil won’t readily admit. O’Neil attempts to distract from this fact by quoting 1st Peter 3:15–16, which states:</p> <p>But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.</p> <p><em>New King James Bible</em></p> <p>O’Neil abuses and perverts the verse by using it as a bludgeon to castigate Folau’s well-intentioned and morally correct warning to non-believers, classifying it as sanctimonious and malicious in intent. This text calls Christians to be prepared to give a sound apologetic (<em>apologia</em>, Greek) of the Christian faith. It is not a command to Christians to be evasive in qualifying why the Bible teaches what it teaches so as to not anger sinners — clearly, what drives O’Neil to write his commentary on Folau. If this isn’t the case, why does the Bible command that the works of evil and evildoers be <em>sharply rebuked</em>? (Ephesians 5:11–13; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15) I’m guessing O’Neil would have verbally chastised Jesus for violently casting out the moneychangers from the Temple, for his calling the Pharisees sons of Satan and John the Baptist using the phrase “generation of vipers” among other stern reproofs.</p> <p>Secondly, O’Neil makes a heretical and erroneous distinction between those that practice homosexuality and those with “same-sex attractions and who identify as homosexual or gay” who “can still accept Jesus Christ and live celibate lives following Him”. According to God’s Word, both are reprobates. (Romans 1:18–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10) In essence, O’Neil is denying the power of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those caught up in sinful activity. I’ll use a corollary to prove this point.</p> <p>Is it possible to claim that an adulterer who chooses to live a celibate life for Christ can be His faithful follower? Not according to Jesus. Christ himself stated that if any man looks at a woman in order to lust for her, <em>he has already committed adultery in his heart</em>. (Matthew 5:27–28) Why is this principle suddenly inapplicable to those who are <em>sensually attracted</em> to the same sex? Once again, O’Neil’s assertion smacks of a dilution of the Bible message in an attempt to appease sinners.</p> <p>(<strong>Important Side Note: </strong>Jesus also taught that celibacy isn’t the natural state of men and women. It is only in very limited circumstances where said persons eschew, and in some cases are forced to eschew, <em>heterosexual</em> contact. (Matthew 19:12) Therefore, celibacy cannot be employed by homosexuals to give the impression that their <em>inclinations</em> are somehow less sinful than those who engage in physical contact with others of the same sex. This is in keeping with the principle delineated by Christ in Matthew 5:27–28.)</p> <p>I believe we can classify this incident as another case of a self-professing “conservative” verbally exalting the courage to defend what’s morally correct and yet, hypocritically and ignobly turning around to denounce someone that does just that. Biblical Christians should zealously examine those who loudly claim to defend Christian values. It may very well be that those same defenders are all too willing to bend and bow down to the pressures of political correctness and misquote the Bible as a justification to do so.</p> </section>	When Conservatives Unjustifiably Rebuke Biblical Christians The reader may or may not know the name Israel Folau. I certainly didn’t until a few days ago. He’s a professional rugby player who’s suddenly been deemed unfit for employment. His violation? He posted a message for adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, atheists and the like through his Instagram account: repent, believe in Christ and be saved from Hellfire. If the reader is well versed in the modern socio-political scene, he will accurately presume that such a message wasn’t well received by the militant-homo-lobby and its vanguard. However, what if I were to tell you, dear reader, that another unexpected group also proceeded to rebuke Folau for simply communicating Biblical Truth — namely, conservatives — would you believe me? The prime example comes from the Senior Editor over at PJMedia, Tyler O’Neil. When reporting on how Rugby Australia arbitrarily and maliciously terminated Folau’s contract (presumably to appease the wrath of the despotic Social Council of Sodomite Overlords), O’Neil, in a case of cowardly fence-straddling, gives the impression that Folau is partially to blame for the persecution heaped upon him. O’Neil proceeds to classify Folau’s messaging as tactless, without gentility, disrespectful and somewhat unbiblical. Additionally, he subjectively accuses Folau of not making a distinction between practicing homosexuals and homosexuals who follow Jesus Christ — a heresy which has become rather popular nowadays. Biblical Christians will recognize that O’Neil’s assertions are baseless, a vilification, anti-Biblical and an exercise in appeasement. Allow this writer to furnish proof. Firstly, in unequivocally and directly quoting the Bible, Folau is only reiterating what the Scriptures affirm. Therefore, when O’Neil writes that Folau should have been more tactful and genteel, he’s actually taking issue with what the Biblical directly teaches. Stated differently, his contention is actually against Biblical doctrine — he just won’t say so. Folau is a mere smokescreen for something O’Neil won’t readily admit. O’Neil attempts to distract from this fact by quoting 1st Peter 3:15–16, which states: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. New King James Bible O’Neil abuses and perverts the verse by using it as a bludgeon to castigate Folau’s well-intentioned and morally correct warning to non-believers, classifying it as sanctimonious and malicious in intent. This text calls Christians to be prepared to give a sound apologetic (apologia, Greek) of the Christian faith. It is not a command to Christians to be evasive in qualifying why the Bible teaches what it teaches so as to not anger sinners — clearly, what drives O’Neil to write his commentary on Folau. If this isn’t the case, why does the Bible command that the works of evil and evildoers be sharply rebuked? (Ephesians 5:11–13; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15) I’m guessing O’Neil would have verbally chastised Jesus for violently casting out the moneychangers from the Temple, for his calling the Pharisees sons of Satan and John the Baptist using the phrase “generation of vipers” among other stern reproofs. Secondly, O’Neil makes a heretical and erroneous distinction between those that practice homosexuality and those with “same-sex attractions and who identify as homosexual or gay” who “can still accept Jesus Christ and live celibate lives following Him”. According to God’s Word, both are reprobates. (Romans 1:18–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10) In essence, O’Neil is denying the power of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those caught up in sinful activity. I’ll use a corollary to prove this point. Is it possible to claim that an adulterer who chooses to live a celibate life for Christ can be His faithful follower? Not according to Jesus. Christ himself stated that if any man looks at a woman in order to lust for her, he has already committed adultery in his heart. (Matthew 5:27–28) Why is this principle suddenly inapplicable to those who are sensually attracted to the same sex? Once again, O’Neil’s assertion smacks of a dilution of the Bible message in an attempt to appease sinners. (Important Side Note: Jesus also taught that celibacy isn’t the natural state of men and women. It is only in very limited circumstances where said persons eschew, and in some cases are forced to eschew, heterosexual contact. (Matthew 19:12) Therefore, celibacy cannot be employed by homosexuals to give the impression that their inclinations are somehow less sinful than those who engage in physical contact with others of the same sex. This is in keeping with the principle delineated by Christ in Matthew 5:27–28.) I believe we can classify this incident as another case of a self-professing “conservative” verbally exalting the courage to defend what’s morally correct and yet, hypocritically and ignobly turning around to denounce someone that does just that. Biblical Christians should zealously examine those who loudly claim to defend Christian values. It may very well be that those same defenders are all too willing to bend and bow down to the pressures of political correctness and misquote the Bible as a justification to do so.	b2ab1fbe-2c8c-5b43-bbde-a5e325050edc	25/08/2025 18:00:02
https://medium.com/te-food/cofidec-implements-te-food-for-processed-food-traceability-c8454661e669	medium.com	Cofidec implements TE-FOOD for processed food traceability	TE-FOOD signed a contract with Cofidec, a 31 years old Vietnamese food manufacturer about the implementation of TE-FOOD’s blockchain based…	TE-FOOD	https://medium.com/@te_food	c8454661e669	https://miro.medium.com/…hXkzgS5BWqrQ.png	1 min	2019-01-10T19:31:38.989000	2019-01-11T11:16:35.390000	2021-12-07T05:32:55.294000	0	425	en	Food,Food Security,Supply Chain,Blockchain,Progress	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1300/1gjdafJxEzthXkzgS5BWqrQ.png" width="1300" height="604" loading="lazy" /> <p>TE-FOOD signed a contract with <a href="http://www.cofidec.com.vn/">Cofidec</a>, a 31 years old Vietnamese food manufacturer about the implementation of TE-FOOD’s blockchain based traceability system from farm to export.</p> <p>Cofidec’s primary products are high quality frozen seafood, vegetable, and fruit products. Cofidec operates with having over 18 million USD yearly revenue, most of its products are exported to Japan, the USA, South Korea, and other foreign markets.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0AsSvFHu2VSDkeKNK.jpg" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /> <p>The project will cover activities in full depth from seedbed preparation on the fields until the export of packaged food products. There will be exciting challenges as Cofidec is focused on processed food, which requires a lot more processes than fresh food. In fresh food, the product’s route is linear, while in processed food, there are several processes done parallelly.</p> <p>After the implementation, the transactions will be stored on the <a href="https://explorer.te-food.com/">FoodChain</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>TE-FOOD is the world’s largest publicly accessible, farm-to-table fresh food traceability solution. Started in 2016, it serves 6000+ business customers, and handles 400,000 business transactions each day.</p> <p>Website: <a href="http://www.te-food.com">www.te-food.com</a></p> <p>Telegram group: <a href="https://t.me/tefood">https://t.me/tefood</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TE_FOOD">https://twitter.com/TE_FOOD</a> Reddit: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/TE_FOOD/">https://www.reddit.com/r/TE_FOOD/</a></p> </section>	Cofidec implements TE-FOOD for processed food traceability TE-FOOD signed a contract with Cofidec, a 31 years old Vietnamese food manufacturer about the implementation of TE-FOOD’s blockchain based traceability system from farm to export. Cofidec’s primary products are high quality frozen seafood, vegetable, and fruit products. Cofidec operates with having over 18 million USD yearly revenue, most of its products are exported to Japan, the USA, South Korea, and other foreign markets. The project will cover activities in full depth from seedbed preparation on the fields until the export of packaged food products. There will be exciting challenges as Cofidec is focused on processed food, which requires a lot more processes than fresh food. In fresh food, the product’s route is linear, while in processed food, there are several processes done parallelly. After the implementation, the transactions will be stored on the FoodChain. TE-FOOD is the world’s largest publicly accessible, farm-to-table fresh food traceability solution. Started in 2016, it serves 6000+ business customers, and handles 400,000 business transactions each day. Website: www.te-food.com Telegram group: https://t.me/tefood Twitter: https://twitter.com/TE_FOOD Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TE_FOOD/	10175eb7-3351-50f0-ad17-8f3aabc93cd3	25/08/2025 18:00:02
https://medium.com/@oji/originally-published-on-instagram-ab1d74425251	medium.com	Originally published on Instagram	null	Femi Matti	https://medium.com/@oji	ab1d74425251	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*hHrmVfn_o3l49Dzn.	0 min	2016-09-28T17:16:55.838000	2016-09-28T17:16:56.537000	2016-09-28T17:16:56.537000	0	2	en	Photography,Art	<section> <p><em>Originally published on <a href="</em>http://ift.tt/2cLlqyw">Instagram</a></p> </section>	Originally published on Instagram	b2d8de17-9816-5741-86e0-25bd4066e8c6	25/08/2025 18:00:02
https://lilacyy.medium.com/everything-comes-and-goes-nature-said-52ec2806753d	medium.com	Everything Comes and Goes, Nature Said	From Pinterest by viktoriaszatkowska	Lilacyyᯓᡣ𐭩	https://medium.com/@lilacyy	52ec2806753d	https://miro.medium.com/…mNqspIj4fgA.jpeg	2 min	2024-08-15T14:14:54.560000	2024-08-15T14:31:03.436000	2024-11-18T10:27:53.743000	0	18	en	Writing,Self Improvement,Love,This Happened To Me,Mindfulness	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/667/1*QEKke05y4s4mNqspIj4fgA.jpeg" width="667" height="833" loading="lazy" /> <p>I’ve often heard phrases like "People come and go" and "Love comes and goes." It’s as if everything in life has a built-in expiration date. People change. The friends who filled your childhood are replaced by those who fill your present. And even those in your present moment evolve, leading you to seek out new connections. It’s almost like we meet people just to say hello and then goodbye.</p> <p>When I say, <em>"I love him with all my heart,"</em> nature seems to whisper back, <em>"Yes, but that feeling might not last till morning."</em></p> <p>When I exclaim, <em>"I finally achieved my goal!"</em> nature replies with a hint of irony, <em>"Now, it’s time for a challenge."</em></p> <p>And when I crave everything, nature reminds me, <em>"But everything is temporary."</em></p> <p>Nothing lasts forever. And honestly, I hate that. I've made incredible friends, only to watch them fade from my life. I've found amazing love, just to see it burn out. I've gained so much, only to lose it all.</p> <p>But who am I to argue with nature? The same nature that makes flowers bloom in spring, only to wither in fall. The same nature that gives me hope, then cruelly takes it away.</p> <p>It's like holding grains of sand. You can clutch them tightly, but they will always slip through your fingers. But now, I know one thing. Instead of fighting the flow, perhaps we should learn to dance with it. To embrace the changes, to cherish the moments, and to find peace in the impermanence of life.</p> <p>It’s not about denying the pain of loss or the fear of the unknown. It’s about acknowledging these feelings and finding strength within ourselves to move forward. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, we too can rebuild and emerge stronger from life’s challenges.</p> <p>In the end, perhaps the greatest gift is the ability to let go. To release what no longer serves us and to open our hearts to new possibilities, to truly appreciate the present moment and for those who’ve always got your back even if the night changes. It’s a delicate balance between holding on and letting go, between hope and acceptance. And in this dance of life, we learn to find our rhythm.</p> <blockquote>Just like a sunset. Even the most glorious days come to an end.</blockquote> </section>	Everything Comes and Goes, Nature Said From Pinterest by viktoriaszatkowska I’ve often heard phrases like "People come and go" and "Love comes and goes." It’s as if everything in life has a built-in expiration date. People change. The friends who filled your childhood are replaced by those who fill your present. And even those in your present moment evolve, leading you to seek out new connections. It’s almost like we meet people just to say hello and then goodbye. When I say, "I love him with all my heart," nature seems to whisper back, "Yes, but that feeling might not last till morning." When I exclaim, "I finally achieved my goal!" nature replies with a hint of irony, "Now, it’s time for a challenge." And when I crave everything, nature reminds me, "But everything is temporary." Nothing lasts forever. And honestly, I hate that. I've made incredible friends, only to watch them fade from my life. I've found amazing love, just to see it burn out. I've gained so much, only to lose it all. But who am I to argue with nature? The same nature that makes flowers bloom in spring, only to wither in fall. The same nature that gives me hope, then cruelly takes it away. It's like holding grains of sand. You can clutch them tightly, but they will always slip through your fingers. But now, I know one thing. Instead of fighting the flow, perhaps we should learn to dance with it. To embrace the changes, to cherish the moments, and to find peace in the impermanence of life. It’s not about denying the pain of loss or the fear of the unknown. It’s about acknowledging these feelings and finding strength within ourselves to move forward. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, we too can rebuild and emerge stronger from life’s challenges. In the end, perhaps the greatest gift is the ability to let go. To release what no longer serves us and to open our hearts to new possibilities, to truly appreciate the present moment and for those who’ve always got your back even if the night changes. It’s a delicate balance between holding on and letting go, between hope and acceptance. And in this dance of life, we learn to find our rhythm. Just like a sunset. Even the most glorious days come to an end.	83ce57c9-140b-5565-9be9-3cb0d716dad8	25/08/2025 18:00:02
https://medium.com/@jcvwellness/hi-my-name-is-jesse-velasquez-and-i-have-a-tumultuous-relationship-with-food-59a1d068c68b	medium.com	Hi, My name is Jesse Velasquez and I have a tumultuous relationship with food.	When I was 8 years old, I was told I had high cholesterol. I believe my total was 215, this was as a result of poor food choices. I had…	Jesse Velasquez	https://medium.com/@jcvwellness	59a1d068c68b	https://miro.medium.com/…2WNrtvdKsbC2.jpg	6 min	2018-01-22T14:25:41.493000	2018-01-22T14:37:02.631000	2018-04-24T11:15:13.122000	0	1	en	Health,Personal Training,Minnesota,Fitness,Food	<section> <p><strong>Hi, My name is Jesse Velasquez and I have a tumultuous relationship with food. My favorite’s are Pizza, Chipotle and Ice Cream. I eat at least one of these foods once a week. I intake about 2800 calories daily, most coming from meats(chicken, fish, grass fed beef, turkey, Quest Bars and protein powders or shakes.), fats (cheese and avocados) vegetables and complex carbs (oatmeal, brown rice)</strong></p> <p>When I was 8 years old, I was told I had high cholesterol. I believe my total was 215, this was as a result of poor food choices. I had peanut butter toast and bacon EVERY day for breakfast, salami and cheese after school nearly every day. My dinner’s consisted of anything ranging from fast food to pizza. I would eat about a serving a day or 2 of vegetables and fruit. I had ice cream a few times a week for dessert. I probably drank about 5–12 sodas a week. I’m not talking about the diet ones either, full on high fructose corn syrup laced Mountain Dew, Pepsi or Coke. If it wasn’t for athletics, I would have been an obese child. I played video games about 2 hours a day, watched TV about the same and read books or magazines about an hour daily as well. Needless to say, I either was moving a LOT or immobile for days on end. I was a decent athlete growing up too. However, I was somewhat deconditioned as well. I was missing phtyonutrients (lot’s of vitamins and minerals), adequate protein and also dehydrated on most occasions.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/540/0T9ZgvH7ZL2gcg-tN.jpg" width="540" height="540" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>All kidding aside, there is a ponch on that 12 year old in this picture.</strong></p> <p>I am also Hispanic, Scientific data shows that from a hereditary standpoint Hispanics have</p> <ul> <li>a 50% higher death rate from diabetes</li> <li>24% more poorly controlled high blood pressure</li> <li>23% more obesity than the average ethnic background</li> </ul> <p>It’s no secret that on my Father’s side of the family, my family is fairly overweight and or obese. LOTS of relatives, cousin’s and such are heavy, have passed away from cardiovascular diseases etc. My family is very well known for being successful restaurant owners as well. For over 50 years, my Grandmother’s sister and their side of the tree have been synonymous with legendary Mexican cuisine. However, what’s in most Mexican food?? Carbs, saturated fat, corn (highly modified), Lard, Sugars…. the list goes On. Moderation folks, dig in on occasion! (Believe me, I do)</p> <p>Studies also show a decline in recreational and nonrecreational physical activity, as well as increased access to energy-dense, low-micronutrient, low-cost foods among the Mexican population. Food groups and isolated nutrient analyses have been used to describe diet-disease links. However, individuals and populations do not consume isolated nutrients or foods but different foods from different groups, in combinations, or patterns, which have important cultural and economic determinants. Population studies also have shown associations between different dietary patterns and diverse biochemical markers of obesity and chronic disease. There are major dietary patterns in the Mexican adult population and their association with being overweight or obese.</p> <p><strong>My family and I have THIS information hanging over our heads daily. When I wisened up and went from 60 pounds overweight in 2000 to a chiseled 160 pounds in 10 months, I wanted to showcase my education and lifestyle changes to other folks who NEED my help. I changed my entire mantra and misconceived thoughts about food. If that food didn’t enhance my brain output or athletic performance, I didn’t eat it. If I had a day where I rested and I was satisfied with how I felt and looked, I would order a pizza or eat a donut. You most certainly can do the same in moderation!</strong></p> <p><strong>I tell folks, do NOT deprive yourself. Eat a balanced plate 80% of the time(the other 20% have a beer, treat, whatever your heart desires), protein and vegetables at EVERY meal, take about 10,000 steps daily and lift a weight, run, execute Yoga poses, olympic lift, do pilates, take a spin class, swing a kettlebell, do SOMETHING that you love to do!! If you STILL don’t have the body you want after all of this, take inventory:</strong></p> <p><strong>Am I eating enough protein?</strong></p> <p><strong>Am I drinking my calories??(alcohol, soda etc.)</strong></p> <p><strong>How many calories am I eating? Is my body in a constant surplus?</strong></p> <p><strong>How much water am I in-taking?</strong></p> <p><strong>How many servings of fruits and vegetables am I eating daily?</strong></p> <p>Am I sleeping 6–8 hours daily?</p> <p>How stressed am I??</p> <p>If you are on the negative side of all of these, I suggest you ask a fitness professional to guide you on your journey. I most certainly would consult a Financial adviser if I wanted to start a portfolio. I also would go to a mechanic to fix my car as well. Your knowledge just doesn’t hold the same merit as someone who has spent thousands of hours in their specific field.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/320/0ncYMyp49j5MSJ2T5.jpg" width="320" height="240" loading="lazy" /> <p>I’m almost 38 years old, My blood pressure is 98/53. My resting heart rate is 52 beats per minute, I’m 5'7 1/2 about 170 pounds, walk around 9% body fat, squat 370 pounds, deadlift 475 pounds, bench 305 pounds and can run a 5K in 21 minutes. Oh good for me and that’s not supposed to impress anyone either. I earned the body above from years of exercising, telling my cravings NO and being disciplined.</p> <p><strong>Which is why I’m going to deliver the 4 most important psychological changes I made when I lost my weight 17 years ago.</strong></p> <p>I had photos on my wall: Photos of myself at my lowest point(NEVER wanting that guy to return), photos of the person I wanted to look like and collages of how I was going to achieve my weight loss nirvana. Eat this much protein daily, move this much 6 days a week and what physique competitors did to get so big and lean. That leads me to….</p> <p><strong>Gaining knowledge: I read countless of articles and books on how to look like a physique athlete. In order to get where YOU want to go, talk to someone who is where you want to be! If you want to look like Kate Hudson, read up on what she does to stay slim. If you want to look like Rich Froning, watch his You Tube videos and read some articles on his routine and food selection. What I will also say, READ UP ON HOW LONG IT TOOK THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR LOOK. It will take you longer and you won’t look quite like them. Genetically, you are built uniquely. You sure as heck can get close though and don’t get discouraged if you slip up. Stay the course!</strong></p> <p>When I had cravings, I ran: It was that simple. I would throw Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” on and run until I couldn’t. If I was stressed, I ran. If you’re stressed: workout, drink water, read a book, turn on your favorite band, call a person who can lift your spirits in a blink of an eye. Do the most therapeutic thing you know of. Garden, play scrabble, watch your favorite TV show (1 episode please! I advocate moving :) ) Finally:</p> <p><strong>I stopped listening to EVERYONE: I turned down the cake at Christmas, the alcohol at birthday parties and chips at social gatherings. I knew what chemicals were inside these items, what it did to my mind and body. If I had a shoot and wanted to go out, I would drink water and shoot the breeze. If it didn’t contain nutrients or muscle building amino acids, I turned it down. You WILL get weird looks from other’s. You’re making a conscious effort to become healthier, living a more fruitful life and creating everlasting memories in the process. The people who are judging and or making fun of your new found adventures could be either envious or they are ignorant. They are used to the person who hung out and had drinks for happy hour, a social escape no less. Find like minded individuals who support your health and fitness. Don’t turn away your friends and family completely, just ask that they respect your choices.</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/0*G6GI2WNrtvdKsbC2.jpg" width="600" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p>Changing is difficult, always has been and forever will be. We adapt, evolve and become upstanding human beings through knowledge, graciousness, ethical choices and inner strength. If food is your best friend and your comforting factor when stressed(who out there doesn’t use it as a mechanism every now and then?), I suggest you use some of these methods above. Meditate, find a new hobby, talk to someone you can confide in when you’re down and out. You don’t have to go at it alone. Although,</p> <p><strong>You do have to go after something you want with reckless abandon</strong></p> <p><em><strong>My name is Jesse Velasquez from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I empower and inspire other’s with vision and education to reach their optimal fitness potential. Follow me on Twitter @dajvshow24, Snapchat @JCV24 or Instagram @ jcvw</em>ellness.</strong></p> <p>[email protected] jcvwellness.com</p> </section>	Hi, My name is Jesse Velasquez and I have a tumultuous relationship with food. My favorite’s are Pizza, Chipotle and Ice Cream. I eat at least one of these foods once a week. I intake about 2800 calories daily, most coming from meats(chicken, fish, grass fed beef, turkey, Quest Bars and protein powders or shakes.), fats (cheese and avocados) vegetables and complex carbs (oatmeal, brown rice) When I was 8 years old, I was told I had high cholesterol. I believe my total was 215, this was as a result of poor food choices. I had peanut butter toast and bacon EVERY day for breakfast, salami and cheese after school nearly every day. My dinner’s consisted of anything ranging from fast food to pizza. I would eat about a serving a day or 2 of vegetables and fruit. I had ice cream a few times a week for dessert. I probably drank about 5–12 sodas a week. I’m not talking about the diet ones either, full on high fructose corn syrup laced Mountain Dew, Pepsi or Coke. If it wasn’t for athletics, I would have been an obese child. I played video games about 2 hours a day, watched TV about the same and read books or magazines about an hour daily as well. Needless to say, I either was moving a LOT or immobile for days on end. I was a decent athlete growing up too. However, I was somewhat deconditioned as well. I was missing phtyonutrients (lot’s of vitamins and minerals), adequate protein and also dehydrated on most occasions. All kidding aside, there is a ponch on that 12 year old in this picture. I am also Hispanic, Scientific data shows that from a hereditary standpoint Hispanics have a 50% higher death rate from diabetes 24% more poorly controlled high blood pressure 23% more obesity than the average ethnic background It’s no secret that on my Father’s side of the family, my family is fairly overweight and or obese. LOTS of relatives, cousin’s and such are heavy, have passed away from cardiovascular diseases etc. My family is very well known for being successful restaurant owners as well. For over 50 years, my Grandmother’s sister and their side of the tree have been synonymous with legendary Mexican cuisine. However, what’s in most Mexican food?? Carbs, saturated fat, corn (highly modified), Lard, Sugars…. the list goes On. Moderation folks, dig in on occasion! (Believe me, I do) Studies also show a decline in recreational and nonrecreational physical activity, as well as increased access to energy-dense, low-micronutrient, low-cost foods among the Mexican population. Food groups and isolated nutrient analyses have been used to describe diet-disease links. However, individuals and populations do not consume isolated nutrients or foods but different foods from different groups, in combinations, or patterns, which have important cultural and economic determinants. Population studies also have shown associations between different dietary patterns and diverse biochemical markers of obesity and chronic disease. There are major dietary patterns in the Mexican adult population and their association with being overweight or obese. My family and I have THIS information hanging over our heads daily. When I wisened up and went from 60 pounds overweight in 2000 to a chiseled 160 pounds in 10 months, I wanted to showcase my education and lifestyle changes to other folks who NEED my help. I changed my entire mantra and misconceived thoughts about food. If that food didn’t enhance my brain output or athletic performance, I didn’t eat it. If I had a day where I rested and I was satisfied with how I felt and looked, I would order a pizza or eat a donut. You most certainly can do the same in moderation! I tell folks, do NOT deprive yourself. Eat a balanced plate 80% of the time(the other 20% have a beer, treat, whatever your heart desires), protein and vegetables at EVERY meal, take about 10,000 steps daily and lift a weight, run, execute Yoga poses, olympic lift, do pilates, take a spin class, swing a kettlebell, do SOMETHING that you love to do!! If you STILL don’t have the body you want after all of this, take inventory: Am I eating enough protein? Am I drinking my calories??(alcohol, soda etc.) How many calories am I eating? Is my body in a constant surplus? How much water am I in-taking? How many servings of fruits and vegetables am I eating daily? Am I sleeping 6–8 hours daily? How stressed am I?? If you are on the negative side of all of these, I suggest you ask a fitness professional to guide you on your journey. I most certainly would consult a Financial adviser if I wanted to start a portfolio. I also would go to a mechanic to fix my car as well. Your knowledge just doesn’t hold the same merit as someone who has spent thousands of hours in their specific field. I’m almost 38 years old, My blood pressure is 98/53. My resting heart rate is 52 beats per minute, I’m 5'7 1/2 about 170 pounds, walk around 9% body fat, squat 370 pounds, deadlift 475 pounds, bench 305 pounds and can run a 5K in 21 minutes. Oh good for me and that’s not supposed to impress anyone either. I earned the body above from years of exercising, telling my cravings NO and being disciplined. Which is why I’m going to deliver the 4 most important psychological changes I made when I lost my weight 17 years ago. I had photos on my wall: Photos of myself at my lowest point(NEVER wanting that guy to return), photos of the person I wanted to look like and collages of how I was going to achieve my weight loss nirvana. Eat this much protein daily, move this much 6 days a week and what physique competitors did to get so big and lean. That leads me to…. Gaining knowledge: I read countless of articles and books on how to look like a physique athlete. In order to get where YOU want to go, talk to someone who is where you want to be! If you want to look like Kate Hudson, read up on what she does to stay slim. If you want to look like Rich Froning, watch his You Tube videos and read some articles on his routine and food selection. What I will also say, READ UP ON HOW LONG IT TOOK THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR LOOK. It will take you longer and you won’t look quite like them. Genetically, you are built uniquely. You sure as heck can get close though and don’t get discouraged if you slip up. Stay the course! When I had cravings, I ran: It was that simple. I would throw Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” on and run until I couldn’t. If I was stressed, I ran. If you’re stressed: workout, drink water, read a book, turn on your favorite band, call a person who can lift your spirits in a blink of an eye. Do the most therapeutic thing you know of. Garden, play scrabble, watch your favorite TV show (1 episode please! I advocate moving :) ) Finally: I stopped listening to EVERYONE: I turned down the cake at Christmas, the alcohol at birthday parties and chips at social gatherings. I knew what chemicals were inside these items, what it did to my mind and body. If I had a shoot and wanted to go out, I would drink water and shoot the breeze. If it didn’t contain nutrients or muscle building amino acids, I turned it down. You WILL get weird looks from other’s. You’re making a conscious effort to become healthier, living a more fruitful life and creating everlasting memories in the process. The people who are judging and or making fun of your new found adventures could be either envious or they are ignorant. They are used to the person who hung out and had drinks for happy hour, a social escape no less. Find like minded individuals who support your health and fitness. Don’t turn away your friends and family completely, just ask that they respect your choices. Changing is difficult, always has been and forever will be. We adapt, evolve and become upstanding human beings through knowledge, graciousness, ethical choices and inner strength. If food is your best friend and your comforting factor when stressed(who out there doesn’t use it as a mechanism every now and then?), I suggest you use some of these methods above. Meditate, find a new hobby, talk to someone you can confide in when you’re down and out. You don’t have to go at it alone. Although, You do have to go after something you want with reckless abandon My name is Jesse Velasquez from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I empower and inspire other’s with vision and education to reach their optimal fitness potential. Follow me on Twitter @dajvshow24, Snapchat @JCV24 or Instagram @ jcvwellness. [email protected] jcvwellness.com	3d6ff4da-dfc8-5caa-886a-58eced85e99d	25/08/2025 18:00:02
https://medium.com/@lenayujunglin/014-los-angeles-california-usa-e80f96bad853	medium.com	L E N A in Los Angeles, California, USA	I remembered I fly out on Christmas Day with Philippines airline and the flight was so empty that everyone can lay down on 3 seats. I was…	Lena Yujung Lin	https://medium.com/@lenayujunglin	e80f96bad853	https://miro.medium.com/…BAFtOaWzsNfg.jpg	3 min	2018-07-04T08:39:14.289000	2016-01-05T00:00:00	2018-07-04T08:42:41.223000	0	0	en	Los Angeles,USA,Traveling,Backpacking	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0YsFEBAFtOaWzsNfg.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0hzo4PDFvcERlDO8z.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" /> <p>I remembered I fly out on Christmas Day with Philippines airline and the flight was so empty that everyone can lay down on 3 seats. I was so excited about my coming trip that I didn’t sleep well. This wasn’t my first time landing in LA. I’ve been here when I was 16 years old when studying abroad for 1 month. They said it’s always sunny in Cali, so it’s good to be back in winter time for the sunshine.</p> <p>December 25 — January 5, 2016</p> <h1>Paul and Jane (Mum)</h1> <p>I am grateful that a friend of mine has the connection with Paul and introduced me to him. I’ve never met him before, and I am so thankful Paul and his mom let me stay with them. It came to my mind recently that we often got unexpected help not from our close friends, but from people we hardly know. How amazing and generous they are. Okay, this is the proof that I still believe in HUMANITY! Btw, there was an episode that Jane lost her phone, and got it back hours later. It rarely happens when it comes to mobiles…well, once again, there are still nice people out there.</p> <h2>Tobi</h2> <p>You know how funny it was when we first met? I was in my hostel room doing stretch…you know you need to do what you gotta do everyday no matter where that is…and Tobi woke up to see me with full split facing down! It must be a surprise for him!😆</p> <p>We became good friends (well, he’s cute! lol) and tour around together a lot. We’ve hike to Griffith Park, visited Hollywood Forever cemetery to see his rock star Johnny Monroe, went to <strong><a href="htt</strong>p://www.laweekly.com/location/amoeba-music-2185073">Amoeba Music</a> record store, and just walked in Venice beach! He was on his one-year world trip and was on his way to South America. It was interesting listening to his stories about home stay with a fisherman family in Vietnam and how he crossed the border of Kyrgyzstan to China and Tibet. I admired his courage and optimism that he choose a different/difficult journey. What I’ve learned from him is there’s a lot of things you cannot controlled, so do your best you can and followed the vibe enjoying the moment!</p> <h2>Nick, Will, Ellen, Alex and Jensen</h2> <p>My hostel friends…haha I still remember they were a rowdy crowd. Our 5 hours epic hiking to the Hollywood sign (actually, the back of it!) was so much fun. So many memories were made!</p> <ul> <li>Alex and Ellen tried to do the short cut by climbing to the cliff and did’t know how to get down.</li> <li>Will on his way to Seattle or Vancouver doing his 3 months tour.</li> <li>Nick, a Singaporean / Taiwanese foodie seems to eat well around the world!</li> </ul> <h2>Kevin</h2> <p>Kevin was my NYC friend who moved to LA to pursue acting/dancing career! Thanks for showing me around Venice beach and drink original sugar-caned coca cola! It was always seeing an old friend although the surrounding is so different than it used to be. I feel he’s happier than while he was in NYC, and I wish him all the best!</p> <h2>Observation</h2> <p>The infamous traffic in DTLA and it’s a real pain when you stuck there for hours</p> <p>The public transportation can be better, especially buses. Can you believe the average bus schedule is every 30–40 mins!!!!!!</p> <p>Asian food paradise is worth its name.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://www.cypherstudionyc.com/myt</em>raveltalesblog/2016/4/11/014-los-angeles-california-usa">www.cypherstudionyc.com</a> on January 5, 2016.</p> </section>	L E N A in Los Angeles, California, USA I remembered I fly out on Christmas Day with Philippines airline and the flight was so empty that everyone can lay down on 3 seats. I was so excited about my coming trip that I didn’t sleep well. This wasn’t my first time landing in LA. I’ve been here when I was 16 years old when studying abroad for 1 month. They said it’s always sunny in Cali, so it’s good to be back in winter time for the sunshine. December 25 — January 5, 2016 Paul and Jane (Mum) I am grateful that a friend of mine has the connection with Paul and introduced me to him. I’ve never met him before, and I am so thankful Paul and his mom let me stay with them. It came to my mind recently that we often got unexpected help not from our close friends, but from people we hardly know. How amazing and generous they are. Okay, this is the proof that I still believe in HUMANITY! Btw, there was an episode that Jane lost her phone, and got it back hours later. It rarely happens when it comes to mobiles…well, once again, there are still nice people out there. Tobi You know how funny it was when we first met? I was in my hostel room doing stretch…you know you need to do what you gotta do everyday no matter where that is…and Tobi woke up to see me with full split facing down! It must be a surprise for him!😆 We became good friends (well, he’s cute! lol) and tour around together a lot. We’ve hike to Griffith Park, visited Hollywood Forever cemetery to see his rock star Johnny Monroe, went to Amoeba Music record store, and just walked in Venice beach! He was on his one-year world trip and was on his way to South America. It was interesting listening to his stories about home stay with a fisherman family in Vietnam and how he crossed the border of Kyrgyzstan to China and Tibet. I admired his courage and optimism that he choose a different/difficult journey. What I’ve learned from him is there’s a lot of things you cannot controlled, so do your best you can and followed the vibe enjoying the moment! Nick, Will, Ellen, Alex and Jensen My hostel friends…haha I still remember they were a rowdy crowd. Our 5 hours epic hiking to the Hollywood sign (actually, the back of it!) was so much fun. So many memories were made! Alex and Ellen tried to do the short cut by climbing to the cliff and did’t know how to get down. Will on his way to Seattle or Vancouver doing his 3 months tour. Nick, a Singaporean / Taiwanese foodie seems to eat well around the world! Kevin Kevin was my NYC friend who moved to LA to pursue acting/dancing career! Thanks for showing me around Venice beach and drink original sugar-caned coca cola! It was always seeing an old friend although the surrounding is so different than it used to be. I feel he’s happier than while he was in NYC, and I wish him all the best! Observation The infamous traffic in DTLA and it’s a real pain when you stuck there for hours The public transportation can be better, especially buses. Can you believe the average bus schedule is every 30–40 mins!!!!!! Asian food paradise is worth its name. Originally published at www.cypherstudionyc.com on January 5, 2016.	ecdf7182-6f21-57fc-ad8a-a3d0899efdf9	25/08/2025 18:00:03
https://bradroth.medium.com/perrin-einstein-and-avogadros-number-71f9ada01fc3	medium.com	Perrin, Einstein, and Avogadro’s Number	Chapter 4 of Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology includes a homework exercise (Problem 12) about Jean Perrin’s experiment to…	Brad Roth	https://medium.com/@bradroth	71f9ada01fc3	null	3 min	2019-11-01T09:02:26.243000	2019-11-01T09:07:59.130000	2021-12-12T12:43:04.501000	0	0	en	Physics,Jean Perrin,Albert Einstein,Avogadros Number,Diffusion	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/200/0ummM8rp1HxRVkfGb.jpg" width="200" height="150" loading="lazy" /> <p>Chapter 4 of <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Intermediate-</em>Physics-Medicine-Biology-Russell/dp/3319126814/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology</a> includes a homework exercise (Problem 12) about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Baptiste_Perrin">Jean Perrin</a>’s experiment to determine <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avogadro_constant">Avogadro’s number</a>. <a href="https://hobbieroth.blogspot.com/2011/06/jean-perrin-and-avogadros-number.html">Perrin</a> measured the equilibrium distribution of small particles suspended in water as a function of height, fit his data to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boltzmann_distribution">Boltzmann factor</a> to determine the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boltzmann_constant">Boltzmann constant</a>, and then calculated Avogadro’s number via the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_constant">gas constant</a>. I like that homework problem because it combines a mini history lesson with a physics exercise, and the numbers aren’t made up; they came from Perrin’s book <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brownia</em>n-movement-molecular-reality-Perrin-ebook/dp/B00EH3R824/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Brownian+Movement+and+Molecular+Reality&qid=1571173059&s=books&sr=1-1">Brownian Movement and Molecular Reality</a>.</p> <p>Perrin didn’t use just one method to determine Avogadro’s number; he used several. Below I present a new homework problem describing another technique of Perrin’s. Again I draw data from his book.</p> <p><em><strong>Sec</em>tion 4.6</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Problem 12 ½</strong>. Jean Perrin used a relationship between <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion">diffusion</a> and <a href="https://</em>en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscosity">viscosity</a> to determine Avogadro’s number. He recorded the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variance">variance</a> of the displacement, σ<em>2, as a function of time, </em>t<em>, for small particles suspended in water. The particles had a radius, </em>a<em>, of 0.212 μm, and the viscosity of water, </em>η<em>, was 0.0012 N s/m2 at a temperature, </em>T<em>, of 17 °C.</em></p> <p><em>(a) Use the data below and Eq. 4.77 to estimate the diffusion constant,</em>D<em>, of the particles.Either use the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Least_squares">least squares method</a> of S</em>ec. 11.1 to fit the data, or estimate an average value of D<em> by trial and error.</em></p> <p><em>(b) Use the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_relation_(kinetic_theory)">Einstein relationship</a>, Eq. 4.23, to dete</em>rmine Boltzmann’s constant, kB , from the diffusion constant found in part (a).</p> <p><em>(c) Use your result from part (b), along with the gas constant,</em>R<em>, and Eq. 3.31, to calculate Avogadro’s number, . Your result may not be the same as the currently accepted value of , but it should be close.</em></p> <p>For those of you who don’t have your copy of <em><a h</em>ref="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-12682-1">IPMB</a> at your side, Eq. 4.77 is</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/200/0VaaJwPhUvNvrfcOY.jpg" width="200" height="85" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/200/0JlUm1cgE3kvCfa2X.jpg" width="200" height="105" loading="lazy" /> <p>and Eq. 3.31 is</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/400/0Q5L5-nqa2LQutn3g.jpg" width="400" height="38" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/150/0*yYsWF9dwZlAPIUtN.jpg" width="150" height="200" loading="lazy" /> <p>Although Perrin was the first to perform this experiment, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein">Albert Einstein</a> initially proposed the idea during his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annus_Mirabilis_papers">miraculous year</a>, 1905. The story behind this method can be found in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Pais">Abraham Pais</a>’s magnificent biography <em><a href="https://www.</em>amazon.com/Subtle-Lord-Science-Albert-Einstein/dp/019853907X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=%E2%80%9CSubtle+is+the+Lord%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D%3A+The+Science+and+the+Life+of+Albert+Einstein&qid=1571174716&s=books&sr=1-1">‘Subtle is the Lord…’</a>. Pais writes</p> <p><em>One never ceases to experience surprise at this result, which seems, as it were, to come out of nowhere: prepare a set of small spheres which are nevertheless huge compared with simple molecules, use a stopwatch and a microscope, and find Avogadro’s number.</em></p> <p>During the first decade of the twentieth century, the research by Perrin and Einstein confirmed the existence of atoms.</p> <p>I’ll give Perrin the last word by quoting from the conclusion of <em>Brownian Movement and Molecular Reality</em>.</p> <p><em>I think it is impossible that a mind, free from all preconception, can reflect upon the extreme diversity of phenomena which thus converge to the same result, without experiencing a very strong impression, and I think that it will henceforth be difficult to defend by rational arguments a hostile attitude to molecular hypotheses.</em></p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://hobbieroth.blog</em>spot.com/2019/11/perrin-einstein-and-avogadros-number.html">http://hobbieroth.blogspot.com</a>.</p> </section>	Perrin, Einstein, and Avogadro’s Number Brownian Movement and Molecular Reality, by Jean Perrin (1910), translated by Frederick Soddy. Chapter 4 of Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology includes a homework exercise (Problem 12) about Jean Perrin’s experiment to determine Avogadro’s number. Perrin measured the equilibrium distribution of small particles suspended in water as a function of height, fit his data to a Boltzmann factor to determine the Boltzmann constant, and then calculated Avogadro’s number via the gas constant. I like that homework problem because it combines a mini history lesson with a physics exercise, and the numbers aren’t made up; they came from Perrin’s book Brownian Movement and Molecular Reality. Perrin didn’t use just one method to determine Avogadro’s number; he used several. Below I present a new homework problem describing another technique of Perrin’s. Again I draw data from his book. Section 4.6 Problem 12 ½. Jean Perrin used a relationship between diffusion and viscosity to determine Avogadro’s number. He recorded the variance of the displacement, σ2, as a function of time, t, for small particles suspended in water. The particles had a radius, a, of 0.212 μm, and the viscosity of water, η, was 0.0012 N s/m2 at a temperature, T, of 17 °C. (a) Use the data below and Eq. 4.77 to estimate the diffusion constant,D, of the particles.Either use the least squares method of Sec. 11.1 to fit the data, or estimate an average value of D by trial and error. (b) Use the Einstein relationship, Eq. 4.23, to determine Boltzmann’s constant, kB , from the diffusion constant found in part (a). (c) Use your result from part (b), along with the gas constant,R, and Eq. 3.31, to calculate Avogadro’s number, . Your result may not be the same as the currently accepted value of , but it should be close. For those of you who don’t have your copy of IPMB at your side, Eq. 4.77 is and Eq. 3.31 is ‘Subtle is the Lord…’: The Science and Life of Albert Einstein, by Abraham Pais. Although Perrin was the first to perform this experiment, Albert Einstein initially proposed the idea during his miraculous year, 1905. The story behind this method can be found in Abraham Pais’s magnificent biography ‘Subtle is the Lord…’. Pais writes One never ceases to experience surprise at this result, which seems, as it were, to come out of nowhere: prepare a set of small spheres which are nevertheless huge compared with simple molecules, use a stopwatch and a microscope, and find Avogadro’s number. During the first decade of the twentieth century, the research by Perrin and Einstein confirmed the existence of atoms. I’ll give Perrin the last word by quoting from the conclusion of Brownian Movement and Molecular Reality. I think it is impossible that a mind, free from all preconception, can reflect upon the extreme diversity of phenomena which thus converge to the same result, without experiencing a very strong impression, and I think that it will henceforth be difficult to defend by rational arguments a hostile attitude to molecular hypotheses. Originally published at http://hobbieroth.blogspot.com.	724096db-507b-5a0d-b4f0-d782b41c6d37	25/08/2025 18:00:03
https://mjcoffey.medium.com/costa-rica-project-gallery-899760d5bde3	medium.com	Costa Rica Project Gallery	EMI Project NI-0048 — Arból de Vida, 2022	MJ Coffey	https://medium.com/@mjcoffey	899760d5bde3	https://miro.medium.com/…h0WyA0r15Vg.jpeg	2 min	2022-02-11T20:55:43.770000	2022-02-11T21:10:31.175000	2022-02-12T02:38:45.622000	0	0	en	Costa Rica,Travel,Photography,Nonprofit,Design	<section> <h3>EMI Project NI-0048 — <em>Arból de Vida</em>, 2022</h3> <p>Note: Joining an EMI project trip to Costa Rica within 48-hours of the green-light was an exciting privilege, but not something to make a habit. Though I prefer coaching, leading a team again was fun — and I found space to attend my camera.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1956/1Oh2jeqfwkUFh0WyA0r15Vg.jpeg" width="1956" height="2446" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3696/1IjCEiUVoYni-gKCVR3o4yQ.jpeg" width="3696" height="2448" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1591/1HtKybr8evLgbdV7bBApNYQ.jpeg" width="1591" height="2227" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3277/1JszjbVnyhIPu0fDet5zeLg.jpeg" width="3277" height="2170" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2700/1A0nKusnmTc-lrGHr0Lb8aA.jpeg" width="2700" height="2160" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3528/1rMw3EkDsBJYHry2oi9S2dg.jpeg" width="3528" height="2337" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1956/14GCBPmf2RzxLRhfAIJ_zzg.jpeg" width="1956" height="2446" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2770/1i2sQzgObydmHgVRMjd-WOA.jpeg" width="2770" height="1835" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3398/1sakxLP8BkTUs5u7hJFCWhg.jpeg" width="3398" height="2249" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3080/1COh76iZrF-GSntS_Z9_QgQ.jpeg" width="3080" height="2040" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3696/1-KlAI6K8G5RN8Ph1IfKD3g.jpeg" width="3696" height="2448" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3448/1qEgErcu2QCjcIp7iiTP23A.jpeg" width="3448" height="2284" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3058/1vZFrcF881P_YCMEHk7EdIg.jpeg" width="3058" height="2446" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3487/12HZcJV0hOt1m-ZqWZ8FHLw.jpeg" width="3487" height="2310" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1546/13Q-G3CDFyFrGA10SAoCIzg.jpeg" width="1546" height="2163" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3058/1nlaKAGA2pRZSuvAwJELYMA.jpeg" width="3058" height="2446" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3058/16M_cGL-j54oyq6er6-DgKA.jpeg" width="3058" height="2446" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2801/1PvmVBp_k_INFdBn4LlqpiQ.jpeg" width="2801" height="1855" loading="lazy" /> <p>January, 2022. All photography by author.</p> </section>	Costa Rica Project Gallery EMI Project NI-0048 — Arból de Vida, 2022 Note: Joining an EMI project trip to Costa Rica within 48-hours of the green-light was an exciting privilege, but not something to make a habit. Though I prefer coaching, leading a team again was fun — and I found space to attend my camera. Eliazar’s boy was like a little mirror — gumboots, cap, smile, and without fear. Neither was he too small to open the gate — just like a man would do — nor was he too big to ride on papa’s shoulders. For Kevin, surveying the 94-acre Arból de Vida site was a walk in the park compared to his experiences in Haiti surviving the 2010 earthquake. God helped men like him to respond and care for the broken and dying nonstop for weeks back then. The painful memories are still fresh. Truly, life is at once fragile and beautiful. Following his parent’s in mission as a 15-year-old, trust is the only way. He told us, “Sometimes I struggle to understand my purpose here. My mom tells me it is to learn and to help. So I try to do that as best I can to the glory of God.” Holding back tears, I managed to reply, “I hope my boys become like you.” The Rio Blanco runs along the edge of the property, over 150 feet below the bank. Eliazar used his machete and jungle craft to create a way down. I have done many things on EMI project trips. Climbing a steep embankment with aid of a thick, living vine was new. Cacti swarm their host tree, like prickly worms. As a new EMI Nicaragua staff already in Costa Rica with his family for Spanish study, Rob probably would have led the team — if I hadn’t come down from Colorado. And I know he would have been brilliant. But he may not have been able to relax, or smile like he’s doing here — and this brings me great satisfaction. The person who most appreciated the EMI team selected by the original Canadian project leader might have been this 12-year-old girl. Her face became brighter and brighter as she spent time with the five women professionals who were helping her parents. EMI Canada intern architect Catherine takes notes. Lead architect Christi is from Florida with family roots in Nicaragua. Originally from UK, Rob was moving his family from San José to Managua the following week to join the EMI team. Pastor Johnny from Costa Rica is a friend of Arból de Vida. Just as we finished our site walkabout, we turned to see this rainbow cast in the clouds beneath the volcano. If our broken world is so beautiful, how will we endure paradise? God will make us able. The region’s namesake Guanacaste tree is protected and rightfully so. With a ministry named Arból de Vida, we should naturally like to celebrate one particular tree in the architectural idea. This is it. Civil Engineers Liz and Angie are veteran EMI volunteers. This showed as they absorbed new information and navigated design changes during our week in Costa Rica. Meanwhile, at the architectural table, Christi and Catherine consult with masterplan architect Fred. My role was to ensure their table was positioned with best possible lighting for hand drawing. There is no sense denying the team’s accommodation included a small pool, or that we obeyed the landlord’s stern directive to use it (pura vida, Costa Rica). Only her poolside geese, however, made my cut. As I followed this iguana, I had to run away when smaller lizards began raining down around me. Afterward, he kept his eye on me to see if I would dare climb his tree. With intern Sabrina working from EMI in Cape Town and Angie in Idaho — and the 10-hour timezone difference between them, perhaps this is Angie’s reaction to the prospect of 1AM Zoom calls? Surveying is simply an excellent profession, and I wish my boys could have spent time with Roy and Kevin. You have gear & radios, you have snake-gaiters, you have drones, you make maps, and you spend time outside discovering things others do not.. I can imagine Bill Waterson’s Calvin grown up as a surveyor, with Hobbes flying the drone. The Pacific Ocean and evening sunglow at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. January, 2022. All photography by author.	a9fbaf02-ceea-5ee1-865a-39fbd2e65dc0	25/08/2025 18:00:03
https://medium.com/@vanbinh4323/the-clash-of-titans-notre-dame-vs-ohio-state-football-game-3e58b33a70b1	medium.com	The Clash of Titans: Notre Dame vs Ohio State Football Game	This Saturday, two of the most legendary college football teams will face off on the field in a highly-anticipated showdown. The Notre Dame…	Do Van Binh	https://medium.com/@vanbinh4323	3e58b33a70b1	null	6 min	2023-09-24T06:10:10.966000	2023-09-24T06:51:30.385000	2023-09-24T10:48:33.398000	0	0	en	Football	<section> <p>This Saturday, two of the most legendary college football teams will face off on the field in a highly-anticipated showdown. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes will be clashing in a football game that has been built up as one of the most exciting matchups of the year. Both teams boast powerful offensive lines, dynamic quarterbacks, and intimidating defenses. This is sure to be an epic battle between two of the best teams in college football, so make sure you don’t miss out on this thrilling game!</p> <p>The Rivalry: Brief History of Notre Dame and Ohio State Football</p> <p>For decades, the rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State has been one of the most storied in college football history. These two powerhouses have faced off multiple times throughout the years, creating a rivalry that is steeped in tradition and fierce competition.</p> <p>The first meeting between these two teams occurred in 1935, with Notre Dame emerging as the victor in a close 18–13 game. Since then, they have faced each other a total of six times, with Ohio State winning three and Notre Dame winning two. Each game has been filled with excitement, as both teams bring their A-game to the field.</p> <p>The intensity of this rivalry can be felt not only on the field but also in the hearts of the fans. Whether it’s the sea of scarlet and gray at an Ohio State home game or the Notre Dame faithful singing their fight song in unison, the passion for these teams runs deep.</p> <p>As we approach this highly-anticipated matchup, the history between Notre Dame and Ohio State adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling game. Will Ohio State continue their dominance, or will Notre Dame make a statement and secure the win? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain — this game is bound to be an epic battle that will go down in college football history.</p> <p>The Teams: Strengths and Weaknesses</p> <p>As we gear up for the epic clash between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s essential to take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of these two formidable teams. Notre Dame, known for their strong offensive line and dominant run game, poses a significant threat to any opponent. Led by their talented quarterback, their offense can overpower even the toughest defenses. On the other hand, the Ohio State Buckeyes boast a high-powered offense, fueled by their explosive passing game. With a skilled quarterback and a group of talented wide receivers, they can quickly rack up points on the scoreboard. Defensively, both teams have proven to be formidable. Notre Dame’s aggressive and hard-hitting defense can disrupt any offense, while Ohio State’s quick and disciplined defense is known for creating turnovers. However, both teams do have their weaknesses. Notre Dame’s passing game can be inconsistent at times, while Ohio State’s defense has shown vulnerabilities against the run. This matchup is sure to be a battle of strengths, where the team that capitalizes on their opponent’s weaknesses will come out on top.</p> <p>Key Players to Watch</p> <p>The Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game is not just a battle between two teams, but also a showcase of some of the most talented players in college football. Both teams have a roster filled with standout athletes who can make a significant impact on the game.</p> <p>For Notre Dame, all eyes will be on their star quarterback. His ability to lead the offense and make crucial plays will be key to the team’s success. In addition, their running back, known for his speed and agility, will be a player to watch as he tries to break through Ohio State’s defense.</p> <p>On the Ohio State side, their quarterback will be a focal point of the game. His ability to read the defense and make accurate throws will be crucial in their high-powered passing attack. And don’t forget about their dynamic wide receiver, who has the speed and skill to make big plays down the field.</p> <p>These key players will play a vital role in determining the outcome of the game. Keep your eyes on them as they showcase their talent and strive to lead their teams to victory.</p> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/minisurveyforyou">If you want to share some thoughts, complete this survey!</a></p> <p>Head-to-Head Analysis</p> <p>As we eagerly anticipate the Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game, it’s time to dive into the head-to-head analysis of these two powerhouse teams. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State bring a combination of strength and skill to the field, making this matchup a must-watch for any football fan.</p> <p>On the offensive side, Notre Dame’s powerful offensive line will be a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to open up running lanes for their talented running backs could pose a challenge for Ohio State’s defense. However, Ohio State’s explosive passing game, led by their talented quarterback and wide receivers, can put up points on the scoreboard quickly.</p> <p>Defensively, both teams have proven themselves to be tough competitors. Notre Dame’s aggressive and hard-hitting defense has the ability to disrupt any offense, while Ohio State’s quick and disciplined defense is known for creating turnovers. It will be interesting to see which defense can create more opportunities for their team.</p> <p>Overall, this head-to-head analysis shows that both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. It will come down to execution, strategy, and which team can capitalize on the other’s weaknesses. Get ready for an intense battle on the field as these two teams go head-to-head for a shot at victory.</p> <p>Fan Experience: Game Day Traditions</p> <p>As any football fan knows, game day is about more than just the game itself. It’s a chance for fans to come together, show their support, and participate in beloved traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game is no exception, as both teams have passionate fan bases with their own unique game day traditions.</p> <p>At Notre Dame, game day starts bright and early with the traditional “Midnight Drummers’ Circle.” A group of drummers gather at midnight before every home game to create an electric atmosphere, setting the tone for the day ahead. Another cherished tradition is the “Player Walk,” where the Notre Dame players walk from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to the stadium, accompanied by the marching band and thousands of fans cheering them on.</p> <p>Meanwhile, at Ohio State, fans gather at the iconic “Skull Session” before each home game. This pregame pep rally features the marching band, the cheerleaders, and even special guest performances. It’s a chance for fans to come together, sing fight songs, and get hyped for the game ahead. And of course, no Ohio State game day would be complete without dotting the “i” in the script Ohio formation, a beloved tradition that dates back to 1936.</p> <p>These game day traditions add an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the Notre Dame vs Ohio State matchup. They bring fans together, create lasting memories, and remind us all of the deep love and passion we have for the game. Whether you’re rooting for Notre Dame or Ohio State, make sure to embrace these traditions and soak in the electric atmosphere on game day.</p> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/minisurveyforyou">If you want to share some thoughts, complete this survey!</a></p> <p>Predictions and Pre-game Analysis</p> <p>The highly-anticipated Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game is almost here, and it’s time for some predictions and pre-game analysis. Both teams have proven themselves to be formidable opponents with their strong offense and defense. It’s sure to be an intense battle from start to finish.</p> <p>In terms of offense, both teams have explosive playmakers who can make big plays and put points on the board. Notre Dame’s powerful offensive line and dominant run game will look to control the game and wear down Ohio State’s defense. However, Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack, led by their skilled quarterback and talented wide receivers, could pose a challenge for Notre Dame’s defense.</p> <p>On the defensive side, Notre Dame’s aggressive and hard-hitting defense will look to disrupt Ohio State’s offense and create turnovers. However, Ohio State’s quick and disciplined defense will be aiming to shut down Notre Dame’s running game and put pressure on their quarterback.</p> <p>Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can make the most crucial plays, capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses, and execute their game plan effectively. It’s sure to be a thrilling battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.</p> <p>As for predictions, it’s always difficult to accurately predict the outcome of a football game. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State are highly skilled teams with passionate fan bases. However, based on their performances throughout the season, it’s possible to make an educated guess.</p> <p>In my opinion, this game will be a closely contested matchup with both teams trading blows on offense. However, I believe that Notre Dame’s strong offensive line and dominant run game will give them the edge in this game. They will be able to control the time of possession, wear down Ohio State’s defense, and ultimately come out with a hard-fought victory.</p> <p>Of course, anything can happen in college football, and Ohio State has proven to be a resilient and talented team. They have the ability to make big plays and keep the game close. It will ultimately come down to which team can execute their game plan and make the necessary adjustments throughout the game.</p> <p>No matter the outcome, this game is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two of the best teams in college football. So, grab your snacks, gather with your fellow fans, and get ready for an epic battle on the gridiron.</p> </section>	The Clash of Titans: Notre Dame vs Ohio State Football Game This Saturday, two of the most legendary college football teams will face off on the field in a highly-anticipated showdown. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes will be clashing in a football game that has been built up as one of the most exciting matchups of the year. Both teams boast powerful offensive lines, dynamic quarterbacks, and intimidating defenses. This is sure to be an epic battle between two of the best teams in college football, so make sure you don’t miss out on this thrilling game! The Rivalry: Brief History of Notre Dame and Ohio State Football For decades, the rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State has been one of the most storied in college football history. These two powerhouses have faced off multiple times throughout the years, creating a rivalry that is steeped in tradition and fierce competition. The first meeting between these two teams occurred in 1935, with Notre Dame emerging as the victor in a close 18–13 game. Since then, they have faced each other a total of six times, with Ohio State winning three and Notre Dame winning two. Each game has been filled with excitement, as both teams bring their A-game to the field. The intensity of this rivalry can be felt not only on the field but also in the hearts of the fans. Whether it’s the sea of scarlet and gray at an Ohio State home game or the Notre Dame faithful singing their fight song in unison, the passion for these teams runs deep. As we approach this highly-anticipated matchup, the history between Notre Dame and Ohio State adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling game. Will Ohio State continue their dominance, or will Notre Dame make a statement and secure the win? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain — this game is bound to be an epic battle that will go down in college football history. The Teams: Strengths and Weaknesses As we gear up for the epic clash between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s essential to take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of these two formidable teams. Notre Dame, known for their strong offensive line and dominant run game, poses a significant threat to any opponent. Led by their talented quarterback, their offense can overpower even the toughest defenses. On the other hand, the Ohio State Buckeyes boast a high-powered offense, fueled by their explosive passing game. With a skilled quarterback and a group of talented wide receivers, they can quickly rack up points on the scoreboard. Defensively, both teams have proven to be formidable. Notre Dame’s aggressive and hard-hitting defense can disrupt any offense, while Ohio State’s quick and disciplined defense is known for creating turnovers. However, both teams do have their weaknesses. Notre Dame’s passing game can be inconsistent at times, while Ohio State’s defense has shown vulnerabilities against the run. This matchup is sure to be a battle of strengths, where the team that capitalizes on their opponent’s weaknesses will come out on top. Key Players to Watch The Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game is not just a battle between two teams, but also a showcase of some of the most talented players in college football. Both teams have a roster filled with standout athletes who can make a significant impact on the game. For Notre Dame, all eyes will be on their star quarterback. His ability to lead the offense and make crucial plays will be key to the team’s success. In addition, their running back, known for his speed and agility, will be a player to watch as he tries to break through Ohio State’s defense. On the Ohio State side, their quarterback will be a focal point of the game. His ability to read the defense and make accurate throws will be crucial in their high-powered passing attack. And don’t forget about their dynamic wide receiver, who has the speed and skill to make big plays down the field. These key players will play a vital role in determining the outcome of the game. Keep your eyes on them as they showcase their talent and strive to lead their teams to victory. If you want to share some thoughts, complete this survey! Head-to-Head Analysis As we eagerly anticipate the Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game, it’s time to dive into the head-to-head analysis of these two powerhouse teams. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State bring a combination of strength and skill to the field, making this matchup a must-watch for any football fan. On the offensive side, Notre Dame’s powerful offensive line will be a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to open up running lanes for their talented running backs could pose a challenge for Ohio State’s defense. However, Ohio State’s explosive passing game, led by their talented quarterback and wide receivers, can put up points on the scoreboard quickly. Defensively, both teams have proven themselves to be tough competitors. Notre Dame’s aggressive and hard-hitting defense has the ability to disrupt any offense, while Ohio State’s quick and disciplined defense is known for creating turnovers. It will be interesting to see which defense can create more opportunities for their team. Overall, this head-to-head analysis shows that both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. It will come down to execution, strategy, and which team can capitalize on the other’s weaknesses. Get ready for an intense battle on the field as these two teams go head-to-head for a shot at victory. Fan Experience: Game Day Traditions As any football fan knows, game day is about more than just the game itself. It’s a chance for fans to come together, show their support, and participate in beloved traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game is no exception, as both teams have passionate fan bases with their own unique game day traditions. At Notre Dame, game day starts bright and early with the traditional “Midnight Drummers’ Circle.” A group of drummers gather at midnight before every home game to create an electric atmosphere, setting the tone for the day ahead. Another cherished tradition is the “Player Walk,” where the Notre Dame players walk from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to the stadium, accompanied by the marching band and thousands of fans cheering them on. Meanwhile, at Ohio State, fans gather at the iconic “Skull Session” before each home game. This pregame pep rally features the marching band, the cheerleaders, and even special guest performances. It’s a chance for fans to come together, sing fight songs, and get hyped for the game ahead. And of course, no Ohio State game day would be complete without dotting the “i” in the script Ohio formation, a beloved tradition that dates back to 1936. These game day traditions add an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the Notre Dame vs Ohio State matchup. They bring fans together, create lasting memories, and remind us all of the deep love and passion we have for the game. Whether you’re rooting for Notre Dame or Ohio State, make sure to embrace these traditions and soak in the electric atmosphere on game day. If you want to share some thoughts, complete this survey! Predictions and Pre-game Analysis The highly-anticipated Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game is almost here, and it’s time for some predictions and pre-game analysis. Both teams have proven themselves to be formidable opponents with their strong offense and defense. It’s sure to be an intense battle from start to finish. In terms of offense, both teams have explosive playmakers who can make big plays and put points on the board. Notre Dame’s powerful offensive line and dominant run game will look to control the game and wear down Ohio State’s defense. However, Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack, led by their skilled quarterback and talented wide receivers, could pose a challenge for Notre Dame’s defense. On the defensive side, Notre Dame’s aggressive and hard-hitting defense will look to disrupt Ohio State’s offense and create turnovers. However, Ohio State’s quick and disciplined defense will be aiming to shut down Notre Dame’s running game and put pressure on their quarterback. Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can make the most crucial plays, capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses, and execute their game plan effectively. It’s sure to be a thrilling battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As for predictions, it’s always difficult to accurately predict the outcome of a football game. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State are highly skilled teams with passionate fan bases. However, based on their performances throughout the season, it’s possible to make an educated guess. In my opinion, this game will be a closely contested matchup with both teams trading blows on offense. However, I believe that Notre Dame’s strong offensive line and dominant run game will give them the edge in this game. They will be able to control the time of possession, wear down Ohio State’s defense, and ultimately come out with a hard-fought victory. Of course, anything can happen in college football, and Ohio State has proven to be a resilient and talented team. They have the ability to make big plays and keep the game close. It will ultimately come down to which team can execute their game plan and make the necessary adjustments throughout the game. No matter the outcome, this game is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two of the best teams in college football. So, grab your snacks, gather with your fellow fans, and get ready for an epic battle on the gridiron.	953a7c1f-5f8a-55ff-a30f-d005ff4eaae1	25/08/2025 18:00:03
https://medium.com/@lustrup/transform-your-life-with-spiritual-practices-insights-and-advice-ac32067cf3c6	medium.com	Transform Your Life with Spiritual Practices: Insights and Advice	In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, it can be difficult to find inner peace and balance. Fortunately, there are a variety of…	Karen Lustrup	https://medium.com/@lustrup	ac32067cf3c6	https://miro.medium.com/…xP8u0cYiCJA.jpeg	2 min	2023-03-20T14:41:50.730000	2023-03-20T14:49:33.319000	2023-03-20T14:49:34.760000	0	0	en	Psychic,Mindfulness,Spirituality,Astrology,Growth	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/6557/1i7GUw2OWxxaxP8u0cYiCJA.jpeg" width="6557" height="4371" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, it can be difficult to find inner peace and balance. Fortunately, there are a variety of spiritual practices that can help us navigate the challenges of life and improve our overall well-being.<a href="http://zeitgists.com"> As a psychic advisor</a>, I am often asked for advice on how to incorporate these practices into daily life. In this article, I will share some of my knowledge and insights on how people can improve their lives and overcome ch</strong>allenges using spiritual practices.</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Meditation: </strong>Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you calm your mind and reduce stress. It involves focusing your attention on the present moment and becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions. Regular meditation can help you become more centered and grounded, and it can also improve your mental and emotional health.</p> <p><strong>Visualization:</strong> Visualization is a technique that involves imagining yourself achieving your goals or overcoming challenges. By visualizing success, you can boost your confidence and motivation, and create a positive mindset that can help you overcome obstacles.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Affirmations:</strong> Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to help reprogram your subconscious mind. By repeating affirmations such as “I am confident and capable” or “I trust in my abilities,” you can overcome negative self-talk and build a more positive self-image.</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Gratitude: </strong>Practicing gratitude involves focusing on the things in your life that you are thankful for. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can shift your mindset from one of lack to one of abundance, which can help you attract more positive experiences into your life.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Chakra balancing: </strong>The chakras are energy centers located in the body that can become blocked or unbalanced. By using techniques such as meditation, visualization, and energy healing, you can balance your chakras and improve your overall well-being.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Tarot readings:</strong> Tarot readings can provide insights into your life and help you gain clarity about your path forward. A skilled psychic advisor can help you interpret the cards and use the messages they contain to make positive changes in your life.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Incorporating spiritual practices into your daily life can help you overcome challenges, improve your well-being, and achieve your goals. Whether you choose to meditate, visualize, use affirmations, practice gratitude, balance your chakras, or seek the guidance of a <a href="http://zeitgists.com">psychic advisor</a>, there are many ways to tap into your inner wisdom and find the peace and balance you seek. So, take the time to explore these practices and find the ones that resonate with you. You may be surprised at how</strong> much they can transform your life!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3024/1tBeNDS2efGhPb0AmInN8_g.jpeg" width="3024" height="4032" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Transform Your Life with Spiritual Practices: Insights and Advice In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, it can be difficult to find inner peace and balance. Fortunately, there are a variety of spiritual practices that can help us navigate the challenges of life and improve our overall well-being. As a psychic advisor, I am often asked for advice on how to incorporate these practices into daily life. In this article, I will share some of my knowledge and insights on how people can improve their lives and overcome challenges using spiritual practices. Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you calm your mind and reduce stress. It involves focusing your attention on the present moment and becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions. Regular meditation can help you become more centered and grounded, and it can also improve your mental and emotional health. Visualization: Visualization is a technique that involves imagining yourself achieving your goals or overcoming challenges. By visualizing success, you can boost your confidence and motivation, and create a positive mindset that can help you overcome obstacles. Affirmations: Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to help reprogram your subconscious mind. By repeating affirmations such as “I am confident and capable” or “I trust in my abilities,” you can overcome negative self-talk and build a more positive self-image. Gratitude: Practicing gratitude involves focusing on the things in your life that you are thankful for. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can shift your mindset from one of lack to one of abundance, which can help you attract more positive experiences into your life. Chakra balancing: The chakras are energy centers located in the body that can become blocked or unbalanced. By using techniques such as meditation, visualization, and energy healing, you can balance your chakras and improve your overall well-being. Tarot readings: Tarot readings can provide insights into your life and help you gain clarity about your path forward. A skilled psychic advisor can help you interpret the cards and use the messages they contain to make positive changes in your life. Incorporating spiritual practices into your daily life can help you overcome challenges, improve your well-being, and achieve your goals. Whether you choose to meditate, visualize, use affirmations, practice gratitude, balance your chakras, or seek the guidance of a psychic advisor, there are many ways to tap into your inner wisdom and find the peace and balance you seek. So, take the time to explore these practices and find the ones that resonate with you. You may be surprised at how much they can transform your life! Book a Psychic Reading with Me Today	e8c9b019-90b6-5440-bd9b-1314d9238826	25/08/2025 18:00:03
https://medium.com/@Exolymph/will-the-digital-future-be-human-enough-b2e3f245bc95	medium.com	Will the Digital Future Be Human Enough?	null	Exolymph	https://medium.com/@Exolymph	b2e3f245bc95	https://miro.medium.com/…KhYBZbn8Od1A.png	1 min	2017-04-11T05:25:32.804000	2017-04-11T05:25:30	2018-03-15T00:53:28.925000	0	2	en	Artificial Intelligence,Internet Culture,Oben,Uncanny Valley,Virtual Reality	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0*o6YtKhYBZbn8Od1A.png" width="1000" height="731" loading="lazy" /> <p>It’s easy to get tired, isn’t it? I heard today that a company is <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-microchip-employees-20170403-story.html">implanting its employees</a> with microchips. Is that a PR stunt or just run-of-the-mill creepy management? Another company, called ObEN, emailed me about its unsettling 3D digital avatars (pictured above). According to the company’s website:</p> <p>ObEN’s proprietary artificial intelligence technology quickly combines a person’s 2D image and voice to create a personal 3D avatar. Transport your personal avatar into virtual reality and augmented reality environments and enjoy deeper, social, more memorable experiences.</p> <p>The company is owned by HTC VIVE. ObEN’s about page says, “ObEN was created out of a personal desire for the founders to remain connected to their families by ‘leaving behind’ a virtual copy of themselves during long travels.” Obvious <em>Black Mirror</em> parallel is obvious.</p> <p>The PR person’s email said, “Knowing it’d be their biggest hurdle, the company has already transformed voice personalization using AI and speech synthesis — so now your virtual doppelganger not only sounds like you, but it can also sing like you, but better… and in Chinese.”</p> <p>I don’t know why these things depress me. There are infinite issues in the world to be upset about, and in fact ObEN isn’t doing anything wrong. I’m the asshole, honestly, for making fun of their technology. People are devoting years of their lives to working on the project. Getting past the Uncanny Valley is hard.</p> <p>I guess tonight I’m reflecting on how the internet can be a medium of alienation just as much as a medium of connection. Default engagement modes like snark, which is so prevalent on Twitter and Reddit, generate a lot of good jokes by making people feel bad. The targets are abstracted away as obscure names on screens, so it’s easy to do.</p> <p>Ironically, VR avatars like ObEN’s are supposed to address the problem of compassion collapse. We’ll find out whether they work soon enough…</p> <h3>Exolymph is a cyberpunk newsletter — <a href="https://www.exolymph.news/subscribe">sign up now</a>!</h3> </section>	Will the Digital Future Be Human Enough? It’s easy to get tired, isn’t it? I heard today that a company is implanting its employees with microchips. Is that a PR stunt or just run-of-the-mill creepy management? Another company, called ObEN, emailed me about its unsettling 3D digital avatars (pictured above). According to the company’s website: ObEN’s proprietary artificial intelligence technology quickly combines a person’s 2D image and voice to create a personal 3D avatar. Transport your personal avatar into virtual reality and augmented reality environments and enjoy deeper, social, more memorable experiences. The company is owned by HTC VIVE. ObEN’s about page says, “ObEN was created out of a personal desire for the founders to remain connected to their families by ‘leaving behind’ a virtual copy of themselves during long travels.” Obvious Black Mirror parallel is obvious. The PR person’s email said, “Knowing it’d be their biggest hurdle, the company has already transformed voice personalization using AI and speech synthesis — so now your virtual doppelganger not only sounds like you, but it can also sing like you, but better… and in Chinese.” I don’t know why these things depress me. There are infinite issues in the world to be upset about, and in fact ObEN isn’t doing anything wrong. I’m the asshole, honestly, for making fun of their technology. People are devoting years of their lives to working on the project. Getting past the Uncanny Valley is hard. I guess tonight I’m reflecting on how the internet can be a medium of alienation just as much as a medium of connection. Default engagement modes like snark, which is so prevalent on Twitter and Reddit, generate a lot of good jokes by making people feel bad. The targets are abstracted away as obscure names on screens, so it’s easy to do. Ironically, VR avatars like ObEN’s are supposed to address the problem of compassion collapse. We’ll find out whether they work soon enough… Exolymph is a cyberpunk newsletter — sign up now!	a8c1ea85-3d92-5a97-8f39-9e48ea225f29	25/08/2025 18:00:04
https://medium.com/interfaith-now/prayer-ecf237b5ee1c	medium.com	What Do We Do When Our Prayers Go Unanswered?	Let’s first look at the purpose of it.	Matt Swisher	https://medium.com/@pastorswish	ecf237b5ee1c	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*D6xgubN7TvGBOtDl	6 min	2019-09-17T10:56:41.059000	2019-09-18T13:01:01.349000	2022-06-27T14:57:26.351000	1	64	en	Christianity,Faith,Prayer,Spirituality,God	<section> <h1>What Do We Do When Our Prayers Go Unanswered?</h1> <h3>Let’s first look at the purpose of it.</h3> <p>I have a wide diversity of musical tastes. I’ve been in a bit of a Viking music phase lately. I don’t know why. I stumbled on it, and it was good background music while I was working one afternoon. I’ve shared before about my experience at a <a href="https://medium.com/@PastorSwish/the-power-of-music-da90997aa140">Gary Clark Jr. concert</a>. My Spotify account has a recent history of Yacht Rock radio, the Avett Brothers, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, worship music, and an Enneagram 5 playlist.</p> <p>I say this so that you won’t be too surprised when I tell you that one of the most thought-provoking songs I have heard comes from the hard rock/heavy metal group Disturbed. The pacing, the heavy guitar and the passion with which the lead singer takes the listener on a journey are just what I need to hear from time to time. It gets the adrenaline going. It’s my pre-church softball league amp music — nobody expects the pastor to be blasting metal on the way to the softball field.</p> <p>For years, one song in particular has stood out to me, but not in the way that you might expect. The song is entitled Prayer. As the story goes, when Prayer first debuted at Ozzfest, the lead singer introduced it by saying that it was a conversation between God and himself. I have seen others say that it was in response to his grandfather’s death. The lyrics resonate with me not because I agree with the message of the song, but because it breaks my heart to hear this as the experience that some have when it comes to prayer.</p> <p>Another dream that will never come true Just to compliment your sorrow Another life that I’ve taken from you A gift to add to your pain and suffering</p> <p>Another truth you can never believe Has crippled you completely All the cries you’re beginning to hear Trapped in your mind, and the sound is deafening</p> <p>Let me enlighten you This is the way I pray</p> <p>Living just isn’t hard enough Burn me alive, inside Living my life’s not hard enough Take everything away — Prayer, Disturbed</p> <p>When I hear those words, I hear hurt. I hear pain. I hear sorrow and anger. All mixed into a rage that is felt by the singer, who believed that his prayers should have been answered in a particular way… and they weren’t.</p> <p>So, what do we do when our prayers go unanswered?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4862/01Y5lKlThHWPxy0wT" width="4862" height="3241" loading="lazy" /> <h3>Ask, Seek, Knock</h3> <p>In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”</p> <p>People have read these words for centuries and have come to an understanding that if they really want something, all they have to do is pray about it, and it will come. But is this really what Jesus is trying to say?</p> <p>How many people have been let down? Have many people have been told that they didn’t have enough faith, simply because their prayers didn’t pan out they way they wanted? Have many people have used this passage to justify an image of God that more closely resembles a jolly, fat man who gives presents to children in December? Too many.</p> <blockquote>I believe it comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of prayer.</blockquote> <h3>The Nature of Prayer</h3> <p>C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying, “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.”</p> <p>This is a significantly different approach to prayer from the “name it and claim it” path that so many are touting these days. There are those who teach that all we have to do is visualize it, believe it, and send in a monthly donation of $1,000, and God will give us all the desires of our hearts. What these charlatans fail to mention is that God cannot be manipulated so easily.</p> <p>As part of my undergraduate work, I took a class in ancient Greek. One morning, we were translating a “love spell” that was found in an ancient garbage pile. After we worked on it for a while, one of my classmates said, “Do you think it worked?” To which I chimed in, “Well, it was found in a garbage pile. So, probably not.”</p> <p>In the ancient times, appeasing the gods was how one got what one wanted. In essence, if one were to make the gods happy, then one would get something in return. Now, I realize that is a very crass and basic understanding of ancient spirituality, but is it really all that different from the “name it and claim it” path that others cling to?</p> <p>Prayer is not a way of manipulating God into doing what we want God to do, and the sooner we let go of that notion, the better off the world will be for it.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/7660/0pA7PKln3cPeIYeQD" width="7660" height="10850" loading="lazy" /> <h3>Prayer as Communication</h3> <p>Prayer is about communicating with God. We talk way more than we listen when it comes to prayer. Perhaps we would do well to learn how to simply rest in God’s presence, and keep our mouths shut for a while.</p> <p>The best way to build our relationships is to work on communication. This is true for any relationship that we could have. Want a deeper relationship with somebody? Talk to him/her. Do you want to have a good relationship with your kids? Turn the screens off, get on the floor and play. Talk to them about their hopes and dreams. Truly connect.</p> <p>We are, at the same time, the most connected and the most disconnected than humans have ever been in the history of the world. How is that possible? Because we talk through screens instead of through the space between us. (<em>Now, I realize the irony of communicating this message through a screen, but keep your eyes on the prize, kids!</em>)</p> <p>But here is the good news: God is with us, no matter where we find ourselves. We don’t have to go to a special place for God to hear our prayers. We don’t have to keep an appointment in order to get some time with God. We simply need to do it. Now, that doesn’t mean a designated prayer space or regular appointment on the calendar is a bad thing. In fact, if that’s what it takes to help you make prayer a regular part of your day, then go for it! But don’t let the lack prevent you from spending time in God’s presence.</p> <h3>Advice on Prayer</h3> <p>So, as I hear the words of Prayer, my heart is broken. Because somewhere along the line, the writer was taught that if he just believed, then God will do whatever he wanted. He built a really nice house of cards, but when the wind came, not one was left standing.</p> <p>Sometimes, the stuff that we are facing isn’t going to respond, no matter how much faith we think we have, no matter how hard we want to pray. I’m not saying that God doesn’t perform miracles from time to time. Tragic accidents happen. Terminal illnesses happen. And when they do, that doesn’t mean God is absent, or that God didn’t hear our prayers.</p> <p>I have to admit something to you. I lied a little bit ago. I asked, “What do we do if our prayers go unanswered?” The truth is, I don’t believe in unanswered prayer.</p> <p>I believe that there are prayers that don’t get answered the way that we would like, but that doesn’t mean they went unanswered. And, usually, that’s what we mean. God didn’t answer the prayer in the way we wanted, and therefore, the prayer was unanswered. But it wasn’t.</p> <p>Ultimately, prayer is about building a relationship with God. It’s about spending intentional time in God’s presence.</p> <blockquote>The sooner we leave behind the mindset that God is our cosmic Santa Claus who gets us what we want if we only have enough faith, the better off we are going to be.</blockquote> </section>	Photo by Amaury Gutierrez on Unsplash What Do We Do When Our Prayers Go Unanswered? Let’s first look at the purpose of it. I have a wide diversity of musical tastes. I’ve been in a bit of a Viking music phase lately. I don’t know why. I stumbled on it, and it was good background music while I was working one afternoon. I’ve shared before about my experience at a Gary Clark Jr. concert. My Spotify account has a recent history of Yacht Rock radio, the Avett Brothers, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, worship music, and an Enneagram 5 playlist. I say this so that you won’t be too surprised when I tell you that one of the most thought-provoking songs I have heard comes from the hard rock/heavy metal group Disturbed. The pacing, the heavy guitar and the passion with which the lead singer takes the listener on a journey are just what I need to hear from time to time. It gets the adrenaline going. It’s my pre-church softball league amp music — nobody expects the pastor to be blasting metal on the way to the softball field. For years, one song in particular has stood out to me, but not in the way that you might expect. The song is entitled Prayer. As the story goes, when Prayer first debuted at Ozzfest, the lead singer introduced it by saying that it was a conversation between God and himself. I have seen others say that it was in response to his grandfather’s death. The lyrics resonate with me not because I agree with the message of the song, but because it breaks my heart to hear this as the experience that some have when it comes to prayer. Another dream that will never come true Just to compliment your sorrow Another life that I’ve taken from you A gift to add to your pain and suffering Another truth you can never believe Has crippled you completely All the cries you’re beginning to hear Trapped in your mind, and the sound is deafening Let me enlighten you This is the way I pray Living just isn’t hard enough Burn me alive, inside Living my life’s not hard enough Take everything away — Prayer, Disturbed When I hear those words, I hear hurt. I hear pain. I hear sorrow and anger. All mixed into a rage that is felt by the singer, who believed that his prayers should have been answered in a particular way… and they weren’t. So, what do we do when our prayers go unanswered? Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash Ask, Seek, Knock In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” People have read these words for centuries and have come to an understanding that if they really want something, all they have to do is pray about it, and it will come. But is this really what Jesus is trying to say? How many people have been let down? Have many people have been told that they didn’t have enough faith, simply because their prayers didn’t pan out they way they wanted? Have many people have used this passage to justify an image of God that more closely resembles a jolly, fat man who gives presents to children in December? Too many. I believe it comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of prayer. The Nature of Prayer C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying, “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” This is a significantly different approach to prayer from the “name it and claim it” path that so many are touting these days. There are those who teach that all we have to do is visualize it, believe it, and send in a monthly donation of $1,000, and God will give us all the desires of our hearts. What these charlatans fail to mention is that God cannot be manipulated so easily. As part of my undergraduate work, I took a class in ancient Greek. One morning, we were translating a “love spell” that was found in an ancient garbage pile. After we worked on it for a while, one of my classmates said, “Do you think it worked?” To which I chimed in, “Well, it was found in a garbage pile. So, probably not.” In the ancient times, appeasing the gods was how one got what one wanted. In essence, if one were to make the gods happy, then one would get something in return. Now, I realize that is a very crass and basic understanding of ancient spirituality, but is it really all that different from the “name it and claim it” path that others cling to? Prayer is not a way of manipulating God into doing what we want God to do, and the sooner we let go of that notion, the better off the world will be for it. Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash Prayer as Communication Prayer is about communicating with God. We talk way more than we listen when it comes to prayer. Perhaps we would do well to learn how to simply rest in God’s presence, and keep our mouths shut for a while. The best way to build our relationships is to work on communication. This is true for any relationship that we could have. Want a deeper relationship with somebody? Talk to him/her. Do you want to have a good relationship with your kids? Turn the screens off, get on the floor and play. Talk to them about their hopes and dreams. Truly connect. We are, at the same time, the most connected and the most disconnected than humans have ever been in the history of the world. How is that possible? Because we talk through screens instead of through the space between us. (Now, I realize the irony of communicating this message through a screen, but keep your eyes on the prize, kids!) But here is the good news: God is with us, no matter where we find ourselves. We don’t have to go to a special place for God to hear our prayers. We don’t have to keep an appointment in order to get some time with God. We simply need to do it. Now, that doesn’t mean a designated prayer space or regular appointment on the calendar is a bad thing. In fact, if that’s what it takes to help you make prayer a regular part of your day, then go for it! But don’t let the lack prevent you from spending time in God’s presence. Advice on Prayer So, as I hear the words of Prayer, my heart is broken. Because somewhere along the line, the writer was taught that if he just believed, then God will do whatever he wanted. He built a really nice house of cards, but when the wind came, not one was left standing. Sometimes, the stuff that we are facing isn’t going to respond, no matter how much faith we think we have, no matter how hard we want to pray. I’m not saying that God doesn’t perform miracles from time to time. Tragic accidents happen. Terminal illnesses happen. And when they do, that doesn’t mean God is absent, or that God didn’t hear our prayers. I have to admit something to you. I lied a little bit ago. I asked, “What do we do if our prayers go unanswered?” The truth is, I don’t believe in unanswered prayer. I believe that there are prayers that don’t get answered the way that we would like, but that doesn’t mean they went unanswered. And, usually, that’s what we mean. God didn’t answer the prayer in the way we wanted, and therefore, the prayer was unanswered. But it wasn’t. Ultimately, prayer is about building a relationship with God. It’s about spending intentional time in God’s presence. The sooner we leave behind the mindset that God is our cosmic Santa Claus who gets us what we want if we only have enough faith, the better off we are going to be.	4ad06853-6696-5a76-a774-5243b1b2ea01	25/08/2025 18:00:04
https://medium.com/@ihunch/house-built-on-the-rock-power-of-prayer-bdcafac339e4	medium.com	House Built on the Rock — Power of Prayer	I was not expecting to encounter a man of Christian faith in a 95% Buddhist region of China. Unlike most tourists visiting Yunnan, I was…	Joseph Jiang Liu	https://medium.com/@ihunch	bdcafac339e4	https://miro.medium.com/…pESWmvlDS3g.jpeg	2 min	2017-11-09T13:50:30.781000	2017-11-10T06:23:37.403000	2017-11-10T08:35:23.316000	0	4	en	Christianity,Prayer,Travel	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4240/1QTOTA5ggkk5pESWmvlDS3g.jpeg" width="4240" height="2832" loading="lazy" /> <p>I was not expecting to encounter a man of Christian faith in a 95% Buddhist region of China. Unlike most tourists visiting Yunnan, I was going beyond the popular world-heritage listed cities, such as Lijiang and Shangri-La. I was determine to hike to YuBeng, a beautiful and remote village without any road access.</p> <p>I tried to find a couple of hikers to accompany me on the dangerous trail to YuBeng. After a couple of conversations in the famous Buddhist Temple Song Zan Lin, I found myself helping a non-Chinese-speaking Austrian lady to find accommodation in the ancient city of Shangri-La.</p> <p>Sitting in front of her Hotel fireplace soon after, the Austrian lady asked me to find out from the owner about a fire that happened there. I had no idea about the fire that had burnt two thirds of this ancient town.</p> <p>The owner started his story. The fire happened during a freezing cold Winter in January 2014. It started five houses down the road, when an electric heater caught ablaze. It quickly spread through the connected wooden houses and burnt two thirds of the city.</p> <p>He had a few employees during the busy tourist season for his hotel. But all of them were away for Chinese New Year. His neighbours were busy taking off the wooden roofs of their houses, hoping the fire would spread slower and spare their dwellings.</p> <p>Even though the fire fighters came, the water froze in the -20 degree air, then fell and added ice to the already narrow road.</p> <p>“The fire was so close and spreading so fast… and I had no one to help me… I am Christian, so I got up to the roof to pray. The fire came and burnt down half of my neighbour’s house. The wind changed direction and burnt down two thirds of the city. My house was spared.” He said.</p> <p>He continued on, “the next day my neighbours were trying to recover the gold and silver Buddha statues and idols. Their gods certainly cannot save their houses and were buried in the ashes. Instead I praised my God for saving my house and answering my prayer.”</p> <p>I marvelled at his story. “Praise God! I am a Christian too. Praise God, Brother!” I translated this story to the Catholic Austrian lady. I built a strong brotherly bond with this man straight away. I was impressed how God led me to know His people in the most unexpected of circumstances.</p> <blockquote>“God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.” (Daniel 3:17, ESV).</blockquote> <p>God delivered the owner and his hotel out of fire, just as He delivered Daniel and his friends from the fiery furnace. Similarly, over 80 people from my church and I were spared from 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires in Marysville, Australia.</p> <blockquote>“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV)</blockquote> <p>He became a Christian leader in his local community. Later I would spend that Christmas with this brother and 30 other Christians. (I should write a future post) This is a display of God’s power. It is nothing short of a miracle of prayer and faith.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4240/1ec4fjPXwwzMklyEWKlmIjQ.jpeg" width="4240" height="2832" loading="lazy" /> <p></p> <p>thanks for @jamessharmen for editing work.</p> </section>	House Built on the Rock — Power of Prayer House saved by the Lord, Shangri La, Yunnan, China. Dec 2015 I was not expecting to encounter a man of Christian faith in a 95% Buddhist region of China. Unlike most tourists visiting Yunnan, I was going beyond the popular world-heritage listed cities, such as Lijiang and Shangri-La. I was determine to hike to YuBeng, a beautiful and remote village without any road access. I tried to find a couple of hikers to accompany me on the dangerous trail to YuBeng. After a couple of conversations in the famous Buddhist Temple Song Zan Lin, I found myself helping a non-Chinese-speaking Austrian lady to find accommodation in the ancient city of Shangri-La. Sitting in front of her Hotel fireplace soon after, the Austrian lady asked me to find out from the owner about a fire that happened there. I had no idea about the fire that had burnt two thirds of this ancient town. The owner started his story. The fire happened during a freezing cold Winter in January 2014. It started five houses down the road, when an electric heater caught ablaze. It quickly spread through the connected wooden houses and burnt two thirds of the city. He had a few employees during the busy tourist season for his hotel. But all of them were away for Chinese New Year. His neighbours were busy taking off the wooden roofs of their houses, hoping the fire would spread slower and spare their dwellings. Even though the fire fighters came, the water froze in the -20 degree air, then fell and added ice to the already narrow road. “The fire was so close and spreading so fast… and I had no one to help me… I am Christian, so I got up to the roof to pray. The fire came and burnt down half of my neighbour’s house. The wind changed direction and burnt down two thirds of the city. My house was spared.” He said. He continued on, “the next day my neighbours were trying to recover the gold and silver Buddha statues and idols. Their gods certainly cannot save their houses and were buried in the ashes. Instead I praised my God for saving my house and answering my prayer.” I marvelled at his story. “Praise God! I am a Christian too. Praise God, Brother!” I translated this story to the Catholic Austrian lady. I built a strong brotherly bond with this man straight away. I was impressed how God led me to know His people in the most unexpected of circumstances. “God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.” (Daniel 3:17, ESV). God delivered the owner and his hotel out of fire, just as He delivered Daniel and his friends from the fiery furnace. Similarly, over 80 people from my church and I were spared from 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires in Marysville, Australia. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) He became a Christian leader in his local community. Later I would spend that Christmas with this brother and 30 other Christians. (I should write a future post) This is a display of God’s power. It is nothing short of a miracle of prayer and faith. the house built from the Rock stands. Dec 2015 thanks for @jamessharmen for editing work.	a6fb3382-f2d9-5b97-a3a2-7945b924e8d3	25/08/2025 18:00:04
https://medium.com/the-poleax/50-salads-ranked-ecb2e42d1d3c	medium.com	Salads, Ranked	A list in ranked list form	Dane A. Wisher	https://medium.com/@daneawisher	ecb2e42d1d3c	https://miro.medium.com/…9mDDFFZIIkQ.jpeg	1 min	2017-08-09T03:44:19.053000	2017-08-09T12:16:49.549000	2018-05-30T19:53:30.752000	0	1	en	Food,Culture,Lists,Salad,Rankings	<section> <h3>A list in ranked list form</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4272/1*8rMI1YOkS8l9mDDFFZIIkQ.jpeg" width="4272" height="2848" loading="lazy" /> <p>50. Ambrosia</p> <p>49. Jello salad</p> <p>48. Watergate salad</p> <p>47. Ham salad</p> <p>46. Word salad</p> <p>45. Curried chicken salad</p> <p>44. Chicken salad (with raisins)</p> <p>43. Potato salad (classic mayonnaisey American with egg)</p> <p>42. Chinese chicken salad</p> <p>41. Fruit salad</p> <p>40. Bullshit chopped salad from chain near work (eaten at your desk)</p> <p>39. Waldorf salad</p> <p>38. Chef salad</p> <p>37. Cole slaw (no mayonnaise)</p> <p>36. Olivier salad</p> <p>35. Garden salad</p> <p>34. Greek salad (bullshit style, with lettuce)</p> <p>33. Egg salad</p> <p>32. Bean salad</p> <p>31. Mesclun</p> <p>30. Crab Louie</p> <p>29. Taco salad</p> <p>28. Potato salad (mayonnaisey American, no egg)</p> <p>27. Seaweed salad</p> <p>26. German potato salad</p> <p>25. Shopska salad</p> <p>24. Macaroni salad</p> <p>23. Pasta salad</p> <p>22. Tuna salad</p> <p>21. Larb salad</p> <p>20. Watermelon and feta salad</p> <p>19. Seven-layer salad</p> <p>18. Greek salad (Greek style, no lettuce)</p> <p>17. Papaya salad</p> <p>16. Salad niçoise</p> <p>15. Cole slaw (with mayonnaise)</p> <p>14. Crab salad</p> <p>13. Tabbouleh</p> <p>12. Chicken salad (no raisins)</p> <p>11. Çoban Salatası</p> <p>10. Shirazi salad</p> <p>9. Panzanella</p> <p>8. Fattoush</p> <p>7. Lobster salad</p> <p>6. Beets and goat cheese</p> <p>5. Caesar salad</p> <p>4. Any salad composed of greens, fruit, nuts, bleu cheese, and vinaigrette</p> <p>3. Caprese salad</p> <p>2. Cobb salad</p> <p>Wedge salad</p> <p><em><a href="http://twitter.com/daneawis</em>her">Dane A. Wisher</a> is based in Brooklyn.</p> </section>	Salads, Ranked A list in ranked list form Photo by Liz Mc (CC BY 2.0) 50. Ambrosia 49. Jello salad 48. Watergate salad 47. Ham salad 46. Word salad 45. Curried chicken salad 44. Chicken salad (with raisins) 43. Potato salad (classic mayonnaisey American with egg) 42. Chinese chicken salad 41. Fruit salad 40. Bullshit chopped salad from chain near work (eaten at your desk) 39. Waldorf salad 38. Chef salad 37. Cole slaw (no mayonnaise) 36. Olivier salad 35. Garden salad 34. Greek salad (bullshit style, with lettuce) 33. Egg salad 32. Bean salad 31. Mesclun 30. Crab Louie 29. Taco salad 28. Potato salad (mayonnaisey American, no egg) 27. Seaweed salad 26. German potato salad 25. Shopska salad 24. Macaroni salad 23. Pasta salad 22. Tuna salad 21. Larb salad 20. Watermelon and feta salad 19. Seven-layer salad 18. Greek salad (Greek style, no lettuce) 17. Papaya salad 16. Salad niçoise 15. Cole slaw (with mayonnaise) 14. Crab salad 13. Tabbouleh 12. Chicken salad (no raisins) 11. Çoban Salatası 10. Shirazi salad 9. Panzanella 8. Fattoush 7. Lobster salad 6. Beets and goat cheese 5. Caesar salad 4. Any salad composed of greens, fruit, nuts, bleu cheese, and vinaigrette 3. Caprese salad 2. Cobb salad Wedge salad Dane A. Wisher is based in Brooklyn.	e52fb930-0193-51fa-a567-26718935fa32	25/08/2025 18:00:06
https://edwardseditor.medium.com/your-pet-is-not-your-child-34244b630123	medium.com	Your Pet is not Your Child	That doesn’t mean you don’t love it, though. Let me explain.	Derek Edwards	https://medium.com/@edwardseditor	34244b630123	https://miro.medium.com/…Nl91xNdD64yQ.png	1 min	2015-02-11T01:29:42.690000	2015-04-16T16:16:23.434000	2018-01-07T18:22:33.737000	0	38	en	Semantics,Pets,Rantings And Ravings,Opinion	<section> <h1>Your Pet is not Your Child</h1> <p>That doesn’t mean you don’t love it, though. Let me explain.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/733/1*SVDvlsn8mLlK8Que20HjRA.png" width="733" height="131" loading="lazy" /> <p>[You are now about to read from <em>Rantings and Ravings</em>, the part of the <em>Edwards Edition</em> where Mr. Edwards ceases to be a responsible (if quite obscure) media presence and slips into the role of comedically enraged commentator. The piece which follows was not edited for subtlety, for tact, or for a balanced position. It was edited for spelling, grammar, and entertainment value. Period.</p> <h3>Be advised.</h3> <p>Proceed.]</p> <p>The past few years have seen the rise of a new term: “Pet Parent”. This term refers to a person who feels that caring for a pet is analogous to caring for a child, leading to other terms like “fur baby” and “four-legged child.”</p> <p>Now, depending on who you are, you may have been quite disturbed by reading the last paragraph. Many people are most tired of hearing equation of parenting and pet care. People who consider themselves to be “pet parents” often don’t understand this contrary position and are just trying to express love for their pet.</p> <h3>I am here to try to explain to self-described “pet parents” why having a pet is different than raising a child.</h3> <p>The main difference between a parent-child relationship and the pet-petkeeper relationship is the eventual outcome. The end of the career of a parent sees the child grown to adulthood and setting out to renew the cycle. The end of the career of a petkeeper sees the pet die.</p> <p>And that’s why people get upset when you call yourself a “pet parent”. It’s because while pet care and infant care are similar, parents have a far greater responsibility than you do. Your pet is not your child.</p> </section>	Your Pet is not Your Child That doesn’t mean you don’t love it, though. Let me explain. [You are now about to read from Rantings and Ravings, the part of the Edwards Edition where Mr. Edwards ceases to be a responsible (if quite obscure) media presence and slips into the role of comedically enraged commentator. The piece which follows was not edited for subtlety, for tact, or for a balanced position. It was edited for spelling, grammar, and entertainment value. Period. Be advised. Proceed.] The past few years have seen the rise of a new term: “Pet Parent”. This term refers to a person who feels that caring for a pet is analogous to caring for a child, leading to other terms like “fur baby” and “four-legged child.” Now, depending on who you are, you may have been quite disturbed by reading the last paragraph. Many people are most tired of hearing equation of parenting and pet care. People who consider themselves to be “pet parents” often don’t understand this contrary position and are just trying to express love for their pet. I am here to try to explain to self-described “pet parents” why having a pet is different than raising a child. The main difference between a parent-child relationship and the pet-petkeeper relationship is the eventual outcome. The end of the career of a parent sees the child grown to adulthood and setting out to renew the cycle. The end of the career of a petkeeper sees the pet die. And that’s why people get upset when you call yourself a “pet parent”. It’s because while pet care and infant care are similar, parents have a far greater responsibility than you do. Your pet is not your child.	3058feb4-87cd-545a-bed5-3e8487f6ced0	25/08/2025 18:00:06
https://medium.com/exposure-magazine/straight-talk-and-just-the-facts-6eb3e0ff4218	medium.com	Straight Talk and Just the Facts: an informal review of the Tahoe CoLab Retreat	null	exposure magazine	https://medium.com/@exposure_magazine	6eb3e0ff4218	https://miro.medium.com/…jYMMGsBq0tCg.png	4 min	2018-03-31T20:33:26.964000	2018-03-31T21:32:06.976000	2018-05-14T16:15:02.841000	0	2	en	Photography,Education,Conference,Collaboration,Tahoe	<section> <p><em>The following is a series of reflections and critiques of the 2017 SPE Southwest and West chapter CoLab Retreat at Lake Tahoe from students and faculty at <a href="https://www.pitzer.edu/">Pitzer College</a>: <a href="http://tarrahkrajnak.com/">Tarrah Krajnak</a> (professor), <a href=</em>"https://www.elizabethleefreedman.com/">Elizabeth Lee Freedman</a> (undergraduate student), and <a href="http://avt92945.wixsite.com/abigailtaubman">Abigail Taubman</a> (recent graduate).</p> <p><strong>Biggest Take-Away</strong></p> <p><em>Tarrah:</em> Always drive to the regional. Always bring at least 3 students. Bring snacks. Leave the hotel as much as possible. Get up really early. Eat the breakfast. Get the free drinks.</p> <p><em>Lizzy</em>: Bring hard copies of your work to show and share! As a student, spend ample time listening. Look at more large bodies of water. Annually remind yourself of the spirit and power that lies in our landscape, maybe bi-annually. Only pack one pair of pants. If there is an opportunity during a presentation to be the volunteer participant, say yes.</p> <p><em>Abigail</em>: Embark early armed with donuts. Stop for bathrooms, tacos, and true natural phenomena. Leave the hotel frequently. Avoid conference drama. Embrace the free bar. Go on a baby hike — swim if you can. Always be ready for a snow.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/581/1T-T426x_WVjYMMGsBq0tCg.png" width="581" height="595" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Am I changed?</strong></p> <p><em>Tarrah</em>: Just the smell of the pine trees changed my life. Road tripping is good for the soul. My students are amazing. They give me hope amidst these terrible times. Yes, these are terrible times. The Lake was so blue. Algae apparently. The 15 minute presentations were the highlight for me. They all made collaboration look so easy though. Mother daughters, lovers, friends, ghosts. <a href="http://www.gazellesamizay.com/">Gazelle</a>’s collaboration seemed most interesting to me– ghosts and poets. What is written on the land? What do we owe the dead? <a href="https://www.elizabethleefreedman.com/">Lizzy</a> also made a case for collaboration with ghosts. I wish someone had talked about when collaboration fails. My artist friend Liz Phillips once told me that “to collaborate is to give up.” I still believe this. I believe that when collaboration fails and we are pushed to the point of the irreparable, then maybe we have truly collaborated.</p> <p><em>Lizzy</em>: So many different representations of collaboration were discussed, but I agree that I would have been interested to hear a less sugar-coated anecdote about collaboration. The discussion groups I was a part of took a first step towards illustrating the complexities of photography as it relates to identity, collaboration, and ethics. These conversations were so important for me to sit in on. In some moments, they validated my own experience as an artist. In other moments, they challenged my perception of the intimacies of photography and the arts as a profession.</p> <p><em>Abigail</em>: The strange drive from flat, arid Carson City to Lake Tahoe — that vast sparkling blue encircled by watchful conifers was so unexpected, and thrilling. The temperature dropped a few degrees every mile, settling somewhere just below freezing. Maybe it would actually snow. Outside the car was like being buried under freshly felled wet pines. Overwhelming. The drive is what remains the most, the places it provided. Several artists, like <a href="http://www.arielcwilson.com/">Ariel</a>, discussed the importance of the banal, how a seemingly mundane moment can lead to the most unexpected and important, and possibly your next art piece. <a href="http://spenational.org">SPE</a>’s most powerful moments occur during the unscheduled and empty.</p> <p><strong>Experience</strong></p> <p><em>Tarrah</em>: Social engagement is not for me. I’m not sure how much the work serves the community vs how much the community serves the work. I also kept thinking only a man can really pull this off. I’m not sure how much I need a community. I think my students need community, but I need space. I need mental space and quiet. Tahoe at 5:30am was good for this. On the way home, a confederate flag hung above the door frame in a bar in Lone Pine. My students didn’t notice it right away. I did. These are terrible times.</p> <p><em>Lizzy</em>: It was an incredibly encouraging and engaging experience to be a presenter this year! As an undergrad, I was so appreciative of how <a href="http://spenational.org">SPE</a> nurtured my empowerment as an artist and professional development. I cannot express enough how important I think it is to involve yourself in organizations like <a href="http://spenational.org">SPE </a>as a college student. Practicing simple gestures like filling out applications, creating bios, and developing a way to “elevator pitch” your practice to other working artists is incredibly valuable experience! To add on to Tarrah, students need to learn how to navigate and work in communities outside of their close-knit college programs. This is evermore so important in these terrible times, where we are occasionally isolated from the realities of our landscape by our institutional “bubbles”.</p> <p><em>Abigail</em>: I really enjoyed the 15 minute presentations, and wish there had been more. I enjoy listening to my peers, and even though that setting is formal it can be helpful, as Lizzy says, to work out and ‘pitch’ ideas that way to actually understand what’s going on. Sometimes complex projects don’t come across in casual dinner conversation. I thought <a href="http://www.arielcwilson.com/">Ariel</a>, <a href="https://www.elizabethleefreedman.com/">Lizzy</a>, <a href="http://www.kristenroles.com/">Kristen</a>, <a href="https://cintiasegovia.com/">Cintia</a> and <a href="http://www.gazellesamizay.com/">Gazelle</a> had the strongest, and most nuanced understandings of collaboration, and in several cases the most sophisticated, subtle, and contemporary visions of photography that I’ve ever seen at <a href="http://spenational.org">SPE</a>. I fully support more presenters whose work pushes the traditional photograph toward performance and photo poetics. More experimentation, more breaking the ‘rules’!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/527/1SmNr5PxCT0WvcRF041RDaA.png" width="527" height="527" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Regional vs National</strong></p> <p><em>Tarrah</em>: Regional.</p> <p><em>Lizzy</em>: Regional — I was able to attend every event! The chaos of conference hotels can be so off-putting. I think it can entirely depend on the theme though. For me, it was amazing to get to know the breadth of ways people conceive of and reference collaboration in their practice! I could envision this being successful at a slightly smaller scale national conference.</p> <p><em>Abigail</em>: National/regional — I enjoy <a href="http://spenational.org">SPE</a> because it takes me out of my community and into one where I am an outsider. I observed at this conference that many people feel the opposite in that members return to <a href="http://spenational.org">SPE </a>for its unique community (where many feel ‘at home’), as it is fostered through conferences and events. The national allows me to be both familiar and unfamiliar with its large crowds, chaotic schedule, and many events. I love the diversity of speakers at the national too. With that said, the regional is extremely unique and probably more memorable as an entire event. If I was a professor, I’d probably choose to bring my students to the regional given its format, locations, size, etc.</p> </section>	Straight Talk and Just the Facts: an informal review of the Tahoe CoLab Retreat The following is a series of reflections and critiques of the 2017 SPE Southwest and West chapter CoLab Retreat at Lake Tahoe from students and faculty at Pitzer College: Tarrah Krajnak (professor), Elizabeth Lee Freedman (undergraduate student), and Abigail Taubman (recent graduate). Biggest Take-Away Tarrah: Always drive to the regional. Always bring at least 3 students. Bring snacks. Leave the hotel as much as possible. Get up really early. Eat the breakfast. Get the free drinks. Lizzy: Bring hard copies of your work to show and share! As a student, spend ample time listening. Look at more large bodies of water. Annually remind yourself of the spirit and power that lies in our landscape, maybe bi-annually. Only pack one pair of pants. If there is an opportunity during a presentation to be the volunteer participant, say yes. Abigail: Embark early armed with donuts. Stop for bathrooms, tacos, and true natural phenomena. Leave the hotel frequently. Avoid conference drama. Embrace the free bar. Go on a baby hike — swim if you can. Always be ready for a snow. Am I changed? Tarrah: Just the smell of the pine trees changed my life. Road tripping is good for the soul. My students are amazing. They give me hope amidst these terrible times. Yes, these are terrible times. The Lake was so blue. Algae apparently. The 15 minute presentations were the highlight for me. They all made collaboration look so easy though. Mother daughters, lovers, friends, ghosts. Gazelle’s collaboration seemed most interesting to me– ghosts and poets. What is written on the land? What do we owe the dead? Lizzy also made a case for collaboration with ghosts. I wish someone had talked about when collaboration fails. My artist friend Liz Phillips once told me that “to collaborate is to give up.” I still believe this. I believe that when collaboration fails and we are pushed to the point of the irreparable, then maybe we have truly collaborated. Lizzy: So many different representations of collaboration were discussed, but I agree that I would have been interested to hear a less sugar-coated anecdote about collaboration. The discussion groups I was a part of took a first step towards illustrating the complexities of photography as it relates to identity, collaboration, and ethics. These conversations were so important for me to sit in on. In some moments, they validated my own experience as an artist. In other moments, they challenged my perception of the intimacies of photography and the arts as a profession. Abigail: The strange drive from flat, arid Carson City to Lake Tahoe — that vast sparkling blue encircled by watchful conifers was so unexpected, and thrilling. The temperature dropped a few degrees every mile, settling somewhere just below freezing. Maybe it would actually snow. Outside the car was like being buried under freshly felled wet pines. Overwhelming. The drive is what remains the most, the places it provided. Several artists, like Ariel, discussed the importance of the banal, how a seemingly mundane moment can lead to the most unexpected and important, and possibly your next art piece. SPE’s most powerful moments occur during the unscheduled and empty. Experience Tarrah: Social engagement is not for me. I’m not sure how much the work serves the community vs how much the community serves the work. I also kept thinking only a man can really pull this off. I’m not sure how much I need a community. I think my students need community, but I need space. I need mental space and quiet. Tahoe at 5:30am was good for this. On the way home, a confederate flag hung above the door frame in a bar in Lone Pine. My students didn’t notice it right away. I did. These are terrible times. Lizzy: It was an incredibly encouraging and engaging experience to be a presenter this year! As an undergrad, I was so appreciative of how SPE nurtured my empowerment as an artist and professional development. I cannot express enough how important I think it is to involve yourself in organizations like SPE as a college student. Practicing simple gestures like filling out applications, creating bios, and developing a way to “elevator pitch” your practice to other working artists is incredibly valuable experience! To add on to Tarrah, students need to learn how to navigate and work in communities outside of their close-knit college programs. This is evermore so important in these terrible times, where we are occasionally isolated from the realities of our landscape by our institutional “bubbles”. Abigail: I really enjoyed the 15 minute presentations, and wish there had been more. I enjoy listening to my peers, and even though that setting is formal it can be helpful, as Lizzy says, to work out and ‘pitch’ ideas that way to actually understand what’s going on. Sometimes complex projects don’t come across in casual dinner conversation. I thought Ariel, Lizzy, Kristen, Cintia and Gazelle had the strongest, and most nuanced understandings of collaboration, and in several cases the most sophisticated, subtle, and contemporary visions of photography that I’ve ever seen at SPE. I fully support more presenters whose work pushes the traditional photograph toward performance and photo poetics. More experimentation, more breaking the ‘rules’! Regional vs National Tarrah: Regional. Lizzy: Regional — I was able to attend every event! The chaos of conference hotels can be so off-putting. I think it can entirely depend on the theme though. For me, it was amazing to get to know the breadth of ways people conceive of and reference collaboration in their practice! I could envision this being successful at a slightly smaller scale national conference. Abigail: National/regional — I enjoy SPE because it takes me out of my community and into one where I am an outsider. I observed at this conference that many people feel the opposite in that members return to SPE for its unique community (where many feel ‘at home’), as it is fostered through conferences and events. The national allows me to be both familiar and unfamiliar with its large crowds, chaotic schedule, and many events. I love the diversity of speakers at the national too. With that said, the regional is extremely unique and probably more memorable as an entire event. If I was a professor, I’d probably choose to bring my students to the regional given its format, locations, size, etc.	889dd11a-205a-53d4-b2c5-2c997a3c7413	25/08/2025 18:00:06
https://medium.com/unsplash/join-a-global-photographic-adventure-with-timberland-featuring-the-unsplash-community-9be2a777ad06	medium.com	Join a global photographic adventure with Timberland, Featuring The Unsplash Community.	It’s the 45th anniversary of the legendary Yellow Boot, a design icon that evolved through the years into an improved, diverse urban boot.	Stephanie Liverani	https://medium.com/@stephliverani	9be2a777ad06	https://miro.medium.com/…ERDgQOLfCyg.jpeg	2 min	2018-03-01T18:27:34.665000	2018-03-02T16:03:45.137000	2018-05-09T18:32:32.093000	0	333	en	Photography,Partners	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1LXTV8-UItghERDgQOLfCyg.jpeg" width="2000" height="1333" loading="lazy" /> <h1>It’s the 45th anniversary of the legendary Yellow Boot, a design icon that evolved through the years into an improved, diverse urban boot.</h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1fj2sDWEUrnaMAbEFZi_rIA.jpeg" width="1000" height="562" loading="lazy" /> <p>To celebrate its global identity, Timberland is teaming up with the Unsplash community to showcase photography from Unsplash contributors in Timberland’s international campaign to create a glowing collective experience. Timberland will also be commissioning a selection of Unsplash contributors to shoot their anniversary collection.</p> <p>The mission is to capture the true essence of “Global Urban Hikers / Adventurers”, which encompasses values of inclusivity, freedom, and beauty.</p> <h2>How you can participate</h2> <p>Submit a photo that captures the essence of Timberland’s brand. The type of photos Timberland is looking to feature have a wide range. Anything from portraits to surroundings to terrain will work. Photos do not necessarily need to include Timberland boots or any kind of boots for that matter. <a href="https://medium.com/@stephliverani/type-of-photos-timberland-is-looking-to-feature-7f00604d422e">More on the types of photos Timberland is looking to feature</a>.</p> <p>Fill in as many details about your photo as you can. At the minimum, please include the location of your photo and the model’s name if your photo has a person in it.</p> <p>Check off “Timberland” in the “Collabs” section. Your photos will be submitted to Timberland’s Unsplash collection “Celebrate the Icons”.</p> <h2>A few things to note</h2> <ul> <li>All photos must be submitted by <strong>March 16th, 2018 at 11:59pm EST</strong>.</li> <li>You may submit as many photos as you wish, but all photos must comply with Unsplash’s <a href="https://medium.com/unsplash/submission-guidelines-f6c7bb65a782">Photo Submission Guidelines</a> and released under the <a href="https://unsplash.com/license">Unsplash License</a>.</li> <li>Only photos that have never been used for commercial purpose can be submitted.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Selection</strong></h2> <h3>Featuring Unsplash photos in Timberland’s Fall 2018 campaign</h3> <p>Timberland and Unsplash will review all submitted photos and select 20–30 photos. These photos will be featured in Timberland’s icons anniversary celebration and credited with the selected contributor’s name in Timberland’s international print and digital campaigns.</p> <h3>Commissioning Unsplash Contributors</h3> <p>From these photos, Timberland will also commission 10 contributors to shoot for Timberland’s new boot and apparel collection. Timberland will send all necessary apparel to these selected contributors for the photoshoot.</p> <h2>Impact</h2> <p>The selected photos will be credited to the select contributors and distributed throughout Unsplash.com, and in Timberland’s international print and digital channels. More specifically, Timberland will feature the selected photography in newsprint, magazine, out-of-home advertising, website, digital advertising, windows, in-store installations, video media, traditional press and PR, e-commerce landing pages, and social media.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1ddvj2ss9m0Jmb-3mkHCzJw.jpeg" width="1000" height="562" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1Qe_DZ9KaRk5c6KYlOZHmPQ.jpeg" width="1000" height="562" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1*4ACZFal9544y-HTHqQOyrw.jpeg" width="1000" height="562" loading="lazy" /> <p>If you’d like to meet over 3,000+ members of the Unsplash community, join us for free on <a href="http://chat.unsplash.com/">Slack</a>.</p> </section>	Join a global photographic adventure with Timberland, Featuring The Unsplash Community. Tom Sodoge \| Unsplash It’s the 45th anniversary of the legendary Yellow Boot, a design icon that evolved through the years into an improved, diverse urban boot. To celebrate its global identity, Timberland is teaming up with the Unsplash community to showcase photography from Unsplash contributors in Timberland’s international campaign to create a glowing collective experience. Timberland will also be commissioning a selection of Unsplash contributors to shoot their anniversary collection. The mission is to capture the true essence of “Global Urban Hikers / Adventurers”, which encompasses values of inclusivity, freedom, and beauty. How you can participate Submit a photo that captures the essence of Timberland’s brand. The type of photos Timberland is looking to feature have a wide range. Anything from portraits to surroundings to terrain will work. Photos do not necessarily need to include Timberland boots or any kind of boots for that matter. More on the types of photos Timberland is looking to feature. Fill in as many details about your photo as you can. At the minimum, please include the location of your photo and the model’s name if your photo has a person in it. Check off “Timberland” in the “Collabs” section. Your photos will be submitted to Timberland’s Unsplash collection “Celebrate the Icons”. A few things to note All photos must be submitted by March 16th, 2018 at 11:59pm EST. You may submit as many photos as you wish, but all photos must comply with Unsplash’s Photo Submission Guidelines and released under the Unsplash License. Only photos that have never been used for commercial purpose can be submitted. Selection Featuring Unsplash photos in Timberland’s Fall 2018 campaign Timberland and Unsplash will review all submitted photos and select 20–30 photos. These photos will be featured in Timberland’s icons anniversary celebration and credited with the selected contributor’s name in Timberland’s international print and digital campaigns. Commissioning Unsplash Contributors From these photos, Timberland will also commission 10 contributors to shoot for Timberland’s new boot and apparel collection. Timberland will send all necessary apparel to these selected contributors for the photoshoot. Impact The selected photos will be credited to the select contributors and distributed throughout Unsplash.com, and in Timberland’s international print and digital channels. More specifically, Timberland will feature the selected photography in newsprint, magazine, out-of-home advertising, website, digital advertising, windows, in-store installations, video media, traditional press and PR, e-commerce landing pages, and social media. If you’d like to meet over 3,000+ members of the Unsplash community, join us for free on Slack.	11bf0dba-b28a-5040-80bc-7f98abe67748	25/08/2025 18:00:06
https://medium.com/photographs-words/a-tall-glass-of-ice-cold-horchata-9c611513deb6	medium.com	A Tall Glass Of Ice-Cold Horchata	Such is the world we live in that now men (those who need inspiration) cannot have a muse and much less call a woman one.	alexwh	https://medium.com/@alexwh	9c611513deb6	https://miro.medium.com/…BZ0kfN62ehQ.jpeg	2 min	2016-03-23T22:52:53.948000	2016-03-23T22:55:18.666000	2016-03-23T22:55:44.746000	0	0	en	Inspiration,Mexico,Photography	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1214/1*S2eSiQdBAQ8BZ0kfN62ehQ.jpeg" width="1214" height="1478" loading="lazy" /> <p>Such is the world we live in that now men (those who need inspiration) cannot have a muse and much less call a woman one.</p> <p>Those who might object to the term and pronounce it sexist might not understand that the Greek muses were all women. Some say there were three others that there were nine. I am sure that women artists be they dancers, musicians or visual artist can and could seek the inspiration of a man. But these men could certainly not be called muses. That would be a drag.</p> <p>One of the most important muses of my life has been my Rosemary. She has found flaws in my photographs and questioned my intent. Thanks to her I have (in most cases) been very careful in my framing, lighting and concept.</p> <p>My granddaughter Rebecca now 18 was my inspiration for most of her life. She is now separated herself from this old man (I hope this is provisional) and I am now depending on her sister Lauren who is 13 for photographic inspiration.</p> <p>Sometimes inspiration comes with a change of climate and locale. While in Mexico in 1968 blondes with beautiful legs shown off with a miniskirt were a rarity. When I spotted one (Rosemary) I married her.</p> <p>Now in this incessant rainy and cold Vancouver I long not for the blondes (I will keep my options open for red hair) but for the Latin woman. I long for a throaty voice and a persistent gaze. I long for spoken Spanish so direct as it is impossible to speak it with mouth half closed (as is the case with English).</p> <p>I have not seen Ivette Hernández now for quite a few years. I long for having a café con leche with her and perhaps discuss Mexican literature or a future shoot in my little Kitsilano studio.</p> <p>She was my muse and her memory keeps me inspired.</p> <p>When I stare at this portrait I can smell freshly made tortillas, I can imagine the cinammon in a hot cup of Mexican chocolate, I can savour a mango de Manila from Veracruz, I can see the ochre mountains of Mexico in the dry (very dry!) season and I can imagine Ivette flipping open and closing with that flick of the wrist of one of my mother’s Spanish fans. I long to sit with her in the portales of Veracruz and slurp a tall glass of ice-cold horchata. That and more is what a muse is. And I am sure that Rosemary would say something like, “You have forgotten to mention the tropical humidity of Orizaba.”</p> <p><a href="http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2016/03/a-tall-glass-of-ice-cold-horchata.html">Link to: A Tall Glass Of Ice-Cold Horchata</a></p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://blog.alexwaterh</em>ousehayward.com/2016/03/a-tall-glass-of-ice-cold-horchata.html">blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com</a>.</p> </section>	A Tall Glass Of Ice-Cold Horchata Ivette Hernández — Photograph — Alex Waterhouse-Hayward Such is the world we live in that now men (those who need inspiration) cannot have a muse and much less call a woman one. Those who might object to the term and pronounce it sexist might not understand that the Greek muses were all women. Some say there were three others that there were nine. I am sure that women artists be they dancers, musicians or visual artist can and could seek the inspiration of a man. But these men could certainly not be called muses. That would be a drag. One of the most important muses of my life has been my Rosemary. She has found flaws in my photographs and questioned my intent. Thanks to her I have (in most cases) been very careful in my framing, lighting and concept. My granddaughter Rebecca now 18 was my inspiration for most of her life. She is now separated herself from this old man (I hope this is provisional) and I am now depending on her sister Lauren who is 13 for photographic inspiration. Sometimes inspiration comes with a change of climate and locale. While in Mexico in 1968 blondes with beautiful legs shown off with a miniskirt were a rarity. When I spotted one (Rosemary) I married her. Now in this incessant rainy and cold Vancouver I long not for the blondes (I will keep my options open for red hair) but for the Latin woman. I long for a throaty voice and a persistent gaze. I long for spoken Spanish so direct as it is impossible to speak it with mouth half closed (as is the case with English). I have not seen Ivette Hernández now for quite a few years. I long for having a café con leche with her and perhaps discuss Mexican literature or a future shoot in my little Kitsilano studio. She was my muse and her memory keeps me inspired. When I stare at this portrait I can smell freshly made tortillas, I can imagine the cinammon in a hot cup of Mexican chocolate, I can savour a mango de Manila from Veracruz, I can see the ochre mountains of Mexico in the dry (very dry!) season and I can imagine Ivette flipping open and closing with that flick of the wrist of one of my mother’s Spanish fans. I long to sit with her in the portales of Veracruz and slurp a tall glass of ice-cold horchata. That and more is what a muse is. And I am sure that Rosemary would say something like, “You have forgotten to mention the tropical humidity of Orizaba.” Link to: A Tall Glass Of Ice-Cold Horchata Originally published at blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com.	385d09ef-0b36-59a2-b594-dfc970ed1649	25/08/2025 18:00:06
https://pastormatthewbest.medium.com/prayer-for-december-10-49d1519f5593	medium.com	Prayer for December 10	Prayer for December 10: Please pray with me. God of crazy, you come to people who the world considers crazy. You come in crazy ways. You…	Pastor Matthew Best	https://medium.com/@pastormatthewbest	49d1519f5593	null	1 min	2018-12-10T14:27:39.865000	2018-12-10T13:10:12	2021-12-07T00:44:29.207000	0	0	en	Christianity,Prayer	<section> <p>Prayer for December 10: Please pray with me. God of crazy, you come to people who the world considers crazy. You come in crazy ways. You show up in crazy ways. Your prophets are so often considered crazy. Your followers are crazy. Yet, you keep coming. That’s crazy. You keep forgiving, even when we don’t deserve it. That’s crazy. You keep sharing Good News. That’s crazy. You keep calling on us to love, care, show mercy, seek peace. That’s crazy. And we are eternally grateful for your craziness. Your craziness makes far more sense that the world’s intelligence and “order.” Your ways are not our ways. And your thoughts are not our thoughts. We are the crazy ones Lord — we are crazy for thinking that humanity’s ways make sense. They don’t. They too often lead to death and destruction. Yet we call them sane. We are the crazy ones Lord. Let us willingly be crazy with you. It’s the only sane way to be. Amen.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://pleasepraywith.me/2018</em>/12/10/prayer-for-december-10/">pleasepraywith.me</a> on December 10, 2018.</p> </section>	Prayer for December 10 Prayer for December 10: Please pray with me. God of crazy, you come to people who the world considers crazy. You come in crazy ways. You show up in crazy ways. Your prophets are so often considered crazy. Your followers are crazy. Yet, you keep coming. That’s crazy. You keep forgiving, even when we don’t deserve it. That’s crazy. You keep sharing Good News. That’s crazy. You keep calling on us to love, care, show mercy, seek peace. That’s crazy. And we are eternally grateful for your craziness. Your craziness makes far more sense that the world’s intelligence and “order.” Your ways are not our ways. And your thoughts are not our thoughts. We are the crazy ones Lord — we are crazy for thinking that humanity’s ways make sense. They don’t. They too often lead to death and destruction. Yet we call them sane. We are the crazy ones Lord. Let us willingly be crazy with you. It’s the only sane way to be. Amen. Originally published at pleasepraywith.me on December 10, 2018.	9bdb4e64-0956-5a91-a8d2-d64dbce51cd1	25/08/2025 18:00:06
https://medium.com/@charles.gleizes/getting-out-of-the-food-obsession-loop-6336b3b92bbd	medium.com	Breaking food obsession vicious cycle	A dedicated framework to heal your compulsive eating behaviour	Lajan Bjn	https://medium.com/@charles.gleizes	6336b3b92bbd	https://miro.medium.com/…YoucqfU8MfGQ.png	7 min	2022-11-29T13:36:57.419000	2022-11-29T16:51:41.840000	2022-11-30T10:05:48.311000	0	6	en	Fitness,Food,Wellbeing	<section> <p>A dedicated framework to heal your compulsive eating behaviour</p> <p>“Abs are made in the kicthen, not in the gym” — said any PT ever</p> <p>Indeed, in the world of fitness, nutrition is the cornerstone of both aesthetics and performance. Once you’ve started exercising, you pick among a set of goals to achieve : performance, aesthetics, effort quality, well-being, overall personal satisfaction, …</p> <p>Let’s face it — a lot of us (gym addicts) are obsessed with food. And not only us. Calorie counting is becoming mainstream :</p> <ul> <li>Calorie intake is monitored via smartphone applications such as MyFitnessPal and others (top downloaded apps in any store) ;</li> <li>Calorie spending get scrutinized though smartwatch health sensors</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/934/1*V1fX3sUIAuYoucqfU8MfGQ.png" width="934" height="465" loading="lazy" /> <p>1 — Understand where you are</p> <p>So what about food obession ? Well, let’s get down to basics. Thinking about food is not a 0 or 1 situation where 0 is “Is never think about food” and 1 is “I suffer from eating disorder”. One navigate across a spectrum on which your situation depends on your eduction, your childhood memories, your current environment, your goals, … . At the most extreme side of the spectrum will be people clinically diagnosed with boulimic behaviours or anorexya.</p> <p>Now, how to assess your position on the spectrum ? Well basically, it’s all about “How do I feel about my current diet” ? This is no vague question or wishful thinking. In other words “How intense will your mood, your behaviour and your emotions be affected by your weight and your physical appearance ?”</p> <p>A few points of measure may be as follow :</p> <ul> <li>How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror (your abs, your arms, your thighs, …)?</li> <li>How do you feel after measuring your weight ?</li> <li>How anxious are you when approaching a meal where you may break your diet ? And how do you feel after a cheatmeal ?</li> <li>Do you feel like you always are on a diet ?</li> <li>Do you constantly overthink about what you’re going to eat ?</li> </ul> <p>More generally, I do believe that most young people suffer from a conflictual relation toward food. This conflict is the result of two distinct impulses.</p> <ul> <li>The impulse to get fit (social media fitness influencers)</li> <li>The impulse to consume food (social media food influencers) : in your insta feed you’ll probably find numerous post about incredible-looking brunches or healthy recipes and so on</li> </ul> <p>Basically, our brain is stimulated all day via food and abs images. That’s what I call conflictual impulses.</p> <p>2 —Accepting you have an issue</p> <p>Now, it may seem quite obvious and basic psychology but it’s true. If you feel like you constantly live on a diet, if being fit has turned to an obsession, and if it’s really impactful on your mental health : you have a problem. Say it out loud and proceed to next section.</p> <p>3- Understanding the issue</p> <p>There are two kinds of factors affecting your mental health regarding food consumption. First, there are personal factors and then common factors for everyone. As mentioned above, personal factors are mostly about your own mind and psychology. It’s not my role to deep dive into this field — I’m no mental health professional doctor- but let’s just explore it a little more.</p> <p>3–1- One can simplify personnality by considering that’s it’s built around 4 axes. First, there are genetic particularities, then childhood experiences, then teenage experiences and finally life changing moments. All this phases will drive your personnality. So let’s say that you grew up in a family where cooking moments where plenty and happy and that’s the kind of things that you shared with your parents. Or one can imagine that family events were centered about food. It’s then probable that you will be more likely than someone else to grant importance to what’s in your plate. And the same goes for teenage memories and whether or not kids around you were treating overweight keens badly. Your current attitude is influenced by these key elements.</p> <p>Unveiling this story, understanding where you come from and what differentiates you from others is key to shed light on your obsession.</p> <p>3–2 Common factors are the ones we’re all affected by. I mentioned above how social media where driving us in two opposite directions and tearing our mind appart. What I will develop here are the inner process that take as input common outisde stimulations and result in food obsessions.</p> <p><em>Psychological factors</em></p> <p>While I cited social media, all kind of impulses (or motivations) sources can motivate eating disorders. What matters here is that the obession has the source, this source is a conflict. The conflict results from your mind trying to block a kind of thinking (food) and utlimately going round and round about it. A similar example would be someone saying to you “Hey, try not to think of a red dot” all time everyday. No wonder, you can’t stop thinking about this red dot. Everytime we go on social media or we think back to a certain source of emotion, we think of the red dot again.</p> <p>Now, imagine your mind is a ball. And two people are tring to get the ball for themselves by catching it with a lasso. The question is “What is the rope made of ? “. In other words “What emotions do your contradictory goals play on in order to drive your mind?”. If you’re mostly influenced by how others look at your physical appearance you can fall in the following case:</p> <ul> <li>Seeing others in good physical shape is setting a goal in your mind, a target to reach</li> <li>Not to reach this goal results in guilt</li> <li>The rope is made of guilt</li> </ul> <p>And at the other side you may have something like that :</p> <ul> <li>I’ve always liked eating well and I grant much emotional importance to meals</li> <li>Not fulfilling these daily enjoyments would make me sad overall (I don’t want a life eating only chicken and broccoli)</li> <li>You fear a life empty of pleasure, you fear sadness and the feeling of restraint</li> <li>The rope is made of fear</li> </ul> <p>The key takeaway is that there is a conflict. This conflict plays at several levels: external contradictory stimulations echoing contradictory emotions & goals.</p> <p><em>Physical factors</em></p> <p>The physical equation of weight loss is not rocket science : if you spend more calories that you absorb, you end up losing weight. But it’s not as simple as it may seem. If the deficit is too high, your body is craving food, literraly. At the opposite, if you’ve just finished having a satiating meal, your body is satisfied and you’re not attracted to food anymore. These physical cycles are deeply intertwined with psychological effects, we’ll come back to that later. Keep in mind that simple fact : if you suffer from eating disorder and go consult a nutritionist, they will prescribe to progressively have a 0 net deficit/gain. In other terms, to minimize the global effect food has on your mind, you should minimize the physical risks of enduring a craving.</p> <p>If you’ve read until now, you should have some good idea of what drives you to desire and to reject food, and why you logically think about it everyday.</p> <p>4- Time to fight back</p> <p>First and foremost, if you feel your problem with food is too intense, you need to go consult a professional of the matter : psychologist, nutritionist, … . They will be best to take into account the personal factors mentioned above.</p> <p>There is no magical recipe, the grind is hard and you need to accept it. If you don’t, you will feel guilty for not feeling better quickly and the guilt will nurture the problem.</p> <p>Step 1 : Breaking the ropes</p> <p>I gave the image of two people trying to grab a ball. But you must stop alimenting the dual opposition inside of you. You are an only mind who can have different types of goals. All humans have contardictory thoughts. All of them are legitimate, and you should care and appreciate all these different pieces inside of you.</p> <p>Said differently, you need to stop trying to eradicate this part of you who’s craving food because it’s not fit. Yolo, enjoy life, you need it. After all, what use would you have of a greek god(dess) body if you’re alone and sad ? It’s legitimate to appreciate food. It’s legitimate to be super excited by the perspective of a good meal.</p> <p>I can’t stress enough that you won’t ever be able to “eradicate” one part of yourself. It’s there, and it’s there for a good reason, accept it and enoy it. I makes you who you are.</p> <p>Step 2 : Fix your cycles</p> <p>This is the most treaky part, so roll back your sleeves. You need to understand what the ropes I evoked earlier are maid of. Let’s say that you feel guilty for not having a chiselled six-packs. Where does this guilt come from ? What are you afraid to lose by committing the “crime” of being less fit than your objective, which people do you think you will deceive ? What inconscious objective is underlying the impulse to get fit ? It’s serious, put everything on a piece of paper, take it out.</p> <p>It’s all about introspection, doing it regularly. You will discover things about yourself all the time, keep a record of it.</p> <p>Also, now that you know where the conflict comes from, you need to see what makes it growing. In other terms, what does transform the sparkle into a fire ? It might be boredom, self-isolation, stress etc.</p> <p>And now is the time for little discipline. You know what makes you feel terrible or happy. You know what triggers it, in which situation and what nourrishes it. Try your best to get out of it. Resolve isolation by proposing meetings to your friends, stop physical effects by eating more satiating meals, set yourself goals (anything in your work, at home, any DIY project for example) to distract your mind from boredom. Break the cycles.</p> <p>Step 3 : Learn, at any cost</p> <p>You will fail. Many and many times. You will get better and then fail again and again, and it’s alright because it’s part of the healing process. Maybe you will gain some weight and lose some fitness ability but your mind will heal, so basically you’re building solid foundations back. For these mistakes not to be vain, you should see them as a scientist. Try to think “Alright, I’m obsessed with food again, I feel bad that’s a fact. But what can I do to change it ? What is the difference with the previous times?”. And if there is nothing to learn that’s ok, sometimes you just stumble and fall. But you can raise again, keep going on.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>I hope that this articled helped you understand better what’s going on in mind. Fortunately, it helped you understand you’re not alone in your situation and there is nothing shameful in suffering from it. In the end I would like you to keep this order of priority in mind regarding things that you should take care of :</p> <p>Your mental health > What really counts for you in life (relatives, work, ..) > Everything else > Your appearance.</p> </section>	Breaking food obsession vicious cycle A dedicated framework to heal your compulsive eating behaviour “Abs are made in the kicthen, not in the gym” — said any PT ever Indeed, in the world of fitness, nutrition is the cornerstone of both aesthetics and performance. Once you’ve started exercising, you pick among a set of goals to achieve : performance, aesthetics, effort quality, well-being, overall personal satisfaction, … Let’s face it — a lot of us (gym addicts) are obsessed with food. And not only us. Calorie counting is becoming mainstream : Calorie intake is monitored via smartphone applications such as MyFitnessPal and others (top downloaded apps in any store) ; Calorie spending get scrutinized though smartwatch health sensors Yes — we all have a smartwatch now 1 — Understand where you are So what about food obession ? Well, let’s get down to basics. Thinking about food is not a 0 or 1 situation where 0 is “Is never think about food” and 1 is “I suffer from eating disorder”. One navigate across a spectrum on which your situation depends on your eduction, your childhood memories, your current environment, your goals, … . At the most extreme side of the spectrum will be people clinically diagnosed with boulimic behaviours or anorexya. Now, how to assess your position on the spectrum ? Well basically, it’s all about “How do I feel about my current diet” ? This is no vague question or wishful thinking. In other words “How intense will your mood, your behaviour and your emotions be affected by your weight and your physical appearance ?” A few points of measure may be as follow : How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror (your abs, your arms, your thighs, …)? How do you feel after measuring your weight ? How anxious are you when approaching a meal where you may break your diet ? And how do you feel after a cheatmeal ? Do you feel like you always are on a diet ? Do you constantly overthink about what you’re going to eat ? More generally, I do believe that most young people suffer from a conflictual relation toward food. This conflict is the result of two distinct impulses. The impulse to get fit (social media fitness influencers) The impulse to consume food (social media food influencers) : in your insta feed you’ll probably find numerous post about incredible-looking brunches or healthy recipes and so on Basically, our brain is stimulated all day via food and abs images. That’s what I call conflictual impulses. 2 —Accepting you have an issue Now, it may seem quite obvious and basic psychology but it’s true. If you feel like you constantly live on a diet, if being fit has turned to an obsession, and if it’s really impactful on your mental health : you have a problem. Say it out loud and proceed to next section. 3- Understanding the issue There are two kinds of factors affecting your mental health regarding food consumption. First, there are personal factors and then common factors for everyone. As mentioned above, personal factors are mostly about your own mind and psychology. It’s not my role to deep dive into this field — I’m no mental health professional doctor- but let’s just explore it a little more. 3–1- One can simplify personnality by considering that’s it’s built around 4 axes. First, there are genetic particularities, then childhood experiences, then teenage experiences and finally life changing moments. All this phases will drive your personnality. So let’s say that you grew up in a family where cooking moments where plenty and happy and that’s the kind of things that you shared with your parents. Or one can imagine that family events were centered about food. It’s then probable that you will be more likely than someone else to grant importance to what’s in your plate. And the same goes for teenage memories and whether or not kids around you were treating overweight keens badly. Your current attitude is influenced by these key elements. Unveiling this story, understanding where you come from and what differentiates you from others is key to shed light on your obsession. 3–2 Common factors are the ones we’re all affected by. I mentioned above how social media where driving us in two opposite directions and tearing our mind appart. What I will develop here are the inner process that take as input common outisde stimulations and result in food obsessions. Psychological factors While I cited social media, all kind of impulses (or motivations) sources can motivate eating disorders. What matters here is that the obession has the source, this source is a conflict. The conflict results from your mind trying to block a kind of thinking (food) and utlimately going round and round about it. A similar example would be someone saying to you “Hey, try not to think of a red dot” all time everyday. No wonder, you can’t stop thinking about this red dot. Everytime we go on social media or we think back to a certain source of emotion, we think of the red dot again. Now, imagine your mind is a ball. And two people are tring to get the ball for themselves by catching it with a lasso. The question is “What is the rope made of ? “. In other words “What emotions do your contradictory goals play on in order to drive your mind?”. If you’re mostly influenced by how others look at your physical appearance you can fall in the following case: Seeing others in good physical shape is setting a goal in your mind, a target to reach Not to reach this goal results in guilt The rope is made of guilt And at the other side you may have something like that : I’ve always liked eating well and I grant much emotional importance to meals Not fulfilling these daily enjoyments would make me sad overall (I don’t want a life eating only chicken and broccoli) You fear a life empty of pleasure, you fear sadness and the feeling of restraint The rope is made of fear The key takeaway is that there is a conflict. This conflict plays at several levels: external contradictory stimulations echoing contradictory emotions & goals. Physical factors The physical equation of weight loss is not rocket science : if you spend more calories that you absorb, you end up losing weight. But it’s not as simple as it may seem. If the deficit is too high, your body is craving food, literraly. At the opposite, if you’ve just finished having a satiating meal, your body is satisfied and you’re not attracted to food anymore. These physical cycles are deeply intertwined with psychological effects, we’ll come back to that later. Keep in mind that simple fact : if you suffer from eating disorder and go consult a nutritionist, they will prescribe to progressively have a 0 net deficit/gain. In other terms, to minimize the global effect food has on your mind, you should minimize the physical risks of enduring a craving. If you’ve read until now, you should have some good idea of what drives you to desire and to reject food, and why you logically think about it everyday. 4- Time to fight back First and foremost, if you feel your problem with food is too intense, you need to go consult a professional of the matter : psychologist, nutritionist, … . They will be best to take into account the personal factors mentioned above. There is no magical recipe, the grind is hard and you need to accept it. If you don’t, you will feel guilty for not feeling better quickly and the guilt will nurture the problem. Step 1 : Breaking the ropes I gave the image of two people trying to grab a ball. But you must stop alimenting the dual opposition inside of you. You are an only mind who can have different types of goals. All humans have contardictory thoughts. All of them are legitimate, and you should care and appreciate all these different pieces inside of you. Said differently, you need to stop trying to eradicate this part of you who’s craving food because it’s not fit. Yolo, enjoy life, you need it. After all, what use would you have of a greek god(dess) body if you’re alone and sad ? It’s legitimate to appreciate food. It’s legitimate to be super excited by the perspective of a good meal. I can’t stress enough that you won’t ever be able to “eradicate” one part of yourself. It’s there, and it’s there for a good reason, accept it and enoy it. I makes you who you are. Step 2 : Fix your cycles This is the most treaky part, so roll back your sleeves. You need to understand what the ropes I evoked earlier are maid of. Let’s say that you feel guilty for not having a chiselled six-packs. Where does this guilt come from ? What are you afraid to lose by committing the “crime” of being less fit than your objective, which people do you think you will deceive ? What inconscious objective is underlying the impulse to get fit ? It’s serious, put everything on a piece of paper, take it out. It’s all about introspection, doing it regularly. You will discover things about yourself all the time, keep a record of it. Also, now that you know where the conflict comes from, you need to see what makes it growing. In other terms, what does transform the sparkle into a fire ? It might be boredom, self-isolation, stress etc. And now is the time for little discipline. You know what makes you feel terrible or happy. You know what triggers it, in which situation and what nourrishes it. Try your best to get out of it. Resolve isolation by proposing meetings to your friends, stop physical effects by eating more satiating meals, set yourself goals (anything in your work, at home, any DIY project for example) to distract your mind from boredom. Break the cycles. Step 3 : Learn, at any cost You will fail. Many and many times. You will get better and then fail again and again, and it’s alright because it’s part of the healing process. Maybe you will gain some weight and lose some fitness ability but your mind will heal, so basically you’re building solid foundations back. For these mistakes not to be vain, you should see them as a scientist. Try to think “Alright, I’m obsessed with food again, I feel bad that’s a fact. But what can I do to change it ? What is the difference with the previous times?”. And if there is nothing to learn that’s ok, sometimes you just stumble and fall. But you can raise again, keep going on. Conclusion I hope that this articled helped you understand better what’s going on in mind. Fortunately, it helped you understand you’re not alone in your situation and there is nothing shameful in suffering from it. In the end I would like you to keep this order of priority in mind regarding things that you should take care of : Your mental health > What really counts for you in life (relatives, work, ..) > Everything else > Your appearance.	23006a57-a88b-57f2-b038-f0cdb779fba8	25/08/2025 18:00:07
https://medium.com/@Chuchu28/i-forgot-1d3106564778	medium.com	I FORGOT...	null	Sainteche	https://medium.com/@Chuchu28	1d3106564778	null	1 min	2025-06-09T10:49:59.898000	2025-06-09T10:55:53.552000	2025-06-09T11:28:15.193000	0	16	en	Writing,Spoken Word Poetry,This Happened To Me,Mental Health,Spoken Word	<section> <p>I forgot... I forgot how to be me. I forgot how to hold conversation with anyone other than me. I forgot how to be real, How to be human, how to feel</p> <p>How to share emotion, how to be I forgot...</p> <p>I forgot... I forgot how to laugh. I forgot how to spend my days in the warmth of others, never feeling the draft. I forgot the sound of laughter and the sound of tears. Away from camaraderie, my life is bare.</p> <p>I forgot... I forgot how to be free. How to let loose and just be. Held down by rabid thoughts and morbid anxiety. Black and white, my life's current variety.</p> <p>I forgot... I forgot how to go outside. I've spent too long away from the lights, That I forgot all the social cues. I forgot how to be bold and confident, I forgot how to choose.</p> <p>I forgot... I forgot how to live a normal life. Just kidding, you can't forget what you've never experienced or tried. I forgot how to be strong, How to be your pillar, when you fall. I forgot how to care, About your little inconveniences and say, "All will be well".</p> <p>I forgot... Yet, I can't forget the pain Or the scars that have left me nearly insane. The trauma, I also can't forget. I heard it could stay until my death bed. But, I forget.</p> <p>I’m avoiding writing conversations with myself for a while, I’m afraid of what I might say…hehe</p> </section>	I FORGOT... I forgot... I forgot how to be me. I forgot how to hold conversation with anyone other than me. I forgot how to be real, How to be human, how to feel How to share emotion, how to be I forgot... I forgot... I forgot how to laugh. I forgot how to spend my days in the warmth of others, never feeling the draft. I forgot the sound of laughter and the sound of tears. Away from camaraderie, my life is bare. I forgot... I forgot how to be free. How to let loose and just be. Held down by rabid thoughts and morbid anxiety. Black and white, my life's current variety. I forgot... I forgot how to go outside. I've spent too long away from the lights, That I forgot all the social cues. I forgot how to be bold and confident, I forgot how to choose. I forgot... I forgot how to live a normal life. Just kidding, you can't forget what you've never experienced or tried. I forgot how to be strong, How to be your pillar, when you fall. I forgot how to care, About your little inconveniences and say, "All will be well". I forgot... Yet, I can't forget the pain Or the scars that have left me nearly insane. The trauma, I also can't forget. I heard it could stay until my death bed. But, I forget. I’m avoiding writing conversations with myself for a while, I’m afraid of what I might say…hehe	7deed3b1-4597-5300-bc54-eec92f46fd9c	25/08/2025 18:00:07
https://medium.com/world-food-programme-insight/seeds-of-hope-ec70c3cf38d2	medium.com	Seeds of Hope	A recently-launched greenhouse project implemented jointly by World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Food and Agriculture…	WFP Iran	https://medium.com/@WFPIran	ec70c3cf38d2	https://miro.medium.com/…1pfYH3lonPw.jpeg	2 min	2020-10-13T15:23:55.472000	2020-10-22T07:44:52.194000	2021-12-16T07:25:00.720000	0	1	en	Iran,Refugees,Humanitarian,Agriculture,Food	<section> <h3>WFP and its UN sister agency the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) work together to boost resilience</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4480/1PEhA-tFRkuT1pfYH3lonPw.jpeg" width="4480" height="3420" loading="lazy" /> <p>A recently-launched greenhouse project implemented jointly by World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Semnan province in Iran aims to create income generation opportunity for vulnerable refugees in order to improve their livelihood and contribute towards developing human capital and self-reliance.</p> <p>In Semnan province, 15 men and women — refugees from Afghanistan — have been trained on developing irrigation and nutritious crops, while linking their products to markets.</p> <p>Zahra Samandari is one of the refugees who is working in the greenhouse. Her family had to leave everything behind when the conflict started in Afghanistan her home country more than 30 years ago.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4480/1xV4x3WvUKA-15SHUPN1_xw.jpeg" width="4480" height="6720" loading="lazy" /> <p>Living in Mohajerin refugee settlement, the mother of four, who is in her forties, relies on the monthly assistance she receives from WFP.</p> <p>“I couldn’t work outside of the settlement because my children were too young and I had no one to take care of them,” she says.</p> <p>More than 31,000 refugees like Zahra rely on WFP’s assistance. Over the past 34 years, WFP has continuously worked to improve the availability of food to vulnerable refugee households through monthly food and cash distributions.</p> <p>WFP is also supporting activities that will enhance the livelihoods of refugees and equip them with better skills to rebuild their lives.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4480/17sIgfeY_qFjbUN0tgMubYw.jpeg" width="4480" height="6720" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic my husband could not work outside of the settlement and we didn’t have a source of income — it was really tough,” says Zahra. “It was really tough. But now I’m happy. Because I can work in the settlement and help my family.”</p> <p>The lifesaving assistance WFP can provide to families like Zahra’s across Iran is now more important than ever. Thanks to donors including the Republic of Korea, some of the country’s most vulnerable refugees can receive support at a time when the needs are greater than they have ever been.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4467/1WDkCwmU4UjCTJGTEQRX7cw.jpeg" width="4467" height="3855" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4440/1kq0-QRB77eH_MUOD6NvtCQ.jpeg" width="4440" height="5109" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/6720/1jmQKgzc7m7VYJm8dhfAbIQ.jpeg" width="6720" height="4480" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Greenhouse of hope for Afghan refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran WFP and its UN sister agency the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) work together to boost resilience Zahra Samandari, Mohajerin Semnan Settlement. Photo: WFP/Neda Mobarra A recently-launched greenhouse project implemented jointly by World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Semnan province in Iran aims to create income generation opportunity for vulnerable refugees in order to improve their livelihood and contribute towards developing human capital and self-reliance. In Semnan province, 15 men and women — refugees from Afghanistan — have been trained on developing irrigation and nutritious crops, while linking their products to markets. Zahra Samandari is one of the refugees who is working in the greenhouse. Her family had to leave everything behind when the conflict started in Afghanistan her home country more than 30 years ago. Mohajerin Semnan Settlement. Photo: WFP/Neda Mobarra Living in Mohajerin refugee settlement, the mother of four, who is in her forties, relies on the monthly assistance she receives from WFP. “I couldn’t work outside of the settlement because my children were too young and I had no one to take care of them,” she says. More than 31,000 refugees like Zahra rely on WFP’s assistance. Over the past 34 years, WFP has continuously worked to improve the availability of food to vulnerable refugee households through monthly food and cash distributions. WFP is also supporting activities that will enhance the livelihoods of refugees and equip them with better skills to rebuild their lives. Mohajerin Semnan Settlement. Photo: WFP/Neda Mobarra “Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic my husband could not work outside of the settlement and we didn’t have a source of income — it was really tough,” says Zahra. “It was really tough. But now I’m happy. Because I can work in the settlement and help my family.” The lifesaving assistance WFP can provide to families like Zahra’s across Iran is now more important than ever. Thanks to donors including the Republic of Korea, some of the country’s most vulnerable refugees can receive support at a time when the needs are greater than they have ever been. Mohajerin Semnan Settlement. Photo: WFP/Neda Mobarra Mohajerin Semnan Settlement. Photo: WFP/Neda Mobarra Mohajerin Semnan Settlement. Photo: WFP/Neda Mobarra	d4430833-7622-5892-9766-51e825a23fc3	25/08/2025 18:00:07
https://xchurch.medium.com/the-story-of-us-lessons-from-the-first-church-a7f11e8d6442	medium.com	The Story of Us: Lessons From the First Church	Big Tree	Christchurch Xscape	https://medium.com/@xchurch	a7f11e8d6442	https://miro.medium.com/…eVUGfj-GT0wQ.png	4 min	2017-09-12T14:14:52.289000	2017-09-12T15:18:26.276000	2018-03-12T22:39:08.328000	0	1	en	Christianity,Psalms	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*UE6FCIxRwHeVUGfj-GT0wQ.png" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <h1>Big Tree</h1> <p>Jesus once likened the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed; that though it is the smallest of all the seeds it would grow to become an enormous tree and the birds of the air would make their home in its branches. Something tiny would become something huge. Something huge would be vulnerable to corruption. (Matthew 13:31–32)</p> <p>Hard to imagine a massive old tree was ever a tiny seed. Looking back at the history of the church it can feel an awful long way back to that perfect man, plainly planting words of truth, when you’re out on the end of one of those branches being pecked at by a bunch of old crows.</p> <p>Standing back and observing the church can be a painful exercise. Like looking into the mirror too early in the morning. Is this me? When did this happen? Some actions of our tribe are so dark to a watching world, they seem to invalidate the claims of a holy church and should send an almighty regretful gulp down our collective throats. We crusaded into Jerusalem in the name of God and killed thousands citing ‘God willed it.’ We’ve advocated slavery, turned a blind eye to abusive Priests, hoarded money from the poor and so on and so on. It can be a painful watch today too. We repeal at the racist elements we see in the conservative right, cringe at the sandals and socks brigade, curl our toes at the distant vocabulary of the haughty vicar. It can make for grim viewing. Life out on a branch, a long way from the seed. Painful reflection. Is this me? When did this happen?</p> <h2>Shared Roots</h2> <p>But there is beauty too. Some acts of God’s people flood history so perfectly it seems stunning the whole world has not come to faith because of them. We read, dumbstruck, of missionaries killed for their faith; stand proudly alongside William Wilberforce, the Christian who opposed slavery; and in awe of the countless Christians who fill the spots at food banks and homeless shelters. This is our story! Faltering, lukewarm, falling out. Faithful, on fire, united. A body shaped in sin pointed to holiness. Church; holy and being made holy. Saved and messing up. Kingdom now and not yet.</p> <p>Church has become many different things; sprouted some new and interesting branches. Some things are great, others terrible. We need to trace the story back down the branch to make sure it’s still attached to the tree.</p> <p><em>‘In order to know where you’re going you need to see where you’ve been.’ </em>James Burke, Science Historian.</p> <p>Sometimes we need to look back in order to go forward. CS Lewis said ‘<em>The remedy to chronological snobbery is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds.’</em> Or, the way to make sure you don’t mess things up now, is to live aware of lessons from the past.</p> <h2>Looking Back</h2> <p>Over the next few weeks we will be taking a look at the book of Acts. We’ll be looking back to the story of the first to church to help us make sure the present one stays on track. Reconnecting with the original, retracing their steps, understanding their circumstances and learning lessons.</p> <p>The story of Acts is essential reading because it connects together the life and teachings of Christ with the church. All that Jesus began to do and teach is carried on by the disciples. We see Christian community drawing people to Christ like a magnet and then lying and falling out. We see burnt out witnesses fired up by God’s Spirit to reach out to others. We see the church reach out geographically; Jesus' heart for the lost burned into the shape of his people. We see what happens as the good news about Jesus, the Jewish rabbi from Nazareth, spreads to the empire in Rome. We see what it looks like for the good news to cross cultures. Essential grace fuelled compassion and a loaded gun of problems. We see how people who know the Bible story inside out, as well as those to whom God is completely unknown, are witnessed to. We see suffering on a colossal scale remain of secondary importance to the spread of the good news. We see the story carry on going out whilst the characters drift out of view. We see God’s Spirit orchestrate and his people try to stay in tune.</p> <p>We see our story. People like us. Charged with the same responsibility (Acts 1:8). Fuelled by the same energy source (Romans 8:11). Prone to the same mistakes. Certain of the same outcome. The story of us.</p> <h2>Psalm 1:1–3</h2> <p>1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.</p> <p>Join us over the next few weeks at Christchurch as we look at Acts or catch up with the talks <a href="http://xchurch.org.uk/media.php?pageID=5&itemID=429">online</a>.</p> <p>Ash Gibson, Assistant Pastor, Christchurch Xscape</p> </section>	The Story of Us: Lessons From the First Church Big Tree Jesus once likened the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed; that though it is the smallest of all the seeds it would grow to become an enormous tree and the birds of the air would make their home in its branches. Something tiny would become something huge. Something huge would be vulnerable to corruption. (Matthew 13:31–32) Hard to imagine a massive old tree was ever a tiny seed. Looking back at the history of the church it can feel an awful long way back to that perfect man, plainly planting words of truth, when you’re out on the end of one of those branches being pecked at by a bunch of old crows. Standing back and observing the church can be a painful exercise. Like looking into the mirror too early in the morning. Is this me? When did this happen? Some actions of our tribe are so dark to a watching world, they seem to invalidate the claims of a holy church and should send an almighty regretful gulp down our collective throats. We crusaded into Jerusalem in the name of God and killed thousands citing ‘God willed it.’ We’ve advocated slavery, turned a blind eye to abusive Priests, hoarded money from the poor and so on and so on. It can be a painful watch today too. We repeal at the racist elements we see in the conservative right, cringe at the sandals and socks brigade, curl our toes at the distant vocabulary of the haughty vicar. It can make for grim viewing. Life out on a branch, a long way from the seed. Painful reflection. Is this me? When did this happen? Shared Roots But there is beauty too. Some acts of God’s people flood history so perfectly it seems stunning the whole world has not come to faith because of them. We read, dumbstruck, of missionaries killed for their faith; stand proudly alongside William Wilberforce, the Christian who opposed slavery; and in awe of the countless Christians who fill the spots at food banks and homeless shelters. This is our story! Faltering, lukewarm, falling out. Faithful, on fire, united. A body shaped in sin pointed to holiness. Church; holy and being made holy. Saved and messing up. Kingdom now and not yet. Church has become many different things; sprouted some new and interesting branches. Some things are great, others terrible. We need to trace the story back down the branch to make sure it’s still attached to the tree. ‘In order to know where you’re going you need to see where you’ve been.’ James Burke, Science Historian. Sometimes we need to look back in order to go forward. CS Lewis said ‘The remedy to chronological snobbery is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds.’ Or, the way to make sure you don’t mess things up now, is to live aware of lessons from the past. Looking Back Over the next few weeks we will be taking a look at the book of Acts. We’ll be looking back to the story of the first to church to help us make sure the present one stays on track. Reconnecting with the original, retracing their steps, understanding their circumstances and learning lessons. The story of Acts is essential reading because it connects together the life and teachings of Christ with the church. All that Jesus began to do and teach is carried on by the disciples. We see Christian community drawing people to Christ like a magnet and then lying and falling out. We see burnt out witnesses fired up by God’s Spirit to reach out to others. We see the church reach out geographically; Jesus' heart for the lost burned into the shape of his people. We see what happens as the good news about Jesus, the Jewish rabbi from Nazareth, spreads to the empire in Rome. We see what it looks like for the good news to cross cultures. Essential grace fuelled compassion and a loaded gun of problems. We see how people who know the Bible story inside out, as well as those to whom God is completely unknown, are witnessed to. We see suffering on a colossal scale remain of secondary importance to the spread of the good news. We see the story carry on going out whilst the characters drift out of view. We see God’s Spirit orchestrate and his people try to stay in tune. We see our story. People like us. Charged with the same responsibility (Acts 1:8). Fuelled by the same energy source (Romans 8:11). Prone to the same mistakes. Certain of the same outcome. The story of us. Psalm 1:1–3 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers. Join us over the next few weeks at Christchurch as we look at Acts or catch up with the talks online. Ash Gibson, Assistant Pastor, Christchurch Xscape	b20f6fc3-f6e9-594e-a0dc-bae553c2df52	25/08/2025 18:00:08
https://medium.com/willu/instagram-messaging-ketchup-or-fall-behind-3823b40c6c69	medium.com	Instagram Messaging: Ketchup or Fall Behind	Act now, marketers of food. Tomato mayo come.	Katie McCaskey	https://medium.com/@katie_willu	3823b40c6c69	https://miro.medium.com/…L54nN-lAt1yA.png	3 min	2017-09-22T18:10:57.904000	2017-09-22T18:58:13.247000	2017-09-22T19:11:48.017000	0	2	en	Social Media,Instagram,Food,Marketing,Instagram Marketing	<section> <p><em>Act now, marketers of food. Tomato mayo come.</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/1Y1jNQpi90kL54nN-lAt1yA.png" width="1400" height="934" loading="lazy" /> <p>Heinz — the 148 year old, $11B multinational food corporation and maker of ketchup — just promoted <a href="https://qz.com/1073055">David Knopf</a>, 29, to be CFO on October 1st.</p> <p>To put this into perspective: the average CFO of a Fortune 500 or S&P 500 company is 52, according to research from Crist Kolder, an executive search firm.</p> <p>But don’t write off Knopf as an avocado-toast millennial. The executive played a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/kraft-heinz-29-year-old-cfo-david-knopf-2017-9">crucial role</a> in two mergers: the $11 billion Burger King-Tim Hortons merger and Heinz’s merger with Kraft.</p> <p>What will he do next?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/756/1_OTclR2O5JFo-7D6unXiHA.png" width="756" height="351" loading="lazy" /> <p>Probably update his LinkedIn, yes.</p> <p>But more importantly —he’ll make sure his business continues to post on Instagram.</p> <blockquote>Food businesses of all sizes — from artisan solopreneurs, to indie coffee shops, to mall restaurants, to Big Ag factory farms — are using Instagram with great success.</blockquote> <p>If your food marketing strategy doesn’t include Instagram, one word: <em>ketchup!</em></p> <h1><strong>Instagram Whets Appetites and Drives Sales</strong></h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/720/029bIkT5Me_mXSF4C." width="720" height="480" loading="lazy" /> <blockquote>Instagram is arguably the most effective imagery platform for marketing food businesses of any size.</blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.onlywayonline.com/instagram-research-food-followers/">Neil Sheth</a> polled UK Instagram users and discovered that among 18–35 year olds:</p> <ul> <li>30% of them would <em>avoid a restaurant</em> if their Instagram presence was weak</li> <li>38% of these users <em>follow a food business</em> in order to learn more about the venue</li> <li>75% of Instagram users are <em>prompted to take an action</em> when seeing a sponsored post</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/6016/1uxo0VA7fJW0MdCEpN-hySw.jpeg" width="6016" height="4000" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>How to Master Instagram</strong></h2> <p>Sheth recommends three key strategies to win with Instagram: create an amazing profile, <a href="https://blog.willu.com/how-to-increase-your-instagram-followers-using-the-best-hashtag-strategies-and-techniques-7ce4d8754e7a">choose the right hashtags</a>, and post at the best time of day using a tool like <a href="https://later.com/blog/best-time-to-post-on-instagram/">Later</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_medium_is_the_message">Media theorist</a> Marshall McLuhan famously said that the “medium is the message”. By this — he means that the message<em> is informed by the medium that delivers it</em>.</p> <p>With Instagram as your communication tool, there are several considerations.</p> <h2><strong>Find Your Message First</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://uie.fm/shows/spoolcast/kristina-halvorsons-message-and-medium-better-content-by-design-ui15-session-sample">Message architecture</a> “is where your content really begins,” explains content strategy expert Kristina Halvorson.</p> <p>How your imagery looks on various platforms won’t matter if the message isn’t right.</p> <blockquote>When selecting images, consider your business purpose and brand story. Every image needs to communicate your five “Ws”:</blockquote> <ul> <li>Who — who is your intended audience/customer?</li> <li>What — what do they gain from your food product/service/venue?</li> <li>When — when or how will they eat it?</li> <li>Where — where will they eat it?</li> <li>Why — why is your food item the best choice?</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Select the Best Hashtags</strong></h2> <p>A beautiful image can excite the tastebuds — but if no one sees it, does it matter?</p> <p>Crafting a hashtag strategy is critical to any social media marketing plan. The major ingredients are appropriate <a href="https://blog.willu.com/how-to-increase-your-instagram-followers-using-the-best-hashtag-strategies-and-techniques-7ce4d8754e7a">hashtags selected for specific audiences</a>, mixed with seltzer water. (Just kidding. You can skip the water and focus on the <a href="https://blog.willu.com/instaworthy-pictures-deserve-an-instaworthy-audience-56d36fb520b5">best tags displayed to the ideal audience</a>.)</p> <h2><strong>Create Smart Message Architecture</strong></h2> <p>“A <a href="http://labs.openviewpartners.com/building-your-content-strategy-with-a-message-architecture/#.WcKBT0yZPq0">message architecture</a> is a hierarchy of communication goals that reflects a common vocabulary,” writes Margot Bloomstein.</p> <p>As you develop your Instagram communication strategy, ask yourself: “what else can I do with my Instagram photos?”</p> <p>Some ideas include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Publish your photos on other social platforms</strong> or other marketing materials</li> <li><strong>Create collections</strong> (based on theme or photographer) that can be shared again later</li> <li><strong>Create merchandise based on your images</strong> or displaying them at point-of-sale</li> </ul> <p>Planning out a content calendar that documents scheduled posts (multiple weeks in advance) is especially useful to maximize the reuse of your images.</p> <h2><strong>Prepare to Move Quickly</strong></h2> <p>With strategy prepared and plans mapped, you now have the flexibility to move quickly when unexpected opportunities arise.</p> <p>It may be ideal to share an Instagram image again when a relevant news event happens.</p> <p>For example, has a bumper crop of tomato harvest been reported this year? Time to pull out that gorgeous gazpacho shot from last summer.</p> <p>With creativity and some planning, any food business can easily boost its marketing using Instagram.</p> <p><em>Follow us on <strong></em><a href</strong>="http://www.twitter.com/teamwillu">Twitter</a>!</p> </section>	Instagram Messaging: Ketchup or Fall Behind Act now, marketers of food. Tomato mayo come. Heinz — the 148 year old, $11B multinational food corporation and maker of ketchup — just promoted David Knopf, 29, to be CFO on October 1st. To put this into perspective: the average CFO of a Fortune 500 or S&P 500 company is 52, according to research from Crist Kolder, an executive search firm. But don’t write off Knopf as an avocado-toast millennial. The executive played a crucial role in two mergers: the $11 billion Burger King-Tim Hortons merger and Heinz’s merger with Kraft. What will he do next? https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-knopf-62142b92/ Probably update his LinkedIn, yes. But more importantly —he’ll make sure his business continues to post on Instagram. Food businesses of all sizes — from artisan solopreneurs, to indie coffee shops, to mall restaurants, to Big Ag factory farms — are using Instagram with great success. If your food marketing strategy doesn’t include Instagram, one word: ketchup! Instagram Whets Appetites and Drives Sales 59.5% of people following food venues on Instagram have already spent money at that venue, or plan to do so in the future. Photo: Neil Sheth Instagram is arguably the most effective imagery platform for marketing food businesses of any size. Neil Sheth polled UK Instagram users and discovered that among 18–35 year olds: 30% of them would avoid a restaurant if their Instagram presence was weak 38% of these users follow a food business in order to learn more about the venue 75% of Instagram users are prompted to take an action when seeing a sponsored post Sad! These tomatoes don’t use Instagram How to Master Instagram Sheth recommends three key strategies to win with Instagram: create an amazing profile, choose the right hashtags, and post at the best time of day using a tool like Later. Media theorist Marshall McLuhan famously said that the “medium is the message”. By this — he means that the message is informed by the medium that delivers it. With Instagram as your communication tool, there are several considerations. Find Your Message First Message architecture “is where your content really begins,” explains content strategy expert Kristina Halvorson. How your imagery looks on various platforms won’t matter if the message isn’t right. When selecting images, consider your business purpose and brand story. Every image needs to communicate your five “Ws”: Who — who is your intended audience/customer? What — what do they gain from your food product/service/venue? When — when or how will they eat it? Where — where will they eat it? Why — why is your food item the best choice? Select the Best Hashtags A beautiful image can excite the tastebuds — but if no one sees it, does it matter? Crafting a hashtag strategy is critical to any social media marketing plan. The major ingredients are appropriate hashtags selected for specific audiences, mixed with seltzer water. (Just kidding. You can skip the water and focus on the best tags displayed to the ideal audience.) Create Smart Message Architecture “A message architecture is a hierarchy of communication goals that reflects a common vocabulary,” writes Margot Bloomstein. As you develop your Instagram communication strategy, ask yourself: “what else can I do with my Instagram photos?” Some ideas include: Publish your photos on other social platforms or other marketing materials Create collections (based on theme or photographer) that can be shared again later Create merchandise based on your images or displaying them at point-of-sale Planning out a content calendar that documents scheduled posts (multiple weeks in advance) is especially useful to maximize the reuse of your images. Prepare to Move Quickly With strategy prepared and plans mapped, you now have the flexibility to move quickly when unexpected opportunities arise. It may be ideal to share an Instagram image again when a relevant news event happens. For example, has a bumper crop of tomato harvest been reported this year? Time to pull out that gorgeous gazpacho shot from last summer. With creativity and some planning, any food business can easily boost its marketing using Instagram. Follow us on Twitter!	dd96afba-d13b-5f02-b876-2703500a97b1	25/08/2025 18:00:08
https://medium.com/@doug_16160/hard-to-get-b925d4bd5441	medium.com	Hard To Get	null	Doug Howell	https://medium.com/@doug_16160	b925d4bd5441	https://miro.medium.com/…MMxQcHbASCQ.jpeg	5 min	2023-01-19T18:42:31.410000	2023-01-19T19:20:18.829000	2025-08-15T03:29:38.929000	1	50	en	Christianity,Music	<section> <p>Hard To Get</p> <p>Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! To start out 2023, I decided to return to my Influencers series, but this time, the influencer is a very recent one — even though he left this earth 25 years ago…</p> <p>I became quite disenchanted with the contemporary Christian music (CCM) business during my itinerant musician days, so I sort of lost track of what was going on and who was doing what. During the time I was “checked out,” Rich Mullins became one of the best-known Christian singer-songwriters in the country — in fact, he helped define the whole genre. Well, because of the flurry of recent articles on the 25th anniversary of his death, I’ve finally gotten acquainted with him. And it kinda freaked me out how much I could relate to his life story.</p> <p>He was born in 1955. I was born in 1952. He grew up on a farm. So did I. His farm was in mid-Indiana. Mine was in mid-Michigan. His family was part of a strict, conservative denomination. Mine too. He started playing piano and playing for church services at an early age. Me too. He had a lot of trouble fitting in with farm life and relating to his father. Me too.</p> <p>He became a Jesus music singer-songwriter, singing with groups and then solo, traveling and giving concerts all over. Me too (albeit with a few hundred levels less notoriety!). He had a lot of trouble with the business part of CCM. Me too. He had arguments with his producers. Me too. He spent time in Wichita, Kansas, and studied at Friends University. Me too (I studied with one of their piano profs and gave a couple of concerts there)…</p> <p>He had a lot of inner struggles. Yeah. Me too. And even though he was best known for his praise songs, he wrote many songs reflecting his struggles. Same with me.</p> <p>I started wondering if he might have even attended a concert or two of mine when I was with the Good News Circle. We did sing in Richmond, Indiana, more than once, and in many other spots around Indiana and Ohio.</p> <p>So I read quite a few articles, investigated the Kids of St. Frank (the sort of informal religious order he founded) website and even contacted a few of the people who wrote about him and his influence on their lives. As you can probably tell, I got a little obsessed by this whole investigation for a few days. And as part of that, I determined to get to know more of his music, which I had mostly missed, and which seemed to mean so much to so many.</p> <p>I tried an Apple Music playlist first. The only songs I recognized were “Sing to the Lord,” and of course, “Awesome God,” because we often sang it (just the chorus) in church as an opening song of praise. But it was the other songs that really caught my attention. The lyrics were so very real, so very deep.</p> <p>After reading more about his later life, I decided to listen to his very last album, which existed only in “demo” form, as it was just a lo-fi recording of vocals, guitar and a few other instruments to demo the songs for a planned later recording. I got as far as the first song, “Hard To Get,” and was totally stopped in my tracks. Literally. I was on my usual walk along the cliffs, and it stopped me in my tracks. I was stunned — by the exquisite loneliness of the lyrics, by the utter vulnerability and longing it expressed. I could easily picture him there, singing, alone, in that empty church.</p> <p>And then he sang “do you remember just how long a night can get? / when you are barely holdin’ on / and your friends fall asleep / and don’t see the blood that’s runnin’ in your sweat…”</p> <p>I knew he was singing of the Lord, obviously, but the words had such an immediate, visceral feel, like he was singing about his own long night of the soul — one that hadn’t been a unique occurrence. And my mind rewound immediately to a church basement on a road trip long ago where a few of us from the band had been put up for the night. I listened to my friends sleep while I felt my soul slowly tear away from my body and fall backward into darkness… It was the night I wrote “Jesus Never Fails,” a song thatʻs pretty much a plea for help, a desperate clinging to faith, and a prayer for survival.</p> <p>I played “Hard To Get” over and over and soon started thinking: I just have to do this song. This is my kind of song. I feel like I could have written it (if I was a better poet). It’s a psalm, a modern-day psalm, a summation of the human condition. It is a needy human being coming to God with nothing but questions. It is a humble cry from a lost soul.</p> <p>So… All that background to say: here’s my take on the song. It has really captured my imagination (can you tell?), and I was waking up at night as I was learning it, going over the lyrics again and again, praying them until I could go back to sleep: the lone cry of a weary pilgrim doing his best to live honestly before God. I hope it will grow to mean to you even a small part of what it’s meant to me.</p> <p>I hope you like it, too, Rich, and I’m looking forward to meeting you some day. I think we might have a lot to talk about. I think we would be friends. I think you would challenge me in person, as you already have through your art. Thank you for the gifts of your life and your music. They were both God’s and you did what he asked: you shared them with us.</p> <p></p> <h3>Music Notes</h3> <p>I tried to do a piano part reminiscent of Rich’s guitar on this, and also got hold of a Mountain Dulcimer sample library to add in some folk flavor (he’s known for playing it). Also added accordion, and some harp and celeste touches. Some light drums and bass to drive it and tie things together a bit. Thought it might be done then, but I had a nagging feeling that maybe there was a missing electric guitar part waiting to be found… So even though I knew this was Dan’s busiest time of the year (he’s a master jeweler and it was Christmastime — duh!), I sent him what I had so far and asked what he thought. Thankfully, he loved the song and agreed to try something. What he sent me back was exactly what it needed, as usual. Thank you, my bestest guitar buddy, for contributing your talents to help deepen the sound and message of this song.</p> <p>A few years back, my dear friend, Kathryn Mays, a talented artist, drew a picture of me for my birthday. I was having trouble figuring out what art to use for this song, and recently I was cleaning my studio, and when my eyes landed on Kathy’s drawing, I thought, that’s it! It just seemed right. Being a drawing it seemed raw and transitory, like something that could easily be erased. Like life… I asked her if I could use it for this song, and she said yes. It’s an honor having her art on this piece. Thanks, Kathy!</p> </section>	My dear friend, Kathryn Mays, drew this picture of me for my birthday. I thought it went well with this song… Hard To Get Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! To start out 2023, I decided to return to my Influencers series, but this time, the influencer is a very recent one — even though he left this earth 25 years ago… I became quite disenchanted with the contemporary Christian music (CCM) business during my itinerant musician days, so I sort of lost track of what was going on and who was doing what. During the time I was “checked out,” Rich Mullins became one of the best-known Christian singer-songwriters in the country — in fact, he helped define the whole genre. Well, because of the flurry of recent articles on the 25th anniversary of his death, I’ve finally gotten acquainted with him. And it kinda freaked me out how much I could relate to his life story. He was born in 1955. I was born in 1952. He grew up on a farm. So did I. His farm was in mid-Indiana. Mine was in mid-Michigan. His family was part of a strict, conservative denomination. Mine too. He started playing piano and playing for church services at an early age. Me too. He had a lot of trouble fitting in with farm life and relating to his father. Me too. He became a Jesus music singer-songwriter, singing with groups and then solo, traveling and giving concerts all over. Me too (albeit with a few hundred levels less notoriety!). He had a lot of trouble with the business part of CCM. Me too. He had arguments with his producers. Me too. He spent time in Wichita, Kansas, and studied at Friends University. Me too (I studied with one of their piano profs and gave a couple of concerts there)… He had a lot of inner struggles. Yeah. Me too. And even though he was best known for his praise songs, he wrote many songs reflecting his struggles. Same with me. I started wondering if he might have even attended a concert or two of mine when I was with the Good News Circle. We did sing in Richmond, Indiana, more than once, and in many other spots around Indiana and Ohio. So I read quite a few articles, investigated the Kids of St. Frank (the sort of informal religious order he founded) website and even contacted a few of the people who wrote about him and his influence on their lives. As you can probably tell, I got a little obsessed by this whole investigation for a few days. And as part of that, I determined to get to know more of his music, which I had mostly missed, and which seemed to mean so much to so many. I tried an Apple Music playlist first. The only songs I recognized were “Sing to the Lord,” and of course, “Awesome God,” because we often sang it (just the chorus) in church as an opening song of praise. But it was the other songs that really caught my attention. The lyrics were so very real, so very deep. After reading more about his later life, I decided to listen to his very last album, which existed only in “demo” form, as it was just a lo-fi recording of vocals, guitar and a few other instruments to demo the songs for a planned later recording. I got as far as the first song, “Hard To Get,” and was totally stopped in my tracks. Literally. I was on my usual walk along the cliffs, and it stopped me in my tracks. I was stunned — by the exquisite loneliness of the lyrics, by the utter vulnerability and longing it expressed. I could easily picture him there, singing, alone, in that empty church. And then he sang “do you remember just how long a night can get? / when you are barely holdin’ on / and your friends fall asleep / and don’t see the blood that’s runnin’ in your sweat…” I knew he was singing of the Lord, obviously, but the words had such an immediate, visceral feel, like he was singing about his own long night of the soul — one that hadn’t been a unique occurrence. And my mind rewound immediately to a church basement on a road trip long ago where a few of us from the band had been put up for the night. I listened to my friends sleep while I felt my soul slowly tear away from my body and fall backward into darkness… It was the night I wrote “Jesus Never Fails,” a song thatʻs pretty much a plea for help, a desperate clinging to faith, and a prayer for survival. I played “Hard To Get” over and over and soon started thinking: I just have to do this song. This is my kind of song. I feel like I could have written it (if I was a better poet). It’s a psalm, a modern-day psalm, a summation of the human condition. It is a needy human being coming to God with nothing but questions. It is a humble cry from a lost soul. So… All that background to say: here’s my take on the song. It has really captured my imagination (can you tell?), and I was waking up at night as I was learning it, going over the lyrics again and again, praying them until I could go back to sleep: the lone cry of a weary pilgrim doing his best to live honestly before God. I hope it will grow to mean to you even a small part of what it’s meant to me. I hope you like it, too, Rich, and I’m looking forward to meeting you some day. I think we might have a lot to talk about. I think we would be friends. I think you would challenge me in person, as you already have through your art. Thank you for the gifts of your life and your music. They were both God’s and you did what he asked: you shared them with us. Music Notes I tried to do a piano part reminiscent of Rich’s guitar on this, and also got hold of a Mountain Dulcimer sample library to add in some folk flavor (he’s known for playing it). Also added accordion, and some harp and celeste touches. Some light drums and bass to drive it and tie things together a bit. Thought it might be done then, but I had a nagging feeling that maybe there was a missing electric guitar part waiting to be found… So even though I knew this was Dan’s busiest time of the year (he’s a master jeweler and it was Christmastime — duh!), I sent him what I had so far and asked what he thought. Thankfully, he loved the song and agreed to try something. What he sent me back was exactly what it needed, as usual. Thank you, my bestest guitar buddy, for contributing your talents to help deepen the sound and message of this song. A few years back, my dear friend, Kathryn Mays, a talented artist, drew a picture of me for my birthday. I was having trouble figuring out what art to use for this song, and recently I was cleaning my studio, and when my eyes landed on Kathy’s drawing, I thought, that’s it! It just seemed right. Being a drawing it seemed raw and transitory, like something that could easily be erased. Like life… I asked her if I could use it for this song, and she said yes. It’s an honor having her art on this piece. Thanks, Kathy!	3e5238a6-d1ef-5b05-89ab-7ae60cb42ad9	25/08/2025 18:00:09
https://medium.com/@axehedge/quotes-of-wisdom-from-great-investors-df6a61f54751	medium.com	Quotes of Wisdom from Great Investors	Are you having investment strategies crumble moment? Or it had been a bad strategic planning day? Here are the top investment quotes every…	AxeHedge	https://medium.com/@axehedge	df6a61f54751	https://miro.medium.com/…KWfV9kgXzog.jpeg	7 min	2022-10-19T10:53:15.064000	2022-10-19T11:02:27.522000	2022-10-19T11:15:37.916000	0	0	en	Investment Quotes,Investment,Strategy	<section> <p>Are you having investment strategies crumble moment? Or it had been a bad strategic planning day? Here are the top investment quotes every investor should know to inspire you through your potential investment slump.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/17rnhZZChhHdKWfV9kgXzog.jpeg" width="640" height="452" loading="lazy" /> <h1>1. <strong>Understand the Stock</strong></h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0wdMRPMq8ORM23xmN" width="640" height="427" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“Behind every stock is a company. Find out what it’s doing.” — Peter Lynch, legendary Fidelity Magellan Fund Manager.</strong></p> <p><strong>“Invest in what you know,”</strong> is Peter Lynch most famous statement. The principle helps individual investors find good, undervalued stocks. In “One Up Lynch” explains how he invested in Dunkin’ Donuts after being impressed by their coffee as a customer and not by the company’s potential portfolio in The Wall Street Journal.</p> <p>This is similar to any well-performing stocks in the market: AAPL, NFLX, SBUX, and AMZN are some examples of well-loved products accepted by the public. Companies with good products tend to perform similarly on the exchanges.</p> <h2><strong>2. Think Long-Term. Every stock is more than just a just stock tick.</strong></h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0NVHOoamAvDReIfj5" width="640" height="426" loading="lazy" /> <p>Ray Dalio is one of the most successful investors in history. He started Bridgewater Associates in 1975 right from his doorstep in New York and had turned the company into one of the largest hedge funds in the world.</p> <p>Dalio’s investing style is by understanding the best way to position the portfolio from a macro-investing approach. Where this method, is to understand the condition of the overall economy, derive the risk involved, and how they will crisis turn once the economy and financial with a fold.</p> <p><strong>“Although it’s easy to forget sometimes, a share is not a lottery ticket… it’s part ownership of a business.” — Peter Lynch.</strong></p> <p>When long-term investors start to think of their investment like an owner, they will start looking at the intrinsic value of a company. Which can compound value over time.</p> <p><strong>“If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” — Warren Buffet, Legendary Investor and one of the richest person on earth.</strong></p> <h2><strong>3. S</strong>elf-Restraint</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0kcqWcIeWA-tesIgY" width="640" height="388" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“The best way to measure your investing success is not by whether you’re beating the market but by whether you’ve put in place a financial plan and a behavioral discipline that are likely to get you where you want to go.” — Benjamin Graham, author of The Intelligent Investor.</strong></p> <p>Fear and greed can tend to lead investors to rush entry in and out of the market at inopportune times.</p> <p><strong>“In many ways, the stock market is like the weather in that if you don’t like the current conditions all you have to do is wait a while.” — Low Simpson, former chief investment officer for Geico — a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.</strong></p> <p>Investing in a good valuation company often leaves investors with the hardest decision-making position. After buying a stock at the best price, you just don’t want to sell it because of its good business nature. Plus, if you think that it is ahead of its price basis, it might be worth holding on to it for a little longer.</p> <h2><strong>4. Diversify is the best potion</strong></h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0hihde_QDMelI2n2O" width="640" height="427" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“Diversifying well is the most important thing you need to do in order to invest well.” — Ray Dalio.</strong></p> <p>Diversification is a strategy of mixing a wide variety of investment medium within a portfolio. The action of adding non-correlated components in a portfolio such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or cryptocurrency will help in reducing overall risk. In addition, it makes the portfolio risk-to-return ratio more captivating. It aims to mitigate risk and maximize returns.</p> <p><strong>“It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong” — John Maynard Keynes, early 20th-century British economist.</strong></p> <p>The expression “do not put all your eggs in one basket” is the best to represent diversification. Different basket can be best represented with different vehicles, industries, companies, and other categories across the investment spectrum.</p> <p>The whole stock market nature is very volatile and filled with unexpected outcomes. Thus, diversification can help investor to weather the storm. By having a variety of investments, when one of your underperforming securities, it won’t significantly impact the entire portfolio. This is possible as those different eggs in your investments are not all acting in the same way.</p> <h2><strong>5. Don’t Time the Market</strong></h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0qnhu9e7lni-hd-jU" width="640" height="483" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“Far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections, than lost in the corrections themselves.” — Peter Lynch, Legendary Investor and Author.</strong></p> <p>Everyone feels the temptation to try to time the stock market. However, the nature of investment markets will constantly move up and down. Tomorrow’s dip may still be higher than today’s pricing.</p> <p>As an example, the crash of Bitcoin in mid-March 2020, lead to as low as $3,596. The largest cryptocurrency later recovers and hits its an all-time high on November 8, 2021, with a price of $67,567. Bitcoin experienced another crash in June 2022, with the BTC price falling below $20,000. This explains that even if you purchase the coin in 2020, it is relatively still lower than its crash price in 2022.</p> <p><strong>“So, you should never try to time the market. In fact, nobody has ever done this successfully and consistently over multiple business or stock market cycles. Catching the tops and bottoms is a myth. It is so till today and will remain so in the future. In fact, in doing so, more people have lost far more money than people who have made money,” — Anil Chopra, group CEO and director, Bajaj Capital.</strong></p> <h2><strong>6. A Market Correction is an Opportunity</strong></h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0YGpaDokdSGzeLWm8" width="640" height="462" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“A market downturn doesn’t bother us. It is an opportunity to increase our ownership of great companies with great management at good prices.” — Warren Buffett</strong></p> <p>The best one could have in investing is to buy an exceptional company at a deeply discounted share price. However, always have in mind being undervalued is not an all-telling sign that a stock is a good buy.</p> <blockquote><strong>“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price, than a fair company at a wonderful price.” — Warren Buffett.</strong></blockquote> <p><strong>“You get recessions, you have stock market declines. If you don’t understand that’s going to happen, then you’re not ready, you won’t do well in the markets.” — Peter Lynch</strong></p> <p>As purchasing stocks at undervalue can provide a great deal, it is important to learn more about the companies and the great investment opportunities they help to carry.</p> <p><strong>“You make most of your money in a bear market, you just don’t realize it at the time.” — Shelby Cullom Davis, Investor and the founder of Shelby Cullom Davis & Company</strong></p> <p>Extension of fear and greed tends to result in overreaction. Overreaction is probably the most common effect of human behavior on the capital market. The correction in crude oil prices due to negotiation failure between Opec and Non-Opec producers on increasing/extending the production cuts to balance the global oil market usually results in a global market with a price correction of 25–35% from their peak.</p> <h2><strong>7. Markets Fluctuate. Don’t Panic!</strong></h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0gMiZ3G1DZ7lW5hax" width="640" height="427" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator” — Benjamin Graham, author of The Intelligent Investor.</strong></p> <p>The stock market will always continue to be volatile. It will always rebound and continued an upward trend in the long run.</p> <p>Trust the investment nature and always try your best to stay on the course. Panic selling will only leave you with more fear and that leads you to be in doubt. Typically, investors will tend to exit the market sooner than they should or enter with the greed of making money on discounts. Investors enter rashly, as they fear losing out on the biggest gains, which typically occur early in a rally.</p> <p><strong>“A 10% decline in the market is fairly common — it happens about once a year. Investors who realize this are less likely to sell in a panic, and more likely to remain invested, benefitting from the wealthbuilding power of stocks.” — Christopher Davis</strong></p> <p><em>Read more on <a href="https://axehedge.com/ar</em>ticles/how-to-invest-in-bear-market/">How To Invets During Bear Market</a></p> <h2><strong>8. Start The Race</strong></h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/0*I2RAtHl5afvHOgX_" width="1280" height="854" loading="lazy" /> <blockquote><strong>“I love quotes… but in the end, knowledge has to be converted to action or it’s worthless.” — Tony Robbins</strong></blockquote> <p><strong>“The biggest risk of all time is not taking one” — Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO of Ariel Investment</strong></p> <p>In this context, it is always better to invest rather than none. Investing early can help in combating the inflationary market. Over time, inflation will erode the value of the the dollar and a person’s overall wealth.</p> <p><strong>“Investing puts money to work. The only reason to save money is to invest it.” — Grant Cardone</strong></p> <h2>Bottom Line</h2> <p>Investing takes patience and extensive research. Always do your research. Make decisions after you had carefully weighed the pros and cons and are ready for any outcome. Investors’ behavior had changed drastically with millennials and GenZ, where they are more willing to ride out the storm and some were ready to add more to their portfolios during the bad phase of the market.</p> <p>None of the material above or on our website is to be construed as a solicitation, recommendation or offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument. Investors should carefully consider if the security and/or product is suitable for them in view of their entire investment portfolio. All investing involves risks, including the possible loss of money invested, and past performance does not guarantee future performance</p> </section>	Quotes of Wisdom from Great Investors Are you having investment strategies crumble moment? Or it had been a bad strategic planning day? Here are the top investment quotes every investor should know to inspire you through your potential investment slump. 1. Understand the Stock “Behind every stock is a company. Find out what it’s doing.” — Peter Lynch, legendary Fidelity Magellan Fund Manager. “Invest in what you know,” is Peter Lynch most famous statement. The principle helps individual investors find good, undervalued stocks. In “One Up Lynch” explains how he invested in Dunkin’ Donuts after being impressed by their coffee as a customer and not by the company’s potential portfolio in The Wall Street Journal. This is similar to any well-performing stocks in the market: AAPL, NFLX, SBUX, and AMZN are some examples of well-loved products accepted by the public. Companies with good products tend to perform similarly on the exchanges. 2. Think Long-Term. Every stock is more than just a just stock tick. Ray Dalio is one of the most successful investors in history. He started Bridgewater Associates in 1975 right from his doorstep in New York and had turned the company into one of the largest hedge funds in the world. Dalio’s investing style is by understanding the best way to position the portfolio from a macro-investing approach. Where this method, is to understand the condition of the overall economy, derive the risk involved, and how they will crisis turn once the economy and financial with a fold. “Although it’s easy to forget sometimes, a share is not a lottery ticket… it’s part ownership of a business.” — Peter Lynch. When long-term investors start to think of their investment like an owner, they will start looking at the intrinsic value of a company. Which can compound value over time. “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” — Warren Buffet, Legendary Investor and one of the richest person on earth. 3. Self-Restraint “The best way to measure your investing success is not by whether you’re beating the market but by whether you’ve put in place a financial plan and a behavioral discipline that are likely to get you where you want to go.” — Benjamin Graham, author of The Intelligent Investor. Fear and greed can tend to lead investors to rush entry in and out of the market at inopportune times. “In many ways, the stock market is like the weather in that if you don’t like the current conditions all you have to do is wait a while.” — Low Simpson, former chief investment officer for Geico — a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. Investing in a good valuation company often leaves investors with the hardest decision-making position. After buying a stock at the best price, you just don’t want to sell it because of its good business nature. Plus, if you think that it is ahead of its price basis, it might be worth holding on to it for a little longer. 4. Diversify is the best potion “Diversifying well is the most important thing you need to do in order to invest well.” — Ray Dalio. Diversification is a strategy of mixing a wide variety of investment medium within a portfolio. The action of adding non-correlated components in a portfolio such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or cryptocurrency will help in reducing overall risk. In addition, it makes the portfolio risk-to-return ratio more captivating. It aims to mitigate risk and maximize returns. “It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong” — John Maynard Keynes, early 20th-century British economist. The expression “do not put all your eggs in one basket” is the best to represent diversification. Different basket can be best represented with different vehicles, industries, companies, and other categories across the investment spectrum. The whole stock market nature is very volatile and filled with unexpected outcomes. Thus, diversification can help investor to weather the storm. By having a variety of investments, when one of your underperforming securities, it won’t significantly impact the entire portfolio. This is possible as those different eggs in your investments are not all acting in the same way. 5. Don’t Time the Market “Far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections, than lost in the corrections themselves.” — Peter Lynch, Legendary Investor and Author. Everyone feels the temptation to try to time the stock market. However, the nature of investment markets will constantly move up and down. Tomorrow’s dip may still be higher than today’s pricing. As an example, the crash of Bitcoin in mid-March 2020, lead to as low as $3,596. The largest cryptocurrency later recovers and hits its an all-time high on November 8, 2021, with a price of $67,567. Bitcoin experienced another crash in June 2022, with the BTC price falling below $20,000. This explains that even if you purchase the coin in 2020, it is relatively still lower than its crash price in 2022. “So, you should never try to time the market. In fact, nobody has ever done this successfully and consistently over multiple business or stock market cycles. Catching the tops and bottoms is a myth. It is so till today and will remain so in the future. In fact, in doing so, more people have lost far more money than people who have made money,” — Anil Chopra, group CEO and director, Bajaj Capital. 6. A Market Correction is an Opportunity “A market downturn doesn’t bother us. It is an opportunity to increase our ownership of great companies with great management at good prices.” — Warren Buffett The best one could have in investing is to buy an exceptional company at a deeply discounted share price. However, always have in mind being undervalued is not an all-telling sign that a stock is a good buy. “It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price, than a fair company at a wonderful price.” — Warren Buffett. “You get recessions, you have stock market declines. If you don’t understand that’s going to happen, then you’re not ready, you won’t do well in the markets.” — Peter Lynch As purchasing stocks at undervalue can provide a great deal, it is important to learn more about the companies and the great investment opportunities they help to carry. “You make most of your money in a bear market, you just don’t realize it at the time.” — Shelby Cullom Davis, Investor and the founder of Shelby Cullom Davis & Company Extension of fear and greed tends to result in overreaction. Overreaction is probably the most common effect of human behavior on the capital market. The correction in crude oil prices due to negotiation failure between Opec and Non-Opec producers on increasing/extending the production cuts to balance the global oil market usually results in a global market with a price correction of 25–35% from their peak. 7. Markets Fluctuate. Don’t Panic! “The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator” — Benjamin Graham, author of The Intelligent Investor. The stock market will always continue to be volatile. It will always rebound and continued an upward trend in the long run. Trust the investment nature and always try your best to stay on the course. Panic selling will only leave you with more fear and that leads you to be in doubt. Typically, investors will tend to exit the market sooner than they should or enter with the greed of making money on discounts. Investors enter rashly, as they fear losing out on the biggest gains, which typically occur early in a rally. “A 10% decline in the market is fairly common — it happens about once a year. Investors who realize this are less likely to sell in a panic, and more likely to remain invested, benefitting from the wealthbuilding power of stocks.” — Christopher Davis Read more on How To Invets During Bear Market 8. Start The Race “I love quotes… but in the end, knowledge has to be converted to action or it’s worthless.” — Tony Robbins “The biggest risk of all time is not taking one” — Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO of Ariel Investment In this context, it is always better to invest rather than none. Investing early can help in combating the inflationary market. Over time, inflation will erode the value of the the dollar and a person’s overall wealth. “Investing puts money to work. The only reason to save money is to invest it.” — Grant Cardone Bottom Line Investing takes patience and extensive research. Always do your research. Make decisions after you had carefully weighed the pros and cons and are ready for any outcome. Investors’ behavior had changed drastically with millennials and GenZ, where they are more willing to ride out the storm and some were ready to add more to their portfolios during the bad phase of the market. None of the material above or on our website is to be construed as a solicitation, recommendation or offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument. Investors should carefully consider if the security and/or product is suitable for them in view of their entire investment portfolio. All investing involves risks, including the possible loss of money invested, and past performance does not guarantee future performance	e1e609ce-e78b-5d2f-ba5f-a1cb537e8ef8	25/08/2025 18:00:09
https://medium.com/@mosesnartey47/unveiling-the-5-secrets-for-writing-a-perfect-blog-post-2024-review-c9bb9b1f0fbb	medium.com	Unveiling the 5 Secrets for Writing a Perfect Blog Post (2024 Review).	Tips for writing a perfect blog post	Moses Nartey	https://medium.com/@mosesnartey47	c9bb9b1f0fbb	https://miro.medium.com/…ST9j02G5XPw.jpeg	6 min	2024-01-26T22:40:03.560000	2024-02-01T13:13:55.016000	2024-02-06T09:14:34.830000	0	250	en	Blogging,Writing,Artificial Intelligence,Startup,Entrepreneurship	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/713/1*SDNzhlruupBST9j02G5XPw.jpeg" width="713" height="525" loading="lazy" /> <p>Do you want to write a <strong><a href="</strong>https://bluehost.sjv.io/Jzm1Xq">blog post</a> that attracts readers, engages them, and makes them want to come back for more? If so, you're not alone. Blogging is a popular and effective way to share your ideas, opinions, and expertise with the world. But it's not as easy as it sounds. Writing a good blog post requires planning, research, creativity, and skill. In this post, I'll share some tips and general rules that will help you write a blog post that stands out from the crowd.</p> <p><strong>What Sets a Good Blog Post Apart?</strong> Imagine this: You pour your thoughts into a blog post, hit publish, and... crickets. Does this sound familiar? Crafting a compelling blog post is more than just stringing words together; it's about connecting with your audience, providing value, and leaving a lasting impression.</p> <h1>Tips and General Rules for Writing a Perfect Blog Post;</h1> <h3>##1. Knowing Your Audience: The Foundation of Great Content</h3> <p>The first rule of writing a good blog post is to know who you're writing for. Your audience is the most important factor that determines the tone, style, format, and content of your blog post. You need to understand their needs, interests, problems, and preferences. You need to write for them, not for yourself.</p> <p><strong>To know your audience, you can do some research, such as:</strong></p> <p>- Analyzing your existing readers and subscribers - Creating reader personas or profiles - Conducting surveys or polls - Reading comments and feedback - Checking out other blogs in your niche</p> <p>Knowing your audience will help you choose the right topics, keywords, headlines, and calls to action for your blog post.</p> <h3>## 2. Choosing a captivating Title or Headline: The Gateway to Clicks</h3> <p>The next step is to choose a topic and a title for your blog post. Your topic should be relevant, interesting, and valuable to your audience. It should also be specific, focused, and clear. Avoid choosing topics that are too broad, vague, or complex.</p> <p>Your title should be catchy, descriptive, and informative. It should capture the attention of your readers and make them want to click and read more. It should also include your main keyword or phrase, which will help your blog post rank higher in search engines.</p> <p><strong>Some tips for choosing a captivating topic or title are:</strong></p> <p>- Brainstorm ideas based on your audience’s pain points, questions, or goals - Use tools like [AnswerThePublic](https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-blog/) or [BuzzSumo](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-start-a-blog) to find popular and trending topics - Use tools like [CoSchedule Headline Analyzer](https://bing.com/search?q =tips+and+general+rules+for+writing+a+good+blog+post) or [Portent Title Maker](https://ahrefs.com/blog/blogging-tips/) to generate and optimize titles - Test different titles and see which ones get more clicks, shares, or comments</p> <h3>## 3. Writing an introduction that hooks your readers</h3> <p>The introduction is the first part of your blog post that your readers will see. It's your chance to make a good first impression and convince them to keep reading. <strong>Your introduction should:</strong></p> <p>- Grab your readers' attention with a hook, such as a question, a statistic, a quote, a story, or a shocking fact - Introduce your topic and explain why it's important or relevant to your audience - Provide some background information or context for your topic - Preview the main points or arguments that you'll cover in the rest of your blog post - End with a thesis statement or a clear purpose for your blog post</p> <p><strong>Here’s an example of an introduction that hooks readers:</strong></p> <p>> Have you ever wondered how some bloggers manage to make a living from their blogs? How do they attract thousands of visitors, generate tons of revenue, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working from anywhere? Well, it's not a secret. It's a skill. And you can learn it too. In this blog post, I'll show you how to start a blog and make money with it in 2024. You'll learn the basics of blogging, the best platforms and tools to use, the most profitable niches and monetization methods, and the proven strategies to grow your audience and income. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced blogger, this guide will help you take your blog to the next level.</p> <h3>## 4. Writing the body of your blog post with clear and concise paragraphs.</h3> <p>The body of your blog post is where you deliver your main message and provide value to your readers. It's where you explain, elaborate, and support your main points or arguments with evidence, examples, and data. Your body paragraphs should be clear and concise, following a logical structure and flow.</p> <p><strong>Some tips for writing the body of your blog post are:</strong></p> <p>- Use headings and subheadings to organize your content and make it easier to read and scan - Use bullets and numbered lists to highlight key points or steps - Use images, videos, charts, graphs, or other visual elements to illustrate your points and break up the text - Use quotes, testimonials, case studies, or stories to add credibility and emotion to your points - Use transitions and connectors to link your paragraphs and sentences and create a smooth flow - Use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and write in an active voice</p> <p><strong>Here's an example of a body paragraph with a clear and concise structure:</strong></p> <p>> ### How to Choose a Blogging Platform > > A <strong><a href="https://</strong>bluehost.sjv.io/Jzm1Xq">blogging platform</a> is the software or service that you use to create and manage your blog. There are many blogging platforms available, but not all of them are suitable for your needs and goals.</p> <p><strong>Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a blogging platform are:</strong> > - Ease of use: You want a platform that is user-friendly and intuitive, so you can focus on creating and publishing your content without any hassle or technical issues. > - Features and functionality: You want a platform that offers the features and functionality that you need for your blog, such as customization, design, security, SEO, analytics, plugins, etc. > - Cost and scalability: You want a platform that fits your budget and allows you to scale your blog as it grows, without any limitations or extra fees. > > Based on these criteria, one of the best blogging platforms that I recommend is [<strong><a href=</strong>"https://bluehost.sjv.io/Jzm1Xq">Bluehost</a>]. Bluehost is one the most popular and widely used blogging platforms in the world, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. Bluehost is affordable, open-source, and highly customizable. You can choose from thousands of themes and plugins to create any type of blog you want. Bluehost is also SEO-friendly, secure, and fast.</p> <h3>## 5. Writing a conclusion that summarizes your main points and ends with a call to action</h3> <p>The conclusion is the last part of your blog post that your readers will see. It's your opportunity to wrap up your message and leave a lasting impression on your readers. <strong>Your conclusion should:</strong></p> <p>- Summarize your main points or arguments and restate your thesis statement or purpose - Emphasize the key takeaways or benefits that your readers can get from your blog post - Provide some suggestions or recommendations for further action or learning - End with a call to action that invites your readers to do something, such as comment, share, subscribe, buy, etc.</p> <p><strong>Here's an example of a conclusion that summarizes the main points and ends with a call to action:</strong></p> <p>> In conclusion, blogging is a great way to express yourself, share your knowledge, and make money online. But it’s not a walk in the park. It takes time, effort, and skill to create a successful blog. To write a good blog post, you need to follow some tips and general rules, such as: > > - Know your audience and write for them > - Choose a topic and a title that are relevant, interesting, and catchy > - Write an introduction that hooks your readers and introduces your topic > - Write the body of your blog post with clear and concise paragraphs, using headings, lists, images, and other elements to organize and enhance your content > - Write a conclusion that summarizes your main points and ends with a call to action > > If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to write a blog post that attracts, engages, and converts your readers. And if you want to learn more about how to start a blog and make money with it in 2024, check out my recent blog post on Medium, where I share my detailed guide on how to create and grow a profitable blog. You can find the link below. ></p> <p>> [<a href="https://medium.com/@mosesnartey47/how-to-start-a-blog-and-make-money-with-it-2024-review-9a942e3d789b">How to Start a Blog and Make Money with It in 2024</a>]</p> <h3>Where Can You Learn More?</h3> <p>Curious to delve deeper into the world of blogging? Check out my recent blog post on Medium, where I share insights on "<a href="https://medium.com/@mosesnartey47/how-to-start-a-blog-and-make-money-with-it-2024-review-9a942e3d789b">How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024.</a>" Discover the step-by-step guide to launching your blog and turning it into a profitable venture.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://medium.com/@mosesnartey47/how-to-st</strong>art-a-blog-and-make-money-with-it-2024-review-9a942e3d789b">Read Now: How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024</a></p> <p><strong>In conclusion</strong>, crafting a compelling blog post involves understanding your audience, creating captivating headlines, organizing content for readability, and prioritizing substance over style. Remember, quality content builds credibility and keeps readers engaged. If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of blogging, check out my recent Medium post, "<a href="https://medium.com/@mosesnartey47/how-to-start-a-blog-and-make-money-with-it-2024-review-9a942e3d789b">How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024</a>," for a comprehensive guide to launching your blog successfully. Your engagement is crucial, and I appreciate your presence in this blogging journey. For more tips, stories, and ongoing insights, <strong><a href="</strong>https://bluehost.sjv.io/Jzm1Xq">follow me</a> on Medium. Let's continue to craft engaging content and explore the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling together!</p> </section>	Unveiling the 5 Secrets for Writing a Perfect Blog Post (2024 Review). Tips for writing a perfect blog post Do you want to write a blog post that attracts readers, engages them, and makes them want to come back for more? If so, you're not alone. Blogging is a popular and effective way to share your ideas, opinions, and expertise with the world. But it's not as easy as it sounds. Writing a good blog post requires planning, research, creativity, and skill. In this post, I'll share some tips and general rules that will help you write a blog post that stands out from the crowd. What Sets a Good Blog Post Apart? Imagine this: You pour your thoughts into a blog post, hit publish, and... crickets. Does this sound familiar? Crafting a compelling blog post is more than just stringing words together; it's about connecting with your audience, providing value, and leaving a lasting impression. Tips and General Rules for Writing a Perfect Blog Post; ##1. Knowing Your Audience: The Foundation of Great Content The first rule of writing a good blog post is to know who you're writing for. Your audience is the most important factor that determines the tone, style, format, and content of your blog post. You need to understand their needs, interests, problems, and preferences. You need to write for them, not for yourself. To know your audience, you can do some research, such as: - Analyzing your existing readers and subscribers - Creating reader personas or profiles - Conducting surveys or polls - Reading comments and feedback - Checking out other blogs in your niche Knowing your audience will help you choose the right topics, keywords, headlines, and calls to action for your blog post. ## 2. Choosing a captivating Title or Headline: The Gateway to Clicks The next step is to choose a topic and a title for your blog post. Your topic should be relevant, interesting, and valuable to your audience. It should also be specific, focused, and clear. Avoid choosing topics that are too broad, vague, or complex. Your title should be catchy, descriptive, and informative. It should capture the attention of your readers and make them want to click and read more. It should also include your main keyword or phrase, which will help your blog post rank higher in search engines. Some tips for choosing a captivating topic or title are: - Brainstorm ideas based on your audience’s pain points, questions, or goals - Use tools like [AnswerThePublic](https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-blog/) or [BuzzSumo](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-start-a-blog) to find popular and trending topics - Use tools like [CoSchedule Headline Analyzer](https://bing.com/search?q =tips+and+general+rules+for+writing+a+good+blog+post) or [Portent Title Maker](https://ahrefs.com/blog/blogging-tips/) to generate and optimize titles - Test different titles and see which ones get more clicks, shares, or comments ## 3. Writing an introduction that hooks your readers The introduction is the first part of your blog post that your readers will see. It's your chance to make a good first impression and convince them to keep reading. Your introduction should: - Grab your readers' attention with a hook, such as a question, a statistic, a quote, a story, or a shocking fact - Introduce your topic and explain why it's important or relevant to your audience - Provide some background information or context for your topic - Preview the main points or arguments that you'll cover in the rest of your blog post - End with a thesis statement or a clear purpose for your blog post Here’s an example of an introduction that hooks readers: > Have you ever wondered how some bloggers manage to make a living from their blogs? How do they attract thousands of visitors, generate tons of revenue, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working from anywhere? Well, it's not a secret. It's a skill. And you can learn it too. In this blog post, I'll show you how to start a blog and make money with it in 2024. You'll learn the basics of blogging, the best platforms and tools to use, the most profitable niches and monetization methods, and the proven strategies to grow your audience and income. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced blogger, this guide will help you take your blog to the next level. ## 4. Writing the body of your blog post with clear and concise paragraphs. The body of your blog post is where you deliver your main message and provide value to your readers. It's where you explain, elaborate, and support your main points or arguments with evidence, examples, and data. Your body paragraphs should be clear and concise, following a logical structure and flow. Some tips for writing the body of your blog post are: - Use headings and subheadings to organize your content and make it easier to read and scan - Use bullets and numbered lists to highlight key points or steps - Use images, videos, charts, graphs, or other visual elements to illustrate your points and break up the text - Use quotes, testimonials, case studies, or stories to add credibility and emotion to your points - Use transitions and connectors to link your paragraphs and sentences and create a smooth flow - Use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and write in an active voice Here's an example of a body paragraph with a clear and concise structure: > ### How to Choose a Blogging Platform > > A blogging platform is the software or service that you use to create and manage your blog. There are many blogging platforms available, but not all of them are suitable for your needs and goals. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a blogging platform are: > - Ease of use: You want a platform that is user-friendly and intuitive, so you can focus on creating and publishing your content without any hassle or technical issues. > - Features and functionality: You want a platform that offers the features and functionality that you need for your blog, such as customization, design, security, SEO, analytics, plugins, etc. > - Cost and scalability: You want a platform that fits your budget and allows you to scale your blog as it grows, without any limitations or extra fees. > > Based on these criteria, one of the best blogging platforms that I recommend is [Bluehost]. Bluehost is one the most popular and widely used blogging platforms in the world, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. Bluehost is affordable, open-source, and highly customizable. You can choose from thousands of themes and plugins to create any type of blog you want. Bluehost is also SEO-friendly, secure, and fast. ## 5. Writing a conclusion that summarizes your main points and ends with a call to action The conclusion is the last part of your blog post that your readers will see. It's your opportunity to wrap up your message and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Your conclusion should: - Summarize your main points or arguments and restate your thesis statement or purpose - Emphasize the key takeaways or benefits that your readers can get from your blog post - Provide some suggestions or recommendations for further action or learning - End with a call to action that invites your readers to do something, such as comment, share, subscribe, buy, etc. Here's an example of a conclusion that summarizes the main points and ends with a call to action: > In conclusion, blogging is a great way to express yourself, share your knowledge, and make money online. But it’s not a walk in the park. It takes time, effort, and skill to create a successful blog. To write a good blog post, you need to follow some tips and general rules, such as: > > - Know your audience and write for them > - Choose a topic and a title that are relevant, interesting, and catchy > - Write an introduction that hooks your readers and introduces your topic > - Write the body of your blog post with clear and concise paragraphs, using headings, lists, images, and other elements to organize and enhance your content > - Write a conclusion that summarizes your main points and ends with a call to action > > If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to write a blog post that attracts, engages, and converts your readers. And if you want to learn more about how to start a blog and make money with it in 2024, check out my recent blog post on Medium, where I share my detailed guide on how to create and grow a profitable blog. You can find the link below. > > [How to Start a Blog and Make Money with It in 2024] Where Can You Learn More? Curious to delve deeper into the world of blogging? Check out my recent blog post on Medium, where I share insights on "How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024." Discover the step-by-step guide to launching your blog and turning it into a profitable venture. Read Now: How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024 In conclusion, crafting a compelling blog post involves understanding your audience, creating captivating headlines, organizing content for readability, and prioritizing substance over style. Remember, quality content builds credibility and keeps readers engaged. If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of blogging, check out my recent Medium post, "How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024," for a comprehensive guide to launching your blog successfully. Your engagement is crucial, and I appreciate your presence in this blogging journey. For more tips, stories, and ongoing insights, follow me on Medium. Let's continue to craft engaging content and explore the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling together!	86d97731-4970-5f26-9c01-4b21617feb6d	25/08/2025 18:00:09
https://medium.com/@treasureislandcoco/looking-for-a-coconut-sugar-substitute-treasure-island-coco-8b7595fdd62f	medium.com	Looking for a Coconut Sugar Substitute? │Treasure Island Coco	Let’s face it. The majority of us know that sugar is not the healthiest food item. Consuming an excessive amount of sugar on a regular…	Treasure Island Coco	https://medium.com/@treasureislandcoco	8b7595fdd62f	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*uw74kBmY--1uXuN-.	3 min	2018-02-27T02:52:39.583000	2017-11-15T12:02:06	2018-02-27T02:54:42.978000	0	0	en	Food,Coconut Sugar Substitute,Coconut Sugar,Sweeteners,Raw Honey	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/647/0*uw74kBmY--1uXuN-." width="647" height="340" loading="lazy" /> <p>Let’s face it. The majority of us know that sugar is not the healthiest food item. Consuming an excessive amount of sugar on a regular basis can lead to serious health consequences. In spite of that, people still consume it. They willingly add sugar to their food and beverages to enhance the flavor or wholeheartedly eat sugar-drenched treats bought from shops and restaurants.</p> <p>As much as I would gladly recommend that you and the people you love to stop eating refined sugar, this is an impossible and unrealistic advice. From someone who loves sweet treats, I know how difficult it is to go sugarless. The good news is there are alternatives that are healthy and tasty at the same time. So what makes the coconut sugar substitute the best alternative for table sugar?</p> <h1>Organic and Unrefined Coconut Sugar</h1> <p>There are many ways you can say that it is perfect to use a coconut sugar substitute over regular table sugar. You can use it as you would use your usual sugar in a 1:1 ratio. <a href="https://cocotreasure.com/shop/organic-coconut-sugar/">Organic and unrefined coconut sugar</a> is naturally made by extracting the sweet sap of an <a href="http://www.ultrabodymind.com/coconut-sugar-healthy-sugar-alternative/">organic coconut blossom</a> of a coconut tree. After collecting the sap, it is then boiled over medium heat. That’s until all water evaporates and the sugar crystal are all that’s left.</p> <p>For clarity, the process does not use any form of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Rather, it is fortified with nutrients and minerals. There’s iron, zinc, potassium, and calcium as well as antioxidants, polyphenols, and amino acids. In addition, it has a low glycemic index of 35. Ain’t coconut sugar just perfect?</p> <h2>Substitutes for Coconut Sugar</h2> <p>However, there are instances when you could run out of coconut sugar and your order is arriving late. Your sweet tooth could no longer wait to get satisfied. Here’s what you can do. Scan your cupboard and see if you have the following alternatives.</p> <h2>Coconut Sugar Substitute 1: Raw Honey</h2> <p>Since honey is a lot sweeter than refined sugar, you have to use less of the syrup to achieve the level of sweetness you desire. Bees collects nectar from different flowers and store them in their honeycomb. Overtime, it becomes a sweet liquid you call <a href="https://www.mybeeline.co/en/p/raw-honey-vs-regular-honey-difference">raw honey</a>.</p> <p>You have to be careful when purchasing a bottle though. Most honey today are heated and filtered. This method changes the chemical composition and nutritional content of the honey. If you want to get the most benefits out of this natural sweetener then you have to make sure to buy a raw one.</p> <h2>Coconut Sugar Substitute 2: Stevia</h2> <p>If you think that honey is a lot sweeter than sugar, think again. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stevia">Stevia</a>, in the form of powder or leaf, is about 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar. You do not have to worry though. While this natural alternative contains an extreme amount of sweetness, it contains no trace of calories and carbohydrates. Just make sure to use it in small controlled proportions or you will be suffering from tonsillitis for the next days.</p> <p>Like honey, you also need to be careful when buying stevia. What the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) approves to be safe is the purified form of stevia also known as stevioside. If you see stevia crude or stevia leaves when you shop, make sure to steer clear from it.</p> <p>Remember, living healthier does not mean giving up your love for sweets entirely. Sometimes, all it takes is for you to look for healthier alternatives and use these as a <a href="https://treasureislandcoco.com/useful-organic-coconut-nectar/">sweetener substitute</a>. Take a step towards a better lifestyle. You can use coconut sugar substitute over refined sugar. In case you run out of coconut sugar, may use stevia or raw honey.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://treasureislandcoco.com/coco</em>nut-sugar-substitute/">treasureislandcoco.com</a> on November 15, 2017.</p> </section>	Looking for a Coconut Sugar Substitute? │Treasure Island Coco Let’s face it. The majority of us know that sugar is not the healthiest food item. Consuming an excessive amount of sugar on a regular basis can lead to serious health consequences. In spite of that, people still consume it. They willingly add sugar to their food and beverages to enhance the flavor or wholeheartedly eat sugar-drenched treats bought from shops and restaurants. As much as I would gladly recommend that you and the people you love to stop eating refined sugar, this is an impossible and unrealistic advice. From someone who loves sweet treats, I know how difficult it is to go sugarless. The good news is there are alternatives that are healthy and tasty at the same time. So what makes the coconut sugar substitute the best alternative for table sugar? Organic and Unrefined Coconut Sugar There are many ways you can say that it is perfect to use a coconut sugar substitute over regular table sugar. You can use it as you would use your usual sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Organic and unrefined coconut sugar is naturally made by extracting the sweet sap of an organic coconut blossom of a coconut tree. After collecting the sap, it is then boiled over medium heat. That’s until all water evaporates and the sugar crystal are all that’s left. For clarity, the process does not use any form of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Rather, it is fortified with nutrients and minerals. There’s iron, zinc, potassium, and calcium as well as antioxidants, polyphenols, and amino acids. In addition, it has a low glycemic index of 35. Ain’t coconut sugar just perfect? Substitutes for Coconut Sugar However, there are instances when you could run out of coconut sugar and your order is arriving late. Your sweet tooth could no longer wait to get satisfied. Here’s what you can do. Scan your cupboard and see if you have the following alternatives. Coconut Sugar Substitute 1: Raw Honey Since honey is a lot sweeter than refined sugar, you have to use less of the syrup to achieve the level of sweetness you desire. Bees collects nectar from different flowers and store them in their honeycomb. Overtime, it becomes a sweet liquid you call raw honey. You have to be careful when purchasing a bottle though. Most honey today are heated and filtered. This method changes the chemical composition and nutritional content of the honey. If you want to get the most benefits out of this natural sweetener then you have to make sure to buy a raw one. Coconut Sugar Substitute 2: Stevia If you think that honey is a lot sweeter than sugar, think again. Stevia, in the form of powder or leaf, is about 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar. You do not have to worry though. While this natural alternative contains an extreme amount of sweetness, it contains no trace of calories and carbohydrates. Just make sure to use it in small controlled proportions or you will be suffering from tonsillitis for the next days. Like honey, you also need to be careful when buying stevia. What the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) approves to be safe is the purified form of stevia also known as stevioside. If you see stevia crude or stevia leaves when you shop, make sure to steer clear from it. Remember, living healthier does not mean giving up your love for sweets entirely. Sometimes, all it takes is for you to look for healthier alternatives and use these as a sweetener substitute. Take a step towards a better lifestyle. You can use coconut sugar substitute over refined sugar. In case you run out of coconut sugar, may use stevia or raw honey. Originally published at treasureislandcoco.com on November 15, 2017.	896b1e61-35a9-5f2e-8bf9-6598d4d34734	25/08/2025 18:00:10
https://healthnutritionresource.medium.com/nonobvious-rules-of-healthy-eating-22275d269199	medium.com	Nonobvious rules of healthy eating.	Broccoli worse than French Fries?	Angela Shurina	https://medium.com/@healthnutritionresource	22275d269199	https://miro.medium.com/…4_qIVK38QFg.jpeg	5 min	2017-04-23T15:29:16.344000	2017-04-23T15:31:39.028000	2018-04-18T19:36:54.494000	0	21	en	Food,Recipe,Healthy Foods,Weight Loss,Diet	<section> <h3>Broccoli worse than French Fries?</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1odJjlvqFT_m4_qIVK38QFg.jpeg" width="1080" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>I’m asked a lot the same questions.</em></p> <p><em>What is healthy food?</em></p> <p><em>How do I eat healthy?</em></p> <p>It seems like everything is unhealthy now!</p> <p>Meat is evil and has antibiotics and growth hormone, fish is toxic because of polluted oceans, vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, fruit is sugar and makes you fat, and that not mentioning, grains and sugar, that ultimately and undeniably make you sick, fat and nearly dead … <strong>what’s left to eat?</strong></p> <p>We’ve done and still do a lot of stupid things to our food to increase profits, or because somebody decides to deny science and obvious evidence, or because somebody doesn’t know better and needs to get educated.</p> <p>The world is not perfect, I don’t know about you, but I still want to live healthy, fit, full of energy and happy as many years as I have.</p> <p><strong>So I make sure I avoid the food trap of civilized world and eat:</strong></p> <p>Organic, or even better, wild</p> <p>Fresh and local</p> <p>Food, that makes me feel and look good now and long term</p> <p></p> <p>And a lot of you know these basics and practice them, if not all the time, as often as possible.</p> <p><strong>There are a couple of mistakes, that many of you still make unknowingly</strong> very often. I used to make them, and only recently got educated.</p> <h1>Small details that can ruin all your healthy eating efforts.</h1> <p>What are they?</p> <p>Cooking and, unfortunate for you and your stomach, food combining!</p> <p><strong>You know why French Fries are bad?</strong></p> <p>Not because of potatoes.</p> <p>Because of the way they are cooked.</p> <p>There is no worse way to cook anything, than to fry it at high temperatures with damaged vegetable oils! No matter what you cook this way it will come out bad for you.</p> <p>Even broccoli.</p> <p>If you fry your broccoli at high temperatures with damaged vegetable oils — it will make you feel sick, and it will damage your brain and metabolism, and it will make you fat and old.</p> <p>The same thing will happen to the best wild caught salmon and grass-fed pasture-raised meat, or your omelet or spinach.</p> <p><strong>You might be investing in your fatness, screwed up metabolism and increased possibility of cancer instead of your health, cooking the wrong way.</strong></p> <p>That what a difference cooking can make.</p> <p><strong>How to avoid it?</strong></p> <p>Use good (undamaged by poor handling and storage) oils and fats suitable for cooking at the temperatures you intend to use.</p> <p>Olive oil is for salads and moderate temperatures cooking (plus it needs to be stored in a cool dark place, in a dark glass bottle and be of a good quality) — Choose a brand you like, do the research, stick to quality.</p> <p>Never do frying at high temperatures, to prevent damaging proteins, fats and carbohydrates, making them toxic compounds, promoting brain damage, cancer, inflammation and metabolic disorders.</p> <p><strong>The healthiest ways to cook?</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Eat</em>ing raw:</strong></p> <p>Veggies in salads, fruits, nuts, fish and eggs of superb quality and safely stored.</p> <p><em><strong>S</em>teaming:</strong></p> <p>Vegetables, that are harder, or impossible to chew and digest raw — a lot of greens like broccoli or kale, or even spinach will be digested and absorbed much better, when slightly steamed. Be sure not to overdo it, making your veggies al dente (somewhere between raw and cooked).</p> <p>Fish is great steamed.</p> <p>You can steam everything actually. I tried it. It requires some sauce or spices — to make the taste not so blend.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0NHawTjD0Ds8IBi7h.jpg" width="500" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p><em><strong>Boiling or p</em>oaching:</strong></p> <p>Eggs.</p> <p>Fish, veggies, meats, organ meats, bones — make sure you consume the liquid (or it’s absorbed during cooking), since a lot of nutrients leak into it. Soups and stews are a great solution.</p> <p><em><strong>Grilling, baking, b</em>roiling:</strong></p> <p>An OK method — the temperatures might get too high for too long damaging the food, producing toxins. Make sure you don’t use too much heat for too long making everything brown or black — that’s how you create cancerous compounds, damaging fats and proteins, destroying healthy nutrients along with it. And make sure you don’t use any unhealthy and not suitable for that kind of cooking fuels and oils.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/579/0PP5UwybvzvzLKkg8.jpg" width="579" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p><em><strong>Stir</em>-frying:</strong></p> <p>Only with good oils and fats. Only for short periods of time cutting your food in small pieces. Eat freshly cooked.</p> <p>Let’s repeat the main points:</p> <p><strong>No damaged and unhealthy oils</strong> while cooking</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/0eakrMZ3bofbnai0F.jpg" width="600" height="374" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>No high heat,</strong> especially not with damaged oils</p> <p><strong>Check or ask about the ingredients, when eating out</strong> — it’s not the added calories in the food in restaurants that make you sick and fat, it’s the quality, the damaged oils, unhealthy cooking methods … and sugar in almost everything.</p> <h2>Unfortunate food combinations, that ruin your gut, brain, body and mood.</h2> <p><em>(If you ask me, we people behave like assholes, very often because of poor digestion caused by bad food combinations cooked in unhealthy ways)</em></p> <p>Healthy eating and healthy cooking are also about the right combinations of foods, of ingredients.</p> <p>Eat meat (or any protein, requiring acid for digestion) with starch like potato (requiring alkaline environment for digestion) and you get indigestion, bloating, sleepiness and heaviness, more fat on your belly and who knows what else.</p> <p>Non-starchy vegetables are neutral — can be eaten with anything, salads are neutral, herbs, greens, spices, good quality oils are neutral. The rest you eat separately — proteins — meats and fish, fruits, starch like potato or rice, grains, nuts and seeds in noticeable amounts — all separate eating groups.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/594/0lnFW2ATz9ODkQLGn.jpg" width="594" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p>It’s not only about the taste, that makes a recipe great — it’s also about the combined digestability of ingredients and produced lightness in the stomach after.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.</em>instagram.com/1000yearyoung/">Healthy living trivia</a></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/0AFo-Z5o9xwoQ3Bp-.jpg" width="600" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/480/0YIcEpIx9wEXsqxhn.png" width="480" height="478" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/524/0V-tnrz_fwUomDKUF.jpg" width="524" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p><em><strong>You don’t get healthy and stay </em>healthy.</strong></p> <p><em><strong>HEALTH is a DAILY PRACTICE. One bite at</em> a time.</strong></p> <p>Daily Bite of Health</p> <h3>COOK HEALTHY</h3> </section>	Nonobvious rules of healthy eating. Broccoli worse than French Fries? I’m asked a lot the same questions. What is healthy food? How do I eat healthy? It seems like everything is unhealthy now! Meat is evil and has antibiotics and growth hormone, fish is toxic because of polluted oceans, vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, fruit is sugar and makes you fat, and that not mentioning, grains and sugar, that ultimately and undeniably make you sick, fat and nearly dead … what’s left to eat? We’ve done and still do a lot of stupid things to our food to increase profits, or because somebody decides to deny science and obvious evidence, or because somebody doesn’t know better and needs to get educated. The world is not perfect, I don’t know about you, but I still want to live healthy, fit, full of energy and happy as many years as I have. So I make sure I avoid the food trap of civilized world and eat: Organic, or even better, wild Fresh and local Food, that makes me feel and look good now and long term And a lot of you know these basics and practice them, if not all the time, as often as possible. There are a couple of mistakes, that many of you still make unknowingly very often. I used to make them, and only recently got educated. Small details that can ruin all your healthy eating efforts. What are they? Cooking and, unfortunate for you and your stomach, food combining! You know why French Fries are bad? Not because of potatoes. Because of the way they are cooked. There is no worse way to cook anything, than to fry it at high temperatures with damaged vegetable oils! No matter what you cook this way it will come out bad for you. Even broccoli. If you fry your broccoli at high temperatures with damaged vegetable oils — it will make you feel sick, and it will damage your brain and metabolism, and it will make you fat and old. The same thing will happen to the best wild caught salmon and grass-fed pasture-raised meat, or your omelet or spinach. You might be investing in your fatness, screwed up metabolism and increased possibility of cancer instead of your health, cooking the wrong way. That what a difference cooking can make. How to avoid it? Use good (undamaged by poor handling and storage) oils and fats suitable for cooking at the temperatures you intend to use. Olive oil is for salads and moderate temperatures cooking (plus it needs to be stored in a cool dark place, in a dark glass bottle and be of a good quality) — Choose a brand you like, do the research, stick to quality. Never do frying at high temperatures, to prevent damaging proteins, fats and carbohydrates, making them toxic compounds, promoting brain damage, cancer, inflammation and metabolic disorders. The healthiest ways to cook? Eating raw: Veggies in salads, fruits, nuts, fish and eggs of superb quality and safely stored. Steaming: Vegetables, that are harder, or impossible to chew and digest raw — a lot of greens like broccoli or kale, or even spinach will be digested and absorbed much better, when slightly steamed. Be sure not to overdo it, making your veggies al dente (somewhere between raw and cooked). Fish is great steamed. You can steam everything actually. I tried it. It requires some sauce or spices — to make the taste not so blend. Boiling or poaching: Eggs. Fish, veggies, meats, organ meats, bones — make sure you consume the liquid (or it’s absorbed during cooking), since a lot of nutrients leak into it. Soups and stews are a great solution. Grilling, baking, broiling: An OK method — the temperatures might get too high for too long damaging the food, producing toxins. Make sure you don’t use too much heat for too long making everything brown or black — that’s how you create cancerous compounds, damaging fats and proteins, destroying healthy nutrients along with it. And make sure you don’t use any unhealthy and not suitable for that kind of cooking fuels and oils. Stir-frying: Only with good oils and fats. Only for short periods of time cutting your food in small pieces. Eat freshly cooked. Let’s repeat the main points: No damaged and unhealthy oils while cooking No high heat, especially not with damaged oils Check or ask about the ingredients, when eating out — it’s not the added calories in the food in restaurants that make you sick and fat, it’s the quality, the damaged oils, unhealthy cooking methods … and sugar in almost everything. Unfortunate food combinations, that ruin your gut, brain, body and mood. (If you ask me, we people behave like assholes, very often because of poor digestion caused by bad food combinations cooked in unhealthy ways) Healthy eating and healthy cooking are also about the right combinations of foods, of ingredients. Eat meat (or any protein, requiring acid for digestion) with starch like potato (requiring alkaline environment for digestion) and you get indigestion, bloating, sleepiness and heaviness, more fat on your belly and who knows what else. Non-starchy vegetables are neutral — can be eaten with anything, salads are neutral, herbs, greens, spices, good quality oils are neutral. The rest you eat separately — proteins — meats and fish, fruits, starch like potato or rice, grains, nuts and seeds in noticeable amounts — all separate eating groups. It’s not only about the taste, that makes a recipe great — it’s also about the combined digestability of ingredients and produced lightness in the stomach after. Healthy living trivia You don’t get healthy and stay healthy. HEALTH is a DAILY PRACTICE. One bite at a time. Daily Bite of Health COOK HEALTHY	ffc3a8c3-9f9f-58e6-b282-a06672ab013e	25/08/2025 18:00:10
https://medium.com/@chloecarolineschneider/sandwiches-2b9fca963bf9	medium.com	Sandwiches	When you make a sandwich with the kind of white bread none of us have eaten since the 90s, and that white bread gets stuck to the roof of…	Chloe Schneider	https://medium.com/@chloecarolineschneider	2b9fca963bf9	null	1 min	2018-05-14T01:43:05.949000	2018-05-14T01:55:54.955000	2018-05-14T01:55:55.975000	0	0	en	Food,Stories,Childhood Memories,Childhood,Sandwich	<section> <p>When you make a sandwich with the kind of white bread none of us have eaten since the 90s, and that white bread gets stuck to the roof of your mouth, you might casually extract it and get on with eating the sandwich.</p> <p>Or, you might feel like you’re going to swallow your tongue and give up completely, declaring yourself Someone Who Does Not Eat Sandwiches. You are not casually someone who does not <em>like</em> sandwiches. You do not eat them. And why would a mother pack you a sandwich if you are a person who does not eat sandwiches. That would be neglect, no? Like packing a peanut butter cookie for a kid with a nut allergy.</p> <p>When you don’t eat sandwiches through the lunchbox years, when do you resume eating them? Is it when that sticky white bread is reprimanded and put in the corner? Or is it when you find yourself with no other options, a vegetarian forced to endure a salad sandwich?</p> <p>And, then, are you suddenly Someone Who Eats Sandwiches?</p> </section>	Sandwiches When you make a sandwich with the kind of white bread none of us have eaten since the 90s, and that white bread gets stuck to the roof of your mouth, you might casually extract it and get on with eating the sandwich. Or, you might feel like you’re going to swallow your tongue and give up completely, declaring yourself Someone Who Does Not Eat Sandwiches. You are not casually someone who does not like sandwiches. You do not eat them. And why would a mother pack you a sandwich if you are a person who does not eat sandwiches. That would be neglect, no? Like packing a peanut butter cookie for a kid with a nut allergy. When you don’t eat sandwiches through the lunchbox years, when do you resume eating them? Is it when that sticky white bread is reprimanded and put in the corner? Or is it when you find yourself with no other options, a vegetarian forced to endure a salad sandwich? And, then, are you suddenly Someone Who Eats Sandwiches?	a8b54a87-43d7-5dd8-92f2-6ae5b06b6b51	25/08/2025 18:00:10
https://medium.com/unruly-sounds/review-dex-meets-dexter-famous-dex-afad9b0e28b0	medium.com	[REVIEW] “Dex Meets Dexter” — Famous Dex Shows Low Quality Tracks Are Harder To Make Than We Expect	Famous Dex seems to go back to his old 2016 style in this album, but with much more unique production. His finally switches up his flow…	Sultan Khan	https://medium.com/@thesultanster	afad9b0e28b0	https://miro.medium.com/…u5K70Qsky1g.jpeg	2 min	2018-04-14T00:06:49.520000	2018-04-14T01:25:09.400000	2018-04-25T02:10:24.641000	0	0	en	Music,Famous Dex,Dex Meets Dexter,Hip Hop,Review	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1ZwpzlpfaoPSu5K70Qsky1g.jpeg" width="1000" height="1000" loading="lazy" /> <p>Famous Dex seems to go back to his old 2016 style in this album, but with much more unique production. His finally switches up his flow too, after sounding the same for a while. The lyrics are the weakest point however, and I believe he could have done a better job at it. His vocals use a lot of auto-tune, and usually I wouldn’t like that because only a few artists can actually pull it off, such as Travis Scott. However, songs like <em>SAID SO</em> prove Dexter can sound melodic and catchy. This album comes with a theme defined by its title.</p> <p>“The whole concept of Dex Meets Dexter is like this good guy [Dex] meeting this crazy guy [Dexter]”</p> <p>The album has two different sounds that are sung by polarizing archetypes. <strong>Dex</strong> is the melodic, smooth side where he puts in actual work into the music. <strong>Dexter</strong> is the autistic, low effort, ad-libbed, leaned up soundcloud rapper people love to hate on. Famous Dex executes both sides well.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/540/1nQMIuZzLN9zDh2hD4TTpIQ.png" width="540" height="540" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/1*b_BKb7cI86RNLVXKL3PzNA.jpeg" width="800" height="534" loading="lazy" /> <p>That’s the lesson we must learn from this album. What Famous Dex confirms is that New Age rappers understand the context of their sound. They are often accused of low quality lyrics and using generic hype beats, as if they don’t know it themselves. But really they do, and they do it intentionally. The more low effort a great song turns out, the better.</p> <p>In fact I will argue that this craftsmanship takes more effort than one may think. As an engineer I know what it takes to build perfect system. Let’s say we want to build a bridge, but not just any bridge, <strong>it has to work perfectly</strong>. Meaning it will take a lot of time and effort into building and engineering said bridge. No one will argue against that fact. However, what if we intentionally wanted to build a bridge that just barely worked?</p> <p>It must teeter to the edge of total system collapse, but it’s not allowed to fail. This takes much more effort and creativity to build. That critical point of no return is a lot harder to maintain than we may think. Famous Dex, and many New Age rappers, find themselves walking this very fine line.</p> <p>Dex tracks: PROVE IT, JAPAN, CELINE, SAID SO, LIGHT Dexter tracks: CHUMP, CHAMPION, TAKE HER, PICK IT UP HEMI and PROVE IT go hard.</p> <p></p> <p>4/5 Overall it’s good to finally hear a polished album from Dexter. A part of me wanted a little more Dexter sound with the <em>UHH YEAH UHH WHAT</em> OHHMAGODDAMM, but Dex is more in control, and that’s totally fine. I love the way the album ends with the last two tracks, but I wish Dexter spent more time with the lyrics as they fell flat for both archetypes. The production is unique, and that’s refreshing.</p> </section>	[REVIEW] “Dex Meets Dexter” — Famous Dex Shows Low Quality Tracks Are Harder To Make Than We Expect Famous Dex seems to go back to his old 2016 style in this album, but with much more unique production. His finally switches up his flow too, after sounding the same for a while. The lyrics are the weakest point however, and I believe he could have done a better job at it. His vocals use a lot of auto-tune, and usually I wouldn’t like that because only a few artists can actually pull it off, such as Travis Scott. However, songs like SAID SO prove Dexter can sound melodic and catchy. This album comes with a theme defined by its title. “The whole concept of Dex Meets Dexter is like this good guy [Dex] meeting this crazy guy [Dexter]” The album has two different sounds that are sung by polarizing archetypes. Dex is the melodic, smooth side where he puts in actual work into the music. Dexter is the autistic, low effort, ad-libbed, leaned up soundcloud rapper people love to hate on. Famous Dex executes both sides well. That’s the lesson we must learn from this album. What Famous Dex confirms is that New Age rappers understand the context of their sound. They are often accused of low quality lyrics and using generic hype beats, as if they don’t know it themselves. But really they do, and they do it intentionally. The more low effort a great song turns out, the better. In fact I will argue that this craftsmanship takes more effort than one may think. As an engineer I know what it takes to build perfect system. Let’s say we want to build a bridge, but not just any bridge, it has to work perfectly. Meaning it will take a lot of time and effort into building and engineering said bridge. No one will argue against that fact. However, what if we intentionally wanted to build a bridge that just barely worked? It must teeter to the edge of total system collapse, but it’s not allowed to fail. This takes much more effort and creativity to build. That critical point of no return is a lot harder to maintain than we may think. Famous Dex, and many New Age rappers, find themselves walking this very fine line. Dex tracks: PROVE IT, JAPAN, CELINE, SAID SO, LIGHT Dexter tracks: CHUMP, CHAMPION, TAKE HER, PICK IT UP HEMI and PROVE IT go hard. 4/5 Overall it’s good to finally hear a polished album from Dexter. A part of me wanted a little more Dexter sound with the UHH YEAH UHH WHAT OHHMAGODDAMM, but Dex is more in control, and that’s totally fine. I love the way the album ends with the last two tracks, but I wish Dexter spent more time with the lyrics as they fell flat for both archetypes. The production is unique, and that’s refreshing.	201fd4f1-d2c2-5961-8098-b0cb5574c856	25/08/2025 18:00:11
https://alchemisjah.medium.com/how-religion-supports-our-idea-of-what-love-is-44781c5cdf02	medium.com	How Religion Supports Our Idea of What Love Is	I’ve had several issues with the Abrahamic religions, dating back to before I became Christian. But as is my nature, if something interests…	Jason Henry	https://medium.com/@alchemisjah	44781c5cdf02	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*TaT7JG6voqvcNIro	6 min	2018-07-06T04:36:08.415000	2018-07-06T10:26:01.306000	2018-07-13T15:33:37.767000	0	7	en	Christianity,Religion,Self Improvement,Love,Relationships	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3024/0*TaT7JG6voqvcNIro" width="3024" height="4032" loading="lazy" /> <p>I’ve had several issues with the Abrahamic religions, dating back to before I became Christian. But as is my nature, if something interests me and I don’t understand it, I want to learn about it.</p> <p>I had an expectation of where my study would lead me but as Brandon Sanderson wrote in his novel <em>The Way of Kings</em>, “Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.”</p> <p>When reading the Bible or singing hymns in church, it always fascinated me that these media were so focused on Israel. I mean, God created <em>the world</em>, but his chosen people were Israelites, the descendants of Jacob.</p> <p>That’s… weird.</p> <p>Then you have Jesus Christ coming onto the scene who said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” in Matthew 15:24. And yet, Christianity was never presented to me in this way. It was presented in a more John 3:16 style where Jesus came to save any and all who believed that he was God incarnate.</p> <p>This is why when people say that there are inconsistencies, they aren’t just deceitfully trying to undermine God. But in studying the gospel of Matthew and comparing it to the gospel of John, it is clear that there are differing motivations behind each text.</p> <p>When we love someone, there tends to be motivations there as well, motivations that may not be benevolent but we feel them to be crucial.</p> <p>One such motivation is when we declare our object of affection as “mine”.</p> <p>Let me make this very clear: there is a healthy and an unhealthy way to possess something or someone. For example, if you’re my friend, I don’t demand your time or attention, I don’t tell you what you ought to be doing and I don’t abandon you when you do something that I didn’t like. I give you freedom to be who you are, but I might give you advice for your benefit simply because I care about you.</p> <p>In a relationship like this, you and I being each other’s friend is an unattached situation in tandem with the uniting forces of affection, mutual respect, common interests, shared experiences and interactivity.</p> <p>Conversely, if I demanded your time and attention, I told you what you do and who to be, and I leave you or even punish you when you didn’t do what I told you or you did something I didn’t like, I am certainly not giving you freedom. This is unhealthy possession. This is gross attachment.</p> <p>When it comes to Abrahamic religions, I can find no better source of this type of love than God himself. He constitutes worship, he dictates laws and he threatens to leave when you disobey. He chooses you and you’re made to feel special, but step out of line and he will punish and/or abandon you.</p> <p>The sad truth is, so many of us treat the people we “love” just like this, especially when it comes to romance. We’re expected to be mind-readers and to cater to the needs (and insecurities) of our beloved. Our beloved chose us and we them, but their unresolved personal traumas cannot allow them to actually love — and this is another motivation of why people love. They are trying to escape pain.</p> <p>It is these traumas and misunderstandings surrounding what love is and personal identity that causes us so many problems in our most intimate relationships.</p> <p>Tons of us suffer in romantic relationships, while in our platonic relationships, many of us are doing relatively well, but another symptom of this unhealthy relationship is the notion that the object of affection should love you and only you, which can show up in platonic relationships but is more often the case in romance.</p> <p>Hmm, I wonder who else has a policy on loving them and only them…</p> <p>Allow me to interject a side-note. I understand that some will feel that God isn’t a friend or lover but a father figure, that God’s love and human affairs are incomparable, and that the context of God and Israel is too different to be used to compare to human relationships.</p> <p>Firstly, if my parents treated me the way God treated Israel I would be in debilitating mental shape. Israel really were like children: ignorant and needed guidance. Imagine if your mother or father left you or hurt you whenever you failed to do something whether through disobedience or simply not knowing how to do it. Is that love?</p> <p>Secondly, while human relationships fail due to a confusion of obsession and unhealthy possession to mean love, God’s behaviour towards Israel manifests itself in the same ways of people in the throes of obsessive and unhealthy relationships.</p> <p>I’m simply illuminating the fact that people suffer, resent, fight and divorce each other over the same things that God does to Israel.</p> <p>But if one pays attention, one would notice that the deity that is written in religious texts is not the one they experience in real life (that is, if you believe the deity to be real and as described).</p> <p>If your partner catches you in a lie, they may give you the silent treatment and unknowingly trigger childhood fears of abandonment. But what is God doing in this moment? Is he punishing you too? Scripture said he would (Surah Āli- Imrān 3:61; Revelations 21:8; Proverbs 19:5). But no, all that’s happening is that your partner is being vengeful.</p> <p>If your partner catches you staring at someone else, they may get outraged and let out a slew of hurtful language. They, like God, are jealous (Exodus 34:14). But is God yelling at you? Does he kill you for paying more attention to your phone or money or spouse than you do him? Nope. All that’s happening is that your partner is yelling at you for something they’ve probably done because it’s completely normal and natural to be attracted to other people.</p> <p>But if you’re like me, that realization made you uncomfortable, specifically the fact that the person you love could love someone else. So what then? Was the purpose of your relationship that this ONE person be your source of love? Yes, and even this mindset is promoted in religion by our clergymen, mullahs or rabbis as they attribute it to God. But again, let’s face it. We can experience love from other sources and we have!</p> <p>While I am not advocating for polyamorous relationships, if we simply strip away the stigma and look at the term simply as having love for more than one person, then yes, I am advocating it, because it is reality. You don’t have to marry, sleep or kiss everyone you love. That’s a different matter.</p> <p>When see seek emotional salvation through some significant other, we become jealous and resentful when the traumatic conditions that were always present, present themselves.</p> <p>You can make the decision to not let your current or future partner be the sole provider of your love, not because you have other people who can love you, but because it’s a job no one can fulfil. We are all different, so we cannot simply know what to do and when to do it for our loved ones. We are flawed, so we cannot meet every need in the way our loved ones may expect.</p> <p>How can we have many friends, many people we respect and care about, but somehow only love one person romantically? There’s a huge incongruency here!</p> <p>But the reason you don’t put pressure on one person to be your friend is because you never had the thought that only one person can love you platonically.</p> <p>And while I don’t believe the stories in scriptures to be much more than allegories with a hint of truth (with a few exceptions), the God of the Abrahamic religions would have saved himself much headache and heartache if he just told the world who he was and how best to live, not because he demanded love, but because he loved his creation.</p> <p>There would be no need to fight one another when united under one deity, whose gifts were given to all. But then again, that’s how you know that these stories were written by Jews and Arabs, for Jews and Arabs. They couldn’t extend love to those outside of their territories anyway. Hell, even today barely any of us can.</p> </section>	How Religion Supports Our Idea of What Love Is “Standing on a hilltop, the setting sun silhouettes a couple kissing” by Filipe Almeida on Unsplash I’ve had several issues with the Abrahamic religions, dating back to before I became Christian. But as is my nature, if something interests me and I don’t understand it, I want to learn about it. I had an expectation of where my study would lead me but as Brandon Sanderson wrote in his novel The Way of Kings, “Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.” When reading the Bible or singing hymns in church, it always fascinated me that these media were so focused on Israel. I mean, God created the world, but his chosen people were Israelites, the descendants of Jacob. That’s… weird. Then you have Jesus Christ coming onto the scene who said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” in Matthew 15:24. And yet, Christianity was never presented to me in this way. It was presented in a more John 3:16 style where Jesus came to save any and all who believed that he was God incarnate. This is why when people say that there are inconsistencies, they aren’t just deceitfully trying to undermine God. But in studying the gospel of Matthew and comparing it to the gospel of John, it is clear that there are differing motivations behind each text. When we love someone, there tends to be motivations there as well, motivations that may not be benevolent but we feel them to be crucial. One such motivation is when we declare our object of affection as “mine”. Let me make this very clear: there is a healthy and an unhealthy way to possess something or someone. For example, if you’re my friend, I don’t demand your time or attention, I don’t tell you what you ought to be doing and I don’t abandon you when you do something that I didn’t like. I give you freedom to be who you are, but I might give you advice for your benefit simply because I care about you. In a relationship like this, you and I being each other’s friend is an unattached situation in tandem with the uniting forces of affection, mutual respect, common interests, shared experiences and interactivity. Conversely, if I demanded your time and attention, I told you what you do and who to be, and I leave you or even punish you when you didn’t do what I told you or you did something I didn’t like, I am certainly not giving you freedom. This is unhealthy possession. This is gross attachment. When it comes to Abrahamic religions, I can find no better source of this type of love than God himself. He constitutes worship, he dictates laws and he threatens to leave when you disobey. He chooses you and you’re made to feel special, but step out of line and he will punish and/or abandon you. The sad truth is, so many of us treat the people we “love” just like this, especially when it comes to romance. We’re expected to be mind-readers and to cater to the needs (and insecurities) of our beloved. Our beloved chose us and we them, but their unresolved personal traumas cannot allow them to actually love — and this is another motivation of why people love. They are trying to escape pain. It is these traumas and misunderstandings surrounding what love is and personal identity that causes us so many problems in our most intimate relationships. Tons of us suffer in romantic relationships, while in our platonic relationships, many of us are doing relatively well, but another symptom of this unhealthy relationship is the notion that the object of affection should love you and only you, which can show up in platonic relationships but is more often the case in romance. Hmm, I wonder who else has a policy on loving them and only them… Allow me to interject a side-note. I understand that some will feel that God isn’t a friend or lover but a father figure, that God’s love and human affairs are incomparable, and that the context of God and Israel is too different to be used to compare to human relationships. Firstly, if my parents treated me the way God treated Israel I would be in debilitating mental shape. Israel really were like children: ignorant and needed guidance. Imagine if your mother or father left you or hurt you whenever you failed to do something whether through disobedience or simply not knowing how to do it. Is that love? Secondly, while human relationships fail due to a confusion of obsession and unhealthy possession to mean love, God’s behaviour towards Israel manifests itself in the same ways of people in the throes of obsessive and unhealthy relationships. I’m simply illuminating the fact that people suffer, resent, fight and divorce each other over the same things that God does to Israel. But if one pays attention, one would notice that the deity that is written in religious texts is not the one they experience in real life (that is, if you believe the deity to be real and as described). If your partner catches you in a lie, they may give you the silent treatment and unknowingly trigger childhood fears of abandonment. But what is God doing in this moment? Is he punishing you too? Scripture said he would (Surah Āli- Imrān 3:61; Revelations 21:8; Proverbs 19:5). But no, all that’s happening is that your partner is being vengeful. If your partner catches you staring at someone else, they may get outraged and let out a slew of hurtful language. They, like God, are jealous (Exodus 34:14). But is God yelling at you? Does he kill you for paying more attention to your phone or money or spouse than you do him? Nope. All that’s happening is that your partner is yelling at you for something they’ve probably done because it’s completely normal and natural to be attracted to other people. But if you’re like me, that realization made you uncomfortable, specifically the fact that the person you love could love someone else. So what then? Was the purpose of your relationship that this ONE person be your source of love? Yes, and even this mindset is promoted in religion by our clergymen, mullahs or rabbis as they attribute it to God. But again, let’s face it. We can experience love from other sources and we have! While I am not advocating for polyamorous relationships, if we simply strip away the stigma and look at the term simply as having love for more than one person, then yes, I am advocating it, because it is reality. You don’t have to marry, sleep or kiss everyone you love. That’s a different matter. When see seek emotional salvation through some significant other, we become jealous and resentful when the traumatic conditions that were always present, present themselves. You can make the decision to not let your current or future partner be the sole provider of your love, not because you have other people who can love you, but because it’s a job no one can fulfil. We are all different, so we cannot simply know what to do and when to do it for our loved ones. We are flawed, so we cannot meet every need in the way our loved ones may expect. How can we have many friends, many people we respect and care about, but somehow only love one person romantically? There’s a huge incongruency here! But the reason you don’t put pressure on one person to be your friend is because you never had the thought that only one person can love you platonically. And while I don’t believe the stories in scriptures to be much more than allegories with a hint of truth (with a few exceptions), the God of the Abrahamic religions would have saved himself much headache and heartache if he just told the world who he was and how best to live, not because he demanded love, but because he loved his creation. There would be no need to fight one another when united under one deity, whose gifts were given to all. But then again, that’s how you know that these stories were written by Jews and Arabs, for Jews and Arabs. They couldn’t extend love to those outside of their territories anyway. Hell, even today barely any of us can.	83e50184-6ae5-5a24-bd2e-3df76139b584	25/08/2025 18:00:11
https://medium.com/@HermesAstrology/south-node-in-taurus-how-the-placement-in-each-house-influences-you-83f5d36fba4e	medium.com	South Node in Taurus — How the Placement in each House Influences You	In astrology, the South Node represents your past karmic patterns and tendencies, as well as qualities and behaviors you may rely on too…	Hermes Astrology	https://medium.com/@HermesAstrology	83f5d36fba4e	https://miro.medium.com/…j4QARPjq5Tg.jpeg	6 min	2023-09-11T05:09:58.309000	2023-09-11T05:12:23.823000	2024-05-24T05:45:07.439000	0	4	en	Astrology	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1CiBCzU29y-Oj4QARPjq5Tg.jpeg" width="1024" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> <p>In astrology, the South Node represents your past karmic patterns and tendencies, as well as qualities and behaviors you may rely on too heavily due to past experiences. When the South Node is in Taurus, it signifies that in previous lifetimes or earlier in this lifetime, you have developed and relied upon certain Taurus traits. These traits, while valuable, can also pose challenges if overused or misapplied. Here is a description of the South Node in Taurus:</p> <h1>For a limited time, you can receive a free copy of ‘The Astrologer’s Guide: Mastering Birth Chart Interpretation’ by subscribing to our newsletter. Get your free book here: <a href="https://hermesastrology.substack.com/p/your-free-book">https://hermesastrology.substack.com/p/your-free-book</a>.</h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/770/0lxEqNs7uF86X6X1_.png" width="770" height="1232" loading="lazy" /> <p>Material Attachment: With the South Node in Taurus, you may have a tendency to be strongly attached to material possessions and comfort. You might find security and pleasure in acquiring tangible assets, such as money, property, or luxurious items. In past experiences, you may have relied heavily on material stability for a sense of security and well-being.</p> <p>Resistance to Change: Taurus is known for its resistance to change and a preference for the familiar and stable. You may have a history of resisting major life transitions or changes in your routines. This resistance could have led to missed opportunities for growth.</p> <p>Desire for Comfort: Taurus individuals often seek comfort and pleasure in sensory experiences. You may have a strong desire for indulgence in food, drink, and sensual pleasures. In past experiences, this focus on comfort may have led to complacency or resistance to challenges.</p> <p>Reliance on Routine: Taurus is comfortable with routines and established habits. Your past tendencies may include sticking to familiar routines and resisting disruptions to your daily life. While routines provide stability, they can also limit your adaptability.</p> <p>Stubbornness: Taurus is known for its stubbornness and determination. You may have held firm to your opinions and beliefs in the face of change or opposition. This stubbornness may have occasionally hindered your ability to see different perspectives.</p> <p>Practicality: Taurus values practicality and a down-to-earth approach to life. You may have been focused on practical goals and concrete achievements, which can be advantageous but may have led to undervaluing less tangible qualities and experiences.</p> <p>Possessiveness: There may be a tendency to be possessive or overly attached to people or things. In your past experiences, you may have clung to relationships or material possessions, sometimes at the expense of personal growth and freedom.</p> <p>Financial Security: Taurus is often associated with financial security and stability. You may have focused on building wealth and accumulating assets as a source of comfort and security. This focus on financial matters may have overshadowed other life priorities.</p> <p>Resistance to Change in Values: Once you’ve established your values and principles, you may have been resistant to change or open to new perspectives. Your past experiences may have encouraged a conservative approach to your values.</p> <p>Patience: Taurus individuals can be patient and persistent in pursuing their goals. Your determination and patience may have served you well in the past, but at times, it could have led to an aversion to taking risks or seeking new experiences.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/700/0*9r9DoeW7vlpKUqto.png" width="700" height="623" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Learn More about Hermes <a href="https://hermesastrology.substack.com/p/readings">Astrology Professional Readings</a></h2> <p>Let’s explore how the South Node in Taurus can manifest in each of the twelve houses of the birth chart.</p> <p>1st House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 1st House, you may have a strong attachment to your physical appearance and personal possessions. You have a natural sense of self-worth tied to material security and may find comfort in the familiar. There’s a tendency to resist change in your self-image and routines, preferring stability. This lifetime encourages you to balance your attachment to the material world with a deeper exploration of your inner self and personal growth beyond the tangible.</p> <p>2nd House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 2nd House, your past-life experiences have emphasized material accumulation and financial stability. You may have a history of relying heavily on your possessions and financial resources for a sense of security. There’s a potential for being possessive of your belongings. The challenge is to move beyond material attachment and explore your self-worth and values beyond possessions, seeking self-validation in non-material aspects of life.</p> <p>3rd House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 3rd House, you may have been attached to familiar routines and a practical way of thinking. You value stability in your immediate environment and may resist change in your thought patterns. Your past tendencies include a practical approach to communication, but the challenge is to move beyond this and embrace a more open-minded and adaptable way of thinking and communicating.</p> <p>4th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 4th House, you have a strong attachment to your home and family. You may have a history of seeking security and comfort within your family of origin and in your living environment. The challenge is to move beyond your attachment to a specific place or family dynamics and find emotional security within yourself, exploring your own emotional depths and personal growth.</p> <p>5th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 5th House, you may have a past-life tendency to seek pleasure and validation through creative self-expression, often tied to material gains or recognition. You might have a history of enjoying life’s pleasures, but there’s a challenge to move beyond self-indulgence and explore a deeper sense of creativity that transcends personal desires, sharing your creative gifts for the benefit of others.</p> <p>6th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 6th House, you may have been deeply attached to your daily routines and work responsibilities. You seek stability and comfort through your job and daily life. There’s a tendency to resist change in your work environment. This lifetime encourages you to move beyond the safety of your routines and explore service to others in a more meaningful, transformative way, finding growth through humility and empathy.</p> <p>7th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 7th House, you have a past-life tendency to seek security and stability through your partnerships and relationships. You may have been drawn to individuals who offered material security or comfort. There’s a challenge to move beyond dependence on others for emotional or financial stability and develop a deeper sense of self-worth and independence within your partnerships.</p> <p>8th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 8th House, you may have a history of relying on shared resources, such as joint finances or intimacy, as a source of security and power. There’s a potential for possessiveness in your intimate relationships. The challenge is to move beyond attachment to material control and explore deeper emotional and spiritual connections, embracing transformation and vulnerability.</p> <p>9th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 9th House, you may have been attached to your beliefs and values, seeking security in familiar philosophies and worldviews. You might have resisted exploring new perspectives or cultures. This lifetime encourages you to move beyond rigid beliefs, opening yourself to a broader spiritual and intellectual journey, seeking wisdom and growth through diverse experiences and learning.</p> <p>10th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 10th House, you may have placed a strong emphasis on your public image and career for a sense of security and recognition. You’ve pursued stability and material success in your professional life. The challenge is to move beyond external validation and explore a deeper sense of purpose and personal fulfillment beyond the confines of societal expectations.</p> <p>11th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 11th House, you may have sought security and a sense of belonging within social groups and friendships. You might have resisted change within your social circles. The challenge is to move beyond reliance on group dynamics for validation and explore your individuality and unique contributions to humanity.</p> <p>12th House — South Node in Taurus:</p> <p>With the South Node in the 12th House, you have a past-life tendency to seek emotional and spiritual security through solitude and introspection. You may have been resistant to external influences or change in your inner world. This lifetime encourages you to move beyond isolation and embrace a more compassionate and collective approach to spiritual growth, finding healing through connection with others and the world at large.</p> <p>Remember that the South Node represents your comfort zone, and its influence can be beneficial when balanced with the qualities of the North Node. The goal is to integrate the lessons and qualities associated with the North Node sign (opposite of Taurus, which is Scorpio) to achieve greater personal growth and harmony in your life.</p> </section>	South Node in Taurus — How the Placement in each House Influences You In astrology, the South Node represents your past karmic patterns and tendencies, as well as qualities and behaviors you may rely on too heavily due to past experiences. When the South Node is in Taurus, it signifies that in previous lifetimes or earlier in this lifetime, you have developed and relied upon certain Taurus traits. These traits, while valuable, can also pose challenges if overused or misapplied. Here is a description of the South Node in Taurus: For a limited time, you can receive a free copy of ‘The Astrologer’s Guide: Mastering Birth Chart Interpretation’ by subscribing to our newsletter. Get your free book here: https://hermesastrology.substack.com/p/your-free-book. Material Attachment: With the South Node in Taurus, you may have a tendency to be strongly attached to material possessions and comfort. You might find security and pleasure in acquiring tangible assets, such as money, property, or luxurious items. In past experiences, you may have relied heavily on material stability for a sense of security and well-being. Resistance to Change: Taurus is known for its resistance to change and a preference for the familiar and stable. You may have a history of resisting major life transitions or changes in your routines. This resistance could have led to missed opportunities for growth. Desire for Comfort: Taurus individuals often seek comfort and pleasure in sensory experiences. You may have a strong desire for indulgence in food, drink, and sensual pleasures. In past experiences, this focus on comfort may have led to complacency or resistance to challenges. Reliance on Routine: Taurus is comfortable with routines and established habits. Your past tendencies may include sticking to familiar routines and resisting disruptions to your daily life. While routines provide stability, they can also limit your adaptability. Stubbornness: Taurus is known for its stubbornness and determination. You may have held firm to your opinions and beliefs in the face of change or opposition. This stubbornness may have occasionally hindered your ability to see different perspectives. Practicality: Taurus values practicality and a down-to-earth approach to life. You may have been focused on practical goals and concrete achievements, which can be advantageous but may have led to undervaluing less tangible qualities and experiences. Possessiveness: There may be a tendency to be possessive or overly attached to people or things. In your past experiences, you may have clung to relationships or material possessions, sometimes at the expense of personal growth and freedom. Financial Security: Taurus is often associated with financial security and stability. You may have focused on building wealth and accumulating assets as a source of comfort and security. This focus on financial matters may have overshadowed other life priorities. Resistance to Change in Values: Once you’ve established your values and principles, you may have been resistant to change or open to new perspectives. Your past experiences may have encouraged a conservative approach to your values. Patience: Taurus individuals can be patient and persistent in pursuing their goals. Your determination and patience may have served you well in the past, but at times, it could have led to an aversion to taking risks or seeking new experiences. Learn More about Hermes Astrology Professional Readings Let’s explore how the South Node in Taurus can manifest in each of the twelve houses of the birth chart. 1st House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 1st House, you may have a strong attachment to your physical appearance and personal possessions. You have a natural sense of self-worth tied to material security and may find comfort in the familiar. There’s a tendency to resist change in your self-image and routines, preferring stability. This lifetime encourages you to balance your attachment to the material world with a deeper exploration of your inner self and personal growth beyond the tangible. 2nd House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 2nd House, your past-life experiences have emphasized material accumulation and financial stability. You may have a history of relying heavily on your possessions and financial resources for a sense of security. There’s a potential for being possessive of your belongings. The challenge is to move beyond material attachment and explore your self-worth and values beyond possessions, seeking self-validation in non-material aspects of life. 3rd House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 3rd House, you may have been attached to familiar routines and a practical way of thinking. You value stability in your immediate environment and may resist change in your thought patterns. Your past tendencies include a practical approach to communication, but the challenge is to move beyond this and embrace a more open-minded and adaptable way of thinking and communicating. 4th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 4th House, you have a strong attachment to your home and family. You may have a history of seeking security and comfort within your family of origin and in your living environment. The challenge is to move beyond your attachment to a specific place or family dynamics and find emotional security within yourself, exploring your own emotional depths and personal growth. 5th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 5th House, you may have a past-life tendency to seek pleasure and validation through creative self-expression, often tied to material gains or recognition. You might have a history of enjoying life’s pleasures, but there’s a challenge to move beyond self-indulgence and explore a deeper sense of creativity that transcends personal desires, sharing your creative gifts for the benefit of others. 6th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 6th House, you may have been deeply attached to your daily routines and work responsibilities. You seek stability and comfort through your job and daily life. There’s a tendency to resist change in your work environment. This lifetime encourages you to move beyond the safety of your routines and explore service to others in a more meaningful, transformative way, finding growth through humility and empathy. 7th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 7th House, you have a past-life tendency to seek security and stability through your partnerships and relationships. You may have been drawn to individuals who offered material security or comfort. There’s a challenge to move beyond dependence on others for emotional or financial stability and develop a deeper sense of self-worth and independence within your partnerships. 8th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 8th House, you may have a history of relying on shared resources, such as joint finances or intimacy, as a source of security and power. There’s a potential for possessiveness in your intimate relationships. The challenge is to move beyond attachment to material control and explore deeper emotional and spiritual connections, embracing transformation and vulnerability. 9th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 9th House, you may have been attached to your beliefs and values, seeking security in familiar philosophies and worldviews. You might have resisted exploring new perspectives or cultures. This lifetime encourages you to move beyond rigid beliefs, opening yourself to a broader spiritual and intellectual journey, seeking wisdom and growth through diverse experiences and learning. 10th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 10th House, you may have placed a strong emphasis on your public image and career for a sense of security and recognition. You’ve pursued stability and material success in your professional life. The challenge is to move beyond external validation and explore a deeper sense of purpose and personal fulfillment beyond the confines of societal expectations. 11th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 11th House, you may have sought security and a sense of belonging within social groups and friendships. You might have resisted change within your social circles. The challenge is to move beyond reliance on group dynamics for validation and explore your individuality and unique contributions to humanity. 12th House — South Node in Taurus: With the South Node in the 12th House, you have a past-life tendency to seek emotional and spiritual security through solitude and introspection. You may have been resistant to external influences or change in your inner world. This lifetime encourages you to move beyond isolation and embrace a more compassionate and collective approach to spiritual growth, finding healing through connection with others and the world at large. Remember that the South Node represents your comfort zone, and its influence can be beneficial when balanced with the qualities of the North Node. The goal is to integrate the lessons and qualities associated with the North Node sign (opposite of Taurus, which is Scorpio) to achieve greater personal growth and harmony in your life.	024eb2a8-fddb-58a1-bbe8-ef83e2a39654	25/08/2025 18:00:11
https://kingj99.medium.com/i-fucked-the-cheerleader-2-0753f8bbaba4	medium.com	I FUCKED THE CHEERLEADER 2	“She was a natural!”	KJ Publications.	https://medium.com/@kingj99	0753f8bbaba4	https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]	2 min	2024-07-17T02:51:07.458000	2024-07-17T02:52:49.354000	2024-11-20T16:27:10.560000	0	0	en	Lesbian,Erotic,Erotica,Erotic Romance,Erotica For Women	<section> <p>“She was a natural!”</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2160/1*[email protected]" width="2160" height="3240" loading="lazy" /> <p>“You want me to what?!”</p> <p>“Your small ears heard correct, Freshman. I want you to suck it. Remember it is going in your ass so if I were you I’d do a really thorough job.”</p> <p>The volleyball was usual to the stress of having the season rest solely in her palm but somehow getting on her knees in Emily’s pink carpet was much more stress-inducing. She opened her mouth and softly licked the tip before Emily grabbed the back of her head and pushed her slowly more and more until half of her pink strap-on was inside her pretty little mouth.</p> <p>“If I ever become rich, I promise to always take time off and fuck this pretty, wet mouth of yours. You look so cute on your knees for me.”</p> <p>It took a minute or so but Emily got the athlete to fully envelop herself into sucking her dick even going as far to have her deep throat it until it was covered in saliva. And that was when she commanded her to the bed to lie on her back.</p> <p>She lied about spit being the only lubricant as she pulled out a fresh bottle of lube coating her fingers in it before slowly slipping them inside her anus.</p> <p>She loved watching her squirm at first then gradually calm her body down and enjoy the twisting of her fingers. She was loosening up rather nicely. It was time for her to see what all the rage was about.</p> <p>She lined it up and was quite surprised to see it slip in so easily. It’s like her ass was made to be topped. After sliding in a couple inches, she slid in inch by inch until she heard a faint moan come from her new subordinate.</p> <p>“Oh, yeah, I hit that spot, huh? Face it, girlie, you’re a natural butt slut. And I’m going to see to it that you know it going forward.”</p> <p>The moans only got more and more loud once Emily grabbed her hips and started stroking her at a tempo slow enough that she wouldn’t go running. But even if she did, Emily locked the door.</p> <p>It was just her and the cheerleader for the whole night and the party was just getting started.</p> </section>	I FUCKED THE CHEERLEADER 2 “She was a natural!” Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash “You want me to what?!” “Your small ears heard correct, Freshman. I want you to suck it. Remember it is going in your ass so if I were you I’d do a really thorough job.” The volleyball was usual to the stress of having the season rest solely in her palm but somehow getting on her knees in Emily’s pink carpet was much more stress-inducing. She opened her mouth and softly licked the tip before Emily grabbed the back of her head and pushed her slowly more and more until half of her pink strap-on was inside her pretty little mouth. “If I ever become rich, I promise to always take time off and fuck this pretty, wet mouth of yours. You look so cute on your knees for me.” It took a minute or so but Emily got the athlete to fully envelop herself into sucking her dick even going as far to have her deep throat it until it was covered in saliva. And that was when she commanded her to the bed to lie on her back. She lied about spit being the only lubricant as she pulled out a fresh bottle of lube coating her fingers in it before slowly slipping them inside her anus. She loved watching her squirm at first then gradually calm her body down and enjoy the twisting of her fingers. She was loosening up rather nicely. It was time for her to see what all the rage was about. She lined it up and was quite surprised to see it slip in so easily. It’s like her ass was made to be topped. After sliding in a couple inches, she slid in inch by inch until she heard a faint moan come from her new subordinate. “Oh, yeah, I hit that spot, huh? Face it, girlie, you’re a natural butt slut. And I’m going to see to it that you know it going forward.” The moans only got more and more loud once Emily grabbed her hips and started stroking her at a tempo slow enough that she wouldn’t go running. But even if she did, Emily locked the door. It was just her and the cheerleader for the whole night and the party was just getting started.	5be5254a-6273-5ab7-80db-7479ae2fde1f	25/08/2025 18:00:11
https://medium.com/@thror/life-will-life-8d437c861579	medium.com	life will life	Life will do what life does — it will unfold, twist, and turn in ways we often can’t predict or control. Sometimes, it feels like it’s…	Thro R	https://medium.com/@thror	8d437c861579	https://miro.medium.com/…gRP-YcemB5w.jpeg	2 min	2024-08-22T18:27:10.547000	2024-08-22T18:30:30.676000	2024-11-18T00:00:21.274000	0	72	en	This Happened To Me,Journal Kita,Life,Mental Health,Better Humans	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/709/1*5szxYxxARlZgRP-YcemB5w.jpeg" width="709" height="466" loading="lazy" /> <p>Life will do what life does — it will unfold, twist, and turn in ways we often can’t predict or control. Sometimes, it feels like it’s working against us, throwing challenges and hardships our way. Other times, it feels effortless, with things falling into place as if by magic. But no matter how we experience it, life will life.</p> <p>There are days when we wake up full of hope, armed with plans and expectations. And then, without warning, life intervenes — a sudden setback, an unexpected loss, or even just the slow grind of things not going the way we thought they would. It can feel like life is playing by its own rules, indifferent to our desires. And maybe that’s true. Maybe life isn’t something that can be tamed or bent to our will. Maybe life just… is.</p> <p>It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make sense of it all, trying to figure out why things happen the way they do. Why do good people suffer? Why do things fall apart when you’ve done everything right? Why does happiness seem fleeting while pain can linger? These are questions that may never have clear answers. Life has its own rhythm, and no amount of questioning will change its course. But maybe the beauty lies in that unpredictability, in the way life refuses to conform to our expectations.</p> <p>We can plan, we can hope, we can strive for control, but life will always have its own way. It’s both infuriating and liberating. Because while we may not always be able to steer the ship, we can learn to navigate the waters. We can learn to accept the ebbs and flows, to ride out the storms and cherish the calm when it comes.</p> <p>In the moments when life feels heavy and overwhelming, it’s important to remember that it is also full of surprises — not just the difficult ones, but the good ones, too. The moments of unexpected joy, the sudden connections with people who change us, the beauty that sneaks up on us when we’re not looking. Life is never just one thing; it’s a constant interplay of light and dark, of hope and despair, of loss and discovery.</p> <p>Life will life, and that means it will continue to evolve and change, regardless of whether we’re ready for it. There will be days when we feel like we’re on top of the world, and others when we can barely keep our heads above water. But through it all, life keeps moving, indifferent to our struggles but generous in its gifts when we least expect them.</p> <p>Perhaps the key is learning to let go of the need to control it all. To accept that life will do what it does, and our role is not to dominate it, but to live it. To find the beauty in the chaos, to seek out the lessons in the hardship, and to embrace the moments of peace when they come.</p> <p>Because life will life — and it’s up to us to decide how we will live within it.</p> </section>	life will life pinterest : https://pin.it/6Csu8x7Cn Life will do what life does — it will unfold, twist, and turn in ways we often can’t predict or control. Sometimes, it feels like it’s working against us, throwing challenges and hardships our way. Other times, it feels effortless, with things falling into place as if by magic. But no matter how we experience it, life will life. There are days when we wake up full of hope, armed with plans and expectations. And then, without warning, life intervenes — a sudden setback, an unexpected loss, or even just the slow grind of things not going the way we thought they would. It can feel like life is playing by its own rules, indifferent to our desires. And maybe that’s true. Maybe life isn’t something that can be tamed or bent to our will. Maybe life just… is. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make sense of it all, trying to figure out why things happen the way they do. Why do good people suffer? Why do things fall apart when you’ve done everything right? Why does happiness seem fleeting while pain can linger? These are questions that may never have clear answers. Life has its own rhythm, and no amount of questioning will change its course. But maybe the beauty lies in that unpredictability, in the way life refuses to conform to our expectations. We can plan, we can hope, we can strive for control, but life will always have its own way. It’s both infuriating and liberating. Because while we may not always be able to steer the ship, we can learn to navigate the waters. We can learn to accept the ebbs and flows, to ride out the storms and cherish the calm when it comes. In the moments when life feels heavy and overwhelming, it’s important to remember that it is also full of surprises — not just the difficult ones, but the good ones, too. The moments of unexpected joy, the sudden connections with people who change us, the beauty that sneaks up on us when we’re not looking. Life is never just one thing; it’s a constant interplay of light and dark, of hope and despair, of loss and discovery. Life will life, and that means it will continue to evolve and change, regardless of whether we’re ready for it. There will be days when we feel like we’re on top of the world, and others when we can barely keep our heads above water. But through it all, life keeps moving, indifferent to our struggles but generous in its gifts when we least expect them. Perhaps the key is learning to let go of the need to control it all. To accept that life will do what it does, and our role is not to dominate it, but to live it. To find the beauty in the chaos, to seek out the lessons in the hardship, and to embrace the moments of peace when they come. Because life will life — and it’s up to us to decide how we will live within it.	10d0e2d8-cb32-5c38-98d4-9d114f21f770	25/08/2025 18:00:11
https://bwembya-chisha.medium.com/the-top-chefs-in-the-world-are-men-is-the-kitchen-really-a-womans-place-8387920750b0	medium.com	The top chefs in the world are men; is the kitchen really a woman’s place?	We are delving into the politics of food and no amount of seasoning, steaming or good old boiling can spice up the gender gaps that exist…	bwembya chisha	https://medium.com/@bwembya-chisha	8387920750b0	https://miro.medium.com/…UEhkbLNXodg.jpeg	6 min	2021-03-22T11:52:10.814000	2021-03-22T12:48:54.088000	2022-01-07T11:33:34.255000	2	51	en	Food,Politics,Life Lessons,Life,Women	<section> <h1>The top chefs in the world are men; is the kitchen really a woman’s place?</h1> <p>We are delving into the politics of food and no amount of seasoning, steaming or good old boiling can spice up the gender gaps that exist in the culinary world. Across many cultures, the kitchen is considered a woman’s place. If you ate a homecooked meal today, there is a good chance that it was cooked by a woman — perhaps you are that woman. Findings from the 2014 Eating and Health Module (EHM) revealed that about 75% of American women are their household’s usual meal preparers. It is therefore safe to generalize that women prepare most household meals. Various industries have formulated methods of identifying the most talented individuals in their fields. The entertainment industry has the Oscars; Natural Sciences, Medicine, Economic Sciences and Literature have the Nobel prize; the sports field has the Olympics and various world cup championships; and not forgetting about the Guinness book of world records. Of course, there are other awards that exist in the aforementioned industries, but this is to mention just a few. The culinary world has identified methods of recognizing some of the most talented chefs in the world. The biggest and most notable is the Michelin Star — the Oscars of the culinary world.</p> <p><strong>Here are a few statistics to reminisce over</strong></p> <p>The Michelin Star ratings were first awarded in 1926. Over the years, they have been used to rank the most accomplished chefs in the world. Among the top fifteen chefs with the most Michelin Stars ranging from five to nineteen, only one is a woman, Anne-Sophie Pic. The French chef comes in with a total of eight Michelin Stars spread across five restaurants, one more than the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller. It is imperative to note that most chefs are men and hence there is a higher probability of having top chefs among them. Outside the Michelin Star, the percentage of female chefs around the world is still significantly lower than that of male chefs, for example in the United Kingdom only 17% of chefs are women. These numbers are eye-catching.</p> <p><strong>So, why are the top chefs men?</strong></p> <p>Before we ask the big question of why the top chefs are men, we need to understand why most chefs are men in the first place. One of the places to cite are culinary schools — they train chefs. In the Unites States of America, the admission of male to female students into culinary schools is nearly 1:1. However, this has not always been the case as just a couple of decades ago, the admission of female students into culinary school was shy of 10%. The top chefs we see today are mostly older men and this aligns with the admission statistics from culinary schools over the past years. This entails that there is time required to close the gender gap considering that more female chefs will be emerging from culinary schools with increased enrolments. For example, in its 71 years of operations, the Culinary Institute of America had for the first time enrolled 1% more female than male students in 2018. Of course, there are other avenues of training chefs, some worked for mentors who trained them and did not get any formal culinary school training. Anne-Sophie Pic did not get formal culinary school training either. Therefore, the admission rate of male students to culinary school compared to that of women partially justifies the differences in the gender gap of top chefs. The improved admission of women to culinary schools is a double-edged sword. On one edge an increase in admission will result in higher participation of women in the culinary world. A pitfall may however exist, more female chefs may be offloaded onto the job market and not be hired by the male dominated industry who would rather hire fellow male chefs.</p> <p>If you are ever going to be recognized as a chef, you must “show your work” in a sense — people will have to taste your cooking. The most notable platforms through which this can be done include restaurants, food writing and cookbooks, but more importantly a restaurant. According to a BBC News article dated 16 September 2018 by Zara Morgan titled <em>Why are our professional kitchens still male dominated?</em> cooking in homes has been seen as a domestic chore and not a ‘real job’. The article also reported that when female chefs approach investors to set up a restaurant, the latter is not as willing to invest as they would be if it were a male chef. Hence the financial aspect is also a factor drawing back female chefs who would like to set up their own restaurants. The media has not done female chefs complete justice. Try to think back at a Hollywood movie you have watched featuring a chef or restaurant and chances are that actors on that movie sent their compliments to a male chef after an impressive meal.</p> <p>In Malcom Gladwell’s book — Outliers: The story of success, he argues that to achieve mastery in a field, one must put in at least 10 000 hours of practice. He gives examples of top performers like the Beatles who performed over 1200 times in Germany between 1960 and 1964 and Bill Gates and how he coded for over 10 000 hours prior to finding Microsoft. The EHM study also reported that an average American woman spends 51 minutes/day to prepare meals, and if one has been cooking since age 18, it will take a lifetime to accumulate the 10,000 hours to achieve mastery. The 10 000 hours rule is considered here to introduce the practice aspect. Repeating an action without the deliberate intention of becoming better cannot really be referred to as practice. It makes sense why even after making pancakes nearly every morning you can’t seem to get them fully right; sometimes they are as thick as a blanket and others very good. It would therefore not be a good assumption to make that just because more women prepare meals than men then they are more likely to be better at cooking. But that is a story for another day.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>It is true that the kitchen is really a woman’s place but only the one at home. It boils down to the same trend as in many other industries today; women are overlooked and underestimated. But there is hope: Masterchef — the biggest culinary competition in the world — across all the seasons and countries where the competition is held, more women than men combined have won the competition. MasterChef invites what are dabbed as home cooks from across every country in which the competition is held, thousands fiercely compete to become crowned a Master Chef. Working in a commercial kitchen is hard work. As a chef even though you chaperon others in the kitchen, you have to stand for long hours, are exposed to high temperatures and work under pressure. MasterChef is one of the television shows that has allowed women to exhibit just how skilled they are. MasterChef has an inclusive ratio of male to female judges, of course not a fifty-fifty balance, but for an industry with mostly men at the helm, the balance is great. It is interesting to note that over the years women’s participation in male dominated industries such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has been encouraged. Companies around the world are putting up inclusive policies to include women in STEM. Some job advertisements come with the inscription “female candidates are encouraged to apply”. This has to an extent overshadowed the trends that exist in the culinary world which in a way is under women’s nose across many cultures.</p> <p><strong>Why I wrote about this</strong></p> <p>Earlier this year, I binged on MasterChef USA season 5. I am not familiar with most of the dishes that were prepared later on pronouncing them. Besides Willie’s calm and sweet spirit and Leslie’s (contestants on MasterChef Season 5) always on the edge approach to everything, one thing stood out for me. All three judges on season 5 of the show were men: Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot. I was curious to know if all the judges were men throughout the seasons but that was not the case and that came as a relief to me. Secondly, in 2019 I went to dinner with my friend’s friends whilst in South Africa, two of whom were studying to become chefs. In an effort to connect with them, I mentioned Gordon Ramsay and they were furious and in response said “why does everyone mention Ramsay? there is other chefs you know, like Jamie Oliver”. What is notable from this is that I mentioned a male chef and the two ladies mentioned another male chef. This made me wonder if they had enough female role models in their field to look up to. Lucky for me, the dinner was great and they even dissected the shrimp for me.</p> </section>	Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash The top chefs in the world are men; is the kitchen really a woman’s place? We are delving into the politics of food and no amount of seasoning, steaming or good old boiling can spice up the gender gaps that exist in the culinary world. Across many cultures, the kitchen is considered a woman’s place. If you ate a homecooked meal today, there is a good chance that it was cooked by a woman — perhaps you are that woman. Findings from the 2014 Eating and Health Module (EHM) revealed that about 75% of American women are their household’s usual meal preparers. It is therefore safe to generalize that women prepare most household meals. Various industries have formulated methods of identifying the most talented individuals in their fields. The entertainment industry has the Oscars; Natural Sciences, Medicine, Economic Sciences and Literature have the Nobel prize; the sports field has the Olympics and various world cup championships; and not forgetting about the Guinness book of world records. Of course, there are other awards that exist in the aforementioned industries, but this is to mention just a few. The culinary world has identified methods of recognizing some of the most talented chefs in the world. The biggest and most notable is the Michelin Star — the Oscars of the culinary world. Here are a few statistics to reminisce over The Michelin Star ratings were first awarded in 1926. Over the years, they have been used to rank the most accomplished chefs in the world. Among the top fifteen chefs with the most Michelin Stars ranging from five to nineteen, only one is a woman, Anne-Sophie Pic. The French chef comes in with a total of eight Michelin Stars spread across five restaurants, one more than the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller. It is imperative to note that most chefs are men and hence there is a higher probability of having top chefs among them. Outside the Michelin Star, the percentage of female chefs around the world is still significantly lower than that of male chefs, for example in the United Kingdom only 17% of chefs are women. These numbers are eye-catching. So, why are the top chefs men? Before we ask the big question of why the top chefs are men, we need to understand why most chefs are men in the first place. One of the places to cite are culinary schools — they train chefs. In the Unites States of America, the admission of male to female students into culinary schools is nearly 1:1. However, this has not always been the case as just a couple of decades ago, the admission of female students into culinary school was shy of 10%. The top chefs we see today are mostly older men and this aligns with the admission statistics from culinary schools over the past years. This entails that there is time required to close the gender gap considering that more female chefs will be emerging from culinary schools with increased enrolments. For example, in its 71 years of operations, the Culinary Institute of America had for the first time enrolled 1% more female than male students in 2018. Of course, there are other avenues of training chefs, some worked for mentors who trained them and did not get any formal culinary school training. Anne-Sophie Pic did not get formal culinary school training either. Therefore, the admission rate of male students to culinary school compared to that of women partially justifies the differences in the gender gap of top chefs. The improved admission of women to culinary schools is a double-edged sword. On one edge an increase in admission will result in higher participation of women in the culinary world. A pitfall may however exist, more female chefs may be offloaded onto the job market and not be hired by the male dominated industry who would rather hire fellow male chefs. If you are ever going to be recognized as a chef, you must “show your work” in a sense — people will have to taste your cooking. The most notable platforms through which this can be done include restaurants, food writing and cookbooks, but more importantly a restaurant. According to a BBC News article dated 16 September 2018 by Zara Morgan titled Why are our professional kitchens still male dominated? cooking in homes has been seen as a domestic chore and not a ‘real job’. The article also reported that when female chefs approach investors to set up a restaurant, the latter is not as willing to invest as they would be if it were a male chef. Hence the financial aspect is also a factor drawing back female chefs who would like to set up their own restaurants. The media has not done female chefs complete justice. Try to think back at a Hollywood movie you have watched featuring a chef or restaurant and chances are that actors on that movie sent their compliments to a male chef after an impressive meal. In Malcom Gladwell’s book — Outliers: The story of success, he argues that to achieve mastery in a field, one must put in at least 10 000 hours of practice. He gives examples of top performers like the Beatles who performed over 1200 times in Germany between 1960 and 1964 and Bill Gates and how he coded for over 10 000 hours prior to finding Microsoft. The EHM study also reported that an average American woman spends 51 minutes/day to prepare meals, and if one has been cooking since age 18, it will take a lifetime to accumulate the 10,000 hours to achieve mastery. The 10 000 hours rule is considered here to introduce the practice aspect. Repeating an action without the deliberate intention of becoming better cannot really be referred to as practice. It makes sense why even after making pancakes nearly every morning you can’t seem to get them fully right; sometimes they are as thick as a blanket and others very good. It would therefore not be a good assumption to make that just because more women prepare meals than men then they are more likely to be better at cooking. But that is a story for another day. Conclusion It is true that the kitchen is really a woman’s place but only the one at home. It boils down to the same trend as in many other industries today; women are overlooked and underestimated. But there is hope: Masterchef — the biggest culinary competition in the world — across all the seasons and countries where the competition is held, more women than men combined have won the competition. MasterChef invites what are dabbed as home cooks from across every country in which the competition is held, thousands fiercely compete to become crowned a Master Chef. Working in a commercial kitchen is hard work. As a chef even though you chaperon others in the kitchen, you have to stand for long hours, are exposed to high temperatures and work under pressure. MasterChef is one of the television shows that has allowed women to exhibit just how skilled they are. MasterChef has an inclusive ratio of male to female judges, of course not a fifty-fifty balance, but for an industry with mostly men at the helm, the balance is great. It is interesting to note that over the years women’s participation in male dominated industries such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has been encouraged. Companies around the world are putting up inclusive policies to include women in STEM. Some job advertisements come with the inscription “female candidates are encouraged to apply”. This has to an extent overshadowed the trends that exist in the culinary world which in a way is under women’s nose across many cultures. Why I wrote about this Earlier this year, I binged on MasterChef USA season 5. I am not familiar with most of the dishes that were prepared later on pronouncing them. Besides Willie’s calm and sweet spirit and Leslie’s (contestants on MasterChef Season 5) always on the edge approach to everything, one thing stood out for me. All three judges on season 5 of the show were men: Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot. I was curious to know if all the judges were men throughout the seasons but that was not the case and that came as a relief to me. Secondly, in 2019 I went to dinner with my friend’s friends whilst in South Africa, two of whom were studying to become chefs. In an effort to connect with them, I mentioned Gordon Ramsay and they were furious and in response said “why does everyone mention Ramsay? there is other chefs you know, like Jamie Oliver”. What is notable from this is that I mentioned a male chef and the two ladies mentioned another male chef. This made me wonder if they had enough female role models in their field to look up to. Lucky for me, the dinner was great and they even dissected the shrimp for me.	20578ba1-59cf-59c5-b61e-f23bf78b9ff0	25/08/2025 18:00:11
https://medium.com/@dorrisdresel/protect-your-business-by-taking-help-from-los-angeles-investigator-923c3a4c36bc	medium.com	Protect your business by taking help from Los Angeles Investigator	You might have noticed that in so many companies there are cases regarding employee’s harassment by other employee or fraud case in…	Dorris Dresel	https://medium.com/@dorrisdresel	923c3a4c36bc	null	1 min	2016-10-19T21:09:32.785000	2016-10-19T21:11:38.141000	2017-10-22T00:15:00.766000	0	1	en	Los Angeles,Photography	<section> <p>You might have noticed that in so many companies there are cases regarding employee’s harassment by other employee or fraud case in accounts or you might have encountered with sexual abuse of some employee happening inside your company by another employee. In such cases, you should be thinking what you should do before hiring the employees so that you can get rid of such problems inside your business. If you do thorough research about the employee you are going to hire, and inspect about his personal life along with his previous history, then at least you can get the assurance that he is fair enough to service your company. For this reason you will be needed to hire <a href="http://www.kinseyinvestigations.com/services">Los Angeles investigator who would perform this kind job</a> for you to provide you the assurance of your company as well as of your family.</p> <p>It is dangerous to let strangers intrude in your house, mostly when it is concerned with your kids. Hiring nannies should be a genuine decision you should make, while you have no other person inside your house to look after your baby. You should be careful while hiring one for your kid that he or she is not offender of sexual practice or that he or she will not reach any kind of harm to your baby while you are not around. By checking the previous criminal record of the person, you can relax that your baby is in the right hand.</p> </section>	Protect your business by taking help from Los Angeles Investigator You might have noticed that in so many companies there are cases regarding employee’s harassment by other employee or fraud case in accounts or you might have encountered with sexual abuse of some employee happening inside your company by another employee. In such cases, you should be thinking what you should do before hiring the employees so that you can get rid of such problems inside your business. If you do thorough research about the employee you are going to hire, and inspect about his personal life along with his previous history, then at least you can get the assurance that he is fair enough to service your company. For this reason you will be needed to hire Los Angeles investigator who would perform this kind job for you to provide you the assurance of your company as well as of your family. It is dangerous to let strangers intrude in your house, mostly when it is concerned with your kids. Hiring nannies should be a genuine decision you should make, while you have no other person inside your house to look after your baby. You should be careful while hiring one for your kid that he or she is not offender of sexual practice or that he or she will not reach any kind of harm to your baby while you are not around. By checking the previous criminal record of the person, you can relax that your baby is in the right hand.	ef7eaa5a-606d-56c5-ad8b-4b4511201bf6	25/08/2025 18:00:12
https://medium.com/change-your-mind/3-ways-to-end-your-dysfunctional-relationship-with-food-forever-4b24223ee311	medium.com	3 Ways to End Your Dysfunctional Relationship With Food, Forever	Awareness, acceptance, allowance.	K. Lynn	https://medium.com/@k.lynn	4b24223ee311	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*12lnohRTdioHU6Pj	7 min	2020-08-08T05:46:11.451000	2020-10-13T13:45:25.896000	2021-12-16T05:40:16.325000	1	204	en	Food,Health,Relationships,Self,Mental Health	<section> <h3>Awareness, acceptance, allowance.</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/5472/0*12lnohRTdioHU6Pj" width="5472" height="3648" loading="lazy" /> <p>One of my most embarrassing binge eating episodes happened in broad daylight in a Whole Foods parking lot.</p> <p>I went into the store with one mission: binge. I grabbed a quart container of soy milk ice cream, paid, and quickly exited. I walked calmly to my car. I opened the door, sat down, took out a disposable spoon I got from the deli, and began.</p> <p>I ate the entire container in one sitting, in my car, in that grocery store parking lot, in under 15 minutes. It’s memorable because it broke my first rule of bingeing: <em>never let anyone see me binge</em>. And yet, there I was, scarfing down the quart by myself with people walking by — able to see through my windows. I can’t remember why I let myself break the rule. I just remember feeling powerless to stop.</p> <p>Somehow, after that binge, I pushed aside my feelings of guilt, shame, a full stomach, and a raging sugar collapse. I convinced myself at the time that it was just my “lunch”. I was still in denial. This was at the beginning of my 10-year journey of disordered eating.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://medium.com/change-your-m</strong>ind/i-just-wanted-to-eat-like-a-normal-person-bbb002a74df7">I Just Wanted to Eat Like a Normal Person <em>My disordered eating journey + helpful resources for women.</em>m</a>edium.com</p> <p>The shortest summary of this journey is — I successfully healed my disordered eating habits through a combination of therapy, an amazingly healing book, and a painful acceptance of my truth.</p> <h1>The 3 A’s That Changed My Disordered Eating</h1> <p>There were 3 ways I changed my dysfunctional relationship to food: awareness, acceptance, and allowance. I was lucky that my disordered eating never bridged into full-blown eating disorder territory. That’s not true for many people. It’s important to recognize the <a href="https://www.meadowsranch.com/about-us/eating-disorder-warning-signs/">warning signs for eating disorders</a> as they can cause massive harm to your body and mind. <a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline">Professional help</a> is the best option in that scenario.</p> <h2>Awareness</h2> <p>A dysfunctional relationship with food simply means that we use food to regulate ourselves rather than just eat for hunger. Awareness is the first step to a healthier food relationship.</p> <p>The truth is, you cannot change anything about your life if you aren’t aware of what’s going on. Awareness is the entry point to any transformation. A key component to most addictions, including food addiction, is denial: which is the opposite of awareness. Once you are ready to stop denying that your eating habits are abnormal or unhealthy, then you can move into this stage of awareness. Getting there is tough work and it took me a long time.</p> <p>I reached this point after breaking down and realizing that I couldn’t eat like “<a href="https://medium.com/change-your-mind/i-just-wanted-to-eat-like-a-normal-person-bbb002a74df7">a normal person</a>”. I wanted to do that more than anything else — so I had the motivation to become aware. It was hard work. I continually fought the urge to go unconscious with my eating. I worked to stay aware of my body’s signals. <em>When was I hungry? When was I full?</em> Practices like yoga, meditation, and <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-why-somatic-experiencing-works/">body sensation tracking</a> helped develop this awareness.</p> <p>Tracking my body’s sensations helped me identify when I was about to binge. My body would tighten and my mind would become fuzzy. An overwhelming desire to run would overpower me.</p> <p>The more aware I became, the more patterns emerged. Binges suddenly began to lose their mystery. They were no longer unexpectedly gripping me without cause. Instead, they were almost always preceded by common events: a large life stressor — work, school, finances, or intimate relationships.</p> <p>These were all times I felt I couldn’t stay present with the moment. And I didn’t trust that my body or mind could handle their magnitude. So I learned to control my eating, or lose control of it, as my way to cope.</p> <h3>Find More Awareness In Your Eating Habits</h3> <p>It may help to start a mindfulness practice, so you can inhabit your body in a safe way outside of eating. This can eventually help you become aware of what precipitates your disordered eating. We all have our triggers — it’s helpful to understand yours.</p> <p>Get curious about when you usually over, or under, eat. What are the patterns? Is it on a particular day of the week? Maybe Sunday night before you go to work on Monday morning? Is it tied to a stressful event? Perhaps before a big test, work presentation, or maybe after a fight with your partner? Does it happen after you speak with a certain person? Or do you notice it when you feel a certain way: bored, tired, stressed, angry?</p> <h2>Acceptance</h2> <p>There is an element of befriending in this stage. Think of it this way, our best friends accept us and love us for who we are — even though we aren’t perfect.</p> <p><strong>I learned to accept my disordered eating habits like a friend, rather than treat them as an enemy.</strong></p> <p>Eventually, my awareness muscles grew and I could feel the binge coming on. I would recognize and accept the path that was unfolding <em><stron</em>g>before</strong> it did. This acceptance helped blunt some of the surprises that my bingeing used to evoke. Growing the ability to accept what was about to happen showed me the possibility of one day choosing a different option.</p> <p>I couldn’t yet control my body’s urges to binge, but I <em><stro</em>ng>could</strong> control how I felt about them. I accepted, rather than denied or berated, them. Like some well-meaning friends, they weren’t trying to harm me, they just didn’t know better.</p> <h3>Offer Yourself More Acceptance</h3> <p>If you are aware of your disordered eating habits, and not denying their existence, try this: befriend them. They’re usually shrouded in negative energy. We may feel they are out to get us. Try, for a bit, to pretend they are not your enemies. Act as though your disordered eating habits are friends. Assume they offer information. If they were having a conversation with you, what would they say?</p> <p>Most likely, your eating habits are simply an unhealthy way you’ve learned to cope. Try not to belittle them. Avoid getting angry at these habits for being part of your life and instead try using understanding, compassion, and acceptance, like you would with a dear friend.</p> <h2>Allowance</h2> <p>This last process may seem absurd to someone who has never struggled with disordered eating. They may think, <em>“If you were aware of what was about to happen before it happened, why did you continue anyway? Why didn’t you stop?”</em></p> <p>I think if it were that easy, addictions wouldn’t be as difficult to recover from as they are. Possibly, if you’ve ever been addicted to cigarettes and have successfully quit (I had that battle too!), then you know this feeling.</p> <p><em>You identify the urge to go outside to smoke. You know you shouldn’t go outside and smoke. And then you go outside and smoke anyway.</em></p> <p>My food binges were very similar. First, I became aware of my body’s desire or urge to binge. Then, I would accept it was going to happen, even though I didn’t want it to. And then — I would binge anyway, at least in the beginning.</p> <p>But — <em><strong>and this is a vital dis</em>tinction <em>that changed everyth</strong>ing</em> — before a binge I would gather enough strength to pause for one moment.</p> <blockquote>And I would say to myself, “I know I’m going to eat this entire container of ________ (chips, ice cream, candy, etc). And, that’s ok. I will allow myself to do this because I am struggling right now and I don’t know what else to do. And, I know how hard it is to stop. So, instead, I give myself full permission. I still love myself. I still care about myself. I am still a good person. And, I am going to binge anyway.”</blockquote> <p>I swear, for me — <strong>this was a game-changer</strong>. This is what ultimately stopped my binges. Counter-intuitive, I know. There was something about giving myself permission for what I’d previously considered an evil, shameful, guilt-inducing act was 100% liberating! My previously desperate and controlling attempts to stop my eating behaviors had been fueling them instead. For me, this was the radical pause and phrase I needed.</p> <p>This was the way I took back my power.</p> <h3>Only You Know If Allowance Will Work For You, Or Against You</h3> <p>This is a hard step for me to recommend because it seems like I am condoning unhealthy eating behaviors— which I am not. I am writing this to help support you in stopping your dysfunctional eating patterns. So, I don’t want this to be misconstrued as approval.</p> <p><em>However</em>, I know this much: this is a journey we mostly walk alone. And sometimes in our journey, we still feel powerless. We know we should make a better choice. We desperately want to, but in some moments (especially in the beginning) we may be unable to. So, if we end up binge eating or skipping a meal — then berating ourselves, degrading ourselves, and beating ourselves up over it <strong>will not</strong> make the outcome any better! Instead, allowing ourselves kind and understanding permission may be helpful in disrupting the vicious cycle. It may help us make a better choice next time.</p> <p>Of course, please don’t overuse this as a way to justify your behavior. But, if the urge is ever too great and you slip up, then it may be helpful to create a positive, affirming, loving statement to use when you give yourself permission. Perhaps, if you cannot otherwise gain control of your eating habits at that moment, being kind and allowing yourself permission can change the way you relate to these dysfunctional habits. Only you can be the judge who decides.</p> <p>It’s ok to feel however you feel about your disordered eating. But please know that it is possible to change. <strong>It <em>is</em> possible to have a more healthy, nourishing relationship wi</strong>th food. That’s my hope for anyone struggling.</p> <h3>If you feel you may have an eating disorder, you can learn more here:</h3> <p><a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline">National Eating Disorders Association</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.emilyprogram.com/">The Emily Program</a></p> <h3>Eating disorder resources specifically for the BIPOC community:</h3> <p><em><a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/when-you-dont-</em>fit-eating-disorder-mold-african-american">When You Don’t Fit the “Eating Disorder Mold” As an African American</a></p> <p><em><a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/pr</em>oblematic-whitewashing-eating-disorder-recovery">The Problematic Whitewashing of Eating Disorder Recovery</a></p> <p><em><a href="https://wearyourvoicemag.com/three-ways-people-of-color-eating</em>-disorders/">Three Ways to Talk to Black and Brown People About Our Eating Disorders</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.nalgonapositivitypride.com/">Nalgona Positivity Pride</a> /<a href="https://www.adiosbarbie.com/#results">Adios Barbie</a> / <a href="https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/">Inclusive Therapists</a></p> <p><em>Thank you for taking the time to read. Please share with friends or loved ones who may need support. I wish you strength and courage. Everyone deserves a healthy, nourishing relationship with the life-affirming force that is food. I believe in your ability to create that for yourself.</em></p> </section>	3 Ways to End Your Dysfunctional Relationship With Food, Forever Awareness, acceptance, allowance. Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash One of my most embarrassing binge eating episodes happened in broad daylight in a Whole Foods parking lot. I went into the store with one mission: binge. I grabbed a quart container of soy milk ice cream, paid, and quickly exited. I walked calmly to my car. I opened the door, sat down, took out a disposable spoon I got from the deli, and began. I ate the entire container in one sitting, in my car, in that grocery store parking lot, in under 15 minutes. It’s memorable because it broke my first rule of bingeing: never let anyone see me binge. And yet, there I was, scarfing down the quart by myself with people walking by — able to see through my windows. I can’t remember why I let myself break the rule. I just remember feeling powerless to stop. Somehow, after that binge, I pushed aside my feelings of guilt, shame, a full stomach, and a raging sugar collapse. I convinced myself at the time that it was just my “lunch”. I was still in denial. This was at the beginning of my 10-year journey of disordered eating. I Just Wanted to Eat Like a Normal Person My disordered eating journey + helpful resources for women.medium.com The shortest summary of this journey is — I successfully healed my disordered eating habits through a combination of therapy, an amazingly healing book, and a painful acceptance of my truth. The 3 A’s That Changed My Disordered Eating There were 3 ways I changed my dysfunctional relationship to food: awareness, acceptance, and allowance. I was lucky that my disordered eating never bridged into full-blown eating disorder territory. That’s not true for many people. It’s important to recognize the warning signs for eating disorders as they can cause massive harm to your body and mind. Professional help is the best option in that scenario. Awareness A dysfunctional relationship with food simply means that we use food to regulate ourselves rather than just eat for hunger. Awareness is the first step to a healthier food relationship. The truth is, you cannot change anything about your life if you aren’t aware of what’s going on. Awareness is the entry point to any transformation. A key component to most addictions, including food addiction, is denial: which is the opposite of awareness. Once you are ready to stop denying that your eating habits are abnormal or unhealthy, then you can move into this stage of awareness. Getting there is tough work and it took me a long time. I reached this point after breaking down and realizing that I couldn’t eat like “a normal person”. I wanted to do that more than anything else — so I had the motivation to become aware. It was hard work. I continually fought the urge to go unconscious with my eating. I worked to stay aware of my body’s signals. When was I hungry? When was I full? Practices like yoga, meditation, and body sensation tracking helped develop this awareness. Tracking my body’s sensations helped me identify when I was about to binge. My body would tighten and my mind would become fuzzy. An overwhelming desire to run would overpower me. The more aware I became, the more patterns emerged. Binges suddenly began to lose their mystery. They were no longer unexpectedly gripping me without cause. Instead, they were almost always preceded by common events: a large life stressor — work, school, finances, or intimate relationships. These were all times I felt I couldn’t stay present with the moment. And I didn’t trust that my body or mind could handle their magnitude. So I learned to control my eating, or lose control of it, as my way to cope. Find More Awareness In Your Eating Habits It may help to start a mindfulness practice, so you can inhabit your body in a safe way outside of eating. This can eventually help you become aware of what precipitates your disordered eating. We all have our triggers — it’s helpful to understand yours. Get curious about when you usually over, or under, eat. What are the patterns? Is it on a particular day of the week? Maybe Sunday night before you go to work on Monday morning? Is it tied to a stressful event? Perhaps before a big test, work presentation, or maybe after a fight with your partner? Does it happen after you speak with a certain person? Or do you notice it when you feel a certain way: bored, tired, stressed, angry? Acceptance There is an element of befriending in this stage. Think of it this way, our best friends accept us and love us for who we are — even though we aren’t perfect. I learned to accept my disordered eating habits like a friend, rather than treat them as an enemy. Eventually, my awareness muscles grew and I could feel the binge coming on. I would recognize and accept the path that was unfolding before it did. This acceptance helped blunt some of the surprises that my bingeing used to evoke. Growing the ability to accept what was about to happen showed me the possibility of one day choosing a different option. I couldn’t yet control my body’s urges to binge, but I could control how I felt about them. I accepted, rather than denied or berated, them. Like some well-meaning friends, they weren’t trying to harm me, they just didn’t know better. Offer Yourself More Acceptance If you are aware of your disordered eating habits, and not denying their existence, try this: befriend them. They’re usually shrouded in negative energy. We may feel they are out to get us. Try, for a bit, to pretend they are not your enemies. Act as though your disordered eating habits are friends. Assume they offer information. If they were having a conversation with you, what would they say? Most likely, your eating habits are simply an unhealthy way you’ve learned to cope. Try not to belittle them. Avoid getting angry at these habits for being part of your life and instead try using understanding, compassion, and acceptance, like you would with a dear friend. Allowance This last process may seem absurd to someone who has never struggled with disordered eating. They may think, “If you were aware of what was about to happen before it happened, why did you continue anyway? Why didn’t you stop?” I think if it were that easy, addictions wouldn’t be as difficult to recover from as they are. Possibly, if you’ve ever been addicted to cigarettes and have successfully quit (I had that battle too!), then you know this feeling. You identify the urge to go outside to smoke. You know you shouldn’t go outside and smoke. And then you go outside and smoke anyway. My food binges were very similar. First, I became aware of my body’s desire or urge to binge. Then, I would accept it was going to happen, even though I didn’t want it to. And then — I would binge anyway, at least in the beginning. But — and this is a vital distinction that changed everything — before a binge I would gather enough strength to pause for one moment. And I would say to myself, “I know I’m going to eat this entire container of ________ (chips, ice cream, candy, etc). And, that’s ok. I will allow myself to do this because I am struggling right now and I don’t know what else to do. And, I know how hard it is to stop. So, instead, I give myself full permission. I still love myself. I still care about myself. I am still a good person. And, I am going to binge anyway.” I swear, for me — this was a game-changer. This is what ultimately stopped my binges. Counter-intuitive, I know. There was something about giving myself permission for what I’d previously considered an evil, shameful, guilt-inducing act was 100% liberating! My previously desperate and controlling attempts to stop my eating behaviors had been fueling them instead. For me, this was the radical pause and phrase I needed. This was the way I took back my power. Only You Know If Allowance Will Work For You, Or Against You This is a hard step for me to recommend because it seems like I am condoning unhealthy eating behaviors— which I am not. I am writing this to help support you in stopping your dysfunctional eating patterns. So, I don’t want this to be misconstrued as approval. However, I know this much: this is a journey we mostly walk alone. And sometimes in our journey, we still feel powerless. We know we should make a better choice. We desperately want to, but in some moments (especially in the beginning) we may be unable to. So, if we end up binge eating or skipping a meal — then berating ourselves, degrading ourselves, and beating ourselves up over it will not make the outcome any better! Instead, allowing ourselves kind and understanding permission may be helpful in disrupting the vicious cycle. It may help us make a better choice next time. Of course, please don’t overuse this as a way to justify your behavior. But, if the urge is ever too great and you slip up, then it may be helpful to create a positive, affirming, loving statement to use when you give yourself permission. Perhaps, if you cannot otherwise gain control of your eating habits at that moment, being kind and allowing yourself permission can change the way you relate to these dysfunctional habits. Only you can be the judge who decides. It’s ok to feel however you feel about your disordered eating. But please know that it is possible to change. It is possible to have a more healthy, nourishing relationship with food. That’s my hope for anyone struggling. If you feel you may have an eating disorder, you can learn more here: National Eating Disorders Association The Emily Program Eating disorder resources specifically for the BIPOC community: When You Don’t Fit the “Eating Disorder Mold” As an African American The Problematic Whitewashing of Eating Disorder Recovery Three Ways to Talk to Black and Brown People About Our Eating Disorders Nalgona Positivity Pride /Adios Barbie / Inclusive Therapists Thank you for taking the time to read. Please share with friends or loved ones who may need support. I wish you strength and courage. Everyone deserves a healthy, nourishing relationship with the life-affirming force that is food. I believe in your ability to create that for yourself.	f8480939-efcc-5445-beb0-00eca703360f	25/08/2025 18:00:12
https://medium.com/@centralparkpaws/the-difference-between-dogs-and-cats-2765eb1abe6c	medium.com	The difference between dogs and cats	null	Central Park Paws	https://medium.com/@centralparkpaws	2765eb1abe6c	null	1 min	2017-03-23T11:24:33.581000	2017-03-23T11:24:34.513000	2018-03-24T15:12:13.326000	0	1	en	Pets	<section> <p><a href="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png">http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png</a> You’ve probably seen several cartoons in which a dog lies down on a psychiatrist’s couch and utters, via word balloon, something wise, incisive or pithy. But the truth of the matter is dogs (though some have issues and baggage) don’t need psychiatrists all that much — not nearly as much as we suspect cats might. […] Via <a href="http://www.ohmidog.com/2017/03/23/the-difference-between-dogs-and-cats/">http://www.ohmidog.com/2017/03/23/the-difference-between-dogs-and-cats/</a></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/112/0XYnhmcxle09iZglU." width="112" height="16" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1/0JRN3ml5MmcqQubHq." width="1" height="1" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>Originally published on <a href="</em>https://aboutcentralparkpaws.wordpress.com/2017/03/23/the-difference-between-dogs-and-cats/">Wordpress</a></p> </section>	http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png You’ve probably seen several cartoons in which a dog lies down on a psychiatrist’s couch and utters, via word balloon, something wise, incisive or pithy. But the truth of the matter is dogs (though some have issues and baggage) don’t need psychiatrists all that much — not nearly as much as we suspect cats might. […] Via http://www.ohmidog.com/2017/03/23/the-difference-between-dogs-and-cats/ Originally published on Wordpress	c5c8d5ed-5211-526c-9dcf-b30028e7b587	25/08/2025 18:00:12
https://kasata.medium.com/the-art-and-science-of-selling-your-startup-41cf496b4c6d	medium.com	The Art and Science of Selling Your Startup	null	KASATA - TechVoyager	https://medium.com/@kasata	41cf496b4c6d	null	2 min	2024-03-30T03:00:41.651000	2024-03-30T05:13:19.895000	2024-11-29T12:54:37.280000	0	52	en	Startups,Business Sale,Exit Strategy,Entrepreneurship,Investment	<section> <p>Having a successful startup requires a balance of having a great product or service, solid leadership, a strong team, and often plenty of sweat and tears. But there comes a point when it’s time to consider selling your startup. Whether it’s for financial reasons, to move onto another project, or simply because it’s the right time, selling a startup is both an art and a science.</p> <h3>Preparing Your Business For Sale</h3> <p>When you’re preparing your business for sale, transparency and organization are key. Potential buyers will want to pore over your business’s financial statements, legal documents, and other records. If these materials are disorganized or incomplete, it could be a significant stumbling block in the sales process. Remember, every business has its strengths and weaknesses. Be honest about these, and have a plan for how to fix any issues before they become problems during the sales process.</p> <h3>Finding The Right Buyer</h3> <p>Finding the right buyer for your startup isn’t just about who can offer the highest price. The longevity of your brand and the continuity of the business are often tied to the vision of the acquirer. Therefore, finding the right match is crucial. Use your network, engage with industry players, and leverage buyout groups and investment banks. Always do due diligence on any potential buyers — their financial history, reputation in the industry, and business style.</p> <h3>Setting The Right Price</h3> <p>Setting the right price for your startup requires a careful balance. Price it too high, and potential buyers may be scared off. Price it too low, and you might not get the value you deserve. There are numerous methods to value a business, from revenue and profit multiples to discounted cash flow. It’s advisable to seek professional help when valuing your startup.</p> <h3>The Sales Process</h3> <p>The sales process for a startup is complex, lengthy, and often fraught with challenges. Having legal and financial advisers who are experienced in these transactions is important in helping you navigate through the process. Every step from disclosing financials to signing the final agreement is crucial. Ensure that you have a clear exit plan and be prepared for all outcomes. Industries fluctuate and unforeseen events can occur.</p> <h3>Conclusion</h3> <p>While selling a startup is undoubtedly a complex process, with the right preparation and guidance, it can also be a rewarding one. Reflect on your journey, take stock of what you’ve learned, and look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you’re moving onto your next venture, or taking some time to rest, selling your startup is a milestone worth celebrating.</p> </section>	The Art and Science of Selling Your Startup Having a successful startup requires a balance of having a great product or service, solid leadership, a strong team, and often plenty of sweat and tears. But there comes a point when it’s time to consider selling your startup. Whether it’s for financial reasons, to move onto another project, or simply because it’s the right time, selling a startup is both an art and a science. Preparing Your Business For Sale When you’re preparing your business for sale, transparency and organization are key. Potential buyers will want to pore over your business’s financial statements, legal documents, and other records. If these materials are disorganized or incomplete, it could be a significant stumbling block in the sales process. Remember, every business has its strengths and weaknesses. Be honest about these, and have a plan for how to fix any issues before they become problems during the sales process. Finding The Right Buyer Finding the right buyer for your startup isn’t just about who can offer the highest price. The longevity of your brand and the continuity of the business are often tied to the vision of the acquirer. Therefore, finding the right match is crucial. Use your network, engage with industry players, and leverage buyout groups and investment banks. Always do due diligence on any potential buyers — their financial history, reputation in the industry, and business style. Setting The Right Price Setting the right price for your startup requires a careful balance. Price it too high, and potential buyers may be scared off. Price it too low, and you might not get the value you deserve. There are numerous methods to value a business, from revenue and profit multiples to discounted cash flow. It’s advisable to seek professional help when valuing your startup. The Sales Process The sales process for a startup is complex, lengthy, and often fraught with challenges. Having legal and financial advisers who are experienced in these transactions is important in helping you navigate through the process. Every step from disclosing financials to signing the final agreement is crucial. Ensure that you have a clear exit plan and be prepared for all outcomes. Industries fluctuate and unforeseen events can occur. Conclusion While selling a startup is undoubtedly a complex process, with the right preparation and guidance, it can also be a rewarding one. Reflect on your journey, take stock of what you’ve learned, and look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you’re moving onto your next venture, or taking some time to rest, selling your startup is a milestone worth celebrating.	4f971700-e3a4-5a79-8eed-8d3f6267b99e	25/08/2025 18:00:13
https://medium.com/thrive-global/consider-capital-other-than-financial-to-measure-your-success-words-of-wisdom-with-serial-d7b2a4688f32	medium.com	“Consider Capital Other than Financial to Measure your Success” Words of Wisdom with Serial…	For example, when you’re starting your company, don’t get discouraged because your bottom line isn’t where you want it to be. Take creative…	Yitzi Weiner	https://medium.com/@rabbiweiner	d7b2a4688f32	https://miro.medium.com/…oNKJMVsnpMRw.gif	8 min	2018-01-17T12:59:31.703000	2018-01-17T23:31:31.613000	2018-05-22T01:18:13.070000	0	0	en	Entrepreneurship,Culture,Food,Wellbeing	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1NVECH-C13xoNKJMVsnpMRw.gif" width="640" height="360" loading="lazy" /> <blockquote>For example, when you’re starting your company, don’t get discouraged because your bottom line isn’t where you want it to be. Take creative achievements, social capital, new relationships, etc. as forms of success. If it helps make it more tangible, give each of those assets a dollar amount and count that when you’re personally evaluating the numbers of your company for yourself.</blockquote> <p>I had the pleasure to interview Jeremy Fall. Jeremy is a<strong> </strong>restauranteur and lifestyle innovator known for his experiential venues. In less than three years, at only age 27, Jeremy has opened 5 eateries (with 2 slated for early 2018) and his locations, food menus, and custom cocktails have become a household name! Jeremy grew up in a household with a mother who owned restaurants and a stepfather who was a chef. He got his professional start as a marketing & promotions manager of the Avalon in Hollywood, producing both large and small scale events, as well as booking talent from all over the country for several years. In 2014, he launched <strong>Genesis,</strong> a five-week pop-up concept that bridged the gap between bar and nightclub and went on to find a permanent home in the City of Angels. Since then, he’s opened four more hits with two on the way: Golden Box, a 1980’s NYC-inspired grungy disco designed after his strong inspirations from Area, Studio 54 and The Limelight. Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar, a restaurant/bar that serves cocktails and elevated breakfast fare for dinner. Tinfoil: Liquor & Grocery, a modern day take on the bodega consisting of a liquor store in the front with a secret “speakeasy” deli in the back. Nighthawk: AM, a fast casual breakfast all day concept in Chicago, IL, inspired by the nostalgic 1950’s American milk bar.</p> <p><strong>Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your “backstory”?</strong></p> <p>I started working in hospitality as a kid. My mother and I lived on top of a French cafe that she owned in Downtown, Los Angeles, in the early 2000’s. When I say on top, I legitimately mean that the front door to our home connected directly into the restaurant, and we used the same kitchen to cook our meals at home. I did the typical whole nine- from busser to server and eventually as a manager years later- and subconsciously picked up a lot of basic hospitality knowledge that I use today. Fast forward to a few more years down the line, and I started interning at the Avalon in Hollywood in the marketing and promotions department where I learned about the nightlife space and the craziness of balancing sanity and adrenaline when serving thousands of customers in a span of a few hours.</p> <p>To say working in hospitality builds character at a young age is definitely an understatement but working in different facets of the industry really gave me the tools that led me to eventually opening my first concept. Fast forward a few more years. After working for more groups and coming to a crossroads in my life, I soon realized that I couldn’t see myself doing anything else for the rest of my life, so I decided to open my first bar and from there create a hospitality group. Ok, I just made it sound really easy so take that aspect with a grain of salt! It definitely was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.</p> <p>Rewinding back a little bit, I spent over a year looking for people that would be interested in investing in a crazy kid with a dream and after a ton of insanely discouraging meetings, and “WTF are you doing?” conversations with myself, I found people that bought into my vision. Getting funded for an idea is extremely rewarding, and I thought I had surmounted the impossible until I actually had to open my bar and realized that my story had just begun.</p> <p><strong>Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you started your company</strong></p> <p>It’s definitely very tough to narrow it down. Every day in this industry pretty much feels like one massive plot twist. To me, the most interesting thing that I’ve seen, in the last few years especially, is the speed at which restaurants turned from being an ancillary activity that people did for pleasure and primarily survival, to this mainstream entertainment-centric obsession. Most of the lines and crowds of people you see nowadays aren’t at concerts or for album releases (thank you, Napster) but for different food concepts. People are willing to wait in line for three hours to eat a ten dollar donut but they won’t click to pay less than a dollar for a song. Working in hospitality used to be something you did when you didn’t have a degree and didn’t have a choice, and now it’s become a target of obsession for the masses and an industry that even established celebrities are fighting to be in. Viral food porn has become the new TRL.</p> <p><strong>What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?</strong></p> <p>I think what makes us stand out the most is the fact that our company has one very specific mission and is extremely brand-centric. We take iconic Americana concepts and recreate them with an elevated experiential dining focus. We like to think outside the box but within the box that we created, and make sure that every concept could theoretically live next door to each other and never compete because they’re completely different. I always want to make sure that we never create restaurants just to create them. I want to design spaces that make people feel something when they come in and a story to tell when they leave. It’s such a beautiful industry when you think of the fact that we dedicate our entire lives to bringing people together through different flavors, in different spaces, in different worlds around the planet. There’s nothing more magical to me than seeing one of my restaurants full and listening to the indistinct sound of conversation bouncing off the walls. I think what makes our company stand out is that we know exactly what we want to do but we’re not trying to be anything we’re not. Every brand nowadays is spending an excessive amount of marketing dollars trying to sell to millennials, and luckily I’m 27 years old and just creating things for my peers that I feel are missing. We’re so disconnected by the all the noise that’s thrown at us through technology every day that being able to create a tangible side to culture in 2018 that feels actually authentic is truly awesome.</p> <p><strong>None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?</strong></p> <p>Going back to my answer earlier, the basic fundamentals that I learned growing up in a family of hospitality workers are irreplaceable. Even though my mother did everything she could, strongly advising me against going into this industry, the fundamentals I subconsciously picked up will be in my blood forever. Always listen to your mother, unless she’s wrong of course.</p> <p><strong>How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?</strong></p> <p>I am a strong believer in carving your own path and not attempting to follow someone else’s. I refuse to accept the status quo at a time in the world where knowledge is at our fingertips and there are no limits on how much you can learn. The most rewarding part of my job has been the response I get from people all over the world that message me looking for guidance on how to pursue their dreams. Whether it be in hospitality or any other industry, it’s amazing to be able to relate to so many people that are my age that want to actually go out and create themselves, and hearing what stage they are at in their journey. When I look back, that was really the most magical part of this crazy path I decided to embark on. The infancy stages are when you’re still purely dreaming and have the perfect mix of naiveté and insanity to decide and attempt to change the world. I’m currently developing an initiative that harbors young creative entrepreneurs that don’t have the tools or resources to be set on the right path and provide them with the help they need to pursue their dreams. My goal is to someday have one of them become direct competition to my business and push me to fight even harder.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3139/1BrPppfPCr6jPB9x1HIP8zA.jpeg" width="3139" height="4592" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>What are your “5 things you wish someone told you before you launched your company/career. (Please share a story or example for each.)</strong></p> <p>1. Create what you want to create, not what you think you should be creating. For example, when starting your company, your first reflex is to look at what everyone else is doing and try to mimic success that has already happened. The reason why most of those people you’re looking at are successful is because they carved their own paths and built what they actually wanted to build. Think about what makes you happy, and do that until the day you die.</p> <p>2. Consider capital other than financial to measure your success. For example, when you’re starting your company, don’t get discouraged because your bottom line isn’t where you want it to be. Take creative achievements, social capital, new relationships, etc. as forms of success. If it helps make it more tangible, give each of those assets a dollar amount and count that when you’re personally evaluating the numbers of your company for yourself.</p> <p>3. Actually learn from your mistakes along the way. For example, we all know this but most of the time we’ll make the same mistake multiple times before actually learning from it. Just because you solved that mistake once, doesn’t mean you should do it again. It may sound cliche, but those mistakes really are valuable lessons that you’re better off making earlier on in your company than later on when there’s more at stake.</p> <p>4. Don’t jump into something just to say you did it. For example, I’m a firm believer in just going for what it is you want, however I think you need to make sure it’s something you genuinely want to do. Sometimes we tend to try things just to be apart of them because the opportunity is there, but we don’t truthfully want to do them. I think it’s important to do things you feel passionate about because whether or not they fail, you’ll have a clearer idea of why it happened.</p> <p>5. Time is your most valuable asset. For example, when you start your company there’s always a lot of time wasted on small things that add up. The time you’re spending looking at what kind of background a massive corporation has on their website could be spent on more valuable things that will benefit you more.</p> <p><strong>Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)</strong></p> <p>I’d love to have breakfast for dinner with anyone who’s read this interview and feels like our minds have the potential to collaborate on something that’s just different. But mainly, someone who just loves breakfast for dinner.</p> </section>	“Consider Capital Other than Financial to Measure your Success” Words of Wisdom with Serial Restaurateur, Jeremy Fall For example, when you’re starting your company, don’t get discouraged because your bottom line isn’t where you want it to be. Take creative achievements, social capital, new relationships, etc. as forms of success. If it helps make it more tangible, give each of those assets a dollar amount and count that when you’re personally evaluating the numbers of your company for yourself. I had the pleasure to interview Jeremy Fall. Jeremy is a restauranteur and lifestyle innovator known for his experiential venues. In less than three years, at only age 27, Jeremy has opened 5 eateries (with 2 slated for early 2018) and his locations, food menus, and custom cocktails have become a household name! Jeremy grew up in a household with a mother who owned restaurants and a stepfather who was a chef. He got his professional start as a marketing & promotions manager of the Avalon in Hollywood, producing both large and small scale events, as well as booking talent from all over the country for several years. In 2014, he launched Genesis, a five-week pop-up concept that bridged the gap between bar and nightclub and went on to find a permanent home in the City of Angels. Since then, he’s opened four more hits with two on the way: Golden Box, a 1980’s NYC-inspired grungy disco designed after his strong inspirations from Area, Studio 54 and The Limelight. Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar, a restaurant/bar that serves cocktails and elevated breakfast fare for dinner. Tinfoil: Liquor & Grocery, a modern day take on the bodega consisting of a liquor store in the front with a secret “speakeasy” deli in the back. Nighthawk: AM, a fast casual breakfast all day concept in Chicago, IL, inspired by the nostalgic 1950’s American milk bar. Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your “backstory”? I started working in hospitality as a kid. My mother and I lived on top of a French cafe that she owned in Downtown, Los Angeles, in the early 2000’s. When I say on top, I legitimately mean that the front door to our home connected directly into the restaurant, and we used the same kitchen to cook our meals at home. I did the typical whole nine- from busser to server and eventually as a manager years later- and subconsciously picked up a lot of basic hospitality knowledge that I use today. Fast forward to a few more years down the line, and I started interning at the Avalon in Hollywood in the marketing and promotions department where I learned about the nightlife space and the craziness of balancing sanity and adrenaline when serving thousands of customers in a span of a few hours. To say working in hospitality builds character at a young age is definitely an understatement but working in different facets of the industry really gave me the tools that led me to eventually opening my first concept. Fast forward a few more years. After working for more groups and coming to a crossroads in my life, I soon realized that I couldn’t see myself doing anything else for the rest of my life, so I decided to open my first bar and from there create a hospitality group. Ok, I just made it sound really easy so take that aspect with a grain of salt! It definitely was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Rewinding back a little bit, I spent over a year looking for people that would be interested in investing in a crazy kid with a dream and after a ton of insanely discouraging meetings, and “WTF are you doing?” conversations with myself, I found people that bought into my vision. Getting funded for an idea is extremely rewarding, and I thought I had surmounted the impossible until I actually had to open my bar and realized that my story had just begun. Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you started your company It’s definitely very tough to narrow it down. Every day in this industry pretty much feels like one massive plot twist. To me, the most interesting thing that I’ve seen, in the last few years especially, is the speed at which restaurants turned from being an ancillary activity that people did for pleasure and primarily survival, to this mainstream entertainment-centric obsession. Most of the lines and crowds of people you see nowadays aren’t at concerts or for album releases (thank you, Napster) but for different food concepts. People are willing to wait in line for three hours to eat a ten dollar donut but they won’t click to pay less than a dollar for a song. Working in hospitality used to be something you did when you didn’t have a degree and didn’t have a choice, and now it’s become a target of obsession for the masses and an industry that even established celebrities are fighting to be in. Viral food porn has become the new TRL. What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story? I think what makes us stand out the most is the fact that our company has one very specific mission and is extremely brand-centric. We take iconic Americana concepts and recreate them with an elevated experiential dining focus. We like to think outside the box but within the box that we created, and make sure that every concept could theoretically live next door to each other and never compete because they’re completely different. I always want to make sure that we never create restaurants just to create them. I want to design spaces that make people feel something when they come in and a story to tell when they leave. It’s such a beautiful industry when you think of the fact that we dedicate our entire lives to bringing people together through different flavors, in different spaces, in different worlds around the planet. There’s nothing more magical to me than seeing one of my restaurants full and listening to the indistinct sound of conversation bouncing off the walls. I think what makes our company stand out is that we know exactly what we want to do but we’re not trying to be anything we’re not. Every brand nowadays is spending an excessive amount of marketing dollars trying to sell to millennials, and luckily I’m 27 years old and just creating things for my peers that I feel are missing. We’re so disconnected by the all the noise that’s thrown at us through technology every day that being able to create a tangible side to culture in 2018 that feels actually authentic is truly awesome. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Going back to my answer earlier, the basic fundamentals that I learned growing up in a family of hospitality workers are irreplaceable. Even though my mother did everything she could, strongly advising me against going into this industry, the fundamentals I subconsciously picked up will be in my blood forever. Always listen to your mother, unless she’s wrong of course. How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? I am a strong believer in carving your own path and not attempting to follow someone else’s. I refuse to accept the status quo at a time in the world where knowledge is at our fingertips and there are no limits on how much you can learn. The most rewarding part of my job has been the response I get from people all over the world that message me looking for guidance on how to pursue their dreams. Whether it be in hospitality or any other industry, it’s amazing to be able to relate to so many people that are my age that want to actually go out and create themselves, and hearing what stage they are at in their journey. When I look back, that was really the most magical part of this crazy path I decided to embark on. The infancy stages are when you’re still purely dreaming and have the perfect mix of naiveté and insanity to decide and attempt to change the world. I’m currently developing an initiative that harbors young creative entrepreneurs that don’t have the tools or resources to be set on the right path and provide them with the help they need to pursue their dreams. My goal is to someday have one of them become direct competition to my business and push me to fight even harder. What are your “5 things you wish someone told you before you launched your company/career. (Please share a story or example for each.) 1. Create what you want to create, not what you think you should be creating. For example, when starting your company, your first reflex is to look at what everyone else is doing and try to mimic success that has already happened. The reason why most of those people you’re looking at are successful is because they carved their own paths and built what they actually wanted to build. Think about what makes you happy, and do that until the day you die. 2. Consider capital other than financial to measure your success. For example, when you’re starting your company, don’t get discouraged because your bottom line isn’t where you want it to be. Take creative achievements, social capital, new relationships, etc. as forms of success. If it helps make it more tangible, give each of those assets a dollar amount and count that when you’re personally evaluating the numbers of your company for yourself. 3. Actually learn from your mistakes along the way. For example, we all know this but most of the time we’ll make the same mistake multiple times before actually learning from it. Just because you solved that mistake once, doesn’t mean you should do it again. It may sound cliche, but those mistakes really are valuable lessons that you’re better off making earlier on in your company than later on when there’s more at stake. 4. Don’t jump into something just to say you did it. For example, I’m a firm believer in just going for what it is you want, however I think you need to make sure it’s something you genuinely want to do. Sometimes we tend to try things just to be apart of them because the opportunity is there, but we don’t truthfully want to do them. I think it’s important to do things you feel passionate about because whether or not they fail, you’ll have a clearer idea of why it happened. 5. Time is your most valuable asset. For example, when you start your company there’s always a lot of time wasted on small things that add up. The time you’re spending looking at what kind of background a massive corporation has on their website could be spent on more valuable things that will benefit you more. Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-) I’d love to have breakfast for dinner with anyone who’s read this interview and feels like our minds have the potential to collaborate on something that’s just different. But mainly, someone who just loves breakfast for dinner.	09d632af-7155-5fad-905d-a05ed67ee22a	25/08/2025 18:00:13
https://medium.com/minds-on-media/airborn-interface-c52601f09060	medium.com	Airborn Interface	null	R. E. Warner	https://medium.com/@belovedleader	c52601f09060	null	0 min	2018-01-29T04:08:38.052000	2005-02-22T20:33:21	2018-01-29T07:01:48.615000	0	0	en	Telefloatation Device,Virtual Reality	<section> <p>Since interface has been the topic du jour several times this week I thought I would point to a particular interface that I found the other day at <a href="http://www.naodesign.net/">NAO design</a>. These guys do some really awesome stuff, but their telefloatation device is really something. Essentially a virtual reality helmet linked up to a blimp, it gives the user the ability to look down on an area and observe. Like I said, <a href="http://www.futurehi.net/archives/000561.html">neat stuff</a>.</p> </section>	Airborn Interface Since interface has been the topic du jour several times this week I thought I would point to a particular interface that I found the other day at NAO design. These guys do some really awesome stuff, but their telefloatation device is really something. Essentially a virtual reality helmet linked up to a blimp, it gives the user the ability to look down on an area and observe. Like I said, neat stuff.	a325d2c4-960d-5631-8e6c-b5c322964540	25/08/2025 18:00:13
https://danieltrump.medium.com/schizophrenics-guide-about-the-originals-f94aa9840133	medium.com	Schizophrenic’s Guide: About the Originals	Let’s talk about something else from geek culture. The Originals is a television show that occupies my mind most of just about any show…	Daniel Trump	https://medium.com/@danieltrump	f94aa9840133	null	2 min	2016-08-17T17:23:48.969000	2016-08-17T17:42:36.280000	2016-08-17T17:42:36.280000	0	0	en	Photography,Urban Perspectives,Geek Culture,Reviews	<section> <p>Let’s talk about something else from geek culture. The Originals is a television show that occupies my mind most of just about any show. The violent conflict between the characters is often between the protagonists of the series, a family of immortal vampires that have bickered for a thousand years. Doesn’t your family feel like that? They are often killing each other for long periods of time. They run New Orleans crime. They are, undoubtedly, some of the most beautiful people in the world. They have a baby. They have a powerful woman character who fights with the men and yet defends women with a crazy passion. They have a werewolf leader who is a protective mother of her baby. There’s a teenager, a witch who wants to interact with the adult world and often gets burned by it. There’s even a former slave who is trained and educated by the family and becomes someone who no longer likes or tolerates their behavior. I like the organic way the conflicts happen and the surprising way people enter and leave. Some stay; some don’t. It feels a little like real life that way. In my life people enter and leave for long periods of time. That feels real to me. The show feels like it understands the way people fight. I think it’s genius.</p> <p>Jason Dohring is on it, too. He was great on Veronica Mars and was a good pickup as a human investigator in a world of fantastic beings. I think that the main character, though, Klaus Mikaelson, is most fascinating of all. He wants to never get betrayed by his friends and family and yet betrays them with regularity. He fights very hard for his family when they are threatened but doesn’t really get along with them himself.</p> <p>Klaus kills innocent people sometimes. That’s a strength of the show, I think, the amorality of it all. Obviously, in real life, he would be a villain, killing innocent people and taking over crime, but in a show we can like and gravitate towards him. People get mad at him, too, for these murders, and try to kill him over them. He is “killed” sometimes on the show.</p> <p>This is a complicated issue, and my only complaint with the show. Death rarely lasts. People come back from the dead with a minimum of effort. I think that’s cheap. People don’t come back in real life. It begins to feel like death doesn’t matter, with the number of resurrections on the show.</p> <p>Ultimately the strength or weakness of a show is defined by the emotions it registers with the audience, and I feel about the show. I feel when someone dies. I feel for these villains in a way I rarely feel about the standard procedurals. Not NCIS — that I feel for — but that’s for another time. The Originals means that people bicker with their loved ones for seemingly ages. Doesn’t that sound like real life?</p> </section>	Schizophrenic’s Guide: About the Originals Let’s talk about something else from geek culture. The Originals is a television show that occupies my mind most of just about any show. The violent conflict between the characters is often between the protagonists of the series, a family of immortal vampires that have bickered for a thousand years. Doesn’t your family feel like that? They are often killing each other for long periods of time. They run New Orleans crime. They are, undoubtedly, some of the most beautiful people in the world. They have a baby. They have a powerful woman character who fights with the men and yet defends women with a crazy passion. They have a werewolf leader who is a protective mother of her baby. There’s a teenager, a witch who wants to interact with the adult world and often gets burned by it. There’s even a former slave who is trained and educated by the family and becomes someone who no longer likes or tolerates their behavior. I like the organic way the conflicts happen and the surprising way people enter and leave. Some stay; some don’t. It feels a little like real life that way. In my life people enter and leave for long periods of time. That feels real to me. The show feels like it understands the way people fight. I think it’s genius. Jason Dohring is on it, too. He was great on Veronica Mars and was a good pickup as a human investigator in a world of fantastic beings. I think that the main character, though, Klaus Mikaelson, is most fascinating of all. He wants to never get betrayed by his friends and family and yet betrays them with regularity. He fights very hard for his family when they are threatened but doesn’t really get along with them himself. Klaus kills innocent people sometimes. That’s a strength of the show, I think, the amorality of it all. Obviously, in real life, he would be a villain, killing innocent people and taking over crime, but in a show we can like and gravitate towards him. People get mad at him, too, for these murders, and try to kill him over them. He is “killed” sometimes on the show. This is a complicated issue, and my only complaint with the show. Death rarely lasts. People come back from the dead with a minimum of effort. I think that’s cheap. People don’t come back in real life. It begins to feel like death doesn’t matter, with the number of resurrections on the show. Ultimately the strength or weakness of a show is defined by the emotions it registers with the audience, and I feel about the show. I feel when someone dies. I feel for these villains in a way I rarely feel about the standard procedurals. Not NCIS — that I feel for — but that’s for another time. The Originals means that people bicker with their loved ones for seemingly ages. Doesn’t that sound like real life?	6b2a7fb0-87d6-5a81-b699-89e628ce3037	25/08/2025 18:00:13
https://medium.com/@ecgamerica0/prophetic-prayer-mantles-e79439a55b58	medium.com	Prophetic Prayer Mantles	Prayer Mantles are embracing symbol of inclusive and unconditional love of God. Those who received these have been uplifted and affirmed…	YahWeh Religious Materials	https://medium.com/@ecgamerica0	e79439a55b58	https://miro.medium.com/…fWeRy6DG7D4w.png	1 min	2017-11-25T13:00:28.089000	2017-11-25T13:04:25.748000	2017-11-25T13:04:26.437000	0	0	en	Christianity	<section> <p><a href="https://yahweh.io/collections/mantles">Prayer Mantles</a> are embracing symbol of inclusive and unconditional love of God. Those who received these have been uplifted and affirmed. The <a href="https://yahweh.io/collections/mantles/products/prayer-mantle-lion-of-judah">Lion of Judah</a> and <a href="https://yahweh.io/collections/mantles/products/prayer-mantle-papa-momma">Papa & Momma</a> Prayer Mantles blessed by Prophet Shepherd Bushiri are one such commanded blessing, given by God.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/810/1*lAnaHzQbWjfWeRy6DG7D4w.png" width="810" height="450" loading="lazy" /> <p>Visit <a href="https://yahweh.io/collections/mantles">YahWeh Online Store</a> to get these anointed <a href="https://yahweh.io/collections/mantles">Prayer Mantles</a> that are filled with prayers and love of papa, to comfort, console, and strengthen your faith in God. Wrap yourself in the solace of God’s word, protection, and blessings!</p> <p>YahWeh is your one stop destination for all the religious products from prophets and leaders around the World.</p> <p>May your Prayer Shawl be a spiritual shelter for you, where prayers flow easily.</p> <p>God Bless!</p> </section>	Prophetic Prayer Mantles Prayer Mantles are embracing symbol of inclusive and unconditional love of God. Those who received these have been uplifted and affirmed. The Lion of Judah and Papa & Momma Prayer Mantles blessed by Prophet Shepherd Bushiri are one such commanded blessing, given by God. Visit YahWeh Online Store to get these anointed Prayer Mantles that are filled with prayers and love of papa, to comfort, console, and strengthen your faith in God. Wrap yourself in the solace of God’s word, protection, and blessings! YahWeh is your one stop destination for all the religious products from prophets and leaders around the World. May your Prayer Shawl be a spiritual shelter for you, where prayers flow easily. God Bless!	3a05b742-87a7-58d9-9ff7-42f74cc0b9bf	25/08/2025 18:00:14
https://blog.mapbox.com/mapbox-%EF%B8%8F-unity-vrdc-unite-austin-ccde5a84fec4	medium.com	Location & AR for Unity at Unite Austin	By: Siyu Song	Mapbox	https://medium.com/@Mapbox	ccde5a84fec4	https://miro.medium.com/…CddBqGxI_Cg.jpeg	2 min	2017-09-18T17:57:47.475000	2017-09-18T22:18:24.727000	2018-05-31T15:46:12.156000	0	175	en	Virtual Reality,Unity,Team,Augmented Reality,Game Development	<section> <p>By: <em><a href="</em>https://www.mapbox.com/about/team/siyu-song/">Siyu Song</a></p> <p>Let’s get together and talk location, AR, and Unity at Unity’s annual user conference, Unite Austin. Our focus is on providing developers with the real world map data and tools needed to create immersive game experiences and augmented reality applications. In my talks, I’ll explain step-by-step how to use our <a href="http://mapbox.com/unity">Maps for Unity SDK</a> and <a href="https://github.com/mapbox/mapbox-arkit-unity">open source ARKit library</a> to create AR-enabled applications that go from small, room scale experiences to large environments that span the size of the world.</p> <p>Here’s a sneak peek at one of the AR apps you’ll be able to build with Mapbox, Unity, and ARKit:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1ygfRyQrLwzvCddBqGxI_Cg.jpeg" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" /> <p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Send me an email</a> to schedule a time to chat at Unite Austin. Talk a look at how our our SDK gives you complete control over every layer in the map, allowing you to create custom scenes using real-world data to generate game content:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/0l70vctD0xGnNgLDQ.png" width="1600" height="785" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/09-61VZwnDiru3AtB.jpg" width="1600" height="897" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0XyZvLmbKxCSk9Dty.jpg" width="1200" height="605" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/0j_pKJyCm2xsp7ywV.jpg" width="1600" height="806" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/0T7tN8lgkYlnm1QMr.png" width="1600" height="898" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1430/03NF_ANeiLF5ukkhp.png" width="1430" height="741" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1354/01teOh7xgpfQ1CFhn.png" width="1354" height="662" loading="lazy" /> <p>I’m excited to learn more about what you’re building and how we can help. Keep up with all the events we’re attending at <a href="https://www.mapbox.com/events/">mapbox.com/events</a> and share your projects with us on Twitter with the tag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BuiltWithMapbox?src=hash&lang=en">#BuiltWithMapbox</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="</strong>https://www.mapbox.com/about/team/siyu-song/">Siyu Song <em>Siyu is a Software Engineer at Mapbox. He works on the backend systems that support the various teams at Mapbox. Siyu…</em>www.m</a>apbox.com</p> </section>	Location & AR for Unity at Unite Austin By: Siyu Song Let’s get together and talk location, AR, and Unity at Unity’s annual user conference, Unite Austin. Our focus is on providing developers with the real world map data and tools needed to create immersive game experiences and augmented reality applications. In my talks, I’ll explain step-by-step how to use our Maps for Unity SDK and open source ARKit library to create AR-enabled applications that go from small, room scale experiences to large environments that span the size of the world. Here’s a sneak peek at one of the AR apps you’ll be able to build with Mapbox, Unity, and ARKit: An AR navigation application built using the Maps SDK for Unity and ARKit Send me an email to schedule a time to chat at Unite Austin. Talk a look at how our our SDK gives you complete control over every layer in the map, allowing you to create custom scenes using real-world data to generate game content: Use Mapbox Terrain elevation contour lines to create a terrace effect A dystopic take on Manhattan with Mapbox buildings, location data and procedural textures Letting the sun shine on Mapbox buildings and Mapbox Streets Chamfer effect and directional lighting make these buildings look almost as if you could touch them In this scene, Mapbox data on landuse and biome is powering the procedural generation of trees, grassland, water and spawning elements like the boats in the water Enter earthly Mordor — this is Mapbox Satellite draped over 3D terrain A look at beautiful planet Earth from space — note the exaggerated terrain on the horizon I’m excited to learn more about what you’re building and how we can help. Keep up with all the events we’re attending at mapbox.com/events and share your projects with us on Twitter with the tag #BuiltWithMapbox. Siyu Song Siyu is a Software Engineer at Mapbox. He works on the backend systems that support the various teams at Mapbox. Siyu…www.mapbox.com	e489643f-16b0-55f3-afa3-1e43438b2e3d	25/08/2025 18:00:14
https://medium.com/@olalekanjosepholowe/temperance-as-a-means-to-live-free-48f9fbde42cd	medium.com	TEMPERANCE AS A MEANS TO LIVE FREE	Today is 03/20/18, l hope you have been enjoying this article on temperance. A must trait to have our lives under control so that we can…	Olalekan Joseph Olowe	https://medium.com/@olalekanjosepholowe	48f9fbde42cd	null	4 min	2018-03-20T17:17:07.965000	2018-03-20T17:23:41.106000	2018-03-20T17:23:41.868000	0	0	en	Christianity,Church,Jesus,Self Improvement,Personal Development	<section> <p>Today is 03/20/18, l hope you have been enjoying this article on temperance. A must trait to have our lives under control so that we can gain mastery over issues of life. Temperance is defined as a self control and the ability to do things in moderation.</p> <p>There are many benefits to enjoy when we guide our conduct by temperance. We have been looking at the discipline aspect of temperance, the ability to put our body under control, let us look at a picture of a life without control, there’s a perfect picture from Proverbs 25:28.</p> <p>A life likened to a city with a broken down walls and can even be characterized as a city without any wall at all. Such a life is subject to all kinds of reckless adventures, without restraint and lack of discipline in every facet of existence.</p> <p>“Temperance, simply put, is the thermostat that controls the temperature of our behaviors.” — Joseph Olowe</p> <p>“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23 KJV</p> <p>“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28 KJV</p> <p>Last week, we look at how we can keep our body under control by simply putting certain members of body under lock and key. The gateway to our world can be through our eye, tongue, ear and our emotion which can easily lit up our world if left unguarded, temperance is the most needed asset to keep these members of our body control.</p> <p>Today, let us look at other member of our body that has to be subjected to the law of temperance if we want to avoid trouble at all cost. Other members that are very important to keeping our lives under control that will be considered are our LEGS AND BUTTOCKS</p> <p>“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV</p> <p>OUR LEGS</p> <p>The legs are a very important part of our body and are used for a lot of functions. Primarily we use our legs for standing and walking, these two functions could easily get us into some serious problems if we do not put our legs under strict control. For example a man or woman could easily allow his or her legs to walk into trouble with eyes wide open based on a very bad advice or simply being stupid.</p> <p>Let us look at Psalms 1:1. We can use our legs as a check on our emotion, for example if your emotion tells you to do something wrong like stealing or going to wrong bedroom, let your leg resist the order to physically carry out that erroneous demand. Don’t stand where you are easily accessible to trouble, please use your legs to run away from trouble at all cost.</p> <p>A good lesson from Esau, he became very hungry and because of that hunger, his legs took him to Jacob where he sold his birthright. A quick question: Has your legs taken you to a place where you have successfully sold your birthright? A food for thought.</p> <p>“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1 KJV</p> <p>“And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.” Genesis 25:31 KJV</p> <p>OUR BUTTOCKS</p> <p>Our buttocks what a great part of our body that have destroyed many rising stars, all you have to do is to look around, l bet you know of someone whose marriage, family or career has been destroyed just because of a one night stand. When our buttocks gets into a wrong bed, we know that the end result will not be pleasant, not only into wrong beds, but wrong boardroom, meetings where you plan the demise of others.</p> <p>Anytime you seat down and what you are hearing is not good, you can easily ask your legs to take your BUTT out there fast. A good lesson from king David, his legs took him to the roof top of his house and later found his butt in a wrong bed doing the wrong thing which later costed him his family. A quick question: Has your butt taken you to a wrong bed, where you have successfully destroyed your career, business or family? A food for thought.</p> <p>“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1 KJV</p> <p>“And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.” 2 Samuel 11:2 KJV</p> <p>Till next week let us temperance to keep our legs and buttocks under control, these two body part can destroy us, if we decide to live a life without walls</p> <p>Thought for the week</p> <p>“Stay away from every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 NLT</p> <p>Let us pray for the grace to just stay away from any appearances of evil. May God help us all. Shalom!!!</p> <p>If this article speaks to you or might help someone you, type please clap and share on your platform page so that we reach more people for Jesus. Thanks for making my day.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1/0*lIFVxtg9_02gZ_oe." width="1" height="1" loading="lazy" /> </section>	TEMPERANCE AS A MEANS TO LIVE FREE Today is 03/20/18, l hope you have been enjoying this article on temperance. A must trait to have our lives under control so that we can gain mastery over issues of life. Temperance is defined as a self control and the ability to do things in moderation. There are many benefits to enjoy when we guide our conduct by temperance. We have been looking at the discipline aspect of temperance, the ability to put our body under control, let us look at a picture of a life without control, there’s a perfect picture from Proverbs 25:28. A life likened to a city with a broken down walls and can even be characterized as a city without any wall at all. Such a life is subject to all kinds of reckless adventures, without restraint and lack of discipline in every facet of existence. “Temperance, simply put, is the thermostat that controls the temperature of our behaviors.” — Joseph Olowe “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23 KJV “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28 KJV Last week, we look at how we can keep our body under control by simply putting certain members of body under lock and key. The gateway to our world can be through our eye, tongue, ear and our emotion which can easily lit up our world if left unguarded, temperance is the most needed asset to keep these members of our body control. Today, let us look at other member of our body that has to be subjected to the law of temperance if we want to avoid trouble at all cost. Other members that are very important to keeping our lives under control that will be considered are our LEGS AND BUTTOCKS “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV OUR LEGS The legs are a very important part of our body and are used for a lot of functions. Primarily we use our legs for standing and walking, these two functions could easily get us into some serious problems if we do not put our legs under strict control. For example a man or woman could easily allow his or her legs to walk into trouble with eyes wide open based on a very bad advice or simply being stupid. Let us look at Psalms 1:1. We can use our legs as a check on our emotion, for example if your emotion tells you to do something wrong like stealing or going to wrong bedroom, let your leg resist the order to physically carry out that erroneous demand. Don’t stand where you are easily accessible to trouble, please use your legs to run away from trouble at all cost. A good lesson from Esau, he became very hungry and because of that hunger, his legs took him to Jacob where he sold his birthright. A quick question: Has your legs taken you to a place where you have successfully sold your birthright? A food for thought. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1 KJV “And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.” Genesis 25:31 KJV OUR BUTTOCKS Our buttocks what a great part of our body that have destroyed many rising stars, all you have to do is to look around, l bet you know of someone whose marriage, family or career has been destroyed just because of a one night stand. When our buttocks gets into a wrong bed, we know that the end result will not be pleasant, not only into wrong beds, but wrong boardroom, meetings where you plan the demise of others. Anytime you seat down and what you are hearing is not good, you can easily ask your legs to take your BUTT out there fast. A good lesson from king David, his legs took him to the roof top of his house and later found his butt in a wrong bed doing the wrong thing which later costed him his family. A quick question: Has your butt taken you to a wrong bed, where you have successfully destroyed your career, business or family? A food for thought. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1 KJV “And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.” 2 Samuel 11:2 KJV Till next week let us temperance to keep our legs and buttocks under control, these two body part can destroy us, if we decide to live a life without walls Thought for the week “Stay away from every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 NLT Let us pray for the grace to just stay away from any appearances of evil. May God help us all. Shalom!!! If this article speaks to you or might help someone you, type please clap and share on your platform page so that we reach more people for Jesus. Thanks for making my day.	b7a2ba92-607f-58e9-8edc-645a1082d9e0	25/08/2025 18:00:15
https://foaad-haghighi.medium.com/3-religious-groups-address-crises-within-arab-countries-report-7fd377d159fc	medium.com	3 Religious groups address crises within Arab countries .. «Report»	Translation of the news article published in www.akhbarelyaom.com	Foaad Haghighi	https://medium.com/@foaad-haghighi	7fd377d159fc	https://miro.medium.com/…aHZIQfpzLDg.jpeg	3 min	2017-10-05T12:31:41.122000	2017-10-05T12:42:28.127000	2017-10-05T12:44:31.910000	0	0	en	Islam,Bahai Faith,Yemen,Christianity,Morocco	<section> <p><em>Translation of the news article published in <a href="http://www.</em>akhbarelyaom.com/722614/3-%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81-%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7">www.akhbarelyaom.com</a></p> <p>3 Religious sects address crises within Arab countries .. «Report.»</p> <p>The arrest of the leader of the Ahmadiyya sect, the abuser of the Prophet in Algeria, has led to the crises of some famous sects in several Arab countries, between the narrowing by targeting the security and stability of the country and the attempt to penetrate the local community.</p> <p>1 — Ahmadiyah in Algeria</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/270/1INAHjY_bKx-WzJjlpiGong.jpeg" width="270" height="140" loading="lazy" /> <p>Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya al-Ahmadiyya is one of the most controversial sects in the Arab world. Algeria accuses it of infiltrating society in favor of foreign intelligence, primarily the Israeli Mossad.</p> <p>The Ahmadiyya sect founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani (1835–1908) in India is based on the belief that Mirza is the awaited Mahdi preached by the Holy Quran and spoken by the Prophet Muhammad, which is considered by all Sunni and Shiite sects away from Islam.</p> <p>Algerian religious authorities recognize only Sunni Islam, and the official state doctrine is Maliki. The vast majority of Algerians follow this doctrine.</p> <p>Over the past months, Algerian security authorities have arrested hundreds of Ahmadi followers.</p> <p>On September 15, an Algerian court sentenced Mohammed Vale, leader of the country’s Ahmadiyya sect, to six months in prison for “insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad” and was convicted of “collecting money without a license,” according to his lawyer.</p> <p>According to Amnesty International in Algeria, the number of Ahmadis is estimated at 2,000, and about 280 have been arrested since the Interior Ministry refused to allow them to set up an association on behalf of the community.</p> <p>2- Christianity in Morocco</p> <p>And Christianity in Morocco, from the communities that topped the scene of crises during the last period, where Christians suffer from many of the pressures and restrictions by the official authorities.</p> <p>On September 22, members of the royal gendarmerie, the Moroccan Police, surrounded Darwish, a house in the village of Dount in the village of Wardaneh. It was home to a woman and a man of Dutch origin and a Moroccan woman who had possession of dozens of copies of the Bible and the New Testament and small signs to simplify Christian teachings. Christ is accompanied by illustrations.</p> <p>Moroccan Christians appealed to King Mohammed VI for their security protection, calling them the “restrictions” they are subjected to, and allowing their worship activities and festivities to be held free of charge, both in their homes and in the offices of the country’s official churches.</p> <p>Last April, Moroccan National Council for Human Rights Secretary-General Mohamed Sabar met with a number of Moroccan National Coordinating Coordinators to discuss their demands as part of Morocco’s quest to show tolerance for other religions and beliefs and to show it as a co-existence.</p> <p>The 21-member co-ordination calls for Christian ceremonies to be permitted in official churches, church or civil marriage, naming children with names that parents approve of their children, religious education should be optional for Moroccan Christians, and burial at death in the Christian way.</p> <p>The US State Department estimated the number of Christian converts in Morocco between two thousand and six thousand, demanding the right to practice their faith and beliefs publicly after facing discrimination and practicing their religion in secret.</p> <p>3- Baha’is in Yemen</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/493/1XJ5h2Eue3LDaHZIQfpzLDg.jpeg" width="493" height="325" loading="lazy" /> <p>Baha’is in Yemen are among the communities that are causing a crisis in the Arab world. At least 52 Baha’is, men and women, and children were arrested by the Huthi authorities in Sana’a as part of a campaign of persecution and repression against the Baha’is before they were released after the pressure of human rights organizations.</p> <p>The Sanaa authorities have arbitrarily detained and detained members of the Baha’i community, including Hamid Kamal Mohammed bin Haidara, who has been detained since December 2013 and is facing the death penalty because of his religious beliefs.</p> <p>Human Rights Watch said the August arrests appeared to be part of the Sanaa authorities’ harassment of the Baha’i community of 1,000 members in Yemen.</p> <p>By the end of 2016, the Houthis authorities, the Neda Foundation for Coexistence and Building and the Institute of Excellence for Development, established by Baha'is, raided buildings, seized files and documents, and arrested employees. Authorities also raided the homes of 3 Baha’is and confiscated personal computers, documents, passports and their files.</p> <p>Update: According to Baha’i International Community from Geneva on October 3, 2017, a United Nations (UN) resolution regarding the situation in Yemen, introduced by Egypt on behalf of the Arab Group and supported by the entire membership of the UN Human Rights Council, called for the release of all Baha’i detainees in the country. <em><a href="h</em>ttps://www.bic.org/news/unprecedented-un-resolution-demands-end-harassment-bahais-yemen">Read more…</a></p> </section>	3 Religious groups address crises within Arab countries .. «Report» Translation of the news article published in www.akhbarelyaom.com 3 Religious sects address crises within Arab countries .. «Report.» The arrest of the leader of the Ahmadiyya sect, the abuser of the Prophet in Algeria, has led to the crises of some famous sects in several Arab countries, between the narrowing by targeting the security and stability of the country and the attempt to penetrate the local community. 1 — Ahmadiyah in Algeria Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya al-Ahmadiyya is one of the most controversial sects in the Arab world. Algeria accuses it of infiltrating society in favor of foreign intelligence, primarily the Israeli Mossad. The Ahmadiyya sect founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani (1835–1908) in India is based on the belief that Mirza is the awaited Mahdi preached by the Holy Quran and spoken by the Prophet Muhammad, which is considered by all Sunni and Shiite sects away from Islam. Algerian religious authorities recognize only Sunni Islam, and the official state doctrine is Maliki. The vast majority of Algerians follow this doctrine. Over the past months, Algerian security authorities have arrested hundreds of Ahmadi followers. On September 15, an Algerian court sentenced Mohammed Vale, leader of the country’s Ahmadiyya sect, to six months in prison for “insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad” and was convicted of “collecting money without a license,” according to his lawyer. According to Amnesty International in Algeria, the number of Ahmadis is estimated at 2,000, and about 280 have been arrested since the Interior Ministry refused to allow them to set up an association on behalf of the community. 2- Christianity in Morocco And Christianity in Morocco, from the communities that topped the scene of crises during the last period, where Christians suffer from many of the pressures and restrictions by the official authorities. On September 22, members of the royal gendarmerie, the Moroccan Police, surrounded Darwish, a house in the village of Dount in the village of Wardaneh. It was home to a woman and a man of Dutch origin and a Moroccan woman who had possession of dozens of copies of the Bible and the New Testament and small signs to simplify Christian teachings. Christ is accompanied by illustrations. Moroccan Christians appealed to King Mohammed VI for their security protection, calling them the “restrictions” they are subjected to, and allowing their worship activities and festivities to be held free of charge, both in their homes and in the offices of the country’s official churches. Last April, Moroccan National Council for Human Rights Secretary-General Mohamed Sabar met with a number of Moroccan National Coordinating Coordinators to discuss their demands as part of Morocco’s quest to show tolerance for other religions and beliefs and to show it as a co-existence. The 21-member co-ordination calls for Christian ceremonies to be permitted in official churches, church or civil marriage, naming children with names that parents approve of their children, religious education should be optional for Moroccan Christians, and burial at death in the Christian way. The US State Department estimated the number of Christian converts in Morocco between two thousand and six thousand, demanding the right to practice their faith and beliefs publicly after facing discrimination and practicing their religion in secret. 3- Baha’is in Yemen Baha’is in Yemen are among the communities that are causing a crisis in the Arab world. At least 52 Baha’is, men and women, and children were arrested by the Huthi authorities in Sana’a as part of a campaign of persecution and repression against the Baha’is before they were released after the pressure of human rights organizations. The Sanaa authorities have arbitrarily detained and detained members of the Baha’i community, including Hamid Kamal Mohammed bin Haidara, who has been detained since December 2013 and is facing the death penalty because of his religious beliefs. Human Rights Watch said the August arrests appeared to be part of the Sanaa authorities’ harassment of the Baha’i community of 1,000 members in Yemen. By the end of 2016, the Houthis authorities, the Neda Foundation for Coexistence and Building and the Institute of Excellence for Development, established by Baha'is, raided buildings, seized files and documents, and arrested employees. Authorities also raided the homes of 3 Baha’is and confiscated personal computers, documents, passports and their files. Update: According to Baha’i International Community from Geneva on October 3, 2017, a United Nations (UN) resolution regarding the situation in Yemen, introduced by Egypt on behalf of the Arab Group and supported by the entire membership of the UN Human Rights Council, called for the release of all Baha’i detainees in the country. Read more…	70070312-ab6a-51b7-bb32-76a071563c1c	25/08/2025 18:00:15
https://medium.com/conrandesigngroup/janey-fry-design-director-663546353059	medium.com	Janey Fry, Design Director	Janey heads up the 3D environment offer at Conran Design Group. She is actually working in one of her interiors projects — our new offices…	Conran Design Group	https://medium.com/@conrandesigngrp	663546353059	https://miro.medium.com/…u-X5TBqGB1Q.jpeg	3 min	2017-04-21T11:30:18.245000	2017-04-21T12:04:34.028000	2018-01-20T13:26:00.691000	0	2	en	Design,Interior Design,Agencylife,Retail,Agency	<section> <h1><strong>Janey Fry, Design Director</strong></h1> <p>Janey heads up the 3D environment offer at Conran Design Group. She is actually working in one of her interiors projects — our new offices in Kings Cross — we caught up with her for a chat about her career path.</p> <p><strong>Where did you grow up?</strong> I’m not totally grown up really… I got older in Cheshire but left at 18… think I ‘grew up’ in London</p> <p><strong>When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? </strong> To draw — nothing in particular, just draw.</p> <p><strong>Favourite place in the world?</strong> Barafundle bay, closely followed by The Stackpole Inn in Pembrokeshire, always with my husband and very silly dog.</p> <p><strong>If you could live and work anywhere in the world, where would it be? </strong>Commuting between Pembrokeshire and London… impossible!</p> <p><strong>What would your superhero power be? </strong> To fly, as it helps with the question above… or never put on weight eating baked New York cheesecake as if it were a food group.</p> <p><strong>Your career path:</strong></p> <p><strong>Did you start out in the design industry? </strong><em>Yes — what route?</em> I gained my degree in interior design at Farnham in Surrey, I got my first break at Corsie Naysmith and then 20.20… I just kept plugging at it. I’ve still no idea why I got my first job. I gave the worst interview of my life.</p> <p><strong>When did you decide to do the job you do? </strong> When I asked my grandfather where the huge table and chairs were from — they were genuinely cool modernist design. Turned out he designed and made them. He showed me his drawings and his workshop and I thought ‘I want to do this too’. It wasn’t even his job, he was an engineer but a really talented problem-solver.</p> <p><strong>If you weren’t doing this job what would you be doing? </strong>Cooking something in a pub.</p> <p><strong>What’s your favourite Conran work to date?</strong> Bizarrely it was some exhibition design work we did recently for Shell — it’s so varied here and you think you know a client, then some lovely, tiny beautiful job comes up and you learn all over again why we’re all here.</p> <p><strong>What’s the best thing about working at Conran?</strong> The openness, and my team.</p> <p><strong>Your favourite (design/brand/advertising) campaign ever? </strong> That’s a tough one. An oldie but goodie is the Jaffa Cakes ‘half moon, total eclipse’ ad, but my design director response is Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign to ‘Run like a girl’. Genius.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/490/1ifhSVQYTa2iYXIHDFZ14Qw.png" width="490" height="162" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>What’s your favourite brand and why? </strong> Has to be ‘& Other Stories’. Such a strong and unique personality, beautifully simple yet elegant stores, an easy, connected website and my shopping haven. Totally nailed it.</p> <p><strong>The industry:</strong></p> <p><strong>How do you creatively problem-solve? </strong> It’s a group effort and I think it involves reading, deep listening, introspection, lots of discussion and some heated debate. Everyone has to care deeply about getting something done well.</p> <p><strong>Any tips for newcomers to the industry? </strong> Have patience, be prompt and be proactive; learn to listen before doing, know your worth and earn your worth.</p> <p><strong>What’s the best bit of career advice you have been given? </strong> <em> ‘Always ask.</em>’ <strong>…and the worst??? </strong> <em> ‘You should probably ask your boyfriend first’</em></p> <p><strong>What’s the worst thing about the creative industry? </strong> It’s the same as the best thing — the passion. It’s never nine to five because designers don’t stop looking around just because they’re not in the studio. It’s exhausting. Terrible and wonderful.</p> <p><strong>What career advice would you give to your younger self?</strong> ‘It’s going to be okay… take the risk, always smile and don’t be afraid to stand up, shake somebody’s hand and walk away if it isn’t. Never burn a bridge but don’t burn yourself either.’</p> <p><strong>Career mentors in your life, have you had any? </strong> A couple — they know who they are. I’m lucky to have a mentor at Conran at the moment actually; I think he knows who he is!</p> <p><strong>And finally…If you could sit and talk with anyone (from any time) for just one hour, who would it be and why?</strong> It has to be Elizabeth I — I’m sort of a history nut and Tudor history lover. I’d love to know how she played the game in that period of history.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/495/1Bc_rZVMmNG7InWQ264PHww.png" width="495" height="275" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Janey Fry, Design Director Janey heads up the 3D environment offer at Conran Design Group. She is actually working in one of her interiors projects — our new offices in Kings Cross — we caught up with her for a chat about her career path. Where did you grow up? I’m not totally grown up really… I got older in Cheshire but left at 18… think I ‘grew up’ in London When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? To draw — nothing in particular, just draw. Favourite place in the world? Barafundle bay, closely followed by The Stackpole Inn in Pembrokeshire, always with my husband and very silly dog. If you could live and work anywhere in the world, where would it be? Commuting between Pembrokeshire and London… impossible! What would your superhero power be? To fly, as it helps with the question above… or never put on weight eating baked New York cheesecake as if it were a food group. Your career path: Did you start out in the design industry? Yes — what route? I gained my degree in interior design at Farnham in Surrey, I got my first break at Corsie Naysmith and then 20.20… I just kept plugging at it. I’ve still no idea why I got my first job. I gave the worst interview of my life. When did you decide to do the job you do? When I asked my grandfather where the huge table and chairs were from — they were genuinely cool modernist design. Turned out he designed and made them. He showed me his drawings and his workshop and I thought ‘I want to do this too’. It wasn’t even his job, he was an engineer but a really talented problem-solver. If you weren’t doing this job what would you be doing? Cooking something in a pub. What’s your favourite Conran work to date? Bizarrely it was some exhibition design work we did recently for Shell — it’s so varied here and you think you know a client, then some lovely, tiny beautiful job comes up and you learn all over again why we’re all here. What’s the best thing about working at Conran? The openness, and my team. Your favourite (design/brand/advertising) campaign ever? That’s a tough one. An oldie but goodie is the Jaffa Cakes ‘half moon, total eclipse’ ad, but my design director response is Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign to ‘Run like a girl’. Genius. What’s your favourite brand and why? Has to be ‘& Other Stories’. Such a strong and unique personality, beautifully simple yet elegant stores, an easy, connected website and my shopping haven. Totally nailed it. The industry: How do you creatively problem-solve? It’s a group effort and I think it involves reading, deep listening, introspection, lots of discussion and some heated debate. Everyone has to care deeply about getting something done well. Any tips for newcomers to the industry? Have patience, be prompt and be proactive; learn to listen before doing, know your worth and earn your worth. What’s the best bit of career advice you have been given? ‘Always ask.’ …and the worst??? ‘You should probably ask your boyfriend first’ What’s the worst thing about the creative industry? It’s the same as the best thing — the passion. It’s never nine to five because designers don’t stop looking around just because they’re not in the studio. It’s exhausting. Terrible and wonderful. What career advice would you give to your younger self? ‘It’s going to be okay… take the risk, always smile and don’t be afraid to stand up, shake somebody’s hand and walk away if it isn’t. Never burn a bridge but don’t burn yourself either.’ Career mentors in your life, have you had any? A couple — they know who they are. I’m lucky to have a mentor at Conran at the moment actually; I think he knows who he is! And finally…If you could sit and talk with anyone (from any time) for just one hour, who would it be and why? It has to be Elizabeth I — I’m sort of a history nut and Tudor history lover. I’d love to know how she played the game in that period of history.	74a4f75f-2eb7-5539-8eff-5cb2c9406843	25/08/2025 18:00:15
https://medium.com/@voyagefoods/foodie-feature-jessica-mazariego-4881bfefd257	medium.com	Foodie Feature: Jessica Mazariego	Jessica Mazariego	Voyage Foods	https://medium.com/@voyagefoods	4881bfefd257	https://miro.medium.com/…EiipVeIF2gpA.png	1 min	2022-05-11T22:03:08.132000	2022-05-19T15:03:24.604000	2022-07-28T17:46:18.807000	0	1	en	Food,Food And Drink,Team,Quality Assurance,Food Safety	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*sAsDFa3oAiEiipVeIF2gpA.png" width="1080" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <h1>Jessica Mazariego</h1> <p><strong>Title:</strong> Quality Systems Specialist</p> <p><strong>What I Do at <a href=</strong>"http://voyagefoods.com/">Voyage</a>: I help in the implementation and continuous improvement of all the food safety and quality programs by monitoring, reviewing, and verifying the effectiveness of the quality systems and also assisting in developing and updating the quality systems documentation.</p> <p><strong>My Most Memorable Moment at Voyage So Far: </strong>Being there to run our first jar of <a href="https://www.voyagefoods.com/products/peanut-free-spread">Peanut-Free Spread</a> off the line was pretty exciting –– it was great to see everything come together into an end result.</p> <p><strong>What I’m Most Excited For: </strong>I’m excited to see us launch all of our products and see the public enjoy them!</p> <p><strong>Why I Joined Voyage: </strong>I wanted to be part of a team where we all believe that there are foods with an uncertain future –– whether with food allergies, climate change, humanitarian issues, or other major problems we face –– that we are able to future-proof so we can enjoy them forever.</p> <p><strong>My Career Background: </strong>I worked in the beverage industry the last six years and started off with specialty coffee. It was really cool to learn about the different stages and help to make the perfectly dialed in cup of coffee. But I also did microbiology quality testing for alcoholic beverages for a little while.</p> <p><strong>Product(s) I’m Most Excited About: </strong>The Cacao-Free Chocolate!</p> <p><strong>Fun Fact About Me: </strong>I know 45/46 songs on the Hamilton soundtrack.</p> <p><strong>My Most Controversial/Unique Food Opinion: </strong>I love the combo of french fries dipped into ice cream –– it’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet but also mixing the heat of fresh fries with the coldness of the ice cream is 💯.</p> <p><em>Check out <a href="http://voyagefoods.com/">our website</a> to learn more about our offerings. Still have a questi</em>on? Email us at <a href="http://[email protected]/">[email protected]</a>!</p> </section>	Foodie Feature: Jessica Mazariego Photo by Lindsey Pfeiffer. Jessica Mazariego Title: Quality Systems Specialist What I Do at Voyage: I help in the implementation and continuous improvement of all the food safety and quality programs by monitoring, reviewing, and verifying the effectiveness of the quality systems and also assisting in developing and updating the quality systems documentation. My Most Memorable Moment at Voyage So Far: Being there to run our first jar of Peanut-Free Spread off the line was pretty exciting –– it was great to see everything come together into an end result. What I’m Most Excited For: I’m excited to see us launch all of our products and see the public enjoy them! Why I Joined Voyage: I wanted to be part of a team where we all believe that there are foods with an uncertain future –– whether with food allergies, climate change, humanitarian issues, or other major problems we face –– that we are able to future-proof so we can enjoy them forever. My Career Background: I worked in the beverage industry the last six years and started off with specialty coffee. It was really cool to learn about the different stages and help to make the perfectly dialed in cup of coffee. But I also did microbiology quality testing for alcoholic beverages for a little while. Product(s) I’m Most Excited About: The Cacao-Free Chocolate! Fun Fact About Me: I know 45/46 songs on the Hamilton soundtrack. My Most Controversial/Unique Food Opinion: I love the combo of french fries dipped into ice cream –– it’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet but also mixing the heat of fresh fries with the coldness of the ice cream is 💯. Check out our website to learn more about our offerings. Still have a question? Email us at [email protected]!	a487d462-d1e7-57b1-85ba-3584df1182d8	25/08/2025 18:00:16
https://medium.com/@richardmcclurg/marketing-is-dead-long-live-marketing-62f92b257ee7	medium.com	Marketing is dead. Long live MARKETing!	It’s a familiar story in the tech world: a company with innovative products and a passionate team, but growth is stalling. Why? Because…	Richard McClurg	https://medium.com/@richardmcclurg	62f92b257ee7	https://miro.medium.com/…m5NV1Q5uoKpQ.png	2 min	2023-12-06T17:00:34.705000	2023-12-06T17:11:50.145000	2023-12-30T15:50:59.180000	0	4	en	Startup,Startup Lessons,Marketing,Strategy,Go To Market Strategy	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1792/1*qLx4ZfTVKmm5NV1Q5uoKpQ.png" width="1792" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> <p>It’s a familiar story in the tech world: a company with innovative products and a passionate team, but growth is stalling. Why? Because marketing has been sidelined, it has been reduced to a tactical afterthought when it should be the cornerstone of your strategy.</p> <p>Let’s face it: the perception of marketing has been whittled down to the superficial — websites, social media posts, and, yes, the ubiquitous swag. But we both know there’s more to it. Much more.</p> <h1>The essence of real MARKETing</h1> <p>Real marketing — the kind that drives growth — starts with the market itself. After all, there’s a reason why ‘market’ is in the name. It begins with market research. In the B2B world, it’s going beyond company firmographic data on customers to understand how decisions are made and by whom in the buying group. It’s about understanding the key people within target accounts and diving deep into their needs, pains, and the myriad of choices they juggle daily.</p> <p>You need to think about the alternatives that customers can choose from to solve their challenges and do that from their perspective. Sometimes, that means you are competing against how they are solving the problem today with manual processes or general-purpose software solutions that are ‘good enough.’ You need to be tuned into both direct and indirect competition.</p> <p>To win, you need to be the path that offers the most value, the one they’re willing to hand their money over to.</p> <p>This isn’t about flavour-of-the-month tactics that might work for other companies in different situations; it’s about clear, consistent communication of your unique value at every touchpoint — from the first website visit or conversation at a tradeshow to the final invoice. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s your ongoing relationship with the customer to ensure you continue to provide value. Every interaction is a chance to reinforce why you’re different and the best choice.</p> <h2>The pitfalls of departmental silos</h2> <p>Yet, the reality is stark: companies are fragmented, and departments operate in silos, especially in a remote-first world. Product teams chase feature after feature without a clear direction. Sales teams feel the heat to hit numbers, wasting time with prospects that are a poor fit for your solutions, or struggle to explain how you differ from the alternatives. And if the fit isn’t right, customer success and support bear the brunt of unhappy customers who feel misled. Customers churn — growth stalls.</p> <p>This isn’t merely inefficient; it’s unsustainable. Without a unifying market-driven strategy, the entire go-to-market motion is rudderless.</p> <p>Communication, coordination, direction — these fundamentals are often missing because the deep understanding of the market isn’t there. Knowing who your ideal customers are, the unique value your company delivers, and how each team contributes to this is critical.</p> <h2>Restoring the MARKET in MARKETing</h2> <p>It’s time to put the MARKET back in MARKETing. Real MARKETing guides everything: the product roadmap, marketing messaging and customer communication, sales narrative and tactics, recruitment, and growth strategies.</p> <p>What’s needed is MARKETing leaders who will work alongside the CEO to refocus the company on the ideal customer, deliver differentiated value, and ensure everyone is aligned in communicating and delivering this value.</p> <p>It’s time to change your mindset. Marketing is not just Promotion.</p> <p>MARKETing is understanding the market, engaging and educating customers, building strong customer relationships, and creating customer value in exchange for customers opening their wallets to you.</p> <p>For B2B tech CEOs and founders, embracing real MARKETing is the path to growth.</p> <p>Long live MARKETing!</p> </section>	Marketing is dead. Long live MARKETing! It’s a familiar story in the tech world: a company with innovative products and a passionate team, but growth is stalling. Why? Because marketing has been sidelined, it has been reduced to a tactical afterthought when it should be the cornerstone of your strategy. Let’s face it: the perception of marketing has been whittled down to the superficial — websites, social media posts, and, yes, the ubiquitous swag. But we both know there’s more to it. Much more. The essence of real MARKETing Real marketing — the kind that drives growth — starts with the market itself. After all, there’s a reason why ‘market’ is in the name. It begins with market research. In the B2B world, it’s going beyond company firmographic data on customers to understand how decisions are made and by whom in the buying group. It’s about understanding the key people within target accounts and diving deep into their needs, pains, and the myriad of choices they juggle daily. You need to think about the alternatives that customers can choose from to solve their challenges and do that from their perspective. Sometimes, that means you are competing against how they are solving the problem today with manual processes or general-purpose software solutions that are ‘good enough.’ You need to be tuned into both direct and indirect competition. To win, you need to be the path that offers the most value, the one they’re willing to hand their money over to. This isn’t about flavour-of-the-month tactics that might work for other companies in different situations; it’s about clear, consistent communication of your unique value at every touchpoint — from the first website visit or conversation at a tradeshow to the final invoice. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s your ongoing relationship with the customer to ensure you continue to provide value. Every interaction is a chance to reinforce why you’re different and the best choice. The pitfalls of departmental silos Yet, the reality is stark: companies are fragmented, and departments operate in silos, especially in a remote-first world. Product teams chase feature after feature without a clear direction. Sales teams feel the heat to hit numbers, wasting time with prospects that are a poor fit for your solutions, or struggle to explain how you differ from the alternatives. And if the fit isn’t right, customer success and support bear the brunt of unhappy customers who feel misled. Customers churn — growth stalls. This isn’t merely inefficient; it’s unsustainable. Without a unifying market-driven strategy, the entire go-to-market motion is rudderless. Communication, coordination, direction — these fundamentals are often missing because the deep understanding of the market isn’t there. Knowing who your ideal customers are, the unique value your company delivers, and how each team contributes to this is critical. Restoring the MARKET in MARKETing It’s time to put the MARKET back in MARKETing. Real MARKETing guides everything: the product roadmap, marketing messaging and customer communication, sales narrative and tactics, recruitment, and growth strategies. What’s needed is MARKETing leaders who will work alongside the CEO to refocus the company on the ideal customer, deliver differentiated value, and ensure everyone is aligned in communicating and delivering this value. It’s time to change your mindset. Marketing is not just Promotion. MARKETing is understanding the market, engaging and educating customers, building strong customer relationships, and creating customer value in exchange for customers opening their wallets to you. For B2B tech CEOs and founders, embracing real MARKETing is the path to growth. Long live MARKETing!	c7c385e5-435c-58ec-9e00-a9edacd70214	25/08/2025 18:00:16
https://magesstudiosingapore.medium.com/virtual-reality-for-forensics-d21199b60207	medium.com	Virtual Reality for Forensics	As virtual reality hardware are getting cheaper, crime scene investigators are keenly evaluating its use in forensic science. Virtual…	Kevan Sim	https://medium.com/@magesstudiosingapore	d21199b60207	https://miro.medium.com/…0hpq1AcKHESg.png	2 min	2018-04-06T09:15:34.305000	2018-04-06T09:20:59.301000	2018-04-06T21:31:36.452000	0	1	en	Virtual Reality,VR	<section> <p>As virtual reality hardware are getting cheaper, crime scene investigators are keenly evaluating its use in forensic science. Virtual reality is slated to be a standard tool within the next decade for crime scene investigations.</p> <p>The biggest challenges facing forensic scientists are what are called Type 1 and Type 2 errors. A type 1 error is committed when a suspect is incorrectly convicted and the type 2 error when a guilty is unable to get punished due to lack of evidence. Virtual reality can provide a viable platform to learn, teach and practice forensic science.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1*oyySIzT5lN0hpq1AcKHESg.png" width="1024" height="567" loading="lazy" /> <p>Crime scenes are prone to contamination of evidence due to natural or logistical reasons. While some evidence and settings can be naturally diminishing, others can be impractical to retain. VR can help forensic teams in virtualization the crime scene which can be revisited and reevaluated numerous times. They can also be used as case studies for training and can be produced in court for jury.</p> <p>A case in point is a case study developed by <a href="https://magesstudio.com.sg/">MAGES Studio, Singapore</a> where a learner has to visit a scene of incident to gather evidence, evaluate testimonies and form a hypothesis. A victim is hit by a drone as a result of which he is hospitalized. The simulation is a prime example of how VR is being used on mobile phones towards solving a practical law enforcement problem.</p> <p>The process stands to improve the efficiency of investigations and turn-around time for courts. VR can be used to tell a compelling story in the courtrooms. Each case study can be archived and searched and can also be used for data analytic. The possibilities are just beginning to manifest themselves.</p> <p>Many crimes go unsolved due to evidence damage. If a crime has taken place in a busy subway for example, law enforces cannot afford to seal the location till the crime is solved. This makes it difficult to build a case but VR can change that. Using photoprogrammetry and 360-degree video capturing techniques, a crime scene can be virtually preserved and then analyzed, studies, presented and used for scenario generation.</p> <p>VR when combined with AR as in Mixed Reality can be sued for superimposing a per-recorded simulation over current existing crime scene to present new perspectives difficult or impossible to achieve before.</p> </section>	Virtual Reality for Forensics As virtual reality hardware are getting cheaper, crime scene investigators are keenly evaluating its use in forensic science. Virtual reality is slated to be a standard tool within the next decade for crime scene investigations. The biggest challenges facing forensic scientists are what are called Type 1 and Type 2 errors. A type 1 error is committed when a suspect is incorrectly convicted and the type 2 error when a guilty is unable to get punished due to lack of evidence. Virtual reality can provide a viable platform to learn, teach and practice forensic science. Image Courtesy: labiotech.eu Crime scenes are prone to contamination of evidence due to natural or logistical reasons. While some evidence and settings can be naturally diminishing, others can be impractical to retain. VR can help forensic teams in virtualization the crime scene which can be revisited and reevaluated numerous times. They can also be used as case studies for training and can be produced in court for jury. A case in point is a case study developed by MAGES Studio, Singapore where a learner has to visit a scene of incident to gather evidence, evaluate testimonies and form a hypothesis. A victim is hit by a drone as a result of which he is hospitalized. The simulation is a prime example of how VR is being used on mobile phones towards solving a practical law enforcement problem. The process stands to improve the efficiency of investigations and turn-around time for courts. VR can be used to tell a compelling story in the courtrooms. Each case study can be archived and searched and can also be used for data analytic. The possibilities are just beginning to manifest themselves. Many crimes go unsolved due to evidence damage. If a crime has taken place in a busy subway for example, law enforces cannot afford to seal the location till the crime is solved. This makes it difficult to build a case but VR can change that. Using photoprogrammetry and 360-degree video capturing techniques, a crime scene can be virtually preserved and then analyzed, studies, presented and used for scenario generation. VR when combined with AR as in Mixed Reality can be sued for superimposing a per-recorded simulation over current existing crime scene to present new perspectives difficult or impossible to achieve before.	c80b9c7f-bb09-5439-a127-8228976b3215	25/08/2025 18:00:21
https://medium.com/@rebekahcastor/immersive-journalism-how-virtual-reality-and-ai-could-transform-how-you-consume-news-e32553c5bf27	medium.com	Immersive Journalism- How Virtual Reality and AI Could Transform How You Consume News	Over the last few decades, the journalism industry has made significant strides as new technologies have expanded the opportunities for…	Rebekah Castor	https://medium.com/@rebekahcastor	e32553c5bf27	https://miro.medium.com/…QOHtbYqSWzgA.png	10 min	2018-12-11T00:15:48.576000	2018-12-11T00:48:09.152000	2021-12-07T00:41:32.312000	0	0	en	Virtual Reality,AI,Augmented Reality,News,Journalism	<section> <p>Over the last few decades, the journalism industry has made significant strides as new technologies have expanded the opportunities for reporters to get news out quickly in new and creative ways. The iPhone allows journalists to record high quality videos on their phone which can be uploaded to social media platforms within minutes, the GoPro lets videographers get innovative shots of tight places, as well as drones, which provide viewers with birds-eye views. Earlier this year, the New York Times published its first augmented reality feature, and 360 video experiences have followed. As more technology continues to develop, traditional journalism seen on television, read in newspapers, and heard on the radio will change significantly.</p> <p><strong>Where Journalism Is Today</strong></p> <p>Social networks are now news outlets, which is something many people didn’t expect when Facebook first took off in 2004. Larry Kramer’s C-SCAPE helps us look into trends in consumers, curation, content, and convergence of an industry. In regards to consumer trends, standard news outlets are struggling to get people’s eyes. Network television viewers decreased by 7% last year, according to <a href="http://www.journalism.org/fact-sheet/network-news/">Pew Research Data</a>. Many large national news outlets have had to cut back their resources. In 2014, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/business/media/new-york-times-plans-cutbacks-in-newsroom-staff.html?partner=socialflow&smid=tw-nytimesbusiness&_r=0">The New York Times</a> laid off and, or bought out about 7.5 percent of its newsroom staff and replaced them with new employees who could focus on new digital strategies. They’re also not the only national newspaper to do this. The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Freedom Communications also laid off numerous employees. However, people still see the value in watching<a href="http://www.journalism.org/fact-sheet/local-tv-news/"> local newscasts</a>. This remains the most common place for Americans to get their news, however more and more Americans are also relying on online news.</p> <p>Looking at the curation and content of journalism, journalism today is now more “digital first” than ever. Long gone are the days where the best news stories were saved for the 6pm broadcast. Today’s journalists have to work harder than ever before to get out great digital content faster than their competitors. Beginning in 2013, there was a huge exodus of journalists from traditional news outlets to digital startups.</p> <p>Editor in Chief and Publisher of the <em>Columbia Journalism Review</em>, Kyle Pope, is quoted saying, “It’s simultaneously the best of times and the worst of time for journalism.” Pope says that while it’s a good thing that people are paying more attention to the news than ever before, this can also bring more scrutiny and mistrust for the media. In this paper, the term <em>media</em> will be used to refer to established news outlets.</p> <p>For 2018, Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year is misinformation. This is fitting as news organizations have been fighting the spread of fake news. In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in media trust. Media scholars attribute this to the decline of local news outlets, lack of diversity in larger news outlets, and the rise in social media outlets promoting false news stories. With the implementation of new technologies and the ability for anyone to be a “journalist” and post online, consumers have to be more conscious of misinformation than ever before. It is now easier than ever to publish false information and have it be shared quickly and taken as fact. When a fact begins to resemble whatever a person feels to be true, it becomes very difficult for anyone to tell the difference between facts that are true and “facts” that are not. I believe technology will either help or hurt this current situation. Implementing legislation or at least having news companies follow a stringent code of ethics will be crucial to ensure new technologies don’t contribute to fake news. However, there are great possibilities to fight against misinformation by using technology. For example, virtual reality technology can bring viewers to stories without human bias.</p> <p>Let’s go back to the first augmented reality feature published by the New York Times. The Times introduced augmented reality features earlier this year before the 2018 Winter Games. Readers were able to meet top Olympic athletes while they were mid-performance. The new technology allows readers to learn more about the athlete while it looks like they’re competing in front of you.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/432/1l9A0VDLfrKQOHtbYqSWzgA.png" width="432" height="575" loading="lazy" /> <p>While the New York Times has taken big leaps in the virtual reality world, they’re not the first media outlet to be interested in VR. <a href="https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/cnn-360-vr-cnnvr-1202003703/?curator=MediaREDEF">CNN</a>, <a href="https://www.discoveryvr.com/">Discovery</a>, and Al-Jazeera America have also launched VR initiatives of their own.</p> <p><strong>Cycle of Technology’s Impact on Journalism</strong></p> <p>The Kondratieff wave is an economic cycle theory used to show a pattern for something that goes through seasons. This is what I believe to be the current cycle of technology’s impact on journalism.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/919/1eSYU7d5w4pww2yE3hjm4xQ.png" width="919" height="690" loading="lazy" /> <p>The cycle really started in 1989 when the World Wide Web was created. As the Internet grew and new technologies were created, journalism had to adapt.</p> <p><strong>Advertisers and Broadcast News</strong></p> <p>While viewership for network newscast might be down, advertisers are still interested in promoting their products on television. Combined advertising expenditures for evening news broadcasts, such as ABC’s World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News, reached to about $522 million. This is roughly the same amount of money that was spent in 2016, according to <a href="http://www.journalism.org/fact-sheet/network-news/">Pew Research studies</a>. Morning news programs also saw similar advertising expenditures.</p> <p>The fact that advertisers are still drawn to network television means endless possibilities for the future of AI in journalism. I see viewers able to purchase items immediately after watching advertisements during broadcasts. I also see advertisements being focused more on individual viewers as people are able to tell the AI what they do and do not like.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/394/1ZhLhujWRRK9QxIlIMuRifA.png" width="394" height="742" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>The Future Of Augmented Reality</strong></p> <p>More and more journalists are beginning to experiment with immersive journalism. Augmented reality allows reporters to converge the digital world with the real one. Soon viewers and readers will be able to have first-person experiences with the top news stories. Whether the place is exotic, dangerous, or simply newsworthy, immersive journalism could bring viewers to those places. Traditional news reporting will be no more when the cutting-edge technology of virtual reality is applied. In only 10 years, traditional news watching could involve VR headsets. Viewers will immerse themselves in 360video experiences, while having complete control of the news they’re submerging themselves into.</p> <p>The Venn Diagram below looks at the capabilities and limitations of immersive technologies for journalists and the type of journalistic stories that could benefit from them.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/933/1CDHrd6l1yfOz2zAgJV6OUg.jpeg" width="933" height="602" loading="lazy" /> <p>Let’s look at the future of virtual reality in journalism in the context of Edward Cornish’s six Supertrends. Technological progress, economic growth, and increased mobility are three Supertrends that support the idea that virtual reality is the future of journalism. We’ve already discussed how there has been significant progress in the creation and adaption of virtual reality in journalism, but let’s delve deeper into how virtual reality will increase the economic growth and mobility of news outlets.</p> <p>When you make something more digital, the economics change. Virtual reality is going to take news consumption to the next level and people are going to want to be apart of it. Soon, news outlets won’t have to worry about pay-walls and a decrease in subscribers as VR experiences are going to be a great place for advertisers. Also, globalization of news is going to skyrocket. Currently, news directors have to decide where they’re going to spend their resources. There may be an awesome story in Syria that deems coverage, but many news corporations can’t always afford to send reporters to every place in the world where there is news. Virtual reality will allow newsrooms to still report on Syria without having to send a reporter all the way over there. Therefore, the globalization of news is going to be like never before, allowing for more stories to reach a diverse audience.</p> <p>Philip Kotler is a marketing professor at Northwestern University. He developed a system called DEGEST that can also help classify trends. It’s short for Demography, Economy, Government, Environment, Society, and Technology. We’ve already discussed how virtual reality will affect the economy, but it will also directly affect the government, society, and technology.</p> <p>Earlier, we talked about fake news. The idea of fake news started to swarm during the Trump administration. We’ll discuss the important ethics needed for immersive journalism to be successful later in this article, but if those ethics are followed, fake news could be a thing of the past. This could negatively or positively affect the government as stories are presented without partisan bias. Society will also be affected by the loss of partisan bias in news. The entire people consume and process news will also change.</p> <p><strong>How Virtual Reality Works</strong></p> <p>To create a virtual reality experience, it starts by putting together real audio and visuals from the event. Computer generated virtual reality (CG-VR), lets users physically walk around and interact with the experience. It provides the most real experience and users report the highest engagement levels. At present, this use of VR is not ready for use in the journalism industry. As developers become more familiar with this technology and reach expertise, the creation of CG-VR worlds will become quicker and users will be able to immerse themselves in crime scenes, political protests, inaugurations, etc.</p> <p>360video is when 3D images are used to give off a more immersive experience. Video is recorded in all directions hence, the 360-degree view. The user is able to control the viewing direction to view the scene from any perspective.</p> <p><strong>Ethics and Impact of Immersive Journalism</strong></p> <p>The worlds that virtual reality will be able to create will be amazing, but how will users know what they’re experiencing is a real depiction of an event and not a manipulation? For virtual reality to be seen as a respected and effective form of journalism, VR journalists must follow a strict code of ethics. Many news organizations already follow the Broadcast Code of Ethics. VR rules will soon need to be added to those guidelines.</p> <p>Established journalists say the challenge for VR journalism will be dishonest organizations and individuals producing fake VR stories and passing it off as real news. Therefore, news organizations that are using VR to tell stories should commit to only creating scenes they know are real. Scenes should not be altered to get people to think a certain way about an event.</p> <p>As humans will be able to experience significant, newsworthy events firsthand, human empathy is going to be greatly affected. People with a first-hand experience have stronger feelings about an event. Soon, every American at least will have access to that first-hand experience. Therefore, emotions in our country will be heightened. Users will sometimes be immersed in intense, and, or scary real-life situations. They’ll ask themselves, “Oh my God, what if this was my reality and I couldn’t take my headset off?” Therefore, producers need to take great caution before creating high emotion virtual worlds. Intense digital worlds should only be created if the public impact of experiencing the world is greater than the negatives of experiencing those emotions. For example, it might be appropriate to create a virtual world of the desolate towns in Syria that have been negatively affected by war, however, an active war zone where bombs are flying and people are dying might not be.</p> <p><strong>The Future Norm of Immersive Journalism</strong></p> <p><em>The journalist</em> arrives at the newsroom early in the morning. Her producer tells her that a murder occurred overnight at a local restaurant. Their team was allowed to be at the scene but they weren’t allowed to bring cameras, due to sensitivity issues. The producer has already started working on creating a virtual world to tell their viewers what happened. She asks the journalist to go voice an audio track explaining the different scenes that will help the viewer understand what they’re looking at while walking through the virtual scene.</p> <p><em>The viewer</em> wakes up in the morning and puts on their VR headset just for a few minutes before getting out of bed. She sees a headline about a murder that occurred late last night at their favorite restaurant. She clicks on the headline and is instantly transported to a virtual world. She hears her favorite reporter going over the scene. The reporter introducer Sheriff Brady Smith who says the sheriff department is currently investigating the motive behind the shooting. She sees the shooter enter the building and an alert pops up on the screen. It says Warning: Graphic Material Ahead. Do you wish to continue? She hits no and instead moves on to another part of the virtual world — interviews with witnesses. She listens to a few explain what they saw. Five minutes have passed and she needs to hop in the shower. She reminds herself to check for updates on her phone on her way to work.</p> <p>Looking at these two perspectives, it’s important to note that consumers have more control. Instead of sitting down waiting for this story to play during a broadcast, the viewer was able to wake up and pick which story she wanted to learn more about. Therefore, content remains the key. The more visually interesting the content is, the more likely the user will want to experience it. Producers and reporters must focus on curation. The goal is to provide the user with the latest news in a visually pleasing way that is easy to understand. Convergence is also seen as users can choose to experience the story with VR or read it online.</p> <p>One reason I could see virtual reality not catching on is the need for a VR headset. Currently VR headsets range from $50.00 all the way to over $1,000 depending on the experience you want. However, as virtual reality becomes more implemented into every day life, even the coolest VR headsets will be more reasonable priced.</p> <p>While there are challenges ahead for the use of VR in journalism, the possibilities for the great stories that could be told are exciting.</p> </section>	Immersive Journalism- How Virtual Reality and AI Could Transform How You Consume News Over the last few decades, the journalism industry has made significant strides as new technologies have expanded the opportunities for reporters to get news out quickly in new and creative ways. The iPhone allows journalists to record high quality videos on their phone which can be uploaded to social media platforms within minutes, the GoPro lets videographers get innovative shots of tight places, as well as drones, which provide viewers with birds-eye views. Earlier this year, the New York Times published its first augmented reality feature, and 360 video experiences have followed. As more technology continues to develop, traditional journalism seen on television, read in newspapers, and heard on the radio will change significantly. Where Journalism Is Today Social networks are now news outlets, which is something many people didn’t expect when Facebook first took off in 2004. Larry Kramer’s C-SCAPE helps us look into trends in consumers, curation, content, and convergence of an industry. In regards to consumer trends, standard news outlets are struggling to get people’s eyes. Network television viewers decreased by 7% last year, according to Pew Research Data. Many large national news outlets have had to cut back their resources. In 2014, The New York Times laid off and, or bought out about 7.5 percent of its newsroom staff and replaced them with new employees who could focus on new digital strategies. They’re also not the only national newspaper to do this. The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Freedom Communications also laid off numerous employees. However, people still see the value in watching local newscasts. This remains the most common place for Americans to get their news, however more and more Americans are also relying on online news. Looking at the curation and content of journalism, journalism today is now more “digital first” than ever. Long gone are the days where the best news stories were saved for the 6pm broadcast. Today’s journalists have to work harder than ever before to get out great digital content faster than their competitors. Beginning in 2013, there was a huge exodus of journalists from traditional news outlets to digital startups. Editor in Chief and Publisher of the Columbia Journalism Review, Kyle Pope, is quoted saying, “It’s simultaneously the best of times and the worst of time for journalism.” Pope says that while it’s a good thing that people are paying more attention to the news than ever before, this can also bring more scrutiny and mistrust for the media. In this paper, the term media will be used to refer to established news outlets. For 2018, Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year is misinformation. This is fitting as news organizations have been fighting the spread of fake news. In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in media trust. Media scholars attribute this to the decline of local news outlets, lack of diversity in larger news outlets, and the rise in social media outlets promoting false news stories. With the implementation of new technologies and the ability for anyone to be a “journalist” and post online, consumers have to be more conscious of misinformation than ever before. It is now easier than ever to publish false information and have it be shared quickly and taken as fact. When a fact begins to resemble whatever a person feels to be true, it becomes very difficult for anyone to tell the difference between facts that are true and “facts” that are not. I believe technology will either help or hurt this current situation. Implementing legislation or at least having news companies follow a stringent code of ethics will be crucial to ensure new technologies don’t contribute to fake news. However, there are great possibilities to fight against misinformation by using technology. For example, virtual reality technology can bring viewers to stories without human bias. Let’s go back to the first augmented reality feature published by the New York Times. The Times introduced augmented reality features earlier this year before the 2018 Winter Games. Readers were able to meet top Olympic athletes while they were mid-performance. The new technology allows readers to learn more about the athlete while it looks like they’re competing in front of you. View of big-air snowboarder Anna Gasser in AR. Credit Graham Roberts/The New York Times. While the New York Times has taken big leaps in the virtual reality world, they’re not the first media outlet to be interested in VR. CNN, Discovery, and Al-Jazeera America have also launched VR initiatives of their own. Cycle of Technology’s Impact on Journalism The Kondratieff wave is an economic cycle theory used to show a pattern for something that goes through seasons. This is what I believe to be the current cycle of technology’s impact on journalism. K-wave created by Rebekah Castor The cycle really started in 1989 when the World Wide Web was created. As the Internet grew and new technologies were created, journalism had to adapt. Advertisers and Broadcast News While viewership for network newscast might be down, advertisers are still interested in promoting their products on television. Combined advertising expenditures for evening news broadcasts, such as ABC’s World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News, reached to about $522 million. This is roughly the same amount of money that was spent in 2016, according to Pew Research studies. Morning news programs also saw similar advertising expenditures. The fact that advertisers are still drawn to network television means endless possibilities for the future of AI in journalism. I see viewers able to purchase items immediately after watching advertisements during broadcasts. I also see advertisements being focused more on individual viewers as people are able to tell the AI what they do and do not like. The Future Of Augmented Reality More and more journalists are beginning to experiment with immersive journalism. Augmented reality allows reporters to converge the digital world with the real one. Soon viewers and readers will be able to have first-person experiences with the top news stories. Whether the place is exotic, dangerous, or simply newsworthy, immersive journalism could bring viewers to those places. Traditional news reporting will be no more when the cutting-edge technology of virtual reality is applied. In only 10 years, traditional news watching could involve VR headsets. Viewers will immerse themselves in 360video experiences, while having complete control of the news they’re submerging themselves into. The Venn Diagram below looks at the capabilities and limitations of immersive technologies for journalists and the type of journalistic stories that could benefit from them. As a guide for journalists and developers, the Framework for the Immersion-Journalism Intersection (FIJI) integrates four domains of knowledge key to creating and defining requirements for four types of immersive journalism, based on their intersection. Source: FIJI Let’s look at the future of virtual reality in journalism in the context of Edward Cornish’s six Supertrends. Technological progress, economic growth, and increased mobility are three Supertrends that support the idea that virtual reality is the future of journalism. We’ve already discussed how there has been significant progress in the creation and adaption of virtual reality in journalism, but let’s delve deeper into how virtual reality will increase the economic growth and mobility of news outlets. When you make something more digital, the economics change. Virtual reality is going to take news consumption to the next level and people are going to want to be apart of it. Soon, news outlets won’t have to worry about pay-walls and a decrease in subscribers as VR experiences are going to be a great place for advertisers. Also, globalization of news is going to skyrocket. Currently, news directors have to decide where they’re going to spend their resources. There may be an awesome story in Syria that deems coverage, but many news corporations can’t always afford to send reporters to every place in the world where there is news. Virtual reality will allow newsrooms to still report on Syria without having to send a reporter all the way over there. Therefore, the globalization of news is going to be like never before, allowing for more stories to reach a diverse audience. Philip Kotler is a marketing professor at Northwestern University. He developed a system called DEGEST that can also help classify trends. It’s short for Demography, Economy, Government, Environment, Society, and Technology. We’ve already discussed how virtual reality will affect the economy, but it will also directly affect the government, society, and technology. Earlier, we talked about fake news. The idea of fake news started to swarm during the Trump administration. We’ll discuss the important ethics needed for immersive journalism to be successful later in this article, but if those ethics are followed, fake news could be a thing of the past. This could negatively or positively affect the government as stories are presented without partisan bias. Society will also be affected by the loss of partisan bias in news. The entire people consume and process news will also change. How Virtual Reality Works To create a virtual reality experience, it starts by putting together real audio and visuals from the event. Computer generated virtual reality (CG-VR), lets users physically walk around and interact with the experience. It provides the most real experience and users report the highest engagement levels. At present, this use of VR is not ready for use in the journalism industry. As developers become more familiar with this technology and reach expertise, the creation of CG-VR worlds will become quicker and users will be able to immerse themselves in crime scenes, political protests, inaugurations, etc. 360video is when 3D images are used to give off a more immersive experience. Video is recorded in all directions hence, the 360-degree view. The user is able to control the viewing direction to view the scene from any perspective. Ethics and Impact of Immersive Journalism The worlds that virtual reality will be able to create will be amazing, but how will users know what they’re experiencing is a real depiction of an event and not a manipulation? For virtual reality to be seen as a respected and effective form of journalism, VR journalists must follow a strict code of ethics. Many news organizations already follow the Broadcast Code of Ethics. VR rules will soon need to be added to those guidelines. Established journalists say the challenge for VR journalism will be dishonest organizations and individuals producing fake VR stories and passing it off as real news. Therefore, news organizations that are using VR to tell stories should commit to only creating scenes they know are real. Scenes should not be altered to get people to think a certain way about an event. As humans will be able to experience significant, newsworthy events firsthand, human empathy is going to be greatly affected. People with a first-hand experience have stronger feelings about an event. Soon, every American at least will have access to that first-hand experience. Therefore, emotions in our country will be heightened. Users will sometimes be immersed in intense, and, or scary real-life situations. They’ll ask themselves, “Oh my God, what if this was my reality and I couldn’t take my headset off?” Therefore, producers need to take great caution before creating high emotion virtual worlds. Intense digital worlds should only be created if the public impact of experiencing the world is greater than the negatives of experiencing those emotions. For example, it might be appropriate to create a virtual world of the desolate towns in Syria that have been negatively affected by war, however, an active war zone where bombs are flying and people are dying might not be. The Future Norm of Immersive Journalism The journalist arrives at the newsroom early in the morning. Her producer tells her that a murder occurred overnight at a local restaurant. Their team was allowed to be at the scene but they weren’t allowed to bring cameras, due to sensitivity issues. The producer has already started working on creating a virtual world to tell their viewers what happened. She asks the journalist to go voice an audio track explaining the different scenes that will help the viewer understand what they’re looking at while walking through the virtual scene. The viewer wakes up in the morning and puts on their VR headset just for a few minutes before getting out of bed. She sees a headline about a murder that occurred late last night at their favorite restaurant. She clicks on the headline and is instantly transported to a virtual world. She hears her favorite reporter going over the scene. The reporter introducer Sheriff Brady Smith who says the sheriff department is currently investigating the motive behind the shooting. She sees the shooter enter the building and an alert pops up on the screen. It says Warning: Graphic Material Ahead. Do you wish to continue? She hits no and instead moves on to another part of the virtual world — interviews with witnesses. She listens to a few explain what they saw. Five minutes have passed and she needs to hop in the shower. She reminds herself to check for updates on her phone on her way to work. Looking at these two perspectives, it’s important to note that consumers have more control. Instead of sitting down waiting for this story to play during a broadcast, the viewer was able to wake up and pick which story she wanted to learn more about. Therefore, content remains the key. The more visually interesting the content is, the more likely the user will want to experience it. Producers and reporters must focus on curation. The goal is to provide the user with the latest news in a visually pleasing way that is easy to understand. Convergence is also seen as users can choose to experience the story with VR or read it online. One reason I could see virtual reality not catching on is the need for a VR headset. Currently VR headsets range from $50.00 all the way to over $1,000 depending on the experience you want. However, as virtual reality becomes more implemented into every day life, even the coolest VR headsets will be more reasonable priced. While there are challenges ahead for the use of VR in journalism, the possibilities for the great stories that could be told are exciting.	de4d028c-6630-5ab4-85e0-e777aaf51239	25/08/2025 18:00:21
https://bmind.medium.com/hingejoint2d-fix-for-unity-77bdc1203896	medium.com	HingeJoint2D fix for Unity	During my 2D physics game prototyping, I encountered peculiar behavior. This issue has been mentioned multiple times online, but without…	Viktor Zatorskyi	https://medium.com/@bmind	77bdc1203896	https://miro.medium.com/…W0EUrgbAA_lA.gif	1 min	2023-09-29T22:28:59.568000	2023-09-29T23:27:36.412000	2023-09-30T05:28:33.939000	0	1	en	Unity,Gamedev,2d,Physics,Programming	<section> <p>During my 2D physics game prototyping, I encountered peculiar behavior. This issue has been mentioned multiple times online, but without any clear solutions. Here’s my brief explanation and fix.</p> <p><em>The root of the problem</em> —When you deactivate and then activate an object that has a HingeJoint2D with set limits, it can behave erratically on occasion. Visually, the joint appears to stay within the designated limits. However, if you inspect the HingeJoint2D.jointAngle property, you will notice that the angle often exceeds 180 degrees or falls below -180 degrees. This issue occurs when we reactivate the object. Prior to activation, the jointAngle property is correct.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/560/1mB-w2c8L3tW0EUrgbAA_lA.gif" width="560" height="240" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>The solution</em> — Adjust the joint limits so that jointAngle remains within a new range.</p> <pre><code class="language-csharp">private void OnEnable() { // Those are original limits we saved in Awake method var limits = this.originalLimits; if( Mathf.Abs( this.joint.jointAngle ) > 180 ) { // Place limits in the same range as the joint angle // Usually limits are in the range -180 to 180 or 0 to 360 // If the joint angle is outside of this range, i.e. 400 degrees, then the limits should be in the range 180 to 540 int jointAngleOffset = 360 ( (int) this.joint.jointAngle / 360 + Math.Sign(this.joint.jointAngle) ); limits.min += jointAngleOffset; limits.max += jointAngleOffset; } this.joint.limits = limits; }</code></pre> </section>	HingeJoint2D Fix for Unity During my 2D physics game prototyping, I encountered peculiar behavior. This issue has been mentioned multiple times online, but without any clear solutions. Here’s my brief explanation and fix. The root of the problem —When you deactivate and then activate an object that has a HingeJoint2D with set limits, it can behave erratically on occasion. Visually, the joint appears to stay within the designated limits. However, if you inspect the HingeJoint2D.jointAngle property, you will notice that the angle often exceeds 180 degrees or falls below -180 degrees. This issue occurs when we reactivate the object. Prior to activation, the jointAngle property is correct. The solution — Adjust the joint limits so that jointAngle remains within a new range. private void OnEnable() { // Those are original limits we saved in Awake method var limits = this.originalLimits; if( Mathf.Abs( this.joint.jointAngle ) > 180 ) { // Place limits in the same range as the joint angle // Usually limits are in the range -180 to 180 or 0 to 360 // If the joint angle is outside of this range, i.e. 400 degrees, then the limits should be in the range 180 to 540 int jointAngleOffset = 360 * ( (int) this.joint.jointAngle / 360 + Math.Sign(this.joint.jointAngle) ); limits.min += jointAngleOffset; limits.max += jointAngleOffset; } this.joint.limits = limits; }	68ca89aa-883d-5fb7-90b1-d1aaef7c3be0	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@mege35mehmet/navigating-stormy-waters-a-comprehensive-guide-to-startup-triumph-in-a-high-interest-rate-47d1dceb85f0	medium.com	Navigating Stormy Waters: A Comprehensive Guide to Startup Triumph in a High-Interest Rate…	Embarking on the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship is akin to setting sail on uncharted waters. When the tide of interest rates…	Mehmet G. Gezgic	https://medium.com/@mege35mehmet	47d1dceb85f0	https://miro.medium.com/…iUUq3bC0yfg.jpeg	4 min	2023-12-19T21:20:06.654000	2023-12-19T21:31:58.272000	2023-12-19T21:32:04.680000	0	4	en	Startup,Business,Entrepreneurship,Education,Leadership	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1PHm-hnfMJiPiUUq3bC0yfg.jpeg" width="1200" height="630" loading="lazy" /> <p>Embarking on the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship is akin to setting sail on uncharted waters. When the tide of interest rates rises, startups face an additional layer of complexity. However, this challenging environment can also be seen as an opportunity for innovation, strategic thinking, and resilience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore in detail the strategies that startups can employ to not only weather the storm but also flourish in a high-interest rate landscape.</p> <h1>1. Funding Ballet: Diversify Your Dance Partners</h1> <p>In the world of startups, securing funding is a dance that requires finesse and creativity. Traditional funding avenues can sometimes resemble a waltz with expensive partners. The key is to embrace the funding ballet — a strategic dance that involves diversifying your funding sources. While traditional loans and credit lines may come with higher costs in a high-interest rate environment, alternative financing options such as angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, and strategic partnerships offer a more diverse and flexible approach. By engaging with a variety of funding partners, startups can ensure a resilient financial structure that is not overly reliant on traditional debt.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/181A_bhclqPC2699Dw60LnA.jpeg" width="1200" height="840" loading="lazy" /> <h2>2. Financial Mastery: The Art of Wealth Wizardry</h2> <p>Imagine your startup as a wizard wielding the wand of financial mastery in the face of high-interest rates. Managing funds with precision, keeping a vigilant eye on cash flow, and summoning operational efficiency spells are critical components of this magical approach. Financial prudence becomes the cornerstone of success. By embracing cost-cutting measures, adopting a lean business philosophy, and optimizing operational processes, startups can build a robust financial fortress that withstands the impact of high-interest rates, ensuring sustainability and growth.</p> <h2>3. Negotiation Jujitsu: Turning Terms to Your Advantage</h2> <p>In the complex world of finance, negotiation is a startup’s secret weapon. Establishing strong relationships with financial institutions, lenders, and creditors allows startups to wield negotiation jujitsu — the art of turning terms to their advantage. By showcasing a compelling business plan, highlighting growth potential, and demonstrating effective risk management strategies, startups can negotiate terms that are not only favorable but also provide a strategic advantage. Negotiation becomes a key skill that empowers startups to navigate the intricacies of a high-interest rate environment with confidence.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/16L-gIRgJKXKhJND_ERDcSw.png" width="1200" height="627" loading="lazy" /> <h2>4. Innovation Odyssey: Sailing Beyond the Horizon</h2> <p>Amidst the challenges of rising interest rates, innovation becomes the wind in a startup’s entrepreneurial sails. Investing in cutting-edge technologies that transform operations into a streamlined powerhouse is essential. Automation, digital solutions, and supply chain optimization are the treasures that help startups navigate the high seas of competition and cost. This innovation odyssey ensures that startups not only adapt to the changing landscape but also emerge as industry leaders, driving efficiency and staying ahead of the curve in the face of economic challenges.</p> <h2>5. Revenue Rhapsody: The Symphony of Sales</h2> <p>In the symphony of startup success, revenue is the crescendo that drowns out the noise of high-interest rates. Harmonizing sales and marketing efforts, expanding customer bases, and diversifying product or service offerings are critical components of this revenue rhapsody. By composing a melody of sustainable revenue streams, startups can counterbalance the higher costs associated with borrowed capital, ensuring financial stability and growth. Sales and marketing strategies become powerful instruments in steering startups toward triumph despite the challenging economic environment.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/548/1TYJoDP2TjCBNp3QrP8i0wA.jpeg" width="548" height="315" loading="lazy" /> <h2>6. Risk Alchemy: Turning Challenges into Opportunities</h2> <p>Startup success in a high-interest rate environment requires mastering the art of risk alchemy. Diversifying customer portfolios, securing long-term contracts, and staying nimble in response to market changes are integral elements of this transformative process. Anticipating risks and turning them into golden opportunities through strategic planning and proactive management ensures that startups not only survive but thrive in the face of economic fluctuations. Risk becomes a catalyst for growth, and startups emerge stronger and more resilient in the ever-changing business landscape.</p> <h2>7. Phoenix Rising: Adaptability and Resilience</h2> <p>In the epic tale of entrepreneurship, adaptability and resilience are a startup’s superpowers. The ability to stay agile, pivot when necessary, and rewrite the narrative in response to market dynamics, regulatory changes, and economic shifts ensures long-term success. The startup becomes a phoenix, rising from the ashes of challenges, stronger and more resilient than ever before. This adaptability and resilience allow startups to navigate the stormy seas of a high-interest rate environment with confidence, emerging as leaders in their industries.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1500/1*QJSs0n7q_FNkn46WWTERSQ.jpeg" width="1500" height="1000" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>As startups set sail into the high-interest rate seascape, it’s essential to view challenges as opportunities for growth. By mastering the funding ballet, financial wizardry, negotiation jujitsu, innovation odyssey, revenue rhapsody, risk alchemy, and embracing the adaptability and resilience of a phoenix, startups can not only navigate the storm but also emerge victorious. This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for startups to thrive in a high-interest rate environment, turning adversity into triumph on their entrepreneurial journey. Sail on, intrepid entrepreneurs!</p> <p><em>Don’t forget to click the clap icon and if you have anything to say, there is a responses section to express your ideas below👇</em></p> <p><em>Follow#️⃣<a href="https://twitter.com/mege35mehmet">h</em>ttps://twitter.com/mege35mehmet</a> for more!✔️</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice. Investing in financial markets involves risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should seek the advice of a professional financial advisor who can assess your specific needs and provide tailored advice. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any errors or omissions or any actions taken in reliance on the information contained herein.</em></p> </section>	Navigating Stormy Waters: A Comprehensive Guide to Startup Triumph in a High-Interest Rate Environment Taken from The Clemmar Group Embarking on the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship is akin to setting sail on uncharted waters. When the tide of interest rates rises, startups face an additional layer of complexity. However, this challenging environment can also be seen as an opportunity for innovation, strategic thinking, and resilience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore in detail the strategies that startups can employ to not only weather the storm but also flourish in a high-interest rate landscape. 1. Funding Ballet: Diversify Your Dance Partners In the world of startups, securing funding is a dance that requires finesse and creativity. Traditional funding avenues can sometimes resemble a waltz with expensive partners. The key is to embrace the funding ballet — a strategic dance that involves diversifying your funding sources. While traditional loans and credit lines may come with higher costs in a high-interest rate environment, alternative financing options such as angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, and strategic partnerships offer a more diverse and flexible approach. By engaging with a variety of funding partners, startups can ensure a resilient financial structure that is not overly reliant on traditional debt. Taken from techcouver.com 2. Financial Mastery: The Art of Wealth Wizardry Imagine your startup as a wizard wielding the wand of financial mastery in the face of high-interest rates. Managing funds with precision, keeping a vigilant eye on cash flow, and summoning operational efficiency spells are critical components of this magical approach. Financial prudence becomes the cornerstone of success. By embracing cost-cutting measures, adopting a lean business philosophy, and optimizing operational processes, startups can build a robust financial fortress that withstands the impact of high-interest rates, ensuring sustainability and growth. 3. Negotiation Jujitsu: Turning Terms to Your Advantage In the complex world of finance, negotiation is a startup’s secret weapon. Establishing strong relationships with financial institutions, lenders, and creditors allows startups to wield negotiation jujitsu — the art of turning terms to their advantage. By showcasing a compelling business plan, highlighting growth potential, and demonstrating effective risk management strategies, startups can negotiate terms that are not only favorable but also provide a strategic advantage. Negotiation becomes a key skill that empowers startups to navigate the intricacies of a high-interest rate environment with confidence. Taken from saleforce.com 4. Innovation Odyssey: Sailing Beyond the Horizon Amidst the challenges of rising interest rates, innovation becomes the wind in a startup’s entrepreneurial sails. Investing in cutting-edge technologies that transform operations into a streamlined powerhouse is essential. Automation, digital solutions, and supply chain optimization are the treasures that help startups navigate the high seas of competition and cost. This innovation odyssey ensures that startups not only adapt to the changing landscape but also emerge as industry leaders, driving efficiency and staying ahead of the curve in the face of economic challenges. 5. Revenue Rhapsody: The Symphony of Sales In the symphony of startup success, revenue is the crescendo that drowns out the noise of high-interest rates. Harmonizing sales and marketing efforts, expanding customer bases, and diversifying product or service offerings are critical components of this revenue rhapsody. By composing a melody of sustainable revenue streams, startups can counterbalance the higher costs associated with borrowed capital, ensuring financial stability and growth. Sales and marketing strategies become powerful instruments in steering startups toward triumph despite the challenging economic environment. Taken from Small Biz Ahead 6. Risk Alchemy: Turning Challenges into Opportunities Startup success in a high-interest rate environment requires mastering the art of risk alchemy. Diversifying customer portfolios, securing long-term contracts, and staying nimble in response to market changes are integral elements of this transformative process. Anticipating risks and turning them into golden opportunities through strategic planning and proactive management ensures that startups not only survive but thrive in the face of economic fluctuations. Risk becomes a catalyst for growth, and startups emerge stronger and more resilient in the ever-changing business landscape. 7. Phoenix Rising: Adaptability and Resilience In the epic tale of entrepreneurship, adaptability and resilience are a startup’s superpowers. The ability to stay agile, pivot when necessary, and rewrite the narrative in response to market dynamics, regulatory changes, and economic shifts ensures long-term success. The startup becomes a phoenix, rising from the ashes of challenges, stronger and more resilient than ever before. This adaptability and resilience allow startups to navigate the stormy seas of a high-interest rate environment with confidence, emerging as leaders in their industries. Taken from Investopedia Conclusion As startups set sail into the high-interest rate seascape, it’s essential to view challenges as opportunities for growth. By mastering the funding ballet, financial wizardry, negotiation jujitsu, innovation odyssey, revenue rhapsody, risk alchemy, and embracing the adaptability and resilience of a phoenix, startups can not only navigate the storm but also emerge victorious. This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for startups to thrive in a high-interest rate environment, turning adversity into triumph on their entrepreneurial journey. Sail on, intrepid entrepreneurs! Don’t forget to click the clap icon and if you have anything to say, there is a responses section to express your ideas below👇 Follow#️⃣https://twitter.com/mege35mehmet for more!✔️ Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice. Investing in financial markets involves risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should seek the advice of a professional financial advisor who can assess your specific needs and provide tailored advice. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any errors or omissions or any actions taken in reliance on the information contained herein.	b7c16aed-ff07-54fa-b18c-edb187a3c992	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@hardenlaw12/zaner-harden-law-7d756f7163d	medium.com	Zaner Harden Law	Our Boulder personal injury law attorneys are proud to represent clients to ensure that your story will be told. Call (303) 563–5351 for…	boulderpersonalinjurylawyer	https://medium.com/@hardenlaw12	7d756f7163d	null	0 min	2018-06-30T07:07:12.954000	2018-06-30T07:07:35.007000	2018-06-30T07:07:35.007000	0	0	en	Photography	<section> <p>Our Boulder personal injury law attorneys are proud to represent clients to ensure that your story will be told. Call (303) 563–5351 for more information now.</p> <p>4770 Baseline Rd, Suite 200 Boulder CO, 80303</p> <p><a href="http://www.zanerhardenlaw.com/boulder-personal-injury-lawyer/">http://www.zanerhardenlaw.com/boulder-personal-injury-lawyer/</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZanerHardenLaw">https://www.facebook.com/ZanerHardenLaw</a></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/ZanerHardenLLP">https://twitter.com/ZanerHardenLLP</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/zaner-harden-law-llp/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/zaner-harden-law-llp/</a></p> <p><a href="https://plus.google.com/+Zanerhardenlaw">https://plus.google.com/+Zanerhardenlaw</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83Na7eZMLEEaKrS0g9JgIQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83Na7eZMLEEaKrS0g9JgIQ</a></p> </section>	Zaner Harden Law Our Boulder personal injury law attorneys are proud to represent clients to ensure that your story will be told. Call (303) 563–5351 for more information now. 4770 Baseline Rd, Suite 200 Boulder CO, 80303 http://www.zanerhardenlaw.com/boulder-personal-injury-lawyer/ https://www.facebook.com/ZanerHardenLaw https://twitter.com/ZanerHardenLLP https://www.linkedin.com/company/zaner-harden-law-llp/ https://plus.google.com/+Zanerhardenlaw https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83Na7eZMLEEaKrS0g9JgIQ	6f9ef1d3-5c56-5bd4-827f-168743a103ef	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/closing-the-loop/10-ways-to-shift-consumers-to-more-sustainable-diets-dbb9cade2ba6	medium.com	10 Ways to Shift Consumers to More Sustainable Diets	The global food system is a major contributor to climate change and biodiversity loss. If we want to address sustainability across the…	Adam Stones	https://medium.com/@adamstones	dbb9cade2ba6	https://miro.medium.com/…NMLqHVXzdEQ.jpeg	5 min	2017-05-05T09:42:48.640000	2017-05-05T13:07:07.904000	2017-07-17T12:57:59.979000	0	22	en	Food,Sustainability,Circulareconomy,Decision Making,Behavioural Economics	<section> <p>The global food system is a major contributor to climate change and biodiversity loss. If we want to address sustainability across the system, we must pay attention to ways we can influence consumer behaviour. They are a major force in the global economy, with their purchases representing about 60% of the world’s GDP. Their purchase decisions have important impacts through market demand and if we want the world to adopt a more sustainable diet, well, we first need to make the world want it.</p> <p>It is fair to say that consumer decision-making is complex; it is influenced by social norms, and individual wants and needs. It is subject to the chaotic workings of the human mind, with unexpected triggers, associations, and built-in behaviours. Cognitive or psychological biases lead people to consistently deviate from the results expected of rational behaviour — in fact, over 95% of our decision-making is irrational. So, on face value, this could make behaviour pretty complicated. However, instead of asking people to fight against their nature, we can actually capitalise on these factors…</p> <p>At Metabolic, we have produced a series of reports for WWF that look at the food system in detail. This blog takes some of the key outtakes from one of these detailed reports to show how we can use consumers as a leverage point to shift the food system towards a more sustainable path. Some of the methods we have identified below may seem obvious to some. However, it is remarkable how many campaigns are still ignoring these principles. Furthermore, although these ideas have been structured around food, they can be applied to any sustainability initiative.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1ISypGqEAZzYNMLqHVXzdEQ.jpeg" width="1024" height="798" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Whether you’re launching a product or campaigning for change, here are ten ways to intervene to affect consumer behaviour:</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Make it positive </strong>Many interventions to change consumer behaviour focus on providing facts and information, using controversial, reprimanding, or shocking messages to reach their audiences. However, consumers often shun (or subconsciously ignore) messages that attack their lifestyles or trigger a sense of anxiety or guilt. They react more positively to optimistic, gain-framed messages. In terms of vegetarianism, for example, instead of portraying the cruelty of the livestock industry, provide messages that portray the harmony, status and health benefits of a vegetarian diet.</p> <p><strong>2. Make it easy to do </strong>Consumers are less likely to buy a product that is complex or not compatible with their lifestyle. Rational decision-making is taxing for the mind and we have evolved a series of mechanisms to avoid it altogether. These include habits, imitation, and heuristics (such as rules-of-thumb and educated guesses) to assist us. Food decisions are particularly prone to this type of ‘peripheral’ processing. Most consumers go with what is easy, attractive, and common around them. Therefore basic ‘nudge’ techniques are important to introduce, such as prominently displaying sustainable options in stores and on menus — this might include listing tofu and tempe under the meat options to increase vegetarian consumption.</p> <p><strong>3. Make benefits clear </strong>Consumers are unlikely to spend additional resources on a product whose value is not clear. Labelling and certification schemes, offering guarantees, and spreading information that conveys the positive impact of an action can help. The techniques will differ greatly according to the perceived doubt (financial, performance, physical, psychological or social). The Fairtrade International label, for example, provides clear principles and strict standards, which gives the consumer assurance. Some criticism of the organic sector has pointed out that some of the benefits have not been clearly expressed enough.</p> <p><strong>4. Make the cost make sense </strong>If the cost is perceived as too high, even informed consumers will be put off. In terms of organics, their affordability varies significantly across the EU. In 2012, Denmark had the highest share of organic produce in the world and continues to implement policies that increase supply (such as incentives for farmers), lowering the cost for everyday consumers. In contrast, initiatives in the US and the UK have focused only on encouraging demand, which has created less dramatic growth. Most people introducing a new product aren’t supported by government incentives, so ensure the price is backed up with clearly defined messages around the product’s ‘value’ that your audience can relate to.</p> <p><strong>5. Make it look good </strong>One of the largest issues to promoting entomophagy (eating insects) is the perceived repulsiveness. Even though it is heralded as a nutrient and protein-rich alternative to conventional meat, in the western world insects are associated with death, illness, and contamination. Studies highlight the increased success when insects are processed into other goods or simply ground into a more visually palatable form. Respected figures in the gastronomic world are also creating new associations by introducing ‘insect cuisine’ in cookbooks and by helping consumers to try insect food in a refined context. ‘Image editing’ does not try to alter the consumer’s decision-making; it makes the behaviour more desirable itself.</p> <p><strong>6. Make it tangible </strong>The quickest way to establish a new habit is to chain the desired new behaviour together with an already established one. It is also important to make the desired change concrete. Instead of giving consumers the abstract goal of eating more fruit and vegetables, we ask them to eat five pieces each day. Instead of asking consumers to eat less meat, ask them to start with one meatless day a week.</p> <p><strong>7. Make it social </strong>Mass communications can reach many people and allow careful construction of the message, but will ultimately influence only a small portion of the audience. Social networks — online and offline — provide powerful diffusion mechanisms for new behaviours, offering social proof and permitting fast permeation of behaviours. Through social networks, behavioural change can be better targeted and make a larger impact. And it might sound obvious, but let’s not forget the effect of social media celebrities to give the behaviour credibility.</p> <p><strong>8. Make it normal </strong>Humans are hardwired to develop and adhere to norms. Recurrent actions increase certainty and reduce risk, and are more likely to be carried out than new or experimental ones. Once habits are well established, behaviour occurs automatically, triggered by environmental cues and without the need for additional processing. People unconsciously imitate the attitudes and behaviours of those around them — you can use this to trick them into accepting something as normal for themselves. In train stations in the Netherlands, a sign stating how many consumers have already bought fruit increased subsequent fruit purchases.</p> <p><strong>9. Make it rewarded </strong>Consumers don’t like to have their good work go unrecognized — they appreciate a pat on the back now and again. Supermarkets have considered using customer-specific purchase data to offer social feedback of their diet, comparing it to that of the average consumer. By praising healthy and sustainable consumption, they could support these behaviours. The energy sector is already using this technique by giving insight into the average monthly energy usage of a household, compared to that of its neighbours, and commending good performance, to great results in consistent energy reduction.</p> <p><strong>10. Make it a lever </strong>We can target behaviours at smaller — and often the most relevant — groups to build adoption, which can then lead to normalisation amongst general consumers. Market segmentation is an effective strategy as it allows control of communication, with time to react and correct the course of the campaign. Building on this, ‘shepherding’ describes a behavioural intervention that works hand-in-hand with communities by, for example, organising workshops, social events, and support groups. Shepherding is resource intensive but effective at creating lasting effects if the behaviours are accepted in the community.</p> <p><em><strong>These ten ideas are adapted from the report <a href="https://www.metabolic.nl/publications/consumer-behavior-in-the-food-sys</em>tem/">Co</strong>nsumer Behaviour as a Leverage Point in the Food System</a>, written by Metabolic for WWF.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1552/1JrtDgek04t0TyaiUA3LejA.png" width="1552" height="634" loading="lazy" /> </section>	10 Ways to Shift Consumers to More Sustainable Diets The global food system is a major contributor to climate change and biodiversity loss. If we want to address sustainability across the system, we must pay attention to ways we can influence consumer behaviour. They are a major force in the global economy, with their purchases representing about 60% of the world’s GDP. Their purchase decisions have important impacts through market demand and if we want the world to adopt a more sustainable diet, well, we first need to make the world want it. It is fair to say that consumer decision-making is complex; it is influenced by social norms, and individual wants and needs. It is subject to the chaotic workings of the human mind, with unexpected triggers, associations, and built-in behaviours. Cognitive or psychological biases lead people to consistently deviate from the results expected of rational behaviour — in fact, over 95% of our decision-making is irrational. So, on face value, this could make behaviour pretty complicated. However, instead of asking people to fight against their nature, we can actually capitalise on these factors… At Metabolic, we have produced a series of reports for WWF that look at the food system in detail. This blog takes some of the key outtakes from one of these detailed reports to show how we can use consumers as a leverage point to shift the food system towards a more sustainable path. Some of the methods we have identified below may seem obvious to some. However, it is remarkable how many campaigns are still ignoring these principles. Furthermore, although these ideas have been structured around food, they can be applied to any sustainability initiative. Whether you’re launching a product or campaigning for change, here are ten ways to intervene to affect consumer behaviour: 1. Make it positive Many interventions to change consumer behaviour focus on providing facts and information, using controversial, reprimanding, or shocking messages to reach their audiences. However, consumers often shun (or subconsciously ignore) messages that attack their lifestyles or trigger a sense of anxiety or guilt. They react more positively to optimistic, gain-framed messages. In terms of vegetarianism, for example, instead of portraying the cruelty of the livestock industry, provide messages that portray the harmony, status and health benefits of a vegetarian diet. 2. Make it easy to do Consumers are less likely to buy a product that is complex or not compatible with their lifestyle. Rational decision-making is taxing for the mind and we have evolved a series of mechanisms to avoid it altogether. These include habits, imitation, and heuristics (such as rules-of-thumb and educated guesses) to assist us. Food decisions are particularly prone to this type of ‘peripheral’ processing. Most consumers go with what is easy, attractive, and common around them. Therefore basic ‘nudge’ techniques are important to introduce, such as prominently displaying sustainable options in stores and on menus — this might include listing tofu and tempe under the meat options to increase vegetarian consumption. 3. Make benefits clear Consumers are unlikely to spend additional resources on a product whose value is not clear. Labelling and certification schemes, offering guarantees, and spreading information that conveys the positive impact of an action can help. The techniques will differ greatly according to the perceived doubt (financial, performance, physical, psychological or social). The Fairtrade International label, for example, provides clear principles and strict standards, which gives the consumer assurance. Some criticism of the organic sector has pointed out that some of the benefits have not been clearly expressed enough. 4. Make the cost make sense If the cost is perceived as too high, even informed consumers will be put off. In terms of organics, their affordability varies significantly across the EU. In 2012, Denmark had the highest share of organic produce in the world and continues to implement policies that increase supply (such as incentives for farmers), lowering the cost for everyday consumers. In contrast, initiatives in the US and the UK have focused only on encouraging demand, which has created less dramatic growth. Most people introducing a new product aren’t supported by government incentives, so ensure the price is backed up with clearly defined messages around the product’s ‘value’ that your audience can relate to. 5. Make it look good One of the largest issues to promoting entomophagy (eating insects) is the perceived repulsiveness. Even though it is heralded as a nutrient and protein-rich alternative to conventional meat, in the western world insects are associated with death, illness, and contamination. Studies highlight the increased success when insects are processed into other goods or simply ground into a more visually palatable form. Respected figures in the gastronomic world are also creating new associations by introducing ‘insect cuisine’ in cookbooks and by helping consumers to try insect food in a refined context. ‘Image editing’ does not try to alter the consumer’s decision-making; it makes the behaviour more desirable itself. 6. Make it tangible The quickest way to establish a new habit is to chain the desired new behaviour together with an already established one. It is also important to make the desired change concrete. Instead of giving consumers the abstract goal of eating more fruit and vegetables, we ask them to eat five pieces each day. Instead of asking consumers to eat less meat, ask them to start with one meatless day a week. 7. Make it social Mass communications can reach many people and allow careful construction of the message, but will ultimately influence only a small portion of the audience. Social networks — online and offline — provide powerful diffusion mechanisms for new behaviours, offering social proof and permitting fast permeation of behaviours. Through social networks, behavioural change can be better targeted and make a larger impact. And it might sound obvious, but let’s not forget the effect of social media celebrities to give the behaviour credibility. 8. Make it normal Humans are hardwired to develop and adhere to norms. Recurrent actions increase certainty and reduce risk, and are more likely to be carried out than new or experimental ones. Once habits are well established, behaviour occurs automatically, triggered by environmental cues and without the need for additional processing. People unconsciously imitate the attitudes and behaviours of those around them — you can use this to trick them into accepting something as normal for themselves. In train stations in the Netherlands, a sign stating how many consumers have already bought fruit increased subsequent fruit purchases. 9. Make it rewarded Consumers don’t like to have their good work go unrecognized — they appreciate a pat on the back now and again. Supermarkets have considered using customer-specific purchase data to offer social feedback of their diet, comparing it to that of the average consumer. By praising healthy and sustainable consumption, they could support these behaviours. The energy sector is already using this technique by giving insight into the average monthly energy usage of a household, compared to that of its neighbours, and commending good performance, to great results in consistent energy reduction. 10. Make it a lever We can target behaviours at smaller — and often the most relevant — groups to build adoption, which can then lead to normalisation amongst general consumers. Market segmentation is an effective strategy as it allows control of communication, with time to react and correct the course of the campaign. Building on this, ‘shepherding’ describes a behavioural intervention that works hand-in-hand with communities by, for example, organising workshops, social events, and support groups. Shepherding is resource intensive but effective at creating lasting effects if the behaviours are accepted in the community. These ten ideas are adapted from the report Consumer Behaviour as a Leverage Point in the Food System, written by Metabolic for WWF. The reasons for shaking up the food system are pretty clear.	dc0ce9af-9002-5ff0-8689-17c393836c3a	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@daily_bible_verses/proverbs-17-3-daily-bible-verse-f4c5e5d67f46	medium.com	Proverbs 17:3 — Daily Bible Verse	Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. (KJV)	Bible SMS	https://medium.com/@daily_bible_verses	f4c5e5d67f46	null	0 min	2017-09-03T23:09:39.403000	2017-09-03T23:09:46.104000	2017-09-03T23:09:48.898000	0	0	en	Christianity	<section> <p><strong>Proverbs 17:3</strong> The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. (KJV)</p> <p><strong>Hash Tags: </strong>#Judge #Rapture #Inspirational #TrustGod #LockScreenDownload</p> <p>For daily devotional bible verses, signup at <strong><a href="http://w</strong>ww.bible-sms.com/">www.bible-sms.com</a> to receive free bible verses delivered as a text message (SMS) directly to your cell phone. Bible SMS encourages you to continue your daily journey with Jesus Christ by reading the Holy Bible.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://ww</em>w.bible-sms.com/bible-texts/bible-verse-of-the-day.php?verse=Proverbs%2017:3&dt=09.03.2017.04.09">www.bible-sms.com</a>.</p> </section>	Proverbs 17:3 — Daily Bible Verse Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. (KJV) Hash Tags: #Judge #Rapture #Inspirational #TrustGod #LockScreenDownload For daily devotional bible verses, signup at www.bible-sms.com to receive free bible verses delivered as a text message (SMS) directly to your cell phone. Bible SMS encourages you to continue your daily journey with Jesus Christ by reading the Holy Bible. Originally published at www.bible-sms.com.	b016ea0f-7b5f-5a82-a75c-392f3af42031	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://1927-the-diary-of-myles-thomas.espn.com/where-am-i-3ed0086e86f7	medium.com	Where Am I?	Saturday, August 20, 1927	Myles Thomas	https://medium.com/@MylesThomas27	3ed0086e86f7	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*LZKLhvTYYxzARG7b.	5 min	2016-08-25T17:52:19.095000	2016-08-25T18:23:02.387000	2020-03-21T13:57:06.475000	0	2	en	Diary,Baseball,Crime,Gaming,Sports	<section> <h1>Where Am I?</h1> <h3>Saturday, August 20, 1927</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1lc29JuD9HpdwLRWaFprS1g.png" width="900" height="50" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Mr. Capone has instructed me to drive you back to your destination at the Cooper Carlton Hotel.”</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1lc29JuD9HpdwLRWaFprS1g.png" width="900" height="50" loading="lazy" /> <p>What?</p> <p>Where am I?</p> <p>Oh, yeah.</p> <p>Shit.</p> <p>Since Capone left his office, I’ve been staring at his pile of newspapers with Steven and Rothstein’s advertisement promising to make millionaires out of peasants. How long have I been here, alone? Five minutes? Ten minutes? Twenty? An hour?</p> <p>If this goon in the evening jacket hadn’t come in just now, I might have sat here all night.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/0QDxXFp-j-br2VErI." width="1600" height="900" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1lc29JuD9HpdwLRWaFprS1g.png" width="900" height="50" loading="lazy" /> <p>A few blocks from the Cooper Carlton, I tell the jacket to let me out of the car. I need to get some air.</p> <p>I walk back down to Lakeshore Drive. The night is cloudy and dark. The sailboats are gone.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1lc29JuD9HpdwLRWaFprS1g.png" width="900" height="50" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1500/0fyzpx9unPDkJP2R4." width="1500" height="976" loading="lazy" /> <p>I look back at the hotel; almost all the lights are out. I think about all the lives that pass through the building. Businessmen. Lovers. Wedding guests. Mourners. Gangsters. Hookers. Little kids. Ballplayers. How many more times in my life will I be registered in a great hotel as a Yankee? Jesus Christ, my life is coming apart — I’ve just been threatened by the biggest hood in America and this is what I’m thinking about? I need to concentrate. How am I going to get out of this? But I can’t concentrate. My head is spinning, full of too many irrelevant thoughts. I feel like I’ve been picked off first base, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and now I’m caught in a rundown — I’m madly dashing back and forth between first and second, and at both bags there are players lining up to put the tag on me. Maybe I should just let the bastards tag me out.</p> <p>I’m the worst player on the greatest team of all time. That’s something to tell my grandchildren, if Capone lets me live that long.</p> <p>I need to call Steven. And I need to pitch my way out of this mess.</p> <p>I don’t call Steven. And I don’t pitch my way out of this mess.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/0LZKLhvTYYxzARG7b." width="1600" height="900" loading="lazy" /> <p>Before hopping on a train for Cleveland, we lose our getaway game against the White Sox 3–2. Schoolboy pitches well, but the only support he gets is from Gehrig. Lou has an RBI double (his 41st of the season) and a home run — a leadoff shot in the ninth that pulls us within a run (his 39th, one more than Ruth) for his 134th and 135th RBIs, with 38 games still to play.</p> <p>I’m the only one in the dugout who doesn’t stand up to follow the flight of the ball. I remain seated just staring out at the field. It’s as if nobody’s on it. It’s empty. Everything is empty. My head is both empty and full of thoughts at the same time. I can’t seem to grab hold of any of them. I’m trying to grasp my situation but I can’t. It’s still just confusion.</p> <p>The next day in Cleveland, Dutch Ruether starts the game but, despite a Ruth homer in the first and a 4–1 lead, Dutch only lasts four innings, giving up four runs and leaving the game with the score 5–4.</p> <p>Sailor Bob pitches the fifth, giving up four runs. The score is 8–5 Cleveland when Huggins calls my number for the first time in 21 days — but who’s counting.</p> <p>Pat Collins is behind the plate putting down the signs in the top of the sixth. I don’t shake him off once. With no faith left in myself, I need to trust Pat.</p> <blockquote>Double.</blockquote> <blockquote>Sacrifice bunt.</blockquote> <blockquote>RBI Single.</blockquote> <blockquote>RBI Double.</blockquote> <blockquote>RBI Single.</blockquote> <blockquote>RBI Single.</blockquote> <p>It’s 12–5 Cleveland before I can get out of the inning. When I come back to the bench, I sit down between Schoolboy and Benny, as I always do.</p> <p>No one says a word.</p> <p>Huggins makes the mistake of trusting me and sends me back out for the seventh.</p> <blockquote>Single.</blockquote> <blockquote>Triple.</blockquote> <blockquote>Single.</blockquote> <p>Collins bails me out by throwing out a sprinting Indian looking to steal second. But two more runs have scored. I walk off the mound having helped the Tribe grow their lead from 8–5 to 14–5.</p> <p>My pitching line for the day:</p> <p>Two innings pitched. 13 batters faced. Eight hits. Three extra-base hits. Six earned runs.</p> <p>Since the middle of June my ERA is 6.80.</p> <p>Yet, all I can think about are Capone’s words to me:</p> <blockquote>“Tell your pal Thornberry that I don’t want him and that Jew doin’ any more advertisin’ in Chicago papers. I don’t care what the fuck he does in New York or the rest of the fuckin’ country, but he’s not peddlin’ this shit in Chicago. Not on my turf.</blockquote> <blockquote>“And if you’re gonna to keep feedin’ your pal Thornberry injury reports on the team, you should tell him not to be so greedy with his betting.”</blockquote> <p>Steven calls me tonight at the hotel. I don’t say anything to him about Capone. I don’t know why but I tell him that Meusel’s going to be out at least one more game with a migraine.</p> <p>I’m honestly hoping Capone will bump me off.</p> <p>It will save me the trouble of doing it myself.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/294/1Hf8zLc2p1e55c6Ro5g8oAQ.png" width="294" height="145" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/98/1_B74N1SxNnrS1-t9fwcnYA.png" width="98" height="49" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/1l2rnAWsWIRLbQnvlsETQXg.png" width="300" height="150" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/10_5oIFM66QLB3KOKBXRsIQ.png" width="300" height="149" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/1GiqmPIYMgCEPe6zYo-Mn1Q.png" width="300" height="150" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/1qoXAzktKd_v4dYcgC2n0Wg.png" width="800" height="115" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/1cBR1XKOQUQ1Byl4SQY3MOA.png" width="300" height="120" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1800/1[email protected]" width="1800" height="158" loading="lazy" /> <ul> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://1927-the-diary-of-myles-thomas.espn.com/al-capone-50829a0f4854">AL Capone</a></li> <li><strong><a hre</strong>f="https://medium.com/@1927dmtTeam/7d887a140f25">STEVEN</a></li> <li><strong><a href="htt</strong>ps://medium.com/1927-the-diary-of-myles-thomas/1927-yankees-roster-management-9932001cf40a#.6odqm2l9t">1927 Yankees</a></li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1800/1[email protected]" width="1800" height="158" loading="lazy" /> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://1927-the-diary-of-myles-t</strong>homas.espn.com/mr-capone-a-pleasure-to-see-you-again-d36fae5a4c03#.w71wau8ra">“MR. CAPONE. A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU AGAIN?”</a></li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/896/1WJT9ZXmFjtY-2VCoEm2T9Q.png" width="896" height="80" loading="lazy" /> <ul> <li><strong>August 19, 1927: “Gehrig Slams 39th But Yanks Trail, 3–2”. <a href="http://timesmachine.nytimes.</strong>com/timesmachine/1927/08/20/117994048.html?pageNumber=11">New York Times article</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA192708190.shtml">Box Score</a>.</li> <li><strong>August 20, 1927: “Ruth Crashes 39th As Yanks Fail Again”. <a href="http://timesmachine.nytimes.</strong>com/timesmachine/1927/08/21/110041085.html?pageNumber=112">New York Times article</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE192708200.shtml">Box Score</a>.</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/650/1cQUMGG36jpTfUrM_hlf_uQ.png" width="650" height="34" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/1_nRN0p6wczjFn07Xc7RQMw.png" width="300" height="375" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/779/1lfPBr5ZMvWqcuTTe1z70iQ.png" width="779" height="100" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Where Am I? Saturday, August 20, 1927 “Mr. Capone has instructed me to drive you back to your destination at the Cooper Carlton Hotel.” What? Where am I? Oh, yeah. Shit. Since Capone left his office, I’ve been staring at his pile of newspapers with Steven and Rothstein’s advertisement promising to make millionaires out of peasants. How long have I been here, alone? Five minutes? Ten minutes? Twenty? An hour? If this goon in the evening jacket hadn’t come in just now, I might have sat here all night. A few blocks from the Cooper Carlton, I tell the jacket to let me out of the car. I need to get some air. I walk back down to Lakeshore Drive. The night is cloudy and dark. The sailboats are gone. I look back at the hotel; almost all the lights are out. I think about all the lives that pass through the building. Businessmen. Lovers. Wedding guests. Mourners. Gangsters. Hookers. Little kids. Ballplayers. How many more times in my life will I be registered in a great hotel as a Yankee? Jesus Christ, my life is coming apart — I’ve just been threatened by the biggest hood in America and this is what I’m thinking about? I need to concentrate. How am I going to get out of this? But I can’t concentrate. My head is spinning, full of too many irrelevant thoughts. I feel like I’ve been picked off first base, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and now I’m caught in a rundown — I’m madly dashing back and forth between first and second, and at both bags there are players lining up to put the tag on me. Maybe I should just let the bastards tag me out. I’m the worst player on the greatest team of all time. That’s something to tell my grandchildren, if Capone lets me live that long. I need to call Steven. And I need to pitch my way out of this mess. I don’t call Steven. And I don’t pitch my way out of this mess. Before hopping on a train for Cleveland, we lose our getaway game against the White Sox 3–2. Schoolboy pitches well, but the only support he gets is from Gehrig. Lou has an RBI double (his 41st of the season) and a home run — a leadoff shot in the ninth that pulls us within a run (his 39th, one more than Ruth) for his 134th and 135th RBIs, with 38 games still to play. I’m the only one in the dugout who doesn’t stand up to follow the flight of the ball. I remain seated just staring out at the field. It’s as if nobody’s on it. It’s empty. Everything is empty. My head is both empty and full of thoughts at the same time. I can’t seem to grab hold of any of them. I’m trying to grasp my situation but I can’t. It’s still just confusion. The next day in Cleveland, Dutch Ruether starts the game but, despite a Ruth homer in the first and a 4–1 lead, Dutch only lasts four innings, giving up four runs and leaving the game with the score 5–4. Sailor Bob pitches the fifth, giving up four runs. The score is 8–5 Cleveland when Huggins calls my number for the first time in 21 days — but who’s counting. Pat Collins is behind the plate putting down the signs in the top of the sixth. I don’t shake him off once. With no faith left in myself, I need to trust Pat. Double. Sacrifice bunt. RBI Single. RBI Double. RBI Single. RBI Single. It’s 12–5 Cleveland before I can get out of the inning. When I come back to the bench, I sit down between Schoolboy and Benny, as I always do. No one says a word. Huggins makes the mistake of trusting me and sends me back out for the seventh. Single. Triple. Single. Collins bails me out by throwing out a sprinting Indian looking to steal second. But two more runs have scored. I walk off the mound having helped the Tribe grow their lead from 8–5 to 14–5. My pitching line for the day: Two innings pitched. 13 batters faced. Eight hits. Three extra-base hits. Six earned runs. Since the middle of June my ERA is 6.80. Yet, all I can think about are Capone’s words to me: “Tell your pal Thornberry that I don’t want him and that Jew doin’ any more advertisin’ in Chicago papers. I don’t care what the fuck he does in New York or the rest of the fuckin’ country, but he’s not peddlin’ this shit in Chicago. Not on my turf. “And if you’re gonna to keep feedin’ your pal Thornberry injury reports on the team, you should tell him not to be so greedy with his betting.” Steven calls me tonight at the hotel. I don’t say anything to him about Capone. I don’t know why but I tell him that Meusel’s going to be out at least one more game with a migraine. I’m honestly hoping Capone will bump me off. It will save me the trouble of doing it myself. AL Capone STEVEN 1927 Yankees “MR. CAPONE. A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU AGAIN?” August 19, 1927: “Gehrig Slams 39th But Yanks Trail, 3–2”. New York Times article and Box Score. August 20, 1927: “Ruth Crashes 39th As Yanks Fail Again”. New York Times article and Box Score.	f7f27725-cc0f-5a8c-bd78-99338fdf477e	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://vallinaval.medium.com/seventeen-78a9d1ea1efb	medium.com	Seventeen	Because you’re my headliner	Val	https://medium.com/@vallinaval	78a9d1ea1efb	https://miro.medium.com/…5azvVCULW-g.jpeg	3 min	2024-08-27T11:59:38.594000	2024-08-27T13:07:59.497000	2024-11-17T16:32:57.249000	0	63	en	This Happened To Me,Seventeen,Thoughts,Life,Musings	<section> <h3>Because you’re my headliner</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/736/1*wszuersbWyQ5azvVCULW-g.jpeg" width="736" height="552" loading="lazy" /> <h1>“You didn’t stan SVT late, you just found them at the time you needed them”</h1> <p>I know them from the "Don't Wanna Cry" era, but I just like the music; I don't stan Seventeen. I'm not really into K-pop, I have never been before, and I never liked anything like this before.</p> <p>It’s the middle of the night, I can’t sleep, no one to talk to, and I’m not in a good mood. I had a fight with my best friend, went through a breakup, and currently have no dreams. I’m at my lowest point. While scrolling through TikTok, I came across Xuminghao’s AU, and I decided to read it because Xuminghao is actually my type.</p> <p>I tried to find out which group Xuminghao is a part of, and then I found out he’s in Seventeen. I looked them up, listened to their music, and watched their videos, especially “Going Seventeen.” It feels like I’ve found a new love, a home, and a reason to face the world again. It sounds cheesy and over the top, but that’s how I feel.</p> <p>You know, it feels like my life begin again. I find a love, home, and reason to against the world again. sounds cheesy and too much. but it is what it is.</p> <p><strong>“Seventeen saved me.”</strong></p> <p><em><strong>On a strange road Anyone can get lost I’ll be with you on the tough road Us again — S</em>eventeen</strong></p> <p>At seventeen, I have discovered that I can fill myself with a lot of love. I have found a new dream and a place that I want to go to. I have found many reasons to be happy.</p> <p><em><strong>Whenever it’s hard [for you] You can get a hug from me Hug — S</em>eventeen</strong></p> <p>I've learned a lot that people have their problems and their own lives. So, I know that I can't always lean on others, but Seventeen makes me feel like I have somebody no matter what. I can always go home without feeling afraid of being judged. It feels like they are saying, 'It's okay, you can be sad. I will hug you.'</p> <p><em><strong>Sometimes it’s okay to waste your time Even if they say you are being immature Kidult — S</em>eventeen</strong></p> <p>I'm not afraid to show my immature side. They don't understand my suffering because they don't feel it. They don't know. But seventeen did.</p> <p><em><strong>It’s okay, this world is precious We are what we are we And precious, just as you are right now Stay here with me Tomorrow, I’ll live like a child Who has grown up a lot We look alike, so let’s be together Just the way you are Like a grown-up child Kidult — S</em>eventeen</strong></p> <p>I have never experienced such overwhelming happiness before. I am so filled with joy that it brings tears to my eyes.</p> <p>I am amazed by how much they love each other and take care of each other. I know they are kind people. Even though I know them as fans and they appear as idols, I just know that they are truly good people.</p> <p>They are more than just a K-pop group. Seventeen means everything to me; I love each of them with all my heart. They save me whenever the world turns its back on me. Their presence is like a hand pulling me out of the darkness and giving me strength. They never fail to remind me that I'm doing a great job every day, even though I always doubt myself. Whenever I feel like giving up and feel sad, all I need is Seventeen, who I consider my home in this tiring world.</p> <p>I will always support and appreciate them. I hope we can always be happy. I can't say much, but I really love them. Thank you.</p> <p><em><strong>Remember, we are together always I won’t let go of y</em>our hand</strong></p> </section>	Seventeen Because you’re my headliner Pinterest “You didn’t stan SVT late, you just found them at the time you needed them” I know them from the "Don't Wanna Cry" era, but I just like the music; I don't stan Seventeen. I'm not really into K-pop, I have never been before, and I never liked anything like this before. It’s the middle of the night, I can’t sleep, no one to talk to, and I’m not in a good mood. I had a fight with my best friend, went through a breakup, and currently have no dreams. I’m at my lowest point. While scrolling through TikTok, I came across Xuminghao’s AU, and I decided to read it because Xuminghao is actually my type. I tried to find out which group Xuminghao is a part of, and then I found out he’s in Seventeen. I looked them up, listened to their music, and watched their videos, especially “Going Seventeen.” It feels like I’ve found a new love, a home, and a reason to face the world again. It sounds cheesy and over the top, but that’s how I feel. You know, it feels like my life begin again. I find a love, home, and reason to against the world again. sounds cheesy and too much. but it is what it is. “Seventeen saved me.” On a strange road Anyone can get lost I’ll be with you on the tough road Us again — Seventeen At seventeen, I have discovered that I can fill myself with a lot of love. I have found a new dream and a place that I want to go to. I have found many reasons to be happy. Whenever it’s hard [for you] You can get a hug from me Hug — Seventeen I've learned a lot that people have their problems and their own lives. So, I know that I can't always lean on others, but Seventeen makes me feel like I have somebody no matter what. I can always go home without feeling afraid of being judged. It feels like they are saying, 'It's okay, you can be sad. I will hug you.' Sometimes it’s okay to waste your time Even if they say you are being immature Kidult — Seventeen I'm not afraid to show my immature side. They don't understand my suffering because they don't feel it. They don't know. But seventeen did. It’s okay, this world is precious We are what we are we And precious, just as you are right now Stay here with me Tomorrow, I’ll live like a child Who has grown up a lot We look alike, so let’s be together Just the way you are Like a grown-up child Kidult — Seventeen I have never experienced such overwhelming happiness before. I am so filled with joy that it brings tears to my eyes. I am amazed by how much they love each other and take care of each other. I know they are kind people. Even though I know them as fans and they appear as idols, I just know that they are truly good people. They are more than just a K-pop group. Seventeen means everything to me; I love each of them with all my heart. They save me whenever the world turns its back on me. Their presence is like a hand pulling me out of the darkness and giving me strength. They never fail to remind me that I'm doing a great job every day, even though I always doubt myself. Whenever I feel like giving up and feel sad, all I need is Seventeen, who I consider my home in this tiring world. I will always support and appreciate them. I hope we can always be happy. I can't say much, but I really love them. Thank you. Remember, we are together always I won’t let go of your hand	9dcd6ff1-e9d6-5ae1-bd41-cd394033abd2	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://amanwi96.medium.com/my-journey-to-twenty-something-2b3743c789ef	medium.com	My Journey to Twenty Something!	Okay so it’s officially one day to my twenty….something birthday and I’m wondering what this new age has in store for me and what new…	Joan Amanwi	https://medium.com/@amanwi96	2b3743c789ef	https://miro.medium.com/…csQJ0UbD5fw.jpeg	3 min	2018-12-05T08:15:20.596000	2018-12-05T18:50:27.313000	2021-12-06T23:16:27.150000	0	1	en	Love,Life,Life Lessons,God,Christianity	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1471Z9UVUB-CcsQJ0UbD5fw.jpeg" width="900" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p>Okay so it’s officially one day to my twenty….something birthday and I’m wondering what this new age has in store for me and what new miracles the heavens are backing for tomorrow.</p> <p>The fear of the unknown gripped me early this morning, but strangely I felt happy and eager to go about the day. I can’t wait to face new challenges,meet new people and just live life purposefully without any reservations.</p> <p>This year has been a roller coaster of bitter sweet experiences, some of which I hope to get the courage to share openly one day.</p> <p>All through January 1st till this very day, I have been to different planets of experiences and back, but wherever I seemed lost,God has been my strength and guide. Even when I stumbled and believed I deserve worst, he held me by the hand and has been forever by my side.</p> <p>My spiritual life has been tested millions of times and I have failed more often than I can remember. However, these failures brought me closer to God’s grace and mercies in some extraordinary way and enabled me appreciate what I was blessed with.</p> <p>I made new acquaintances this year and lost a few friends and loved ones too, I got a financial uplift and lost a portion of it as well, I fell in love and lost it sooner than expected, I cried alone at night but smiled with friends and family at the appearance of the morning light.</p> <p>I hid my true emotions for my protection, but still felt naked and unprotected. That is when I realized I was a victim of my own thoughts and judgments, my own sins and errs. Yes I needed protection, but not from the devil without but from the heat and traumas hidden deep within, beyond the smiles and pretty face, deep down the gold mines of my soul.</p> <p>I learned to forgive myself for what I could control but never did, what I couldn’t control but stressed nights and days about and most importantly, what others did to me knowingly and unknowingly.</p> <p>This single act of forgiveness and happy living saved me from all the demons; both withing and without!</p> <p>This year I learned the precious value of family, having to sleep alone at night was’t something I was used to. I missed my sisters, my mom, my dad, cousins and friends more; at this time than ever before.</p> <p>This year was a bloody year at home, people were killed and massacred, families displaced and women mercilessly abused. I didn’t experience it firsthand but it shredded my soul to see my home turned into a devastating play grown for the military and gangsters.</p> <p>YES I became an aunt this year ^_^, I can officially say I have one person I’m responsible for, the first prince of the family. He brought not only joy, but unity and serenity in our home and I hope he grows up to be a God fearing and purposeful lad.</p> <p>Sicknesses attacked as well, but like I always say, nothing is beyond the will of a man, we made it our duty as individuals and as a family to fight through the sickness with God being our helper and guess what? HE WAS THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!</p> <p>About my job, hihihi I love every challenge I’m exposed to and I appreciate my boss and colleagues for their support in improving me professionally and as an individual. I believe I have the best boss and working team #Blessed!</p> <p>My intimate relationships? well it’s been a zig-zag stroll but we will see what it becomes soon.</p> <p>Marriage? hahhahah the pressure is high, and I expect it to be higher next year. Everyone believes NOW is the best time to get married; they play the pressure pots and cook one dry lol. However, I’m not rushing into anything that’s going to last a lifetime. The pressure pots can keep cooking, I’m hard enough to withstand the heat!</p> <p>Friends? I made less this year, kept my circle small and focused on those who were going my way. I had many acquaintances however and it’s been a fun ride so far.</p> <p>There’s so much more I will love to say, but I guess this is the best summary of my journey to twenty something!</p> <p>I’m grateful to God for how far he’s brought me, and the people he surrounded me with for support; as well as those he kept on the way as guides.</p> <p>I’m grateful for my family.</p> <p>I’m grateful for my friends.</p> <p>I’m grateful for Love.</p> <p>I’m grateful for you, yes YOU ^^</p> <p>Most importantly am grateful I’m ME!</p> <p>THANKS FOR READING!</p> </section>	My Journey to Twenty Something! Even though I doubt where this road will lead to, I trust the God leading me! #Jesus take the wheel! Okay so it’s officially one day to my twenty….something birthday and I’m wondering what this new age has in store for me and what new miracles the heavens are backing for tomorrow. The fear of the unknown gripped me early this morning, but strangely I felt happy and eager to go about the day. I can’t wait to face new challenges,meet new people and just live life purposefully without any reservations. This year has been a roller coaster of bitter sweet experiences, some of which I hope to get the courage to share openly one day. All through January 1st till this very day, I have been to different planets of experiences and back, but wherever I seemed lost,God has been my strength and guide. Even when I stumbled and believed I deserve worst, he held me by the hand and has been forever by my side. My spiritual life has been tested millions of times and I have failed more often than I can remember. However, these failures brought me closer to God’s grace and mercies in some extraordinary way and enabled me appreciate what I was blessed with. I made new acquaintances this year and lost a few friends and loved ones too, I got a financial uplift and lost a portion of it as well, I fell in love and lost it sooner than expected, I cried alone at night but smiled with friends and family at the appearance of the morning light. I hid my true emotions for my protection, but still felt naked and unprotected. That is when I realized I was a victim of my own thoughts and judgments, my own sins and errs. Yes I needed protection, but not from the devil without but from the heat and traumas hidden deep within, beyond the smiles and pretty face, deep down the gold mines of my soul. I learned to forgive myself for what I could control but never did, what I couldn’t control but stressed nights and days about and most importantly, what others did to me knowingly and unknowingly. This single act of forgiveness and happy living saved me from all the demons; both withing and without! This year I learned the precious value of family, having to sleep alone at night was’t something I was used to. I missed my sisters, my mom, my dad, cousins and friends more; at this time than ever before. This year was a bloody year at home, people were killed and massacred, families displaced and women mercilessly abused. I didn’t experience it firsthand but it shredded my soul to see my home turned into a devastating play grown for the military and gangsters. YES I became an aunt this year ^_^, I can officially say I have one person I’m responsible for, the first prince of the family. He brought not only joy, but unity and serenity in our home and I hope he grows up to be a God fearing and purposeful lad. Sicknesses attacked as well, but like I always say, nothing is beyond the will of a man, we made it our duty as individuals and as a family to fight through the sickness with God being our helper and guess what? HE WAS THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! About my job, hihihi I love every challenge I’m exposed to and I appreciate my boss and colleagues for their support in improving me professionally and as an individual. I believe I have the best boss and working team #Blessed! My intimate relationships? well it’s been a zig-zag stroll but we will see what it becomes soon. Marriage? hahhahah the pressure is high, and I expect it to be higher next year. Everyone believes NOW is the best time to get married; they play the pressure pots and cook one dry lol. However, I’m not rushing into anything that’s going to last a lifetime. The pressure pots can keep cooking, I’m hard enough to withstand the heat! Friends? I made less this year, kept my circle small and focused on those who were going my way. I had many acquaintances however and it’s been a fun ride so far. There’s so much more I will love to say, but I guess this is the best summary of my journey to twenty something! I’m grateful to God for how far he’s brought me, and the people he surrounded me with for support; as well as those he kept on the way as guides. I’m grateful for my family. I’m grateful for my friends. I’m grateful for Love. I’m grateful for you, yes YOU ^*^ Most importantly am grateful I’m ME! THANKS FOR READING!	ffec1f45-88fa-53cf-b4e9-48c7a13b7014	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@Batjoel13/man-christian-is-there-suppose-to-be-a-difference-1c53c5220761	medium.com	Man? Christian? Is There Suppose To Be A Difference?	Some Thoughts on Manhood	Joel	https://medium.com/@Batjoel13	1c53c5220761	https://miro.medium.com/…A6oh-D6wfJg.jpeg	2 min	2018-04-20T23:07:49.987000	2018-04-28T04:55:38.590000	2018-04-28T04:55:39.875000	0	1	en	Christianity,Leadership,Family,Management And Leadership,Jesus	<section> <h3>Some Thoughts on Manhood</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*gLKtApgvf8cA6oh-D6wfJg.jpeg" width="1280" height="960" loading="lazy" /> <p>One of the things Christians on a University campus have to deal with, is being called out by unbelievers in regards to certain actions not lining up with the faith. Not only does it happen in Universities, but it happens everywhere people are open about their faith. How many times I’ve seen Christians ridiculed because someone thought they were supposed to be perfect. That’s no excuse not to be intentional about Jesus. I believe Christians should have a life so different that those around them should notice and take interest.</p> <p>But the reasons why I do what I do is not because I have the title of a Christian, but it’s because I believe that’s what it means to be a man.</p> <h3>“So God created mankind in his own image.” — Genesis 1:26(NIV)</h3> <p>Man was made in God’s image and likeness. What does this mean? It means that God designed man to carry those same characteristics and qualities that make Him who he is. Man was made to love unconditionally, have integrity, show compassion, protect, provide, etc. Unfortunately in today’s society we see a lot of the opposite, a lot of pride, narcissism, entitlement, etc. It’s an “all about me” attitude. Blind to our own ego, yet critical of others. Culture has taught males that in order to be called “Men” they need to show dominance, arrogance, no signs of crying/weaknesses, etc. Yet, the Bible teaches something else. And some may say “well I’m not a Christian,” as if they have no responsibility or calling before God, and you may be right, you may not be a Christian, but I know who you were made to be. You were made to bear Gods image. To be the kind of Husband, Father, Son that he is.</p> <p>Husband- Pursue, Love, Lead, Encourage, etc.</p> <p>Father- Guide, Discipline, Respect, etc.</p> <p>These are qualities and many more that make up the image and likeness of God. When a man knows the heart of God, he knows the heart of a son, husband, a father, etc. This is what we need in America so much. Husbands and Fathers that love their wives and children, that protect and provide. Men that respect, honor and lift up women, instead of taking advantage of their emotions, abusing, raping, objectifying, etc. Men that spend time with their children and discipline them to teach them right from wrong. Whether you’re Christian or not, I believe that people would agree with these types of qualities in a man.</p> <p>Furthermore, think about this. When someone has committed a crime, who out of the two genders is more likely to have done it? A man or woman? I’s usually a man that commits violent acts compared to women. This leads to my conclusion the world would be a safer place, if men would be the man whom God made them to be. If not Christian men, well then at least men with integrity and morals.</p> </section>	Man? Christian? Is There Suppose To Be A Difference? Some Thoughts on Manhood One of the things Christians on a University campus have to deal with, is being called out by unbelievers in regards to certain actions not lining up with the faith. Not only does it happen in Universities, but it happens everywhere people are open about their faith. How many times I’ve seen Christians ridiculed because someone thought they were supposed to be perfect. That’s no excuse not to be intentional about Jesus. I believe Christians should have a life so different that those around them should notice and take interest. But the reasons why I do what I do is not because I have the title of a Christian, but it’s because I believe that’s what it means to be a man. “So God created mankind in his own image.” — Genesis 1:26(NIV) Man was made in God’s image and likeness. What does this mean? It means that God designed man to carry those same characteristics and qualities that make Him who he is. Man was made to love unconditionally, have integrity, show compassion, protect, provide, etc. Unfortunately in today’s society we see a lot of the opposite, a lot of pride, narcissism, entitlement, etc. It’s an “all about me” attitude. Blind to our own ego, yet critical of others. Culture has taught males that in order to be called “Men” they need to show dominance, arrogance, no signs of crying/weaknesses, etc. Yet, the Bible teaches something else. And some may say “well I’m not a Christian,” as if they have no responsibility or calling before God, and you may be right, you may not be a Christian, but I know who you were made to be. You were made to bear Gods image. To be the kind of Husband, Father, Son that he is. Husband- Pursue, Love, Lead, Encourage, etc. Father- Guide, Discipline, Respect, etc. These are qualities and many more that make up the image and likeness of God. When a man knows the heart of God, he knows the heart of a son, husband, a father, etc. This is what we need in America so much. Husbands and Fathers that love their wives and children, that protect and provide. Men that respect, honor and lift up women, instead of taking advantage of their emotions, abusing, raping, objectifying, etc. Men that spend time with their children and discipline them to teach them right from wrong. Whether you’re Christian or not, I believe that people would agree with these types of qualities in a man. Furthermore, think about this. When someone has committed a crime, who out of the two genders is more likely to have done it? A man or woman? I’s usually a man that commits violent acts compared to women. This leads to my conclusion the world would be a safer place, if men would be the man whom God made them to be. If not Christian men, well then at least men with integrity and morals.	62a69376-ecd2-5880-a2c8-1fe9f7a88333	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://wanderingpeacemaker.medium.com/who-knows-only-god-knows-855f45b904f5	medium.com	Who knows? Only God knows	“Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the…	Wandering Peacemaker	https://medium.com/@wanderingpeacemaker	855f45b904f5	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*_Yatrym9Wlka1vxb	3 min	2022-04-17T08:57:43.898000	2022-04-17T09:45:07.536000	2022-04-23T02:15:44.873000	0	0	en	Easter,God,Christianity,Jesus	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2075/0*_Yatrym9Wlka1vxb" width="2075" height="3085" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>“Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” — Revelations 21:6–7</em></p> <p>Those who know me well would know what happened to me that fateful day, a month just before Christmas 2019, where I went through the most dramatic episodes in my life, to date. If my life would’ve converted into a long-running soap, this is probably the one they will show at the end of a long season…the pivotal climax, the pinnacle and opener for the next season or next phase…</p> <p>It is an episode which I reflect back, to learn from, to cry from and most importantly to be grateful for. Why did God gave me the “Lazarus miracle”, where He literally breathe life again into my dying husband?</p> <p>Why did He choose to respond to prayers from someone who hasn’t even been faithful in church attendance, or whom has even walked away from Him?</p> <p>Just as how He healed the crippled woman (Luke 13) or how He lifted up the paralyzed man by the Pool of Bethesda to walk again (John 5), He healed even without them asking, praying and fasting.</p> <p>For others, in fact a lot of us, may have never experienced that kind of dramatic miracle, despite fervent prayers, dedicated fasting and disciplined church attendance. A lot of times, even in my own prayers there are also those where God is simply silent or responded with a ‘no’.</p> <p>I have no answer to those questions….perhaps that one fine day when I’m reunited with Jesus, He will be patiently explaining to me the answer to these mysteries.</p> <p>But what I do know, there are also a lot of answered prayers in my life and others..those seemingly minor things that we thought was enabled with our own pride. A stable job, a safe dwelling, even oxygen to sustain us….all those not-really-little things that we choose take for granted. If we really look carefully and search within our hearts, there are too many answered prayers…too many in that list that you and I need to be thankful for.</p> <p>I have learned through my own experiences, not to grab God by the collar and demand an answer to anything and everything. By doing that, I was just allowing the enemy to inject his poisonous pride in me; that an answered prayer is always justified. That I’m like a disgruntled customer who demanded the chef’s explanation why my steak isn’t cooked the way I want it to be.</p> <p>As He resisted my pride, I learnt to yield and just to surrender to the beauty of His higher ways, which are not my ways. I learned to still pursue the default response of going to Him in prayer. But rather than demanding, I acknowledge and magnify His greatness and sovereignty in His every response and outcome. I learnt the meaning of it is not my will, but His be done. Whenever I’m tempted to search for answers, I reminded myself again of the frailty of human efforts, of human life. That what I find today, may be taken from me within the next few seconds. What I do not have before, which I did not even ask for, at least even expect to have, many times He has surprised me with the most pleasant surprise. The faithful clock which has consistently ticking and keeping track of time without a miss may suddenly just fail. What has not worked before for many many years may suddenly function again without human intervention.</p> <p>So yeah, life is really full of infinite mysteries which no one can explain or even barely scratch its surface.</p> <p>But what I do know is who is the source of Life, the Alpha and Omega, the one who holds the keys of the beginning and the end. What I do know is I can come to Him, in all of life’s seasons, storms and challenges. I may not have an answer or a solution, but just resting in His assurance is sufficient.</p> </section>	Who knows? Only God knows Photo by Tom Chrostek on Unsplash “Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” — Revelations 21:6–7 Those who know me well would know what happened to me that fateful day, a month just before Christmas 2019, where I went through the most dramatic episodes in my life, to date. If my life would’ve converted into a long-running soap, this is probably the one they will show at the end of a long season…the pivotal climax, the pinnacle and opener for the next season or next phase… It is an episode which I reflect back, to learn from, to cry from and most importantly to be grateful for. Why did God gave me the “Lazarus miracle”, where He literally breathe life again into my dying husband? Why did He choose to respond to prayers from someone who hasn’t even been faithful in church attendance, or whom has even walked away from Him? Just as how He healed the crippled woman (Luke 13) or how He lifted up the paralyzed man by the Pool of Bethesda to walk again (John 5), He healed even without them asking, praying and fasting. For others, in fact a lot of us, may have never experienced that kind of dramatic miracle, despite fervent prayers, dedicated fasting and disciplined church attendance. A lot of times, even in my own prayers there are also those where God is simply silent or responded with a ‘no’. I have no answer to those questions….perhaps that one fine day when I’m reunited with Jesus, He will be patiently explaining to me the answer to these mysteries. But what I do know, there are also a lot of answered prayers in my life and others..those seemingly minor things that we thought was enabled with our own pride. A stable job, a safe dwelling, even oxygen to sustain us….all those not-really-little things that we choose take for granted. If we really look carefully and search within our hearts, there are too many answered prayers…too many in that list that you and I need to be thankful for. I have learned through my own experiences, not to grab God by the collar and demand an answer to anything and everything. By doing that, I was just allowing the enemy to inject his poisonous pride in me; that an answered prayer is always justified. That I’m like a disgruntled customer who demanded the chef’s explanation why my steak isn’t cooked the way I want it to be. As He resisted my pride, I learnt to yield and just to surrender to the beauty of His higher ways, which are not my ways. I learned to still pursue the default response of going to Him in prayer. But rather than demanding, I acknowledge and magnify His greatness and sovereignty in His every response and outcome. I learnt the meaning of it is not my will, but His be done. Whenever I’m tempted to search for answers, I reminded myself again of the frailty of human efforts, of human life. That what I find today, may be taken from me within the next few seconds. What I do not have before, which I did not even ask for, at least even expect to have, many times He has surprised me with the most pleasant surprise. The faithful clock which has consistently ticking and keeping track of time without a miss may suddenly just fail. What has not worked before for many many years may suddenly function again without human intervention. So yeah, life is really full of infinite mysteries which no one can explain or even barely scratch its surface. But what I do know is who is the source of Life, the Alpha and Omega, the one who holds the keys of the beginning and the end. What I do know is I can come to Him, in all of life’s seasons, storms and challenges. I may not have an answer or a solution, but just resting in His assurance is sufficient.	38a919f2-3105-559e-9c2e-3c7785c0db0f	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@zacharynueva/we-as-a-people-pleaser-3759fe810c89	medium.com	we, as a people-pleaser	I once believed that I should be somebody to someone, so for once, somebody would be happy with my company.	Zachary Nueva	https://medium.com/@zacharynueva	3759fe810c89	https://miro.medium.com/…wa7bfoW539A.jpeg	2 min	2024-09-06T14:52:04.218000	2024-09-06T14:59:18.370000	2024-11-17T00:56:35.273000	0	0	en	Life,This Happened To Me,Self Improvement,Self,Writing	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*71TMm--6CJwwa7bfoW539A.jpeg" width="1080" height="1068" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>I once believed that I should be somebody to someone, so for once, somebody would be happy with my company.</em></p> <p>I found my purpose by being someone to other people—or, as I should say, a flashlight in the dark when everything seems to be unknown and indefinite.</p> <p>I thought that pleasing people would fulfill me as I shared smiles through their faces each time I showed up and filled their cups with what they wanted. May it be a small effort on the things they find difficult to do, to sympathize with their emotions as they go through their struggles in life, or rather to keep things steady when everything’s shaking up.</p> <p>I found myself burning out of my light a few times, but I continued to be a beacon for everyone else. I become instantly ecstatic in times when they acknowledge me as a dependable friend. But for some time, I realized that I only curated the identity of an ‘one-call-away’ friend by expecting a sense of gratitude in return, and it was wrong.</p> <p>As it turns out, all I wanted was to be appreciated for what I am.</p> <p>Amidst the search of finding people who treasure the things I offer, I lose myself gradually, to the point that I question myself, “Am I really happy to be somebody?”</p> <p>Through those questions, I realized that I am living my life for other people; and that my happiness is dependent on their feedback upon my action. I deprived myself of filling my own cup instead while I freely poured onto someone else’s, to the length when I realized that I was taking away a part of me through the process.</p> <p>I realized I needed to come back and recompensate myself, for myself. After all, there is no one else that I should expect to fill the voids in the space of my existence, no one else but me. It is my responsibility to grow, at my own expense.</p> <p>And so, as I embark on the voyage of uncertainties, I know that all it takes is me. After all, it is wrong to find ourselves in other people’s eyes or to find someone who finds perfection through our imperfections. We may not find a definite answer no matter how long we wait for people to accept who we are if we expect them to be.</p> <p>Instead of looking forward, it may be best to lean back and view the world through a much wider perspective. We should realize that every single person around us is minding their own story and is equally important to how we mind our own lives.</p> <p>We can never be the main characters in someone else’s biography, so as I should, I will put my time into making my own garden greener. Watch the sunrise and sunset through different places, stroll through the streets whenever convenient, and enjoy the time as it passes with the people I cherish, wasting it on the moments I won’t regret.</p> <p>Because in the end, life was never really measured by how we are figured out and understood by others, it lies in how we view and accept who we truly are. I am not tired of being someone’s flashlight through the dark, but this time, I should be a light to myself, too, especially when I need it the most.</p> <p>We matter, and we should; to ourselves.</p> </section>	we, as a people-pleaser Image from Pinterest I once believed that I should be somebody to someone, so for once, somebody would be happy with my company. I found my purpose by being someone to other people—or, as I should say, a flashlight in the dark when everything seems to be unknown and indefinite. I thought that pleasing people would fulfill me as I shared smiles through their faces each time I showed up and filled their cups with what they wanted. May it be a small effort on the things they find difficult to do, to sympathize with their emotions as they go through their struggles in life, or rather to keep things steady when everything’s shaking up. I found myself burning out of my light a few times, but I continued to be a beacon for everyone else. I become instantly ecstatic in times when they acknowledge me as a dependable friend. But for some time, I realized that I only curated the identity of an ‘one-call-away’ friend by expecting a sense of gratitude in return, and it was wrong. As it turns out, all I wanted was to be appreciated for what I am. Amidst the search of finding people who treasure the things I offer, I lose myself gradually, to the point that I question myself, “Am I really happy to be somebody?” Through those questions, I realized that I am living my life for other people; and that my happiness is dependent on their feedback upon my action. I deprived myself of filling my own cup instead while I freely poured onto someone else’s, to the length when I realized that I was taking away a part of me through the process. I realized I needed to come back and recompensate myself, for myself. After all, there is no one else that I should expect to fill the voids in the space of my existence, no one else but me. It is my responsibility to grow, at my own expense. And so, as I embark on the voyage of uncertainties, I know that all it takes is me. After all, it is wrong to find ourselves in other people’s eyes or to find someone who finds perfection through our imperfections. We may not find a definite answer no matter how long we wait for people to accept who we are if we expect them to be. Instead of looking forward, it may be best to lean back and view the world through a much wider perspective. We should realize that every single person around us is minding their own story and is equally important to how we mind our own lives. We can never be the main characters in someone else’s biography, so as I should, I will put my time into making my own garden greener. Watch the sunrise and sunset through different places, stroll through the streets whenever convenient, and enjoy the time as it passes with the people I cherish, wasting it on the moments I won’t regret. Because in the end, life was never really measured by how we are figured out and understood by others, it lies in how we view and accept who we truly are. I am not tired of being someone’s flashlight through the dark, but this time, I should be a light to myself, too, especially when I need it the most. We matter, and we should; to ourselves.	5eb30d20-4a73-5505-a878-76105548c84f	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@FoodRecipe/how-to-make-karnataka-mysore-pak-recipe-6d7e4b2f8e63	medium.com	How to make Karnataka Mysore Pak Recipe	Mysore Pak recipe is a healthy sweet dish ready in Ghee, from Indian cuisine, generally served as Karnataka dessert. For more sweet recipe	Food Recipes	https://medium.com/@FoodRecipe	6d7e4b2f8e63	https://miro.medium.com/…Kg98J2Qdyiw.jpeg	0 min	2017-06-09T08:54:41.320000	2017-06-09T08:56:59.286000	2017-11-30T07:47:09.695000	0	1	en	Mysore Pak,Karnataka Cuisine,Indian Cuisine,Food,Sweet	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/1*JP8r6wsn-5rKg98J2Qdyiw.jpeg" width="800" height="400" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong><a href="http://b</strong>it.ly/2sactrl">Mysore Pak recipe</a> is a healthy sweet dish ready in Ghee, from<a href="http://bit.ly/2pnSWye"> <strong>Indian</a> cuisine</strong>, generally served as Karnataka dessert. For more<strong><a href="http</strong>://bit.ly/2pnSWye"> sweet recipe</a></p> </section>	How to make Karnataka Mysore Pak Recipe Mysore Pak recipe is a healthy sweet dish ready in Ghee, from Indian cuisine, generally served as Karnataka dessert. For more sweet recipe	d4d188b2-1574-52c6-8727-9c715217af57	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://pastormatthewbest.medium.com/amos-eafbd02c8bb5	medium.com	Amos	This Sunday, a portion of Amos 5 is appointed as the first reading. Verses 10–15 read as follows:	Pastor Matthew Best	https://medium.com/@pastormatthewbest	eafbd02c8bb5	null	2 min	2018-10-09T12:44:26.701000	2018-10-09T12:30:59	2018-10-09T12:44:50.361000	0	0	en	Bible,Christianity	<section> <p>This Sunday, a portion of Amos 5 is appointed as the first reading. Verses 10–15 read as follows:</p> <p>They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth. Therefore, because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins — you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate. Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time;</p> <p>for it is an evil time.</p> <p>Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,</p> <p>will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.</p> <p>It is easy to look around and conclude that Amos was written specifically for us today. It sure seems like the time is evil. It sure seems like the poor are trampled and all that they have is taken away from them. It sure seems like the righteous are afflicted and there are plenty who are corrupt.</p> <p>Yet, this is not new. There is nothing special about this time or the people who do these things. The prophet Amos was active in 760–755 BCE in the northern kingdom of Israel. It was a time of relative peace and prosperity. Yet, his message shows that peace and prosperity for what it really was — a fraud. Is it peace when the poor are trampled? Is it prosperity when there is corruption?</p> <p>If anything, Amos’ message is comforting in that it shows that humanity hasn’t changed in 2700 years. In fact, it’s pretty predictable. And in the end, those who abuse power fall.</p> <p>So for us, there remains a few questions:</p> <p>What does it mean to establish justice in the gate during an evil time, as Amos claims?</p> <p>What does it mean to establish justice when the poor are trampled on and what they have is taken away from them?</p> <p>What does it mean to establish justice when there are those who afflict the righteous and take bribes?</p> <p>How can we do that? How can we establish justice when those in charge oppose the establishment of justice?</p> <p>How do you establish justice when there are entire systems designed to prevent justice from flowing? When the needy are pushed aside?</p> <p>How do we establish justice in an evil time?</p> <p>Has there ever been a time that wasn’t evil?</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://laceduplutheran.com/20</em>18/10/09/amos/">laceduplutheran.com</a> on October 9, 2018.</p> </section>	Amos This Sunday, a portion of Amos 5 is appointed as the first reading. Verses 10–15 read as follows: They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth. Therefore, because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins — you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate. Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time. Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. It is easy to look around and conclude that Amos was written specifically for us today. It sure seems like the time is evil. It sure seems like the poor are trampled and all that they have is taken away from them. It sure seems like the righteous are afflicted and there are plenty who are corrupt. Yet, this is not new. There is nothing special about this time or the people who do these things. The prophet Amos was active in 760–755 BCE in the northern kingdom of Israel. It was a time of relative peace and prosperity. Yet, his message shows that peace and prosperity for what it really was — a fraud. Is it peace when the poor are trampled? Is it prosperity when there is corruption? If anything, Amos’ message is comforting in that it shows that humanity hasn’t changed in 2700 years. In fact, it’s pretty predictable. And in the end, those who abuse power fall. So for us, there remains a few questions: What does it mean to establish justice in the gate during an evil time, as Amos claims? What does it mean to establish justice when the poor are trampled on and what they have is taken away from them? What does it mean to establish justice when there are those who afflict the righteous and take bribes? How can we do that? How can we establish justice when those in charge oppose the establishment of justice? How do you establish justice when there are entire systems designed to prevent justice from flowing? When the needy are pushed aside? How do we establish justice in an evil time? Has there ever been a time that wasn’t evil? Originally published at laceduplutheran.com on October 9, 2018.	e79c4f06-e1db-5801-bff1-aa38943de944	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/capuletmag/warmth-6bc06b44857a	medium.com	Warmth	35 mm Film Photography	Capulet Mag	https://medium.com/@capuletmag	6bc06b44857a	https://miro.medium.com/…nYb__D4hc7g.jpeg	0 min	2017-10-31T22:58:11.163000	2017-10-31T22:59:26.435000	2018-06-07T02:34:26.440000	0	0	en	Photography,Art	<section> <p><strong>35 mm Film Photography</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3088/1*DoCHCTa18NHnYb__D4hc7g.jpeg" width="3088" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Carolina Alamilla</strong> is currently a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate at Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX), where she focuses on function and surface design in ceramics. She received her BFA in Ceramics and Printmaking from University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill. She experiments in other medium such photography and textiles to further her research of home and memory.</p> </section>	Warmth 35 mm Film Photography Carolina Alamilla is currently a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate at Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX), where she focuses on function and surface design in ceramics. She received her BFA in Ceramics and Printmaking from University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill. She experiments in other medium such photography and textiles to further her research of home and memory.	f496462e-30c8-50c8-8898-94b46964ff73	25/08/2025 18:00:22
https://medium.com/@nimalroohi2003/discover-pakistans-culinary-delights-10-must-try-dishes-that-will-leave-you-hungry-for-more-f7b40efcc484	medium.com	Discover Pakistan’s Culinary Delights: 10 Must-Try Dishes That Will Leave You Hungry for More!	Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of South Asia? Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse…	Nimal Roohi	https://medium.com/@nimalroohi2003	f7b40efcc484	https://miro.medium.com/…7wILvdCBm2g.jpeg	3 min	2023-08-18T07:18:23.005000	2023-08-18T07:40:29.158000	2023-08-18T12:59:59.553000	0	5	en	Food,Culture,Cuisine,Asia,Delicious	<section> <p>Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of South Asia? Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse regional cuisines, offers a tantalizing array of dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From spicy curries to succulent kebabs, this blog will guide you through 10 must-try dishes that capture the essence of Pakistani gastronomy. So, grab your fork and let’s dive into a world of delectable flavors!</p> <h1><strong>Biryani: The King of Rice Dishes</strong></h1> <p>No Pakistani culinary exploration is complete without indulging in the aromatic delight of Biryani. Fragrant rice, tender meat, and a symphony of spices make this dish a true masterpiece. From Karachi to Lahore, every region has its own unique twist on this beloved dish.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1x0Otixb6gAkZvepzHTnUTg.jpeg" width="1280" height="853" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Nihari: Slow-Cooked Morning Bliss:</strong></h2> <p>Prepare your taste buds for a dawn-time feast! Nihari is a slow-cooked stew that’s traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast. Infused with a medley of spices, tender meat, and served with naan, this dish is the perfect way to start your day with a flavorful bang.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/10t8num2oXQ2zqMm_OZc2_g.jpeg" width="600" height="450" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Samosas: Crispy Triangles of Joy:</strong></h2> <p>A staple of Pakistani street food, the crispy samosa is a snack you simply can’t resist. Stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat, these golden delights are best enjoyed with tangy tamarind chutney.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1Tx0GjLZ6D3QWsASb7bF8dQ.jpeg" width="1280" height="853" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Chapli Kebabs: Patties Packed with Flavor</strong></h2> <p>Get ready to sink your teeth into the flavorful world of Chapli Kebabs. These round, minced meat patties are seasoned with an array of spices and fried to perfection. Served with naan or raita, they’re a must-try for meat lovers.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/736/1wMMQk0cOsL0jel51fXb1kQ.jpeg" width="736" height="414" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Haleem: A Hearty Lentil Delight:</strong></h2> <p>A dish that unites people during Ramadan and beyond, Haleem is a thick, savory porridge made from wheat, lentils, and meat. Slow-cooked for hours, it’s a comfort food that warms the soul and pleases the palate.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/735/1RhvA_2uAvhOBEWlj9wKUXQ.jpeg" width="735" height="665" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Saji: Roasted Delight from Balochistan:</strong></h2> <p>Originating from Balochistan, Saji is a succulent roasted lamb or chicken dish marinated with a special blend of spices. Cooked on open flames, it’s a celebration of the rich flavors that define Pakistani cuisine.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/1EnStKjGzdx5I4rOSHics6g.jpeg" width="300" height="300" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Aloo Keema: Comfort on a Plate</strong></h2> <p>Simple yet incredibly satisfying, Aloo Keema is a comforting blend of minced meat and potatoes. Its aromatic spices and rich taste make it a staple on dining tables across the country.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/14Xvs-3WB52gyaTjPjwUJmQ.jpeg" width="1280" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Chaat: Tangy and Tantalizing:</strong></h2> <p>If you’re in the mood for a burst of flavors, Chaat is your answer. This vibrant street food medley combines chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, tamarind chutney, and a mix of spices to create a taste explosion in every bite.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/735/16su90wQq_HO6wM4jeBHXmA.jpeg" width="735" height="490" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Saag: Greens with a Punch:</strong></h2> <p>Saag refers to various leafy greens like spinach, mustard, or fenugreek, cooked down into a hearty stew. Paired with makki di roti (corn flatbread), this dish showcases the wonderful diversity of vegetables in Pakistani cuisine.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/639/114o-2Z05nfL7wILvdCBm2g.jpeg" width="639" height="426" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Jalebi: Sweet, Spiraled Indulgence:</strong></h2> <p>End your culinary journey on a sweet note with Jalebi, a deep-fried dessert soaked in sugar syrup. Its intricate spiral shape and sugary delight make it a favorite at festivals and celebrations.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/11KuK47M-uH5saAkgHSmV_w.jpeg" width="1280" height="853" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Crux</strong></h2> <p>From the bustling streets of Karachi to the scenic valleys of Northern Pakistan, the country’s culinary scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. These 10 must-try dishes are just the tip of the iceberg, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Pakistani flavors. So, pack your appetite and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving more of Pakistan’s delightful dishes!</p> </section>	Discover Pakistan’s Culinary Delights: 10 Must-Try Dishes That Will Leave You Hungry for More! Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of South Asia? Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse regional cuisines, offers a tantalizing array of dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From spicy curries to succulent kebabs, this blog will guide you through 10 must-try dishes that capture the essence of Pakistani gastronomy. So, grab your fork and let’s dive into a world of delectable flavors! Biryani: The King of Rice Dishes No Pakistani culinary exploration is complete without indulging in the aromatic delight of Biryani. Fragrant rice, tender meat, and a symphony of spices make this dish a true masterpiece. From Karachi to Lahore, every region has its own unique twist on this beloved dish. Nihari: Slow-Cooked Morning Bliss: Prepare your taste buds for a dawn-time feast! Nihari is a slow-cooked stew that’s traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast. Infused with a medley of spices, tender meat, and served with naan, this dish is the perfect way to start your day with a flavorful bang. Samosas: Crispy Triangles of Joy: A staple of Pakistani street food, the crispy samosa is a snack you simply can’t resist. Stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat, these golden delights are best enjoyed with tangy tamarind chutney. Chapli Kebabs: Patties Packed with Flavor Get ready to sink your teeth into the flavorful world of Chapli Kebabs. These round, minced meat patties are seasoned with an array of spices and fried to perfection. Served with naan or raita, they’re a must-try for meat lovers. Haleem: A Hearty Lentil Delight: A dish that unites people during Ramadan and beyond, Haleem is a thick, savory porridge made from wheat, lentils, and meat. Slow-cooked for hours, it’s a comfort food that warms the soul and pleases the palate. Saji: Roasted Delight from Balochistan: Originating from Balochistan, Saji is a succulent roasted lamb or chicken dish marinated with a special blend of spices. Cooked on open flames, it’s a celebration of the rich flavors that define Pakistani cuisine. Aloo Keema: Comfort on a Plate Simple yet incredibly satisfying, Aloo Keema is a comforting blend of minced meat and potatoes. Its aromatic spices and rich taste make it a staple on dining tables across the country. Chaat: Tangy and Tantalizing: If you’re in the mood for a burst of flavors, Chaat is your answer. This vibrant street food medley combines chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, tamarind chutney, and a mix of spices to create a taste explosion in every bite. Saag: Greens with a Punch: Saag refers to various leafy greens like spinach, mustard, or fenugreek, cooked down into a hearty stew. Paired with makki di roti (corn flatbread), this dish showcases the wonderful diversity of vegetables in Pakistani cuisine. Jalebi: Sweet, Spiraled Indulgence: End your culinary journey on a sweet note with Jalebi, a deep-fried dessert soaked in sugar syrup. Its intricate spiral shape and sugary delight make it a favorite at festivals and celebrations. Crux From the bustling streets of Karachi to the scenic valleys of Northern Pakistan, the country’s culinary scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. These 10 must-try dishes are just the tip of the iceberg, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Pakistani flavors. So, pack your appetite and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving more of Pakistan’s delightful dishes!	60046927-8974-5e38-811c-cc3ddbeb0ddb	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/tag-tag-tag/5x5-parsons-photo-show-highlights-by-olivia-gilmore-5b8b40877fed	medium.com	5x5: Parsons Photo Show Highlights by Olivia Gilmore	The imminent summer heat has affected the Lint-rollers; we are emerging from the collective New York languor to produce an exciting, albeit…	Alex Thebez	https://medium.com/@alexthebez	5b8b40877fed	https://miro.medium.com/…AzHhx2Kw4vrg.png	3 min	2016-05-30T22:24:10.879000	2016-05-30T22:53:23.697000	2018-05-28T06:39:43.838000	0	3	en	Photography,Art,5 X 5	<section> <p><em><strong>The imminent summer heat has affected the Lint-rollers; we are emerging from the collective New York languor to produce an exciting, albeit belat</em>ed, 5x5.</strong> Today we acknowledge the talented and hard working Parsons The New School, Photography class of 2014, which debuted its thesis work at Milk Gallery in Chelsea on May 20th, 2014. <em>Here, </em>is: awe and felicitations, to all of you who completed your degree at Parsons this year. The Parsons Photography Thesis show featured many emerging fine art and commercial photographers. <em>A caveat</em>: this list is, by no means, comprehensive. There was so much work worthy of mention that we were unable to include.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.jonathangardenhire.com</strong>/">Jonathan Gardenhire</a>, “I Too Know Rivers”: Gardenhire’s work debuted as an installation and shows an aptitude for portrait-making and a depth for conceptual framework. In its entirety, Gardenhire’s work “explores representation, sexuality and masculinity in black culture.” See his website for additional portrait work and video work. Particularly, <em>Sweet Thang: Young Women of Hip Hop,</em> is series worth viewing, as well as <em>(Untitled) The Perfect Human</em>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/371/1yg_dZaHYNxAzHhx2Kw4vrg.png" width="371" height="554" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/390/1hrC40gQvYnKrw65oAKXkAA.jpeg" width="390" height="586" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong><a href="http://www.caseyd</strong>orobek.com/">Casey Dorobek</a>, “In Irons”: Casey Dorobek’s thesis was accompanied by a book. The photographs are from Howard Beach, Queens, a neighborhood built on marshlands and surrounded by water. This is classic, thoughtful, black and white photography at its finest. To purchase a copy, <a href="http://caseydorobek.com/contact/">get in touch with Casey</a>!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/18Xx9S1rGCq-1RGvFzerBkQ.jpeg" width="600" height="450" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1tODVcI0CM2noa06HtU3Lng.jpeg" width="500" height="750" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong><a href="http://lillyarsenault.com/home.</strong>html">Lilly Arsenault</a>, “Some Velvet Mornings”: Arsenault’s series shows plainly that intimate portraiture can still be done. These portraits and self-portraits attest to the nostalgic power of analogue film.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/579/1pW7DRx69HkwUg_TtEP4LNw.jpeg" width="579" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong><a href="http://delaney-am.com/">Delaney A</strong>llen-Mills</a>, “Otherwise Untitled”: Picture yourself in a room with an ink-jet printer spouting out images every 2-minutes. This was Allen-Mills’ installation at Milk. The printer sat on a shelf, several feet above your head; the prints eventually fell onto the floor. Viewers could collect images and take them home. Allen-Mills work featured a written brochure of ‘note,’ that compliments the gesture of the lone printer accomplishing a repetitive task.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/391/1XauVIbMS3O4lZSeJMH-djw.jpeg" width="391" height="586" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/667/17jJaDm-uNQLifPajvfJ4FQ.jpeg" width="667" height="445" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong><a href="http://www.laurenmargitjon</strong>es.com/">Lauren Margit Jones</a>, “; a desire.”: Lauren Margit Jones explores the male nude in her thesis series. She juxtaposes these sensual portraits with portraits of classical sculptures. They are natural, and quite personal glimpses into these sitters’ lives.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/576/18bXhkMdpcQC-HXQ0cWrTZg.jpeg" width="576" height="713" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>Originally published on Jun. 4, 2014; written by Olivia Gilmore.</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*iL-xqqauPwUc7XoFuLp5-g.png" width="2000" height="1126" loading="lazy" /> </section>	5x5: Parsons Photo Show Highlights by Olivia Gilmore The imminent summer heat has affected the Lint-rollers; we are emerging from the collective New York languor to produce an exciting, albeit belated, 5x5. Today we acknowledge the talented and hard working Parsons The New School, Photography class of 2014, which debuted its thesis work at Milk Gallery in Chelsea on May 20th, 2014. Here, is: awe and felicitations, to all of you who completed your degree at Parsons this year. The Parsons Photography Thesis show featured many emerging fine art and commercial photographers. A caveat: this list is, by no means, comprehensive. There was so much work worthy of mention that we were unable to include. Jonathan Gardenhire, “I Too Know Rivers”: Gardenhire’s work debuted as an installation and shows an aptitude for portrait-making and a depth for conceptual framework. In its entirety, Gardenhire’s work “explores representation, sexuality and masculinity in black culture.” See his website for additional portrait work and video work. Particularly, Sweet Thang: Young Women of Hip Hop, is series worth viewing, as well as (Untitled) The Perfect Human. Untitled, (I, Too), 2014 Digital Chromogenic Print 20″ x 24 by Jonathan Gardenhire Installation of “I Too Know Rivers.” by Jonathan Gardenhire Casey Dorobek, “In Irons”: Casey Dorobek’s thesis was accompanied by a book. The photographs are from Howard Beach, Queens, a neighborhood built on marshlands and surrounded by water. This is classic, thoughtful, black and white photography at its finest. To purchase a copy, get in touch with Casey! In Irons by Casey Dorobek Detail image from “In Irons” by Casey Dorobek Lilly Arsenault, “Some Velvet Mornings”: Arsenault’s series shows plainly that intimate portraiture can still be done. These portraits and self-portraits attest to the nostalgic power of analogue film. Nicole, 2013 by Lilly Arsenault Delaney Allen-Mills, “Otherwise Untitled”: Picture yourself in a room with an ink-jet printer spouting out images every 2-minutes. This was Allen-Mills’ installation at Milk. The printer sat on a shelf, several feet above your head; the prints eventually fell onto the floor. Viewers could collect images and take them home. Allen-Mills work featured a written brochure of ‘note,’ that compliments the gesture of the lone printer accomplishing a repetitive task. Installation of “Otherwise Untitled.” Photograph by Delaney Allen-Mills. Installation detail of “Otherwise Untitled.” Photograph by Delaney Allen-Mills. Lauren Margit Jones, “; a desire.”: Lauren Margit Jones explores the male nude in her thesis series. She juxtaposes these sensual portraits with portraits of classical sculptures. They are natural, and quite personal glimpses into these sitters’ lives. Lauren Margit Jones Originally published on Jun. 4, 2014; written by Olivia Gilmore.	5dc5a21f-bbac-5b2f-9d45-ac55e9d69ff4	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/@haley.m.jackson/lunch-at-the-pokemon-cafe-8862a05cafe1	medium.com	Lunch at the Pokemon Cafe!	Do you love Pokemon so much you want to eat them? Well, now you can! Or close enough. I had lunch at the Pokemon Café in Shinsaibashi…	Haley Jackson	https://medium.com/@haley.m.jackson	8862a05cafe1	https://miro.medium.com/…C-5nJdyGrSQ.jpeg	7 min	2023-06-30T04:08:48.316000	2023-06-30T04:37:20.304000	2023-06-30T04:37:29.521000	0	1	en	Pokemon,Osaka,Cafe,Review,Food	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/630/1gjOoXh7o0DhC-5nJdyGrSQ.jpeg" width="630" height="917" loading="lazy" /> <p>Do you love Pokemon so much you want to eat them? Well, now you can! Or close enough. I had lunch at the Pokemon Café in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Was it worth it? How hard was it to get a reservation? What was the food like? Well, let me tell you my experience.</p> <p>This was my first trip to Japan and one of the major things I wanted to do was go to the Pokemon Café. I’d spent months staring at the souvenirs on the website, knew the menu back to front and got FoMO after watching so many Youtube videos of people going there that I was not going to miss it. So, I made sure I got a reservation but it was tough. If you are on holidays and have a limited amount of time, I would highly recommend booking but there is another way if you miss out.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1195/1LpozrBbICjJcvdMcehKCkw.jpeg" width="1195" height="783" loading="lazy" /> <p>Reservations open a month in advance at 6pm Japan time. Being in Australia there’s only an hour difference which made it easier to get in there right on time and confirm a booking but I had to be super quick. After you get past the booking page where you put in your details, you can pre-purchase some “Special Goods.” These include coasters and Pikachu key chains. You’ll get a confirmation email straight away with all the reservation details and a reminder email a couple days before your booking.</p> <p>Booking a reservation does take out that possibility that you might miss out but there is another way. If you can’t get a reservation you can go to the café and wait for no-shows. There is a board out the front that displays open spots at the café. You can wait in line and if people don’t turn up or call the café within 15 minutes after their scheduled reservation, they lose it which opens it up to the people waiting in line. So, even though the board may say they are all booked up, they might have some last-minute cancellations. But you could be waiting a while. We saw a couple waiting in line as we walked past, went and had a coffee and breakfast, walked past again and they were still waiting in line an hour later.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/858/1O0Ff0a1F03BHEweoau-_ew.jpeg" width="858" height="1458" loading="lazy" /> <p>My tips for booking would be:</p> <p>- Have the fastest internet connection possible with multiple people attempting a reservation, you can always cancel if more than one of you get through.</p> <p>- Be ready and waiting a few minutes before 6pm with your contact details ready to go.</p> <p>- Be flexible with the time, just quickly click one of the open spots and move onto the next page because the reservation isn’t confirmed until you type in your contact details. The bookings have a temporary hold for 15 minutes so if you don’t get it right away at 6pm, wait for 15 minutes to pass to see if the held bookings were not confirmed.</p> <p>- The Osaka café is easier to get a reservation than the Tokyo café but the Tokyo café has a higher capacity (140 compared to Osaka’s 96 seats) so, you might have a better chance if you don’t have a reservation at the Tokyo café.</p> <p>So, the day finally came, first day in Japan, battled the Osaka transport system and managed to find our way to the Pokémon Cafe. The café is on the ninth floor of the Daimaru Shinsaibashi department store and as you come up the escalator, you are greeted by the three legendary bird Pokémon, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, outside the Pokémon Center Osaka DX.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1061/1teRP2Mcyr1ur4QefmsYfXQ.jpeg" width="1061" height="630" loading="lazy" /> <p>The store is a wide-open layout and we got there roughly at 11:30am on a Thursday and it was surprisingly quiet. Our reservation wasn’t until 1:50pm so there was a lot of time to check it out, but you will get the Pokémon Center theme song stuck in your head, I guarantee. There are a lot of other cool stores next door at the Parco department store. The sixth floor is all pop culture with stores like Capcom, Godzilla, Lego, and Studio Ghibli. But hook a right from the escalators and there is the Pokémon Café.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1864/1T98jv3NLmVaZOnlbGzbVjg.jpeg" width="1864" height="1771" loading="lazy" /> <p>Once you are seated, you’re shown the menu on an iPad, and they can change it to English for you if you haven’t finished your Duolingo course yet.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/630/18n6llWQVVplcL4zx55Lpmg.jpeg" width="630" height="840" loading="lazy" /> <p>The room is decked out in what I would call Scandi meets modern Pokémon, heavily featuring the newest starters, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito, and of course the OG, Pikachu.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1tVMQEiYNp5OEbSuP_pZ1TA.jpeg" width="1024" height="551" loading="lazy" /> <p>We put our order in and I’d barely finished taking photos of the room and they were bringing our food out. There were three of us so we ordered the three mainstays, the Pikachu Plate, Eevee Plate and Snorlax Lunch Plate. We also got some drinks, a Fuecoco Apple Soda Float, Gengar’s Confuse Ray Smoothie, Oolong tea which came with a Pikachu take-home cup, and a latte with my favourite Pokémon, Growlithe, on top. For dessert, we ordered the Very Chocolate Parfait.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2684/1trSyBeM4PokBjVZ8s6KmJw.jpeg" width="2684" height="650" loading="lazy" /> <p>The Pikachu Plate comes with an adorable face smiling up at you that you kinda feel bad when you fork him through his omelette face and eat his rice brains. It has a crispy coated prawn, fried potatoes, which were delicious I could’ve eaten a bowl full of them, a light salad to say you ate healthy, a lightning bolt rissole and some mac and cheese made with Pokémon shapes.</p> <p>The Eevee plate came with a bread roll face of Eevee with a creamy sauce for its fur and crispy crackers for its ears. Those amazing potatoes were on it again but the rest of the plate was a bit of a let down. The soup was a creamy chowder but it was pretty bland. The salad had tuna with corn which was fine, but I would’ve expected a bit more sweetness from the corn. And the little quiche was more pastry than filling. The Pikachu Plate had more of a variety and the main part of the Eevee Plate was just a bread roll, so it could’ve done with something else, maybe the meat rissole could’ve been used for Eevee’s face. I’m no chef so maybe it wouldn’t work but it definitely needed more.</p> <p>Snorlax’s Lunch Plate had a sleeping Snorlax with a belly full of fried rice and carrot shaped Z’s on the salad. It also had a moist chicken fillet with a sauce that was a bit teriyaki, and a bit barbeque, whatever it was, it was full of flavour and delicious poured over the chicken. The size was quite generous and out of the three mains we ordered, I would definitely recommend getting it.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1549/1BpnmKjDph5sPwaAGdbT85w.jpeg" width="1549" height="816" loading="lazy" /> <p>With each drink you order, the server will come around with an iPad and you play a mini-game where you win a coaster. It’s a nice little souvenir that won’t take up much luggage space on the flight home. I chose the special Fuecoco Apple Soda Float, we’d call it a spider in Australia. I loved the diced apple that came in it, but they were hard to get to because there were huge chunks of ice. Gengar’s Confuse Ray Smoothie was grape flavoured with little bits of grape and was pretty good too. Just don’t drink it too fast and try to eat the ice cube that makes it light up. Some of us got hit by the confuse ray and thought it was real ice. I love that you can get just about any Pokémon you want as latte art on your coffee and my Growlithe came out really well. There was a lot of foam but it was one of the better coffees I had whilst in Japan. I couldn’t resist the Pikachu cup so I had to get it, along with a nice Oolong tea, and it’s a pretty sturdy cup that did survive the trip home.</p> <p>To finish up we got the Pokemon Café’s Very Chocolate Parfait. This was the highlight of the meal. Full of berries, ice cream and chocolatey goodness. My favourite part was the chocolatey rice puffs at the bottom mixed with a bit of the melted ice cream.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/551/1fmYaEAxFwq5IT6VUUqXmJg.jpeg" width="551" height="987" loading="lazy" /> <p>Orders close with 30 minutes left of your sitting but after eating all that I could not fit anything else in but before we left we had a visit from the yellow fluffball himself, Pikachu. Pikachu comes out and does a little dance which is probably more for the kids but I found watching him try to clap with his tiny arms hilarious.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/630/1*UBoAT3bbfeKSdhwMye6tYw.jpeg" width="630" height="890" loading="lazy" /> <p>The Osaka café is only small, so only one person per table can line up to pay. I really wanted to get the Snorlax plate used for the meal but they were all sold out. There were a few other items sold out too but I managed to get a Patissiere Pikachu key chain to take home.</p> <p>So, was the Pokemon Café worth it? Absolutely. It’s more than just a café, it’s an experience. Whilst not all the food was great, I would go back for the Snorlax Plate and the Very Chocolate Parfait again. The menu does change and there are specials released for different occasions so there is something you can go back to try if you didn’t like what you ordered the first time. It’s a fun, light-hearted atmosphere and something no Pokémon fan would forget, I certainly won’t!</p> </section>	Lunch at the Pokemon Cafe! Pokemon Cafe Logo Do you love Pokemon so much you want to eat them? Well, now you can! Or close enough. I had lunch at the Pokemon Café in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Was it worth it? How hard was it to get a reservation? What was the food like? Well, let me tell you my experience. This was my first trip to Japan and one of the major things I wanted to do was go to the Pokemon Café. I’d spent months staring at the souvenirs on the website, knew the menu back to front and got FoMO after watching so many Youtube videos of people going there that I was not going to miss it. So, I made sure I got a reservation but it was tough. If you are on holidays and have a limited amount of time, I would highly recommend booking but there is another way if you miss out. Pokemon Cafe Reservation Page Reservations open a month in advance at 6pm Japan time. Being in Australia there’s only an hour difference which made it easier to get in there right on time and confirm a booking but I had to be super quick. After you get past the booking page where you put in your details, you can pre-purchase some “Special Goods.” These include coasters and Pikachu key chains. You’ll get a confirmation email straight away with all the reservation details and a reminder email a couple days before your booking. Booking a reservation does take out that possibility that you might miss out but there is another way. If you can’t get a reservation you can go to the café and wait for no-shows. There is a board out the front that displays open spots at the café. You can wait in line and if people don’t turn up or call the café within 15 minutes after their scheduled reservation, they lose it which opens it up to the people waiting in line. So, even though the board may say they are all booked up, they might have some last-minute cancellations. But you could be waiting a while. We saw a couple waiting in line as we walked past, went and had a coffee and breakfast, walked past again and they were still waiting in line an hour later. Reservation Board outside Pokemon Cafe Osaka My tips for booking would be: - Have the fastest internet connection possible with multiple people attempting a reservation, you can always cancel if more than one of you get through. - Be ready and waiting a few minutes before 6pm with your contact details ready to go. - Be flexible with the time, just quickly click one of the open spots and move onto the next page because the reservation isn’t confirmed until you type in your contact details. The bookings have a temporary hold for 15 minutes so if you don’t get it right away at 6pm, wait for 15 minutes to pass to see if the held bookings were not confirmed. - The Osaka café is easier to get a reservation than the Tokyo café but the Tokyo café has a higher capacity (140 compared to Osaka’s 96 seats) so, you might have a better chance if you don’t have a reservation at the Tokyo café. So, the day finally came, first day in Japan, battled the Osaka transport system and managed to find our way to the Pokémon Cafe. The café is on the ninth floor of the Daimaru Shinsaibashi department store and as you come up the escalator, you are greeted by the three legendary bird Pokémon, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, outside the Pokémon Center Osaka DX. Pokemon Center Osaka DX The store is a wide-open layout and we got there roughly at 11:30am on a Thursday and it was surprisingly quiet. Our reservation wasn’t until 1:50pm so there was a lot of time to check it out, but you will get the Pokémon Center theme song stuck in your head, I guarantee. There are a lot of other cool stores next door at the Parco department store. The sixth floor is all pop culture with stores like Capcom, Godzilla, Lego, and Studio Ghibli. But hook a right from the escalators and there is the Pokémon Café. Pokemon Cafe Osaka Entrance Once you are seated, you’re shown the menu on an iPad, and they can change it to English for you if you haven’t finished your Duolingo course yet. Pokemon Cafe Osaka The room is decked out in what I would call Scandi meets modern Pokémon, heavily featuring the newest starters, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito, and of course the OG, Pikachu. Pokemon Cafe Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly We put our order in and I’d barely finished taking photos of the room and they were bringing our food out. There were three of us so we ordered the three mainstays, the Pikachu Plate, Eevee Plate and Snorlax Lunch Plate. We also got some drinks, a Fuecoco Apple Soda Float, Gengar’s Confuse Ray Smoothie, Oolong tea which came with a Pikachu take-home cup, and a latte with my favourite Pokémon, Growlithe, on top. For dessert, we ordered the Very Chocolate Parfait. Pikachu Plate, Eevee Plate, and Snorlax Lunch Plate The Pikachu Plate comes with an adorable face smiling up at you that you kinda feel bad when you fork him through his omelette face and eat his rice brains. It has a crispy coated prawn, fried potatoes, which were delicious I could’ve eaten a bowl full of them, a light salad to say you ate healthy, a lightning bolt rissole and some mac and cheese made with Pokémon shapes. The Eevee plate came with a bread roll face of Eevee with a creamy sauce for its fur and crispy crackers for its ears. Those amazing potatoes were on it again but the rest of the plate was a bit of a let down. The soup was a creamy chowder but it was pretty bland. The salad had tuna with corn which was fine, but I would’ve expected a bit more sweetness from the corn. And the little quiche was more pastry than filling. The Pikachu Plate had more of a variety and the main part of the Eevee Plate was just a bread roll, so it could’ve done with something else, maybe the meat rissole could’ve been used for Eevee’s face. I’m no chef so maybe it wouldn’t work but it definitely needed more. Snorlax’s Lunch Plate had a sleeping Snorlax with a belly full of fried rice and carrot shaped Z’s on the salad. It also had a moist chicken fillet with a sauce that was a bit teriyaki, and a bit barbeque, whatever it was, it was full of flavour and delicious poured over the chicken. The size was quite generous and out of the three mains we ordered, I would definitely recommend getting it. Growlithe Latte, Fuecoco Apple Soda Float, and Gengar Confuse Ray Smoothie With each drink you order, the server will come around with an iPad and you play a mini-game where you win a coaster. It’s a nice little souvenir that won’t take up much luggage space on the flight home. I chose the special Fuecoco Apple Soda Float, we’d call it a spider in Australia. I loved the diced apple that came in it, but they were hard to get to because there were huge chunks of ice. Gengar’s Confuse Ray Smoothie was grape flavoured with little bits of grape and was pretty good too. Just don’t drink it too fast and try to eat the ice cube that makes it light up. Some of us got hit by the confuse ray and thought it was real ice. I love that you can get just about any Pokémon you want as latte art on your coffee and my Growlithe came out really well. There was a lot of foam but it was one of the better coffees I had whilst in Japan. I couldn’t resist the Pikachu cup so I had to get it, along with a nice Oolong tea, and it’s a pretty sturdy cup that did survive the trip home. To finish up we got the Pokemon Café’s Very Chocolate Parfait. This was the highlight of the meal. Full of berries, ice cream and chocolatey goodness. My favourite part was the chocolatey rice puffs at the bottom mixed with a bit of the melted ice cream. Pokemon Cafe’s Very Chocolate Parfait Orders close with 30 minutes left of your sitting but after eating all that I could not fit anything else in but before we left we had a visit from the yellow fluffball himself, Pikachu. Pikachu comes out and does a little dance which is probably more for the kids but I found watching him try to clap with his tiny arms hilarious. Pikachu! The Osaka café is only small, so only one person per table can line up to pay. I really wanted to get the Snorlax plate used for the meal but they were all sold out. There were a few other items sold out too but I managed to get a Patissiere Pikachu key chain to take home. So, was the Pokemon Café worth it? Absolutely. It’s more than just a café, it’s an experience. Whilst not all the food was great, I would go back for the Snorlax Plate and the Very Chocolate Parfait again. The menu does change and there are specials released for different occasions so there is something you can go back to try if you didn’t like what you ordered the first time. It’s a fun, light-hearted atmosphere and something no Pokémon fan would forget, I certainly won’t!	c4886e26-162a-5ecc-aed4-16dd5bdf2e66	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/paper-posts/fantastic-poster-by-tom-j-newell-2ecce5c6c2ac	medium.com	Fantastic poster by Tom J Newell	null	murraygm	https://medium.com/@grigomcmahon	2ecce5c6c2ac	https://miro.medium.com/…zDZBRf9i6Cy7.JPG	1 min	2017-05-24T20:11:22.017000	2013-03-03T17:33:04	2017-05-24T20:14:37.629000	0	0	en	Poster,Print,Illustration	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0OXOSzDZBRf9i6Cy7.JPG" width="1000" height="750" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/03HWkCigPQ04MTOWf.JPG" width="1000" height="750" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0oysmzxt63rxifVpb.jpg" width="1000" height="1452" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0vwCwrNizpbsE19cJ.jpg" width="1000" height="1345" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0zQfrTaNo8FNWE7u7.JPG" width="1000" height="750" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0YWFdJy8RoznZ1X5S.JPG" width="1000" height="750" loading="lazy" /> <p>Love this guys illustration style, beautiful ink. The poster was put out by Skull & Heart, check out more here: <a href="http://tomjnewell.com">tomjnewell.com</a> or on instagram @tomjnewell. <a href="http://skullandheartprints.com">skullandheartprints.com</a></p> </section>	Fantastic poster by Tom J Newell Love this guys illustration style, beautiful ink. The poster was put out by Skull & Heart, check out more here: tomjnewell.com or on instagram @tomjnewell. skullandheartprints.com	ae18accd-6678-5a3e-b32b-8fb044c354bc	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/@Sourlemons/daebak-korean-fried-chicken-a54ad38133f1	medium.com	Daebak – Korean Fried Chicken	Kennington lane	Sour Lemons	https://medium.com/@Sourlemons	a54ad38133f1	https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]	2 min	2017-10-15T11:14:08.445000	2017-10-15T12:42:58.454000	2018-01-17T10:28:28.470000	0	1	en	London,Food,Korean,Kfc	<section> <h3>Kennington lane</h3> <p>Daebak is a newly opened Korean restaurant which has been in business two weeks now. It’s located close to Vauxhall pleasure gardens and so is easy to get to from Vauxhall or Oval tube stations. As this is in my local area it was only right I checked it out at my first opportunity.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/1[email protected]" width="1600" height="1112" loading="lazy" /> <p>It wasn’t busy when we arrived for it being Friday night with only a few tables occupied but I presume word isn’t out about this place yet. It’s nothing fancy from street view, the interior is simple but clean and inviting as were the waiting staff.</p> <p>The menu has a mixed selection of drinks from Korean and Japanese beers, soju, soft drinks, teas and a limited selection of wine.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3024/1[email protected]" width="3024" height="4032" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1[email protected]" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" /> <p>The food menu offers a good choice of starters including tempura prawns, jap chae and kimchi pancakes. On this occasion we skipped the starters and headed straight for the mains. The choice is vast with rice dishes, noodles, soups and stews, KFC (Korean fried chicken) and set menus to choose from but I will confess we were there mainly for the KFC. We ordered the Yang Nyeum chicken, Soy Garlic chicken and chicken udon. The fried chicken comes in three portion sizes, the small which had five good sized pieces of chicken on-the-bone together with the noodles was a good amount of food to feed two.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1[email protected]" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/1*[email protected]" width="1600" height="1200" loading="lazy" /> <p>The fried chicken was done really well, crispy on the outside and succulent and juicy on the inside with good flavours of sweet chilli and garlic coming through. If you haven’t had Korean fried chicken before let me tell you how it compares to The colonels KFC. Firstly the Korean version is usually made from chicken thighs making it more succulent. The batter coating is more tempura like and crispy rather than floury and doesn’t contain as much salt. And lastly in my opinion isn’t as greasy.</p> <p>The udon noodles came out steaming hot, deliciously flavoured and again the chicken was cooked well and the vegetables still had a lovely crunch.</p> <p>If you fancy good Korean food I would definitely recommend a visit to Daebak. The food was great I couldn’t really fault it and is good value for money. When we visited it was cash only, they may since have sorted out card payment facilities but something to keep in mind if you plan to visiting. I most certainly will be back for the kfc and to try out for of their menu.</p> <p><strong>Rating: </strong>8/10</p> </section>	Daebak – Korean Fried Chicken Kennington lane Daebak is a newly opened Korean restaurant which has been in business two weeks now. It’s located close to Vauxhall pleasure gardens and so is easy to get to from Vauxhall or Oval tube stations. As this is in my local area it was only right I checked it out at my first opportunity. It wasn’t busy when we arrived for it being Friday night with only a few tables occupied but I presume word isn’t out about this place yet. It’s nothing fancy from street view, the interior is simple but clean and inviting as were the waiting staff. The menu has a mixed selection of drinks from Korean and Japanese beers, soju, soft drinks, teas and a limited selection of wine. The food menu offers a good choice of starters including tempura prawns, jap chae and kimchi pancakes. On this occasion we skipped the starters and headed straight for the mains. The choice is vast with rice dishes, noodles, soups and stews, KFC (Korean fried chicken) and set menus to choose from but I will confess we were there mainly for the KFC. We ordered the Yang Nyeum chicken, Soy Garlic chicken and chicken udon. The fried chicken comes in three portion sizes, the small which had five good sized pieces of chicken on-the-bone together with the noodles was a good amount of food to feed two. The fried chicken was done really well, crispy on the outside and succulent and juicy on the inside with good flavours of sweet chilli and garlic coming through. If you haven’t had Korean fried chicken before let me tell you how it compares to The colonels KFC. Firstly the Korean version is usually made from chicken thighs making it more succulent. The batter coating is more tempura like and crispy rather than floury and doesn’t contain as much salt. And lastly in my opinion isn’t as greasy. The udon noodles came out steaming hot, deliciously flavoured and again the chicken was cooked well and the vegetables still had a lovely crunch. If you fancy good Korean food I would definitely recommend a visit to Daebak. The food was great I couldn’t really fault it and is good value for money. When we visited it was cash only, they may since have sorted out card payment facilities but something to keep in mind if you plan to visiting. I most certainly will be back for the kfc and to try out for of their menu. Rating: 8/10	1d28f054-18d6-5137-b611-f11cbed82ea2	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/team10/ashley-nicoles-story-owner-aussie-mom-pet-sitting-5787facf9426	medium.com	Ashley Nicole’s Story — Owner @Aussie Mom Pet Sitting	I had two Associates Degrees from Keiser University, one in Graphic Design the other in Information Technology. I was working 40+ hours a…	Eliya B. David	https://medium.com/@Eliyabdavid	5787facf9426	https://miro.medium.com/…d6RHYs5KZVA.jpeg	3 min	2016-06-19T13:27:22.151000	2016-06-19T13:28:58.352000	2018-04-15T08:38:17.004000	0	0	en	Pets,Dogs	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/960/1*IOwFLRVy-Rcd6RHYs5KZVA.jpeg" width="960" height="948" loading="lazy" /> <p>I had two Associates Degrees from Keiser University, one in Graphic Design the other in Information Technology. I was working 40+ hours a week behind a desk and the only thing i had time for was soccer when I wasn’t working. A couple of friends that I played soccer with asked me occasionally to watch their pups when they were out of town and i would send pictures and stuff to them when i was sitting for them.</p> <p>A few of them suggested that I was an awesome sitter and that i should do it full time because they could tell I had as much fun as the pups did when i was watching them. I kept the idea in the back of my mind but was making pretty good money at the day job i was working at the time. I started doing pet sitting “part time” and made a Facebook page and would tell people that i did it part time for extra money. Now fast forward a few years and I am still at the same desk job and starting to think about how much I didn’t want to grow old sitting behind a desk, at the same time I was really exhausted from working days at the day job and pet sitting most evenings and weekends. I had the opportunity to move back to Lakeland and with my grandma only getting older I figured I could use a change of scenery and decided to go for it.</p> <p>I moved to Bartow (just outside of Lakeland which is my hometown where I was born and raised) and immediately I had friends saying “hey now that you are back in lakeland would you be willing to watch my pups while i go out of town?”. I was looking for a job in the design industry, and putting in tons of applications, and nothing was biting, I found a job but they didn’t want to pay me what I was looking for, so while working there I started pet sitting part time again.</p> <p>I came home and told my fiance one day, man I wish I could just pet sit full time because I love animals and I would go to work everyday looking forward to the days adventures, not dreading it. Then when I come home tired I am a happy tired! With my fiances support we applied for a business license and decided to go all in. I started the Facebook page for Aussie Mom Pet Sitting, had some of my old clients from Sarasota write a few reviews to get me started, and also signed up for several pet sitting sites and apps like <a href="http://care.com/">care.com</a>, thumbtack, etc.</p> <p>The business took off before I realized what was happening and my fiance and I couldn’t believe it. I was doing the job of my dreams and my clients always loved the care i was giving so much that I started getting more word of mouth advertising than anything. I was getting hits from all of the apps and sites I had signed up for and quickly realized that there are features about each one that I liked, I wish there was one that had everything i needed so I could do everything in one place. I looked and researched and did some playing around in every app I could find. That’s when I decided that FiveTreats was the app for me.</p> <p>With the calendar that syncs in and the clients being able to build their own profile and message me in the app as well as the user friendly booking of appointments and care etc. It is the best app I have found and is helping me organize the chaos of running a business and trying to make appointments while also doing all the work.</p> <p>I truly love this app and without my fiance’s support and help with the everyday appointments and social media updating etc and FiveTreats helping me with booking everything and staying organized I am sure I would lose my mind! Thank you to everyone at FiveTreats for everything you do to help pet sitters like myself in our everyday business lives!</p> <h1>Download the #1 business management app for service businesses. It’s FREE → Click here to download -> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/team10-schedule-clients-get/id1150871932?mt=8">App Store</a> // <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=teamten.payments.scheduling.biz.app&hl=en">Google Play</a></h1> </section>	Ashley Nicole’s Story — Owner @Aussie Mom Pet Sitting I had two Associates Degrees from Keiser University, one in Graphic Design the other in Information Technology. I was working 40+ hours a week behind a desk and the only thing i had time for was soccer when I wasn’t working. A couple of friends that I played soccer with asked me occasionally to watch their pups when they were out of town and i would send pictures and stuff to them when i was sitting for them. A few of them suggested that I was an awesome sitter and that i should do it full time because they could tell I had as much fun as the pups did when i was watching them. I kept the idea in the back of my mind but was making pretty good money at the day job i was working at the time. I started doing pet sitting “part time” and made a Facebook page and would tell people that i did it part time for extra money. Now fast forward a few years and I am still at the same desk job and starting to think about how much I didn’t want to grow old sitting behind a desk, at the same time I was really exhausted from working days at the day job and pet sitting most evenings and weekends. I had the opportunity to move back to Lakeland and with my grandma only getting older I figured I could use a change of scenery and decided to go for it. I moved to Bartow (just outside of Lakeland which is my hometown where I was born and raised) and immediately I had friends saying “hey now that you are back in lakeland would you be willing to watch my pups while i go out of town?”. I was looking for a job in the design industry, and putting in tons of applications, and nothing was biting, I found a job but they didn’t want to pay me what I was looking for, so while working there I started pet sitting part time again. I came home and told my fiance one day, man I wish I could just pet sit full time because I love animals and I would go to work everyday looking forward to the days adventures, not dreading it. Then when I come home tired I am a happy tired! With my fiances support we applied for a business license and decided to go all in. I started the Facebook page for Aussie Mom Pet Sitting, had some of my old clients from Sarasota write a few reviews to get me started, and also signed up for several pet sitting sites and apps like care.com, thumbtack, etc. The business took off before I realized what was happening and my fiance and I couldn’t believe it. I was doing the job of my dreams and my clients always loved the care i was giving so much that I started getting more word of mouth advertising than anything. I was getting hits from all of the apps and sites I had signed up for and quickly realized that there are features about each one that I liked, I wish there was one that had everything i needed so I could do everything in one place. I looked and researched and did some playing around in every app I could find. That’s when I decided that FiveTreats was the app for me. With the calendar that syncs in and the clients being able to build their own profile and message me in the app as well as the user friendly booking of appointments and care etc. It is the best app I have found and is helping me organize the chaos of running a business and trying to make appointments while also doing all the work. I truly love this app and without my fiance’s support and help with the everyday appointments and social media updating etc and FiveTreats helping me with booking everything and staying organized I am sure I would lose my mind! Thank you to everyone at FiveTreats for everything you do to help pet sitters like myself in our everyday business lives! Download the #1 business management app for service businesses. It’s FREE → Click here to download -> App Store // Google Play	c148e9c6-f581-57bd-a924-19ef47fb3177	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/@marinqamar/fish-from-the-sea-tamarind-from-land-1b6f779141a6	medium.com	Fish From the Sea, Tamarind From Land	I remembered what the elders had told me,	8:11 AM	https://medium.com/@marinqamar	1b6f779141a6	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*JDcLv5WqLwvIp7r3	2 min	2020-07-30T02:08:32.717000	2020-08-17T13:34:42.352000	2021-12-15T15:43:58.141000	0	29	en	Life,Poetry,Malaysia,Metaphor,Food	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4140/0*JDcLv5WqLwvIp7r3" width="4140" height="2957" loading="lazy" /> <p>I remembered what the elders had told me,</p> <p>“Ikan di laut, asam di darat,</p> <p>bertemu dalam periuk.”</p> <p>Fish is from the sea, while tamarind is from land,</p> <p>but they meet in the pot.</p> <p>No matter how far apart two people are,</p> <p>if they were meant to meet, they will meet.</p> <p>If you were tamarind,</p> <p>I am but a helpless fish,</p> <p>flailing on land.</p> <p>I fought my way out of water,</p> <p>in hopes to meet you.</p> <p>But you were far away, up on the tree,</p> <p>without being aware of my existence.</p> <p>As if we were</p> <p>from two different worlds.</p> <p>I’m tired.</p> <p>I’m short of breath.</p> <p>If I continue to stay on land, I will surely die.</p> <p>I don’t have the lungs to breathe.</p> <p>I can’t even return to the Sea.</p> <p>I don’t have the legs to walk.</p> <p>Maybe we were never meant to be.</p> <p>In a moment when I forgot to pay attention,</p> <p>you fell onto the ground.</p> <p>In a language I don’t understand,</p> <p>you already tried to talk to me.</p> <p>If you continue to stay on the ground, you will get eaten by the animals.</p> <p>You don’t have the thorns to protect yourself.</p> <p>You can’t even return to your tree.</p> <p>You don’t have the hands to climb.</p> <p>When I realised that</p> <p>you, too, cannot return to your home,</p> <p>I knew that our two worlds</p> <p>were one and the same.</p> <p>Now I know that I misunderstood</p> <p>what the elders had told me.</p> <p>“Ikan di laut, asam di darat,</p> <p>bertemu dalam periuk,</p> <p>bikin muafakat.”</p> <p>Fish is from the sea, while tamarind is from land,</p> <p>but they <em>unite</em> in the pot.</p> <p><em>In harmony.</em></p> <p>No matter how different your origins are,</p> <p>you will surely understand one another</p> <p>when you share the same sentiments.</p> <p>Even if our languages are different,</p> <p>even if our homes are different,</p> <p>even if our thoughts are different,</p> <p>even if our colours are different,</p> <p>even if our cultures are different.</p> <p>Even if everything else is different,</p> <p>as long as we share the same feelings,</p> <p>our hearts will reach each other.</p> <p>We only need to try.</p> </section>	Fish From the Sea, Tamarind From Land Photo by Max Gotts on Unsplash I remembered what the elders had told me, “Ikan di laut, asam di darat, bertemu dalam periuk.” Fish is from the sea, while tamarind is from land, but they meet in the pot. No matter how far apart two people are, if they were meant to meet, they will meet. If you were tamarind, I am but a helpless fish, flailing on land. I fought my way out of water, in hopes to meet you. But you were far away, up on the tree, without being aware of my existence. As if we were from two different worlds. I’m tired. I’m short of breath. If I continue to stay on land, I will surely die. I don’t have the lungs to breathe. I can’t even return to the Sea. I don’t have the legs to walk. Maybe we were never meant to be. In a moment when I forgot to pay attention, you fell onto the ground. In a language I don’t understand, you already tried to talk to me. If you continue to stay on the ground, you will get eaten by the animals. You don’t have the thorns to protect yourself. You can’t even return to your tree. You don’t have the hands to climb. When I realised that you, too, cannot return to your home, I knew that our two worlds were one and the same. Now I know that I misunderstood what the elders had told me. “Ikan di laut, asam di darat, bertemu dalam periuk, bikin muafakat.” Fish is from the sea, while tamarind is from land, but they unite in the pot. In harmony. No matter how different your origins are, you will surely understand one another when you share the same sentiments. Even if our languages are different, even if our homes are different, even if our thoughts are different, even if our colours are different, even if our cultures are different. Even if everything else is different, as long as we share the same feelings, our hearts will reach each other. We only need to try.	7796b802-f5b4-5a41-871a-8e0490e06ce5	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://medium.com/@hanneke_31287/twin-flame-full-moon-energy-update-649aebf1221b	medium.com	Twin Flame Full Moon Energy Update	Full Moon in Gemini	Twin Soul Alchemy	https://medium.com/@hanneke_31287	649aebf1221b	https://miro.medium.com/…bz__EijgJWQ.jpeg	6 min	2023-11-28T11:00:23.884000	2023-11-28T11:22:08.283000	2023-11-29T05:29:55.752000	0	18	en	Twin Flame,Full Moon,Gemini,Spiritual Growth,Astrology	<section> <h1>Full Moon in Gemini</h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*duia1vgr7lqbz__EijgJWQ.jpeg" width="1280" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p>As we navigate through the journey of spiritual awakening, particularly within the twin flame connection, the energy of the full moon often plays a pivotal role. The recent full moon in Gemini, occurring on November 27, brought with it a unique energy that deeply influences those on this journey. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of this celestial event and how it intertwines with the twin flame experience and our personal growth.</p> <h3>The Significance of Gemini’s Dual Nature</h3> <p>The primary insight I gained from the full moon energies revolves around the importance of being aware of where our energy is focused. Gemini, symbolized by the twins, embodies a dual nature. This sign is characterized by its versatility and adaptability, offering a multifaceted view of life. However, this duality can also lead to indecisiveness and a tendency to see things from multiple perspectives. Governed by Mercury, the planet of communication, Gemini fosters intellectual curiosity and a passion for idea exchange. During this time, you might find yourself drawn to engaging in conversations, learning, exploring new ideas, and adapting to changing circumstances.</p> <h3>Gemini’s Intellectual Curiosity and Quick Thinking</h3> <p>Gemini’s quick thinking is another defining trait. The challenge here lies in not losing oneself to external influences. It’s a time to introspectively ask, “Where is my mind taking me?” and “Is this direction beneficial for me at the moment?” Particularly under the influence of the full moon, our emotions can intensify. When our energies are scattered, we become more susceptible to negative influences, making it vital to maintain focus and clarity.</p> <h3>Astrological Challenges of the Full Moon in Gemini</h3> <p>The recent Full Moon in Gemini presented a complex astrological scenario. It formed a T-square with Mars in Sagittarius and Saturn in Pisces, adding layers of challenges. The opposition between the Moon and Mars could lead to confrontations, disagreements, and emotional conflicts. These aspects emphasize the importance of emotional control and establishing clear personal boundaries. Furthermore, the conjunction of Mercury in Sagittarius with Neptune in retrograde in Pisces introduces additional complexity, hinting at potential confusion and indecision. These planetary positions suggest that themes of emotional regulation and boundary-setting will continue to be significant in the coming months, necessitating deeper understanding and compassion in both personal and broader life contexts.</p> <h3>Assessing Your Energy Levels</h3> <p>In our journey towards self-awareness and balance, it’s crucial to periodically assess where our energy stands. Ask yourself: Is your energy scattered? Do you often feel drained after interacting with people, or even during everyday activities like shopping or navigating traffic? Understanding these aspects of your energy can be pivotal in maintaining a balanced life.</p> <h3>The Impact of External Vibrations</h3> <p>Many of us are sensitive to the vibrations around us, which can significantly affect our personal energy balance. If you find yourself easily influenced by the energy of others, it’s time to practice reclaiming and centering your energy. This involves envisioning gathering all your dispersed energy and forming a protective, empowering sphere within you. By centering your energy, you prevent it from being scattered and drained by external factors, maintaining a higher vibration and resilience.</p> <h3>Focusing and Centering Your Energy</h3> <p>When your energy is focused and centered within your own field, a remarkable transformation occurs. You begin to magnetically attract positive experiences and opportunities that align with your true desires. This process is about taking your power back in an energetic sense, ensuring that your energy serves you and your goals.</p> <h3>The Full Moon in Gemini: An Opportunity for Mindful Awareness</h3> <p>The recent full moon in Gemini presents a unique opportunity to become more aware of the role of our minds in managing energy. Reflect on how your thoughts and mental focus are influencing your energy levels. Are you allowing your mind to wander aimlessly, or is it a helpful tool in directing your focus towards what you truly wish to create?</p> <h3>Embracing the Sagittarian Influence</h3> <p>Sagittarius, a sign ruled by Jupiter — the planet of expansion and higher learning — offers valuable insights. This sign embodies optimism, positivity, a love for adventure, and a quest for freedom. Although Sagittarius is known for its enthusiasm, the challenge lies in not becoming impatient or impulsive. By channeling Sagittarius’s energy, we can intentionally focus on our long-term goals and aspirations, using our energy to propel us forward.</p> <h3>The Energetic Aspect of Connections</h3> <p>Our connections with others are not just about communication; they’re deeply rooted in the energetic exchange. It’s a common misconception that communication can resolve all issues in relationships. However, the energy we bring into our interactions is equally, if not more, important. By being mindful of the energy we contribute and receive in our connections, we can foster more meaningful and harmonious relationships.</p> <h3>The Importance of Allowing Individual Perspectives</h3> <p>In our connections and relationships, one of the current challenges or invitations we face is to honor the uniqueness of each individual’s perspectives and opinions. This means engaging in conversations without judgment, not attempting to change what others are expressing, but rather allowing it. Embrace being present in your own energy and enjoying each other’s company. Being playful, staying true to your own visions, and savoring the moment are key elements in this process.</p> <h3>Transitioning from Scorpio Season to a Time of Uncertainty</h3> <p>The transition from the intense Scorpio season, a time characterized by the need to release old stories, narratives, and ways of thinking, can feel like emerging from a dark tunnel into uncertainty. During this period, you might experience a sense of confusion about what actions to take next. The best approach in such times of uncertainty is to simply be in the moment. Accept that not everything is aligned, recognize the differences, and refrain from trying to resolve them immediately. This is a time to embrace these polarities as opportunities for growth and perspective, without feeling pressured to make immediate decisions.</p> <h3>Following Your Heart as Your Compass</h3> <p>In these moments, it’s essential to follow your heart, letting it be your guide. When your heart resonates with a path, find the courage to pursue it, even if your mind presents doubts or scenarios of impossibility. This often means stepping into trust, accepting that there may not be immediate confirmation from the external world. To aid in this process, consider writing down or recording your dreams, aspirations, and internal dialogues. Talk to yourself as if you are already on the path to achieving your dreams. This practice helps to focus your energy on yourself and serves as a powerful reminder of your goals and identity.</p> <h3>Acceptance in Relationships and the Power of Personal Energy</h3> <p>In relationships, understanding that differences in perspective do not equate to separation is vital. Often, we mistakenly believe that if someone thinks differently, it implies a divide. However, we are all part of a greater whole, connected deeply on a soul level. Remember, we cannot control the thoughts of others, but we can manage how we utilize our own energy. Consider how you are relating to your connections. Are you giving away too much energy, or is the connection draining you? Acknowledge the subtle ways in which you might be losing balance and take steps to reclaim your energy.</p> <h3>Navigating Twin Flame and Soul Connections</h3> <p>Twin flame and soul connections are often subtle and not solely defined through communication or physical contact. If a connection feels draining or unbalanced, it likely has an energetic component that needs addressing. Choose to take back your energy, not out of spite or anger, but as a form of self-love and care. This approach allows you to focus on yourself, attract positive experiences, and maintain a healthy dynamic within the connection. If you sense that the connection is pulling your energy in a negative way, trust your instincts and set boundaries to protect your wellbeing.</p> <p>In summary, this period is about considering the best use of your personal energy, focusing on self-love, and nurturing your connections in a balanced and healthy manner. Remember, the power lies within you to attract the experiences and connections that align with your highest good.</p> <h2>Join Our Community</h2> <p><em>For those who resonate with this journey and seek deeper insights and guidance on the path of Twin Flames and spiritual awakening, I invite you to join our <a href="https://www.patreon.com/TwinSoulAlchemy">Patreon community</a> for more in depth </em>information and support along the twin flame journey. Together, we can explore the mysteries of Twin Flames and divine union, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with our true selves and each other.</p> <p>🌺Get your free I<a href="https://twinsoulalchemy.com/about/inner-work-resource-guide/">nner Healing Work Twin Flames resource guide </a>if you’d like to take your own journey to the next level.</p> <p>🌺 Join our P<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TwinSoulAlchemy">atreon community </a>for more in depth information and support along the twin flame journey</p> <p>🌺Join us on this journey, join the T<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/913419089719106">win Soul Alchemy Tribe.</a> Share your experiences, learn from others, and let’s support each other towards achieving that divine union.</p> <p>🌺 If you need personalized guidance, I’m here to help. B<a href="http://www.twinsoulalchemy.com/">ook a private session </a>to delve deeper.</p> <p>🌺 S<a href="https://twinsoulalchemy.com/newsletter">tay in the loop </a>on my upcoming dream interpreter & other news.</p> <p>Sending you love and light on your path.</p> <p>Until we meet again,</p> <p>Hanneke</p> </section>	Twin Flame Full Moon Energy Update Full Moon in Gemini As we navigate through the journey of spiritual awakening, particularly within the twin flame connection, the energy of the full moon often plays a pivotal role. The recent full moon in Gemini, occurring on November 27, brought with it a unique energy that deeply influences those on this journey. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of this celestial event and how it intertwines with the twin flame experience and our personal growth. The Significance of Gemini’s Dual Nature The primary insight I gained from the full moon energies revolves around the importance of being aware of where our energy is focused. Gemini, symbolized by the twins, embodies a dual nature. This sign is characterized by its versatility and adaptability, offering a multifaceted view of life. However, this duality can also lead to indecisiveness and a tendency to see things from multiple perspectives. Governed by Mercury, the planet of communication, Gemini fosters intellectual curiosity and a passion for idea exchange. During this time, you might find yourself drawn to engaging in conversations, learning, exploring new ideas, and adapting to changing circumstances. Gemini’s Intellectual Curiosity and Quick Thinking Gemini’s quick thinking is another defining trait. The challenge here lies in not losing oneself to external influences. It’s a time to introspectively ask, “Where is my mind taking me?” and “Is this direction beneficial for me at the moment?” Particularly under the influence of the full moon, our emotions can intensify. When our energies are scattered, we become more susceptible to negative influences, making it vital to maintain focus and clarity. Astrological Challenges of the Full Moon in Gemini The recent Full Moon in Gemini presented a complex astrological scenario. It formed a T-square with Mars in Sagittarius and Saturn in Pisces, adding layers of challenges. The opposition between the Moon and Mars could lead to confrontations, disagreements, and emotional conflicts. These aspects emphasize the importance of emotional control and establishing clear personal boundaries. Furthermore, the conjunction of Mercury in Sagittarius with Neptune in retrograde in Pisces introduces additional complexity, hinting at potential confusion and indecision. These planetary positions suggest that themes of emotional regulation and boundary-setting will continue to be significant in the coming months, necessitating deeper understanding and compassion in both personal and broader life contexts. Assessing Your Energy Levels In our journey towards self-awareness and balance, it’s crucial to periodically assess where our energy stands. Ask yourself: Is your energy scattered? Do you often feel drained after interacting with people, or even during everyday activities like shopping or navigating traffic? Understanding these aspects of your energy can be pivotal in maintaining a balanced life. The Impact of External Vibrations Many of us are sensitive to the vibrations around us, which can significantly affect our personal energy balance. If you find yourself easily influenced by the energy of others, it’s time to practice reclaiming and centering your energy. This involves envisioning gathering all your dispersed energy and forming a protective, empowering sphere within you. By centering your energy, you prevent it from being scattered and drained by external factors, maintaining a higher vibration and resilience. Focusing and Centering Your Energy When your energy is focused and centered within your own field, a remarkable transformation occurs. You begin to magnetically attract positive experiences and opportunities that align with your true desires. This process is about taking your power back in an energetic sense, ensuring that your energy serves you and your goals. The Full Moon in Gemini: An Opportunity for Mindful Awareness The recent full moon in Gemini presents a unique opportunity to become more aware of the role of our minds in managing energy. Reflect on how your thoughts and mental focus are influencing your energy levels. Are you allowing your mind to wander aimlessly, or is it a helpful tool in directing your focus towards what you truly wish to create? Embracing the Sagittarian Influence Sagittarius, a sign ruled by Jupiter — the planet of expansion and higher learning — offers valuable insights. This sign embodies optimism, positivity, a love for adventure, and a quest for freedom. Although Sagittarius is known for its enthusiasm, the challenge lies in not becoming impatient or impulsive. By channeling Sagittarius’s energy, we can intentionally focus on our long-term goals and aspirations, using our energy to propel us forward. The Energetic Aspect of Connections Our connections with others are not just about communication; they’re deeply rooted in the energetic exchange. It’s a common misconception that communication can resolve all issues in relationships. However, the energy we bring into our interactions is equally, if not more, important. By being mindful of the energy we contribute and receive in our connections, we can foster more meaningful and harmonious relationships. The Importance of Allowing Individual Perspectives In our connections and relationships, one of the current challenges or invitations we face is to honor the uniqueness of each individual’s perspectives and opinions. This means engaging in conversations without judgment, not attempting to change what others are expressing, but rather allowing it. Embrace being present in your own energy and enjoying each other’s company. Being playful, staying true to your own visions, and savoring the moment are key elements in this process. Transitioning from Scorpio Season to a Time of Uncertainty The transition from the intense Scorpio season, a time characterized by the need to release old stories, narratives, and ways of thinking, can feel like emerging from a dark tunnel into uncertainty. During this period, you might experience a sense of confusion about what actions to take next. The best approach in such times of uncertainty is to simply be in the moment. Accept that not everything is aligned, recognize the differences, and refrain from trying to resolve them immediately. This is a time to embrace these polarities as opportunities for growth and perspective, without feeling pressured to make immediate decisions. Following Your Heart as Your Compass In these moments, it’s essential to follow your heart, letting it be your guide. When your heart resonates with a path, find the courage to pursue it, even if your mind presents doubts or scenarios of impossibility. This often means stepping into trust, accepting that there may not be immediate confirmation from the external world. To aid in this process, consider writing down or recording your dreams, aspirations, and internal dialogues. Talk to yourself as if you are already on the path to achieving your dreams. This practice helps to focus your energy on yourself and serves as a powerful reminder of your goals and identity. Acceptance in Relationships and the Power of Personal Energy In relationships, understanding that differences in perspective do not equate to separation is vital. Often, we mistakenly believe that if someone thinks differently, it implies a divide. However, we are all part of a greater whole, connected deeply on a soul level. Remember, we cannot control the thoughts of others, but we can manage how we utilize our own energy. Consider how you are relating to your connections. Are you giving away too much energy, or is the connection draining you? Acknowledge the subtle ways in which you might be losing balance and take steps to reclaim your energy. Navigating Twin Flame and Soul Connections Twin flame and soul connections are often subtle and not solely defined through communication or physical contact. If a connection feels draining or unbalanced, it likely has an energetic component that needs addressing. Choose to take back your energy, not out of spite or anger, but as a form of self-love and care. This approach allows you to focus on yourself, attract positive experiences, and maintain a healthy dynamic within the connection. If you sense that the connection is pulling your energy in a negative way, trust your instincts and set boundaries to protect your wellbeing. In summary, this period is about considering the best use of your personal energy, focusing on self-love, and nurturing your connections in a balanced and healthy manner. Remember, the power lies within you to attract the experiences and connections that align with your highest good. Join Our Community For those who resonate with this journey and seek deeper insights and guidance on the path of Twin Flames and spiritual awakening, I invite you to join our Patreon community for more in depth information and support along the twin flame journey. Together, we can explore the mysteries of Twin Flames and divine union, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with our true selves and each other. 🌺Get your free Inner Healing Work Twin Flames resource guide if you’d like to take your own journey to the next level. 🌺 Join our Patreon community for more in depth information and support along the twin flame journey 🌺Join us on this journey, join the Twin Soul Alchemy Tribe. Share your experiences, learn from others, and let’s support each other towards achieving that divine union. 🌺 If you need personalized guidance, I’m here to help. Book a private session to delve deeper. 🌺 Stay in the loop on my upcoming dream interpreter & other news. Sending you love and light on your path. Until we meet again, Hanneke	6f2b34c6-d1ff-5b00-ac9d-05f7fb0b07af	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://malevy.medium.com/67-365-a-paper-landscape-1ecefff4a088	medium.com	67/365 — A Paper Landscape	I had this idea to crumple a sheet of paper into a ball and then open it to explore the random folds that had been created.	Michael Levy	https://medium.com/@malevy	1ecefff4a088	https://miro.medium.com/…svlDLZ5Ntzg.jpeg	0 min	2022-03-12T22:01:37.188000	2022-03-12T22:04:56.668000	2022-03-19T02:28:21.453000	0	1	en	Photography,365	<section> <p>I had this idea to crumple a sheet of paper into a ball and then open it to explore the random folds that had been created.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4693/1*oiuhAolMyw-svlDLZ5Ntzg.jpeg" width="4693" height="3129" loading="lazy" /> </section>	67/365 — A Paper Landscape I had this idea to crumple a sheet of paper into a ball and then open it to explore the random folds that had been created.	e8f5fda0-5382-57de-ab9d-bccddd876d4a	25/08/2025 18:00:23
https://kobobooks.medium.com/12-of-the-best-books-on-becoming-a-great-leader-in-business-7b9eb7c9612	medium.com	12 of the best books on becoming a great leader in business	Leadership is tough.	Kobo	https://medium.com/@kobobooks	7b9eb7c9612	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*RYL3gn_R2EYW7EhJ	5 min	2022-05-17T13:41:13.024000	2022-03-23T00:00:00	2022-05-30T14:07:32.256000	0	5	en	Leadership Development,New Manager,Mentorship	<section> <h3>Leadership is tough.</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0RYL3gn_R2EYW7EhJ" width="1200" height="630" loading="lazy" /> <p>How do you motivate people? How do you have hard conversations? How do you not spend all your time telling people what to do? So many questions, so many meetings, and so little time to figure this all out. If you’re lucky you’ve got a mentor, and even so, the greatest mentor is still just one person with their own experiences and perspective. To give you a broader array of leadership wisdom, we’ve assembled this list of books. It can be lonely at the top, but you don’t have to do it alone.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1CFRp2dg6bAk-tFKEqpXxTQ.jpeg" width="353" height="533" loading="lazy" /> <p>This is the guide to all the things you want to ask as a new manager, but you’re not sure if you should already know it. How do you interview job candidates effectively? How do you know if you’re being a good manager or not? When you feel lost, how do you get back to firm footing? Julie Zhuo, former VP of design at Facebook shares all her hard-earned lessons here in this highly practical guide to the nuts and bolts stuff that every leader has to get right to succeed.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/15fBbn6W92YBuwMsfCjTDRQ.jpeg" width="353" height="531" loading="lazy" /> <p>Simon Sinek is best known as an inspirational speaker from his popular TED Talk, and here he captures that feeling in a study of purpose — the <em>why</em> that should power every organization and which every leader needs to be able to convey.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1SSA6mEgHDl60DvZEaXXL1w.jpeg" width="353" height="533" loading="lazy" /> <p>Most business books offer the kind of advice that will help you get a job as a manager, or help you improve your performance. But few have anything of value to say about how best to do the top job — which is what makes this book by Ben Horowitz, Silicon Valley venture capitalist, unique. It’s all here, from when to pack in plan A and pivot, to when to fire the executive who successfully got you <em>here</em> but is the wrong person to get you where you need to go. And it’s delivered in the tone of a friendly mentor taking a few minutes to chat about what’s on your mind — and what he suggests you might do about the problems you’re facing. Even if you’re not a C-level, there’s a lot of wisdom here delivered straight from the top.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1WchTblJjnZ26SKdrzBzFbA.jpeg" width="353" height="530" loading="lazy" /> <p>Investment bank executive Carla Harris has advice for those of us who feel stuck where we are, unable to alter our course away from where we’ve always been headed and toward the career we really want. She’ll help you see the obstacles you didn’t know were there, and she’ll give you a model for understanding your own work profile so you can better see your strengths and opportunities.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1pNK0EedM5KzXyWIeeIPgPw.jpeg" width="353" height="533" loading="lazy" /> <p>Organizational psychologist Adam Grant offers a guide to gracefully and confidently changing your mind — which can be among the toughest things for a leader to do when everyone’s looking to them for all the answers. He also helps you to keep your mind open enough to learn what you need to unlearn, without constantly unravelling.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1gOGQJb5D6-78YXKZ4aBTDA.jpeg" width="353" height="537" loading="lazy" /> <p>Silicon Valley executive Kim Scott explains here how to keep lines of communication open, even when some of the messages flowing through hurt to hear. This is a guide to speaking truth with compassion, and creating an environment where important information gets shared among team members who trust one another.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1pzrgKVkwvtYx6DzQgR-3EQ.jpeg" width="353" height="530" loading="lazy" /> <p>Entrepreneur and investor Pieter Thiel is also a philosopher of business, and here he offers his view of how new successful products relate to the world that preceded them. This is an optimistic book full of big ideas to inspire the next generation of founders.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1Nu_RvyzeFsLN5E9DWwHliQ.jpeg" width="353" height="538" loading="lazy" /> <p>Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes was raising three kids at home while managing three hit TV shows, so she knows a thing or two (or three) about work-life balance. In this book, which is part memoir and part business advice, she speaks about how her upbringing created expectations and assumptions in her that she eventually overcame on her way to reaching the top of the entertainment business.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/14F2E8gj1_A7KaXKAlSJn7A.jpeg" width="353" height="535" loading="lazy" /> <p>There’s a formula to bold, authentic leadership and researcher Brené Brown lays it out here. She’ll help you understand what real courage looks like (hint: it’s <em>not</em> being a jerk) and help you focus on the areas where you need to put in effort to cultivate strong relationships.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1Fi0OV1V3zEy0TuG6VVvHPw.jpeg" width="353" height="544" loading="lazy" /> <p>What if there was a way to get more done in a day? A way to skip the distractions and stick to the habits that move you towards your goals? Charles Duhigg, author of <em><a href="https://w</em>ww.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-power-of-habit?utm_medium=list&utm_source=medium&utm_campaign=mustreadmanagement">The Power of Habit </a>spells out 8 principles for doing exactly that in this highly pragmatic guide to hacking your way to peak productivity.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1MlSTMEVpmM6D1uirbRKzZg.jpeg" width="353" height="353" loading="lazy" /> <p>Can one truly lead without understanding how human motivation works? You could try, but it would be a lot easier if you knew what makes people get up in the morning and put in a solid effort. In <em>Drive</em> Daniel Pink explains the 3-point structure of the most effective kinds of motivation: mastery, autonomy, and meaning. Structure your team around those principles, and let them take the wheel.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/353/1*zlIzVnvPAbACV_OUYnlpUQ.jpeg" width="353" height="544" loading="lazy" /> <p>Wes Moore didn’t have it easy growing up, but he found a way to succeed — as a combat officer in Afghanistan, a White House fellow, and a Wall Street banker. Here he reflects on what success really means, and how the people he’s met over the years have shared their wisdom with him on how to find one’s purpose in the world.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://www.kobo.com/blog/12-o</em>f-the-best-books-on-becoming-a-great-leader-in-business">https://www.kobo.com</a> on March 23, 2022.</p> </section>	12 of the best books on becoming a great leader in business Leadership is tough. How do you motivate people? How do you have hard conversations? How do you not spend all your time telling people what to do? So many questions, so many meetings, and so little time to figure this all out. If you’re lucky you’ve got a mentor, and even so, the greatest mentor is still just one person with their own experiences and perspective. To give you a broader array of leadership wisdom, we’ve assembled this list of books. It can be lonely at the top, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo This is the guide to all the things you want to ask as a new manager, but you’re not sure if you should already know it. How do you interview job candidates effectively? How do you know if you’re being a good manager or not? When you feel lost, how do you get back to firm footing? Julie Zhuo, former VP of design at Facebook shares all her hard-earned lessons here in this highly practical guide to the nuts and bolts stuff that every leader has to get right to succeed. Start with Why by Simon Sinek Simon Sinek is best known as an inspirational speaker from his popular TED Talk, and here he captures that feeling in a study of purpose — the why that should power every organization and which every leader needs to be able to convey. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Most business books offer the kind of advice that will help you get a job as a manager, or help you improve your performance. But few have anything of value to say about how best to do the top job — which is what makes this book by Ben Horowitz, Silicon Valley venture capitalist, unique. It’s all here, from when to pack in plan A and pivot, to when to fire the executive who successfully got you here but is the wrong person to get you where you need to go. And it’s delivered in the tone of a friendly mentor taking a few minutes to chat about what’s on your mind — and what he suggests you might do about the problems you’re facing. Even if you’re not a C-level, there’s a lot of wisdom here delivered straight from the top. Strategize to Win by Carla A. Harris Investment bank executive Carla Harris has advice for those of us who feel stuck where we are, unable to alter our course away from where we’ve always been headed and toward the career we really want. She’ll help you see the obstacles you didn’t know were there, and she’ll give you a model for understanding your own work profile so you can better see your strengths and opportunities. Think Again by Adam Grant Organizational psychologist Adam Grant offers a guide to gracefully and confidently changing your mind — which can be among the toughest things for a leader to do when everyone’s looking to them for all the answers. He also helps you to keep your mind open enough to learn what you need to unlearn, without constantly unravelling. Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition by Kim Scott Silicon Valley executive Kim Scott explains here how to keep lines of communication open, even when some of the messages flowing through hurt to hear. This is a guide to speaking truth with compassion, and creating an environment where important information gets shared among team members who trust one another. Zero to One by Peter Thiel Entrepreneur and investor Pieter Thiel is also a philosopher of business, and here he offers his view of how new successful products relate to the world that preceded them. This is an optimistic book full of big ideas to inspire the next generation of founders. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes was raising three kids at home while managing three hit TV shows, so she knows a thing or two (or three) about work-life balance. In this book, which is part memoir and part business advice, she speaks about how her upbringing created expectations and assumptions in her that she eventually overcame on her way to reaching the top of the entertainment business. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown There’s a formula to bold, authentic leadership and researcher Brené Brown lays it out here. She’ll help you understand what real courage looks like (hint: it’s not being a jerk) and help you focus on the areas where you need to put in effort to cultivate strong relationships. Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg What if there was a way to get more done in a day? A way to skip the distractions and stick to the habits that move you towards your goals? Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit spells out 8 principles for doing exactly that in this highly pragmatic guide to hacking your way to peak productivity. Drive by Daniel H. Pink Can one truly lead without understanding how human motivation works? You could try, but it would be a lot easier if you knew what makes people get up in the morning and put in a solid effort. In Drive Daniel Pink explains the 3-point structure of the most effective kinds of motivation: mastery, autonomy, and meaning. Structure your team around those principles, and let them take the wheel. The Work by Wes Moore Wes Moore didn’t have it easy growing up, but he found a way to succeed — as a combat officer in Afghanistan, a White House fellow, and a Wall Street banker. Here he reflects on what success really means, and how the people he’s met over the years have shared their wisdom with him on how to find one’s purpose in the world. Originally published at https://www.kobo.com on March 23, 2022.	02a2d1ca-2e95-53a8-b1c4-940faa07f3cf	25/08/2025 18:00:24
https://medium.com/@lead_time/it-takes-two-to-gospel-3f58dfa67855	medium.com	It Takes Two to Gospel	by Martin B. Copenhaver	Lead Time	https://medium.com/@lead_time	3f58dfa67855	null	3 min	2017-04-06T00:00:46.060000	2017-04-06T00:01:08.966000	2017-12-31T20:27:47.497000	0	2	en	Christianity,Church	<section> <p><em>by Martin B. Copenhaver</em></p> <p>I am increasingly convinced we need to reclaim the communal dimensions of ministerial call and education. By no particular design or intention, the ways in which people are called into the ministry, how they are educated, and how their education is funded have drifted more and more into the realm of the individual. As we move into the next chapter of Andover Newton’s life, we intend to pay extra attention to the ways in which congregations are essential to the calling and education of pastors. This <em>Lead Time</em> considers the role of the community in calling pastors; subsequent posts will address aspects of the community’s role in the education of pastors.</p> <p>Let’s begin by considering how people enter a different profession — the law. For whatever reason people become a lawyer — because the work is interesting, or because lawyers are often well-compensated, or because they feel called to address injustice, or whatever — the decision is largely an individual one. Someone considering becoming a lawyer may have been encouraged in their thinking by a family member or teacher, but it is not likely that a community of people will approach an individual and say, in essence, “We discern in you the gifts to be a lawyer. In fact, we are so convinced that you are called to be a lawyer, we will help you realize that call. The call is bigger than you. We’re in this together.”</p> <p>The call to ministry is supposed to be different. Particularly in the “small c” congregational traditions, the congregation is intended to play an indispensable role in the calling of pastors. It is understood that an individual is called out of the community, by the community, for the service to the community. This understanding has vestigial expression in the practice that before a minister can be ordained or installed by a congregation, she must first be a member of that congregation. First you are a member of the congregation, then — and only then — you are called from the congregation by the congregation to minister to that congregation. (By the way, this is quite different from other Reformed traditions, such as the Presbyterian tradition, which requires that a pastor <em>not</em> be a member of the congregation she serves.)</p> <p>Here is how this understanding works on the ground: A congregation discerns in someone particular gifts for ministry and — whether formally or informally — a representative of the congregation approaches that individual and says something like, “Have you ever considered that you might be called to be a pastor?” Then the individual, after a time of discernment (preferably also in the context of the community), either confirms or does not confirm the community’s sense of call.</p> <p>Of course, in every instance there is both an individual and a communal dimension to the call to ministry. The congregation might approach an individual and express a sense that the individual is called to ministry. Or, the sense of call might originate with the individual who then seeks confirmation of that call from the community. Wherever the sense of call begins, both dimensions are present and both are necessary.</p> <p>In my experience, however, these days call most often originates with an individual and the congregation’s role is limited. At its worst, the communal dimension of the discernment of call — if one could call it that — is relegated to denominational structures and processes.</p> <p>In other words, more ministers these days enter the ministry as one might enter the legal profession. The individual, perhaps encouraged by one or two other individuals, tries to discern whether he or she is called to be a minister and then, at some point in the process, seeks credentials from the appropriate body (much as a new lawyer has to pass the bar exam to practice law).</p> <p>As I say, I am eager to reclaim the communal dimension of the call to ministry. Whenever I visit a congregation, I always ask that people support Andover Newton. Everyone sees that coming. It is to be expected. But then I ask, “Who in this congregation has the gifts for ministry? In other words, who is called to ministry? I imagine there is someone here. You know who it is. Have you told him or her? They need to know what you are seeing and what you are sensing.”</p> <p>I believe those are the kinds of questions that need to be asked a lot more these days — not just by seminary presidents, but by anyone who loves the Church and is concerned about its future.</p> <p>Look for future posts on related subjects: the communal role in educating pastors and the communal role in funding theological education.</p> </section>	It Takes Two to Gospel by Martin B. Copenhaver I am increasingly convinced we need to reclaim the communal dimensions of ministerial call and education. By no particular design or intention, the ways in which people are called into the ministry, how they are educated, and how their education is funded have drifted more and more into the realm of the individual. As we move into the next chapter of Andover Newton’s life, we intend to pay extra attention to the ways in which congregations are essential to the calling and education of pastors. This Lead Time considers the role of the community in calling pastors; subsequent posts will address aspects of the community’s role in the education of pastors. Let’s begin by considering how people enter a different profession — the law. For whatever reason people become a lawyer — because the work is interesting, or because lawyers are often well-compensated, or because they feel called to address injustice, or whatever — the decision is largely an individual one. Someone considering becoming a lawyer may have been encouraged in their thinking by a family member or teacher, but it is not likely that a community of people will approach an individual and say, in essence, “We discern in you the gifts to be a lawyer. In fact, we are so convinced that you are called to be a lawyer, we will help you realize that call. The call is bigger than you. We’re in this together.” The call to ministry is supposed to be different. Particularly in the “small c” congregational traditions, the congregation is intended to play an indispensable role in the calling of pastors. It is understood that an individual is called out of the community, by the community, for the service to the community. This understanding has vestigial expression in the practice that before a minister can be ordained or installed by a congregation, she must first be a member of that congregation. First you are a member of the congregation, then — and only then — you are called from the congregation by the congregation to minister to that congregation. (By the way, this is quite different from other Reformed traditions, such as the Presbyterian tradition, which requires that a pastor not be a member of the congregation she serves.) Here is how this understanding works on the ground: A congregation discerns in someone particular gifts for ministry and — whether formally or informally — a representative of the congregation approaches that individual and says something like, “Have you ever considered that you might be called to be a pastor?” Then the individual, after a time of discernment (preferably also in the context of the community), either confirms or does not confirm the community’s sense of call. Of course, in every instance there is both an individual and a communal dimension to the call to ministry. The congregation might approach an individual and express a sense that the individual is called to ministry. Or, the sense of call might originate with the individual who then seeks confirmation of that call from the community. Wherever the sense of call begins, both dimensions are present and both are necessary. In my experience, however, these days call most often originates with an individual and the congregation’s role is limited. At its worst, the communal dimension of the discernment of call — if one could call it that — is relegated to denominational structures and processes. In other words, more ministers these days enter the ministry as one might enter the legal profession. The individual, perhaps encouraged by one or two other individuals, tries to discern whether he or she is called to be a minister and then, at some point in the process, seeks credentials from the appropriate body (much as a new lawyer has to pass the bar exam to practice law). As I say, I am eager to reclaim the communal dimension of the call to ministry. Whenever I visit a congregation, I always ask that people support Andover Newton. Everyone sees that coming. It is to be expected. But then I ask, “Who in this congregation has the gifts for ministry? In other words, who is called to ministry? I imagine there is someone here. You know who it is. Have you told him or her? They need to know what you are seeing and what you are sensing.” I believe those are the kinds of questions that need to be asked a lot more these days — not just by seminary presidents, but by anyone who loves the Church and is concerned about its future. Look for future posts on related subjects: the communal role in educating pastors and the communal role in funding theological education.	9c84313a-23da-54ac-9af5-0a0d782b5a6c	25/08/2025 18:00:25
https://medium.com/snap-shots/mini-steve-ed8500d5d68b	medium.com	Mini Steve	mini me challenge	Mal	https://medium.com/@malamuteman	ed8500d5d68b	https://miro.medium.com/…hV020B01FOg.jpeg	1 min	2018-05-16T14:34:21.903000	2018-05-16T15:29:24.160000	2018-06-10T16:50:19.466000	1	201	en	Photography,Mini Me Challenge,Childhood	<section> <h1>Mini Steve</h1> <h3><strong>mini me challenge</strong></h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/696/178OREdluDN0jaJzqjM3_Ug.jpeg" width="696" height="1000" loading="lazy" /> <p>That “<em>thing” </em>on my leg was very definitely a defining element of my childhood. Wore it for three years… Thankfully, I came through it <em>physically </em>unscathed.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/735/1zQj4ELW1sJLGBLZ1acQXew.jpeg" width="735" height="1000" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Notice the remarkable similarity… c. 1951, Dhahran Mini Steve mini me challenge left to right… Mom, Me, Serena, Sister c. 1957, Manila That “thing” on my leg was very definitely a defining element of my childhood. Wore it for three years… Thankfully, I came through it physically unscathed. Senior photo c. 1968, Barstow High School	362a3a92-dfa1-5a7b-b8e3-9fdf88fa4fe0	25/08/2025 18:00:25
https://medium.com/@matt2lopez/is-jaunt-one-the-modern-day-gopro-vr-startup-answers-consumers-demands-for-vr-cameras-32ab261b7a05	medium.com	Is Jaunt ONE the Modern-Day GoPro? VR Startup Answers Consumers’ Demands For VR Cameras	In 2016 alone, investments in virtual reality tripled. The industry, no longer limited to video games, has grown to encompass a variety of…	Matt Lopez	https://medium.com/@matt2lopez	32ab261b7a05	https://miro.medium.com/…7cmWIO0C10ew.png	2 min	2017-04-17T16:33:18.761000	2017-04-18T16:01:02.786000	2018-04-07T11:08:03.025000	0	2	en	Virtual Reality,Augmented Reality,Jaunt,Filmmaking	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1368/10_Jyu99rsP7cmWIO0C10ew.png" width="1368" height="478" loading="lazy" /> <p>In 2016 alone, <a href="https://thevideoink.com/investments-in-vr-ar-tripled-in-2016-6bca397769b8">investments in virtual reality tripled</a>. The industry, no longer limited to video games, has grown to encompass a variety of entertainment options, including virtual reality in film, which has experienced a growing demand. As this demand increases, so does the demand for the equipment to make it. Answering the call is Jaunt, a leader in cinematic virtual reality, who today has made its VR camera, the Jaunt ONE, available for direct-to-consumer sale via a network of resellers. The network of providers consists of <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Professional-Video/ci/3755/N/4294545851">The Studio-B&H</a>, <a href="http://www.abelcine.com/store/home.php">AbelCine</a>, and <a href="http://www.radiantimages.com/">Radiant Images</a>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1622/18ybZZshGBvQ2YkyJzl8adg.png" width="1622" height="974" loading="lazy" /> <p><a href="http://t.yesware.com/tt/36f93ae6df3b971b0f078f9e7f9384383f9a98a6/13dd8e027dbca440864f0b9b199c0977/eaa9223437f7fdcea2d98bfc9144429e/www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150930006854/en/Advanced-Imaging-Society-Bestows-16-Awards-6th">The award-winning</a> VR camera comes with several new features including support for 120 frames per second capture, real-time video feed, and updates to white balance correction in the Jaunt ONE’s companion software suite, Jaunt Cloud Services (JCS).</p> <p><strong><a href="https://thevideoink.com/inv</strong>estments-in-vr-ar-tripled-in-2016-6bca397769b8">Investments in VR/AR Tripled in 2016 <em>Despite 2016 being shaky year for immersive technology, VR and AR kind of killed it, raking in a total of $2.3 billion…</em>thevid</a>eoink.com</p> <p>“Demand for the Jaunt ONE has been unwavering since we introduced it to rental houses last summer, ” said Koji Gardiner, VP of Hardware Engineering at Jaunt. “The natural next step was to provide filmmakers the ability to own the camera. These filmmakers are pushing the creative boundaries as they eagerly explore the medium and we could not be more proud to provide them with the only professional-grade VR camera designed specifically for their craft.”</p> <p>Jaunt ONE has been an early entrant into the hardware side of Virtual Reality, similar to how Gopro was for online video creators and extreme sports videographers. But unfortunately, Gopro has struggled to keep up with innovation as it tried to become a media company after going public. Though Jaunt has changed up the formula, focusing on hardware and content creation simultaneously, the question remains: will the new formula equal a winning equation that Gopro missed out on?</p> <p></p> <p>For filmmakers who want to check out the camera without purchasing it just yet, The Jaunt ONE, along with JCS and Jaunt’s full platform capabilities, will be on display at NAB in Las Vegas April 24–27 at the Jaunt booth # C2436 in Central Hall.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://thevideoink.com/state-of-the-industry-immersive-vid</strong>eo-augmented-vs-virtual-reality-7b0bec95c0e7">State of the Industry: Immersive Video, Augmented vs Virtual Reality <em>Within the past few years the immersive tech industry has exploded. A recent eMarketer report shows over $2.5 billion…</em>thevid</a>eoink.com</p> <p></p> </section>	Is Jaunt ONE the Modern-Day GoPro? VR Startup Answers Consumers’ Demands For VR Cameras In 2016 alone, investments in virtual reality tripled. The industry, no longer limited to video games, has grown to encompass a variety of entertainment options, including virtual reality in film, which has experienced a growing demand. As this demand increases, so does the demand for the equipment to make it. Answering the call is Jaunt, a leader in cinematic virtual reality, who today has made its VR camera, the Jaunt ONE, available for direct-to-consumer sale via a network of resellers. The network of providers consists of The Studio-B&H, AbelCine, and Radiant Images. The award-winning VR camera comes with several new features including support for 120 frames per second capture, real-time video feed, and updates to white balance correction in the Jaunt ONE’s companion software suite, Jaunt Cloud Services (JCS). Investments in VR/AR Tripled in 2016 Despite 2016 being shaky year for immersive technology, VR and AR kind of killed it, raking in a total of $2.3 billion…thevideoink.com “Demand for the Jaunt ONE has been unwavering since we introduced it to rental houses last summer, ” said Koji Gardiner, VP of Hardware Engineering at Jaunt. “The natural next step was to provide filmmakers the ability to own the camera. These filmmakers are pushing the creative boundaries as they eagerly explore the medium and we could not be more proud to provide them with the only professional-grade VR camera designed specifically for their craft.” Jaunt ONE has been an early entrant into the hardware side of Virtual Reality, similar to how Gopro was for online video creators and extreme sports videographers. But unfortunately, Gopro has struggled to keep up with innovation as it tried to become a media company after going public. Though Jaunt has changed up the formula, focusing on hardware and content creation simultaneously, the question remains: will the new formula equal a winning equation that Gopro missed out on? For filmmakers who want to check out the camera without purchasing it just yet, The Jaunt ONE, along with JCS and Jaunt’s full platform capabilities, will be on display at NAB in Las Vegas April 24–27 at the Jaunt booth # C2436 in Central Hall. State of the Industry: Immersive Video, Augmented vs Virtual Reality Within the past few years the immersive tech industry has exploded. A recent eMarketer report shows over $2.5 billion…thevideoink.com	b5ce85f3-6e45-57eb-8821-72e7b3d95e7e	25/08/2025 18:00:25
https://arvrjourney.com/journey-into-ar-part-3-user-interaction-cabec0c6572a	medium.com	Journey into AR — Part 3, User Interaction	Pivoting — From Core ML to Standalone ARKit	Ryan Wittrup	https://medium.com/@RyanWittrup	cabec0c6572a	https://miro.medium.com/…OMyknakavAQ.jpeg	2 min	2017-12-05T15:00:40.041000	2017-12-05T15:51:43.488000	2018-05-28T16:36:04.602000	0	38	en	Virtual Reality,Arkit,Mobile App Development,Coreml,Augmented Reality	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1440/12SMv1hZ-1g7OMyknakavAQ.jpeg" width="1440" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <h3>Pivoting — From Core ML to Standalone ARKit</h3> <p>After three days of research and working through demos, the harsh reality was that a pivot was needed. Or a more appropriate statement may be we needed to revise our initial goals for user interaction.</p> <p>As a recap, we are building a Jenga game and the intention was to use Core ML with Vision to perform tracking on a user’s fingers to allow them to interact with the tower of blocks. However it seems like that is not currently feasible given what is in ARKit and Core ML out of the box.</p> <h3>The Challenge</h3> <p>ARKit and Core ML are great libraries, but it seems that there is currently a gap in being able to implement 3D tracking in the way we had intended. Vision will allow you to track an identified feature, but only in two dimensions. ARKit can convert screen location into real world space based on projecting a ray through that feature down to a plane, but the result is tracking in the X and Z directions as computed from Vision’s X and Y direction.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/820/1vgdM4pQuR1Twke3sTFjIeA.png" width="820" height="400" loading="lazy" /> <p>We may be missing something, but based on any available demos or tutorials on the subject, and the existence of only <a href="https://www.manomotion.com/">one company that solely creates products for tracking hands in 3D</a>, it seems that the only way to achieve this is to use an external machine learning model trained specifically for hands and hand gestures. Given our 1 week timeline, this feels unrealistic.</p> <h3>The Alternative Solution</h3> <p>As an alternative, we will plan to implement user interaction by using gestures on the phone. This will provide CGPoints that can then be translated into 3D space using hit tests with the playing board which is an identified plane, and it still achieves the larger goal of deep interaction with AR generated objects.</p> <h3>Amazing Things that Happened (Yesterday)</h3> <p>Basic user interaction — using UI GestureRecognizers, we included methods for pinching and rotating that allow users to zoom and rotate a block respectively. We still need to implement panning for lateral movement of a block but that will be today’s goal.</p> <p>Add textures to blocks — it is a small change, but it really makes a huge difference for visual appeal. Three different wood grain textures were applied and it’s hard to not have flashbacks to playing Jenga at family reunions when I see how realistic they look.</p> <p>Getting a good night’s sleep — not technical at all, but after going very hard for almost three days straight, it was getting to a point were code was starting to blur together.</p> <p>Well that’s all for now. It was frustrating to have to pivot from our original user interaction plan, but it feels good to be taking on such a new challenge, even if it didn’t work out. I will plan to provide a small walkthrough once we are moving blocks since there are not many tutorials out there regarding moving created objects / nodes.</p> </section>	Journey into AR — Part 3, User Interaction Pivoting — From Core ML to Standalone ARKit After three days of research and working through demos, the harsh reality was that a pivot was needed. Or a more appropriate statement may be we needed to revise our initial goals for user interaction. As a recap, we are building a Jenga game and the intention was to use Core ML with Vision to perform tracking on a user’s fingers to allow them to interact with the tower of blocks. However it seems like that is not currently feasible given what is in ARKit and Core ML out of the box. The Challenge ARKit and Core ML are great libraries, but it seems that there is currently a gap in being able to implement 3D tracking in the way we had intended. Vision will allow you to track an identified feature, but only in two dimensions. ARKit can convert screen location into real world space based on projecting a ray through that feature down to a plane, but the result is tracking in the X and Z directions as computed from Vision’s X and Y direction. Two peas in a pod We may be missing something, but based on any available demos or tutorials on the subject, and the existence of only one company that solely creates products for tracking hands in 3D, it seems that the only way to achieve this is to use an external machine learning model trained specifically for hands and hand gestures. Given our 1 week timeline, this feels unrealistic. The Alternative Solution As an alternative, we will plan to implement user interaction by using gestures on the phone. This will provide CGPoints that can then be translated into 3D space using hit tests with the playing board which is an identified plane, and it still achieves the larger goal of deep interaction with AR generated objects. Amazing Things that Happened (Yesterday) Basic user interaction — using UI GestureRecognizers, we included methods for pinching and rotating that allow users to zoom and rotate a block respectively. We still need to implement panning for lateral movement of a block but that will be today’s goal. Add textures to blocks — it is a small change, but it really makes a huge difference for visual appeal. Three different wood grain textures were applied and it’s hard to not have flashbacks to playing Jenga at family reunions when I see how realistic they look. Getting a good night’s sleep — not technical at all, but after going very hard for almost three days straight, it was getting to a point were code was starting to blur together. Well that’s all for now. It was frustrating to have to pivot from our original user interaction plan, but it feels good to be taking on such a new challenge, even if it didn’t work out. I will plan to provide a small walkthrough once we are moving blocks since there are not many tutorials out there regarding moving created objects / nodes.	035fce53-1b2b-5c4c-857a-35cc067cda90	25/08/2025 18:00:26
https://kumarahir.medium.com/virtual-reality-is-in-town-8bb3d15439c3	medium.com	Virtual Reality is in town	a quick sketch to represent my mood	Kumar Ahir	https://medium.com/@kumarahir	8bb3d15439c3	https://miro.medium.com/…X1G_3R9tiQg.jpeg	0 min	2018-07-20T05:08:00.824000	2018-07-20T05:09:22.593000	2018-07-20T05:09:22.937000	0	0	en	Virtual Reality,Sketching,Technology	<section> <p>a quick sketch to represent my mood</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*drmxy9de_ATX1G_3R9tiQg.jpeg" width="1280" height="960" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Virtual Reality is in town a quick sketch to represent my mood	75ab21b2-99b5-558a-a536-7db6357e8f97	25/08/2025 18:00:26
https://medium.com/@johncoogan/the-most-interesting-food-related-news-july-2017-546d6dd3c0ee	medium.com	The Most Interesting Food-Related News — July 2017	I read all the food, beverage, and CPG (consumer packaged goods) news so you don’t have to! Here’s what happened last month and why it…	John Coogan	https://medium.com/@johncoogan	546d6dd3c0ee	https://miro.medium.com/…jeYKOsHf8I0g.png	3 min	2017-08-01T23:11:23.719000	2017-08-02T18:51:01.491000	2018-01-08T09:45:43.911000	0	10	en	Food,Startup,Marketing,News,Innovation	<section> <p>I read all the food, beverage, and CPG (consumer packaged goods) news so you don’t have to! Here’s what happened last month and why it matters:</p> <h1>Big Company Moves:</h1> <p>It’s been a big month for <strong>Amazon</strong> as they continue to freak everyone out by marching relentlessly towards world domination of commerce. The Whole Foods acquisition has everyone thinking of how much bigger Amazon could be in a relatively short amount of time and marketing agencies are starting to pop up that specialize in marketing to Amazon customers. They also launched meal kits and have plans for “<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/17/trademarks-show-amazon-has-eyes-on-meal-kits-single-cow-burgers-and-other-fast-food-options/">single cow burgers</a>.” <a href="https://nytimes.com/2017/07/31/business/media/amazon-advertising.html">Link</a></p> <p>On a somewhat related note, <strong>P&G</strong> reduced their digital ad spending by $140M last quarter. Some people think this is a sign that the online ad space is not healthy, but I actually think it’s more of a sign that P&G still hasn’t adapted it’s business model to a digitally native world. <a href="http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/p-g-slashe/309936/">Link</a></p> <p><strong>Chipotle</strong> is reeling after another foodborne illness outbreak, this time in Sterling, Virginia. The E. coli outbreak in 2015 was a major hit for the company and this is going to reset a lot of the work they put into rebuilding trust with consumers. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/food-poisoning-expert-on-why-chipotles-dealing-with-nightmare-2017-7">Link</a></p> <p>Large CPG companies are increasingly optimizing their products for virality and “instagrammability”. Oreo made Avocado, Unicorn, and Popcorn flavors, Pringles released a Top Ramen flavor, and Pepsi is rebooting the 90s classic “Crystal Pepsi”. These were all clearly pitched by marketing firms as ways to get press attention and boost core-product sales.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1809/1o8wImnJTdMjeYKOsHf8I0g.png" width="1809" height="603" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Startup Moves:</h2> <p><strong><a hre</strong>f="http://www.tovala.com">Tovala</a> launched a smart oven with meal subscription service and received lots of glowing reviews. It’s a great business model for a hardware product and they are going after a group of consumers I can identify with (people too lazy for Blue Apron). <a href="https://www.fastcodesign.com/90132485/i-tasted-the-microwave-dinner-of-the-future-and-it-was-delicious">Link</a></p> <p><strong>BuzzFeed</strong>’s <em>Tasty</em> series of recipe videos are reaching up to 3 billion views per month. They’ve created a big trend with these videos and non-media/CPG companies are starting to take notice. I expect the shot-from-above recipe video to be a trendy advertising format for a while, especially with Instagram’s new ability to tag products directly in content. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/27/technology/how-buzzfeeds-tasty-conquered-online-food.html">Link</a></p> <p>A startup by the name <strong>Protein2O</strong><em> </em>raised $4 million to grow its low-calorie protein-infused water brand. 15 grams of protein in a 60 calorie beverage with no sugar or carbs is an interesting product position because there aren’t many options with this nutritional profile. Taste is king though. <a href="https://www.bevnet.com/news/2017/protein2o-adds-gatorade-vets-4-million-new-funding">Link</a></p> <p><strong>Brandless</strong> launched an online dollar store, but everything is $3. The branding is very minimal and seems inspired by Randall Munroe’s classic xckd comic on the subject of branding. I love the design and business plan, but going up against Amazon is daunting. I wish them luck! <a href="https://www.brandless.com">Link</a></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2197/1kjVGjNIzdNbU-4oK42c7Pw.png" width="2197" height="733" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Regulatory Changes:</h2> <p>Democratic Senator, Chuck Schumer, is requesting that the FDA investigate fast-food packaging, specifically a substance found in burger wrappers called phthalates. Phthalates were banned from use in children’s toys and baby bottles after studies showed possible links to insulin resistance in children. If you’re eating fast food frequently, I personally doubt it’s the packaging that is increasing your diabetes risk most, but the investigation can’t hurt. <a href="https://www.eater.com/2017/8/1/16074934/fast-food-packaging-phthalates-fda">Link</a></p> <p>The dairy industry is trying to fight the wave of startups creating “milk” from thing other than cows. They collectively invested a lot into creating a brand around milk (remember “Got Milk?”) and don’t want vegan milks riding their wave to profitability. <a href="https://qz.com/923234/theres-a-war-over-the-definition-of-milk-between-dairy-farmers-and-food-startups-and-donald-trump-may-settle-it/">Link</a></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2400/1AoVnuaGRmppLX_LejTnfEA.png" width="2400" height="750" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Interesting Data:</h2> <p>For the first time in history, the amount of money Americans spend on eating out is higher than total spending on groceries. This is not a new trend, but it emphasizes the fact that increasingly, Americans are optimizing for convenience. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/food-spending-on-home-versus-away-from-home-2017-7">Link</a></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1832/1m81iR4MBNIFXGu-V5qF1cg.png" width="1832" height="1174" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Just Plain Cool:</h2> <p>Some MIT researchers released a paper that describes using AI / machine learning to reverse engineer whole recipes from simple pictures of food. Basically, a Shazam for food, exactly like they described in a recent episode of Silicon Valley. Look forward to give this a try when it makes it into the app store. <a href="http://im2recipe.csail.mit.edu/im2recipe.pdf">Link</a></p> <p><em><strong>Thanks for reading! Feel free to hit the recommend button below if you found this piece inte</em>resting!</strong></p> <p><em><strong>You can connect with me on Twitter: <a href="http://ww</em>w.twitte</strong>r.com/johncoogan">www.twitter.com/johncoogan</a></p> <p></p> </section>	The Most Interesting Food-Related News — July 2017 I read all the food, beverage, and CPG (consumer packaged goods) news so you don’t have to! Here’s what happened last month and why it matters: Big Company Moves: It’s been a big month for Amazon as they continue to freak everyone out by marching relentlessly towards world domination of commerce. The Whole Foods acquisition has everyone thinking of how much bigger Amazon could be in a relatively short amount of time and marketing agencies are starting to pop up that specialize in marketing to Amazon customers. They also launched meal kits and have plans for “single cow burgers.” Link On a somewhat related note, P&G reduced their digital ad spending by $140M last quarter. Some people think this is a sign that the online ad space is not healthy, but I actually think it’s more of a sign that P&G still hasn’t adapted it’s business model to a digitally native world. Link Chipotle is reeling after another foodborne illness outbreak, this time in Sterling, Virginia. The E. coli outbreak in 2015 was a major hit for the company and this is going to reset a lot of the work they put into rebuilding trust with consumers. Link Large CPG companies are increasingly optimizing their products for virality and “instagrammability”. Oreo made Avocado, Unicorn, and Popcorn flavors, Pringles released a Top Ramen flavor, and Pepsi is rebooting the 90s classic “Crystal Pepsi”. These were all clearly pitched by marketing firms as ways to get press attention and boost core-product sales. Startup Moves: Tovala launched a smart oven with meal subscription service and received lots of glowing reviews. It’s a great business model for a hardware product and they are going after a group of consumers I can identify with (people too lazy for Blue Apron). Link BuzzFeed’s Tasty series of recipe videos are reaching up to 3 billion views per month. They’ve created a big trend with these videos and non-media/CPG companies are starting to take notice. I expect the shot-from-above recipe video to be a trendy advertising format for a while, especially with Instagram’s new ability to tag products directly in content. Link A startup by the name Protein2O raised $4 million to grow its low-calorie protein-infused water brand. 15 grams of protein in a 60 calorie beverage with no sugar or carbs is an interesting product position because there aren’t many options with this nutritional profile. Taste is king though. Link Brandless launched an online dollar store, but everything is $3. The branding is very minimal and seems inspired by Randall Munroe’s classic xckd comic on the subject of branding. I love the design and business plan, but going up against Amazon is daunting. I wish them luck! Link Regulatory Changes: Democratic Senator, Chuck Schumer, is requesting that the FDA investigate fast-food packaging, specifically a substance found in burger wrappers called phthalates. Phthalates were banned from use in children’s toys and baby bottles after studies showed possible links to insulin resistance in children. If you’re eating fast food frequently, I personally doubt it’s the packaging that is increasing your diabetes risk most, but the investigation can’t hurt. Link The dairy industry is trying to fight the wave of startups creating “milk” from thing other than cows. They collectively invested a lot into creating a brand around milk (remember “Got Milk?”) and don’t want vegan milks riding their wave to profitability. Link Interesting Data: For the first time in history, the amount of money Americans spend on eating out is higher than total spending on groceries. This is not a new trend, but it emphasizes the fact that increasingly, Americans are optimizing for convenience. Link Just Plain Cool: Some MIT researchers released a paper that describes using AI / machine learning to reverse engineer whole recipes from simple pictures of food. Basically, a Shazam for food, exactly like they described in a recent episode of Silicon Valley. Look forward to give this a try when it makes it into the app store. Link Thanks for reading! Feel free to hit the recommend button below if you found this piece interesting! You can connect with me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/johncoogan	0f7574aa-8cdf-51e9-a077-a57a7927c0bb	25/08/2025 18:00:26
https://medium.com/christian-citizen/walking-with-jesus-children-through-holy-week-e0e5aae717e	medium.com	Walking with Jesus, children through Holy Week	By the Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner-Triplett	Home Mission Societies	https://medium.com/@abHomeMission	e0e5aae717e	https://miro.medium.com/…rLiLMRdkYyA.jpeg	5 min	2018-03-23T15:21:59.168000	2018-03-23T15:36:54.035000	2018-03-23T19:03:52.609000	0	3	en	Poverty,Holy Week,Christianity,Easter,Lent	<section> <h1><strong>Walking with Jesus, children through Holy Week</strong></h1> <p><strong>By the Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner-Triplett</strong></p> <p><em>When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. </em>— 1 Corinthians 13:11</p> <p>The season of Lent did not get a great deal of notice in my growing-up household or church. I recall having a vague notion that it was somehow connected to Mardi Gras and that my friends who attended Catholic schools got to wear ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday and eat fish every Friday. Although I may have been daydreaming when Lent was being discussed — a possibility given my childish dislike of spending Sunday in church — I don’t think much was said about Lent; it simply seemed to be a mysterious precursor to Easter.</p> <p>As a kid, the most exciting parts of Lent were the “gleaners” and the solemn charge received from our pastor to fill them with coins for return on Easter Sunday. I had a vague notion that the coins were used to help those in need. But I liked them because of the competition I waged with my sister to see who could be the first to fill them with the shiniest coins. We were children, so we approached the season with the hearts and minds of relatively secure children who lived in a modest but stable home.</p> <p>But now I am an adult. And this Lenten season, I am burdened for the plight of the 16 million children in our nation who, due to issues relating to poverty, are being robbed of the delights of childhood. These precious little ones live in zip codes that condemn them to lives burdened with adult-sized worries, concerns and responsibilities. They walk unsafe streets, attend underserved schools, worry about food, endure labelling and stereotyping, wear ill-fitting shoes and clothing, receive inadequate health and dental services, experience undeserved shame and, perhaps most woundingly, they are forced to bear the stigma of invisibility. For although children comprise 33 percent of people in poverty in our nation, they and their needs are largely unseen.</p> <p>This Holy Week, join in learning and doing more about childhood poverty in the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. Perhaps this Resurrection Sunday will be a turning point in some child’s life because of your involvement in efforts to end childhood poverty.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Palm Sunday, March 25.</strong> Learn more about the face of childhood poverty in the United States and Puerto Rico. Twenty-one percent of all U.S. children live in families with incomes below the Federal Poverty Threshold (FPT). The FPT is defined as $24,036 for a family of four with two children; $19,078 for a family of three with one child; and $16,337 for a family of two with one child. Research suggests that families need an income equal to about two times the FPT to simply meet most basic needs. <strong>Pray for the children.</strong></li> <li><strong>Monday, March 26.</strong> Continue learning about the face of childhood poverty. Approximately 40 percent of all U.S. children live at or below low income. Low-income is considered 200 percent of FPT. <strong>Be still<em> </em>and ponder the implications of these staggering numbers for a nation largely recognized for its wealth and pr</strong>osperity.</li> <li><strong>Tuesday, March 27.</strong> Research shows that children who experience poverty — even for one year, especially at an early age — are at a greater risk for negative life outcomes relating to health, education, socialization, employment and adult income. Poverty can impede children’s ability to learn. <strong>Pray. Consider volunteering to read to children or learning about opportunities to mentor youth.</strong></li> <li><strong>Wednesday, March 28</strong>. In 2014, 58 percent of children living in Puerto Rico were living in poverty. Fifty-four percent of parents in Puerto Rico were without a secure source of employment. The impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria have exacerbated these issues. Approximately one-third of Puerto Rico’s population remains without electricity following Maria. Those who have electricity continue to endure frequent outages. The impact on children, families and schools is traumatic. <strong>Pray. Support and join American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) in its “<a href="http://abhms.org/mission/themes/puerto-rico-</strong>relief/">Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico</a>” efforts.</li> <li><strong>Maundy Thursday, March 29.</strong> Education is an important key to breaking generational poverty. Students ages 16 to 24 from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out than their more affluent peers. Eighty-six percent of children with parents having less than a high school diploma live in low-income families. Sixty-seven percent of children with parents having a high school degree but no college education live in poverty. Impoverished rural, suburban and urban neighborhoods have the most underfunded public schools. <strong>Pray. Get to know a teacher in an underserved school, be a part of an adopt-a-school program, mentor a child.</strong></li> <li><strong>Good Friday, March 30.</strong> Our government spends under 10 percent of the national budget on children — far lower than other industrialized nations. The children’s share of our federal budget is projected to drop to 7.5 percent over the next decade. Research shows that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. <strong>Pray. Get informed about government spending. Engage in advocacy efforts on behalf of children at local, state and national levels.</strong></li> <li><strong>Saturday, March 31.</strong> Poor children are more likely to experience hunger. More than 13 million children in the United States are food insecure. Twenty percent of American children go to bed hungry each night.<strong> Pray. Find and support a food pantry to ensure that it can provide healthy meals to children and families in need.</strong></li> <li><strong>Easter Sunday, April 1. </strong>As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Matthew 19:14). <strong>Pray and engage in long-term efforts to make a difference in the lives of children encumbered by poverty.</strong></li> </ul> <p><em><strong>The Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner-Triplett is American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ director of Rizpah’s Children and Communities Min</em>istries.</strong></p> <p><strong>Sources:</strong></p> <p>Child poverty in the U.S., <a href="https://www.children.org/global-poverty/global-poverty-facts/facts-about-poverty-in-usa">Facts & Stats</a> About Child Poverty in the United States, Children International.</p> <p><a href="http://www.apa.org/pi/families/poverty.aspx">Effects of Poverty, Hunger and Homelessness</a> on Children and Youth, American Psychological Association.</p> <p>Faccio, B. <a href="https://www.childtrends.org/left-behind-povertys-toll-on-the-children-of-puerto-rico/">Left behind</a>: Poverty’s Toll on the Children of Puerto Rico, Child Trends, 2016.</p> <p><a href="https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/kids-context/projects/kids-share-analyzing-federal">Kids’ Share</a>: Analyzing Federal Expenditures on Children, Urban Institute.</p> <p><a href="http://nccp.org/">National Center for Children in Poverty</a> (NCCP).</p> <p><a href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/historical-poverty-thresholds.html">Poverty Thresholds</a>, United States Census Bureau.</p> <p>Wright, V.R. & Thampi, K., <a href="http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_956.html">Basic Facts About Food Insecurity</a> Among Children in the United States, 2008, NCCP.</p> <p><em>The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of <a href="http://abhms.org">American Bapt</em>ist Home Mission Societies</a>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1351LnrzbLyRGSqAoRRDiWQ.jpeg" width="640" height="300" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1HKNMO0Ng-O-urARkeatJCg.jpeg" width="640" height="300" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1*8gIe52-egiFrc7GwIPRPkg.jpeg" width="640" height="300" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Walking with Jesus, children through Holy Week By the Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner-Triplett When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. — 1 Corinthians 13:11 The season of Lent did not get a great deal of notice in my growing-up household or church. I recall having a vague notion that it was somehow connected to Mardi Gras and that my friends who attended Catholic schools got to wear ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday and eat fish every Friday. Although I may have been daydreaming when Lent was being discussed — a possibility given my childish dislike of spending Sunday in church — I don’t think much was said about Lent; it simply seemed to be a mysterious precursor to Easter. As a kid, the most exciting parts of Lent were the “gleaners” and the solemn charge received from our pastor to fill them with coins for return on Easter Sunday. I had a vague notion that the coins were used to help those in need. But I liked them because of the competition I waged with my sister to see who could be the first to fill them with the shiniest coins. We were children, so we approached the season with the hearts and minds of relatively secure children who lived in a modest but stable home. But now I am an adult. And this Lenten season, I am burdened for the plight of the 16 million children in our nation who, due to issues relating to poverty, are being robbed of the delights of childhood. These precious little ones live in zip codes that condemn them to lives burdened with adult-sized worries, concerns and responsibilities. They walk unsafe streets, attend underserved schools, worry about food, endure labelling and stereotyping, wear ill-fitting shoes and clothing, receive inadequate health and dental services, experience undeserved shame and, perhaps most woundingly, they are forced to bear the stigma of invisibility. For although children comprise 33 percent of people in poverty in our nation, they and their needs are largely unseen. This Holy Week, join in learning and doing more about childhood poverty in the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. Perhaps this Resurrection Sunday will be a turning point in some child’s life because of your involvement in efforts to end childhood poverty. Palm Sunday, March 25. Learn more about the face of childhood poverty in the United States and Puerto Rico. Twenty-one percent of all U.S. children live in families with incomes below the Federal Poverty Threshold (FPT). The FPT is defined as $24,036 for a family of four with two children; $19,078 for a family of three with one child; and $16,337 for a family of two with one child. Research suggests that families need an income equal to about two times the FPT to simply meet most basic needs. Pray for the children. Monday, March 26. Continue learning about the face of childhood poverty. Approximately 40 percent of all U.S. children live at or below low income. Low-income is considered 200 percent of FPT. Be still and ponder the implications of these staggering numbers for a nation largely recognized for its wealth and prosperity. Tuesday, March 27. Research shows that children who experience poverty — even for one year, especially at an early age — are at a greater risk for negative life outcomes relating to health, education, socialization, employment and adult income. Poverty can impede children’s ability to learn. Pray. Consider volunteering to read to children or learning about opportunities to mentor youth. Wednesday, March 28. In 2014, 58 percent of children living in Puerto Rico were living in poverty. Fifty-four percent of parents in Puerto Rico were without a secure source of employment. The impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria have exacerbated these issues. Approximately one-third of Puerto Rico’s population remains without electricity following Maria. Those who have electricity continue to endure frequent outages. The impact on children, families and schools is traumatic. Pray. Support and join American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) in its “Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico” efforts. Maundy Thursday, March 29. Education is an important key to breaking generational poverty. Students ages 16 to 24 from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out than their more affluent peers. Eighty-six percent of children with parents having less than a high school diploma live in low-income families. Sixty-seven percent of children with parents having a high school degree but no college education live in poverty. Impoverished rural, suburban and urban neighborhoods have the most underfunded public schools. Pray. Get to know a teacher in an underserved school, be a part of an adopt-a-school program, mentor a child. Good Friday, March 30. Our government spends under 10 percent of the national budget on children — far lower than other industrialized nations. The children’s share of our federal budget is projected to drop to 7.5 percent over the next decade. Research shows that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. Pray. Get informed about government spending. Engage in advocacy efforts on behalf of children at local, state and national levels. Saturday, March 31. Poor children are more likely to experience hunger. More than 13 million children in the United States are food insecure. Twenty percent of American children go to bed hungry each night. Pray. Find and support a food pantry to ensure that it can provide healthy meals to children and families in need. Easter Sunday, April 1. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Matthew 19:14). Pray and engage in long-term efforts to make a difference in the lives of children encumbered by poverty. The Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner-Triplett is American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ director of Rizpah’s Children and Communities Ministries. Sources: Child poverty in the U.S., Facts & Stats About Child Poverty in the United States, Children International. Effects of Poverty, Hunger and Homelessness on Children and Youth, American Psychological Association. Faccio, B. Left behind: Poverty’s Toll on the Children of Puerto Rico, Child Trends, 2016. Kids’ Share: Analyzing Federal Expenditures on Children, Urban Institute. National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP). Poverty Thresholds, United States Census Bureau. Wright, V.R. & Thampi, K., Basic Facts About Food Insecurity Among Children in the United States, 2008, NCCP. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of American Baptist Home Mission Societies.	8676903c-0f02-5912-8917-89a61286e36a	25/08/2025 18:00:26
https://medium.com/@clivecchi/entrepreneurship-is-not-easy-but-it-is-worth-it-1c519a501ee1	medium.com	Entrepreneurship is not easy. But it is worth it.	Today has been one of those difficult days. An entrepreneur friend lost a good opportunity after having nurtured a relationship for nearly…	Chuck Livecchi	https://medium.com/@clivecchi	1c519a501ee1	https://miro.medium.com/…4eD6-vtxY5Q.jpeg	1 min	2017-10-17T03:34:02.817000	2017-10-17T03:39:44.633000	2018-05-15T05:37:29.988000	0	0	en	Entrepreneurship,Christianity	<section> <p>Today has been one of those difficult days. An entrepreneur friend lost a good opportunity after having nurtured a relationship for nearly a year. This was followed by more disappointing news.</p> <p>Rejection is never easy, but it is part of the process. It is during the challenging times when prosperity may seem unworthy of the fight. But I say, fight on.</p> <p>Please understand, when I say prosperity I don't mean financial success. Yes, it may include financial security, but I believe prosperity it much more personal. Prosperity, simply, means "doing well". I would say, prosperity is the journey toward the achievement of personal wholeness.</p> <p>Though the suffering of an entrepreneur may pale in comparison to the many woes of this world, the entrepreneur does suffer. They are often filled with self doubt, beaten down by too many failures... including the failure to live up to being who they know they are deep inside.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1*vUeYlDTBcq34eD6-vtxY5Q.jpeg" width="640" height="640" loading="lazy" /> <p>The entrepreneur suffers, but the entrepreneur also perseveres. For they choose this path for a reason. And for many, that reason is to become who they know they can be. It is to prove to themselves they are capable of achieving the success they have defined for themselves. It is to realize the fullness of their being.</p> <p>On our entrepreneurial journey, it is not the successes that make us. It is our perseverance through the difficult. It is when we refuse to accept anything less than what we set out to achieve.</p> <p>With this in mind I want to encourage our friend and the other entrepreneurs who may read this; persevere. Persevere because your pursuit it worthy. Persevere because you will come to know what you are truly capable of. Persevere because you started this journey for a purpose. Complete that mission.</p> </section>	Entrepreneurship is not easy. But it is worth it. Today has been one of those difficult days. An entrepreneur friend lost a good opportunity after having nurtured a relationship for nearly a year. This was followed by more disappointing news. Rejection is never easy, but it is part of the process. It is during the challenging times when prosperity may seem unworthy of the fight. But I say, fight on. Please understand, when I say prosperity I don't mean financial success. Yes, it may include financial security, but I believe prosperity it much more personal. Prosperity, simply, means "doing well". I would say, prosperity is the journey toward the achievement of personal wholeness. Though the suffering of an entrepreneur may pale in comparison to the many woes of this world, the entrepreneur does suffer. They are often filled with self doubt, beaten down by too many failures... including the failure to live up to being who they know they are deep inside. The entrepreneur suffers, but the entrepreneur also perseveres. For they choose this path for a reason. And for many, that reason is to become who they know they can be. It is to prove to themselves they are capable of achieving the success they have defined for themselves. It is to realize the fullness of their being. On our entrepreneurial journey, it is not the successes that make us. It is our perseverance through the difficult. It is when we refuse to accept anything less than what we set out to achieve. With this in mind I want to encourage our friend and the other entrepreneurs who may read this; persevere. Persevere because your pursuit it worthy. Persevere because you will come to know what you are truly capable of. Persevere because you started this journey for a purpose. Complete that mission.	cc1674e7-2539-5b2a-9d8e-d1eca9fe9dbb	25/08/2025 18:00:26
https://jordanpanderson.medium.com/how-to-start-a-production-company-2a5ddeded486	medium.com	How to Start A Production Company	You’ve convinced yourself to start your production company! Now what…?	Jordan P. Anderson	https://medium.com/@jordanpanderson	2a5ddeded486	https://miro.medium.com/…q3IeEfoSZSg.jpeg	1 min	2015-12-30T04:49:42.044000	2015-12-30T15:43:52.120000	2017-11-30T10:44:45.297000	0	1	en	Photography,Startup,Entrepreneurship	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*n1gWKbWwMP7q3IeEfoSZSg.jpeg" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p></p> <p><em><strong>You’ve convinced yourself to start your production company! No</em>w what…?</strong></p> <h1>1. Figure out the Company’s Goal/Mission</h1> <p>This is the foundation of the company. A company’s mission will help lay out the game plan and strategy to running the production company.</p> <p>With formulating the mission, one has to figure out the <strong>“Edge”</strong> or <strong>“Secret Sauce”</strong> of the company? What is the differentiating factor that makes the company stand out? Wedding Videos only on iPhones? Cinematic Kung-Fu corporate training videos? <em><strong>V</em>logging?</strong></p> <h2>2. Branding- The Story of the Company</h2> <p>The mission is laid out now it’s time to figure out what story, the company will convey to the World. This includes the name, logo, color scheme, style, tone, mood, and “personality”. This all will take time and will have a lengthy evolution period but it’s is <strong>VITAL </strong>to remain <strong>CONSISTENT</strong>. <strong>YOUR BRAND (early on) NEEDS TO BE CONSISTENT.</strong></p> <h2>3. Get to WORK!</h2> <p>The Mission, the strategy, and the branding is ready to go! <strong>Lock ’n’ Load!</strong> Start building the company’s portfolio, start reaching out to clients, essentially get started!</p> <p>Send us any of your questions about starting a production company (<a href="http://twitter.com/Valley_Films">@Valley_Films</a>).</p> <blockquote>More episodes on The Operations of a Production Company coming soon!</blockquote> <blockquote>Follow us on Instagram- <a href="http://instagram.com/valley_films">http://instagram.com/valley_films</a></blockquote> </section>	How to Start A Production Company You’ve convinced yourself to start your production company! Now what…? 1. Figure out the Company’s Goal/Mission This is the foundation of the company. A company’s mission will help lay out the game plan and strategy to running the production company. With formulating the mission, one has to figure out the “Edge” or “Secret Sauce” of the company? What is the differentiating factor that makes the company stand out? Wedding Videos only on iPhones? Cinematic Kung-Fu corporate training videos? Vlogging? 2. Branding- The Story of the Company The mission is laid out now it’s time to figure out what story, the company will convey to the World. This includes the name, logo, color scheme, style, tone, mood, and “personality”. This all will take time and will have a lengthy evolution period but it’s is VITAL to remain CONSISTENT. YOUR BRAND (early on) NEEDS TO BE CONSISTENT. 3. Get to WORK! The Mission, the strategy, and the branding is ready to go! Lock ’n’ Load! Start building the company’s portfolio, start reaching out to clients, essentially get started! Send us any of your questions about starting a production company (@Valley_Films). More episodes on The Operations of a Production Company coming soon! Follow us on Instagram- http://instagram.com/valley_films	2e2505d3-4ad6-56da-996b-55557e4a308d	25/08/2025 18:00:26
https://medium.com/journalism360/5-takeaways-for-vr-journalists-at-ces-2017-29601e04e84d	medium.com	5 Takeaways for VR Journalists at CES 2017	January 5–7, I attended CES — the annual consumer-focused technology trade show — as it celebrated its 50th anniversary in Las Vegas.	Flavius Mihaies	https://medium.com/@flaviusoxford	29601e04e84d	https://miro.medium.com/…6F0A8JiDf0g.jpeg	5 min	2017-01-17T14:40:06.241000	2017-01-23T17:39:01.094000	2018-05-21T22:11:50.296000	0	21	en	Virtual Reality,360 Video,Vr Journalism	<section> <p>January 5–7, I attended <a href="https://twitter.com/CES">CES</a> — the annual consumer-focused technology trade show — as it celebrated its 50th anniversary in Las Vegas.</p> <p>Having recently returned from a trip to Iraq shooting 360 VR videos (using a <a href="https://theta360.com/en/about/theta/s.html">Ricoh Theta S</a> and an <a href="http://www.insta360.com/product/insta360-nano">Insta360 Nano</a>), I wondered if CES 2017 would unveil VR journalism’s “next big thing,” or at least some improvements in camera portability and image quality.</p> <p>Here I have to caveat that 1) my perspective is that of a bootstrapped journalist with a budget constraint, whose use of VR video cameras in war zones necessitates portability and ease of use, and 2) with 3,800 companies and a rich programming at this year’s CES, the three days I attended did not allow me to cover the full show.</p> <p>Below are my five most interesting findings for VR journalists.</p> <p><strong>1. More VR adoption overall</strong></p> <p>“A lot more VR than last year,” I thought, walking the show floor on the first day. I also noticed that large exhibitors—car manufacturers, for example — had adopted VR as a marketing gimmick to entice you to their booths.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2448/1smmA77FBsr26F0A8JiDf0g.jpeg" width="2448" height="3264" loading="lazy" /> <p>From a content producer perspective, new high-end VR video cameras and chips showcased impressive performance, especially in entertainment. Intel powered basketball live streams where you could choose and change your seat or join the players on the sideline. If you’re a basketball fan, this is certainly something you want to try.</p> <p>Smaller newsrooms surely noted the lower cost of professional VR video cameras. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/byflaviusm/videos/10153961727140670/">I attended</a> an Insta360 event where the Chinese company announced <a href="https://www.insta360.com/product/insta360-pro/">the Pro</a>, its new $3,000 camera that will compete with the $45,000 <a href="https://ozo.nokia.com/">Nokia OZO</a>. The Pro shoots in 8K and will be available in April 2017.</p> <p>These prices are probably still too high for most freelance VR journalists. Professional cameras can also be quite complex to operate and, more often than not, can’t comfortably fit in your bag or in your pocket. However, a lot is happening in the consumer intermediate-level 360 VR camera category. I went there next.</p> <p><strong>2. Plug and play cameras at a lower price point</strong></p> <p>At CES 2016 you would’ve been hard pressed to find a camera with a price/performance ratio for small budgets. One year on, how do the options stack up?</p> <p>Much better.</p> <p>Insta360, Giroptic, ThiEYE, ZMER One, Vuze, Kodak and Detu are all offering new cameras in the $200 to $800 range. These cameras are getting smaller and slicker, and those I tested do the stitching automatically. A few emphasize social sharing (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) with minimal headaches.</p> <p>The 360 VR camera as an accessory that can be attached to a phone (Insta360 Nano and <a href="https://www.giroptic.com/us/en/giroptic-io">Giroptic iO</a>) was a technical novelty at CES 2017. I used the Nano in Iraq last month, and while it’s one step closer to a point-and-shoot, the camera records manually only and doesn’t have a standard tripod mount. That means hiding is difficult.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1318/1xVOEQjVE_s9WW4UuHiVJvQ.png" width="1318" height="641" loading="lazy" /> <p>That constraint aside, the Nano’s functionality and image quality are very good. The camera worked seamlessly in the field and social sharing was smooth. Note that the Nano isn’t some prototype to be released later in 2017, like many of the other cameras I tested at CES. It currently <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Insta360-Nano-degree-Camera-iPhone/dp/B01FY8CHIA">sells</a> for $199 on Amazon. I definitely look forward to trying the Insta360 Pro.</p> <p>The cost of VR technology is decreasing, making what were professional-level cameras last year more affordable. Humaneyes boasts a 4K 3D 360 performance on its new $800 consumer camera, the <a href="http://vuze.camera/">Vuze</a>, also unveiled at CES.</p> <p>Though the performance of the Vuze left something to be desired, Korean startup TwoEyes Tech announced a comparable 4K 3D 360 camera for a fraction of the cost, albeit with less marketing whizbang. The TwoEyes VR has just launched on Kickstarter. The project page lists the Super Earlybird Pack at <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/244975696/twoeyes-vr-360-camera">$199</a>.</p> <p><strong>3. 360 VR livestreaming goes social</strong></p> <p>If, like me, you’re just becoming familiar with Facebook Live and Periscope, the recent addition of 360 livestreaming on both platforms might feel a tad overwhelming.</p> <p></p> <p>Manufacturers are now releasing cameras officially compatible with Periscope’s new 360 livestreaming (Insta360 Nano), while Facebook lists cameras it says are compatible with <a href="https://media.fb.com/2016/12/12/introducing-live-360/">Live 360</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/s4l4x">Alessandro Sabatelli</a>, director of AR and VR for Twitter, demoed 360 livestreaming with the Insta360 Nano.</p> <p>It’s not clear if audiences will follow, however. A day after U.S. President Barack Obama’s farewell address in Chicago, the 360 live stream had only <a href="https://twitter.com/VRScout/status/818999784610480128">107.6K</a> views, compared to the 2D video’s 473.1K. Maybe scrolling your phone around a crowd of cheering fans is not what you want to do during a presidential speech.</p> <p><strong>4. Build your own VR solution</strong></p> <p>Perhaps my coolest moment at CES 2017 happened at Qualcomm’s booth. The company showcased a hybrid drone/VR experience around its powerful new chip.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2446/1*hgnB6uV0Rh_w1dQcMRZZ6Q.jpeg" width="2446" height="2446" loading="lazy" /> <p>Qualcomm 3D printed the drone featured in the picture above specifically for CES and used third-party camera lenses to complete it. The viewer could experience a 360 live stream directly from the headset. The Qualcomm engineer I spoke to said the company is looking to partner with camera maker Ricoh on producing these drones. As I viewed the homegrown invention, thinking of the possibilities such a creation could enable, I was transported to the early days of personal computing, when Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak paired a calculator with a TV screen. “What if,” I asked the Qualcomm engineer, “I want to make a similar drone?” Her answer was that the company might be able to send me the 3D print plans. This would likely be more than a weekend project.</p> <p>Although drones with 360 VR cameras are already being manufactured, a cheap DIY solution is attractive to people with budget constraints and different cameras.</p> <p><strong>5. “The creative process does not need to wait”</strong></p> <p>One can expect a rapid growth of VR cameras and devices along with fast-paced performance improvement. The speed of change leaves us content producers in a constant state of FOMO.</p> <p>As the technology progresses, videographers will ask: Why record content in 360 <em>only</em>, when you can add depth, as with the upcoming 3D 4K 360 VR cameras from Humaneyes and TwoEyes Tech? Last month in Iraq I was frustrated when I could not record sound in 360. I wished I had my hands on Kodak’s $499.99 <a href="https://kodakpixpro.com/Americas/cameras/vrcamera/orbit3604k/">Orbit360</a> with its stereo input jack for an external microphone.</p> <p>But such quick developments and added features can also distract us from exploring the many other ways to render content and tell a story. “The creative process does not need to wait for the camera,” noted S. Jayaram, the co-founder of Voke, at a CES 2017 <a href="http://www.ces.tech/Conference/ConferenceProgram/Conference-Tracks/Research-Summit/RSS03_AR,-VR-and-the-Future-of-Content.aspx">panel</a>. VR journalists are creating an experience. That experience can integrate interactivity and data into 360 footage, for example.</p> <p>What do you think? What is your experience with VR so far? What challenges are you facing? I look forward to your comments and ideas.</p> <p><em>What do you want to see in my next column? <a href="http://[email protected]">Suggest</a> + <a href="http://twitter.com/byflavius">Follow</a> to get notified when I’ll releas</em>e a first cut of my 360 VR film from a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq for your review.</p> </section>	5 Takeaways for VR Journalists at CES 2017 January 5–7, I attended CES — the annual consumer-focused technology trade show — as it celebrated its 50th anniversary in Las Vegas. Having recently returned from a trip to Iraq shooting 360 VR videos (using a Ricoh Theta S and an Insta360 Nano), I wondered if CES 2017 would unveil VR journalism’s “next big thing,” or at least some improvements in camera portability and image quality. Here I have to caveat that 1) my perspective is that of a bootstrapped journalist with a budget constraint, whose use of VR video cameras in war zones necessitates portability and ease of use, and 2) with 3,800 companies and a rich programming at this year’s CES, the three days I attended did not allow me to cover the full show. Below are my five most interesting findings for VR journalists. 1. More VR adoption overall “A lot more VR than last year,” I thought, walking the show floor on the first day. I also noticed that large exhibitors—car manufacturers, for example — had adopted VR as a marketing gimmick to entice you to their booths. CES 2017 (Flavius Mihaies image) From a content producer perspective, new high-end VR video cameras and chips showcased impressive performance, especially in entertainment. Intel powered basketball live streams where you could choose and change your seat or join the players on the sideline. If you’re a basketball fan, this is certainly something you want to try. Smaller newsrooms surely noted the lower cost of professional VR video cameras. I attended an Insta360 event where the Chinese company announced the Pro, its new $3,000 camera that will compete with the $45,000 Nokia OZO. The Pro shoots in 8K and will be available in April 2017. These prices are probably still too high for most freelance VR journalists. Professional cameras can also be quite complex to operate and, more often than not, can’t comfortably fit in your bag or in your pocket. However, a lot is happening in the consumer intermediate-level 360 VR camera category. I went there next. 2. Plug and play cameras at a lower price point At CES 2016 you would’ve been hard pressed to find a camera with a price/performance ratio for small budgets. One year on, how do the options stack up? Much better. Insta360, Giroptic, ThiEYE, ZMER One, Vuze, Kodak and Detu are all offering new cameras in the $200 to $800 range. These cameras are getting smaller and slicker, and those I tested do the stitching automatically. A few emphasize social sharing (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) with minimal headaches. The 360 VR camera as an accessory that can be attached to a phone (Insta360 Nano and Giroptic iO) was a technical novelty at CES 2017. I used the Nano in Iraq last month, and while it’s one step closer to a point-and-shoot, the camera records manually only and doesn’t have a standard tripod mount. That means hiding is difficult. Shooting a 360 VR video with the Insta360 Nano in a Syrian refugee camp, Iraq, last month. (Flavius Mihaies image) That constraint aside, the Nano’s functionality and image quality are very good. The camera worked seamlessly in the field and social sharing was smooth. Note that the Nano isn’t some prototype to be released later in 2017, like many of the other cameras I tested at CES. It currently sells for $199 on Amazon. I definitely look forward to trying the Insta360 Pro. The cost of VR technology is decreasing, making what were professional-level cameras last year more affordable. Humaneyes boasts a 4K 3D 360 performance on its new $800 consumer camera, the Vuze, also unveiled at CES. Though the performance of the Vuze left something to be desired, Korean startup TwoEyes Tech announced a comparable 4K 3D 360 camera for a fraction of the cost, albeit with less marketing whizbang. The TwoEyes VR has just launched on Kickstarter. The project page lists the Super Earlybird Pack at $199. 3. 360 VR livestreaming goes social If, like me, you’re just becoming familiar with Facebook Live and Periscope, the recent addition of 360 livestreaming on both platforms might feel a tad overwhelming. Manufacturers are now releasing cameras officially compatible with Periscope’s new 360 livestreaming (Insta360 Nano), while Facebook lists cameras it says are compatible with Live 360. Alessandro Sabatelli, director of AR and VR for Twitter, demoed 360 livestreaming with the Insta360 Nano. It’s not clear if audiences will follow, however. A day after U.S. President Barack Obama’s farewell address in Chicago, the 360 live stream had only 107.6K views, compared to the 2D video’s 473.1K. Maybe scrolling your phone around a crowd of cheering fans is not what you want to do during a presidential speech. 4. Build your own VR solution Perhaps my coolest moment at CES 2017 happened at Qualcomm’s booth. The company showcased a hybrid drone/VR experience around its powerful new chip. Qualcomm’s booth and its VR drone the company printed for CES 2017. (Flavius Mihaies image) Qualcomm 3D printed the drone featured in the picture above specifically for CES and used third-party camera lenses to complete it. The viewer could experience a 360 live stream directly from the headset. The Qualcomm engineer I spoke to said the company is looking to partner with camera maker Ricoh on producing these drones. As I viewed the homegrown invention, thinking of the possibilities such a creation could enable, I was transported to the early days of personal computing, when Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak paired a calculator with a TV screen. “What if,” I asked the Qualcomm engineer, “I want to make a similar drone?” Her answer was that the company might be able to send me the 3D print plans. This would likely be more than a weekend project. Although drones with 360 VR cameras are already being manufactured, a cheap DIY solution is attractive to people with budget constraints and different cameras. 5. “The creative process does not need to wait” One can expect a rapid growth of VR cameras and devices along with fast-paced performance improvement. The speed of change leaves us content producers in a constant state of FOMO. As the technology progresses, videographers will ask: Why record content in 360 only, when you can add depth, as with the upcoming 3D 4K 360 VR cameras from Humaneyes and TwoEyes Tech? Last month in Iraq I was frustrated when I could not record sound in 360. I wished I had my hands on Kodak’s $499.99 Orbit360 with its stereo input jack for an external microphone. But such quick developments and added features can also distract us from exploring the many other ways to render content and tell a story. “The creative process does not need to wait for the camera,” noted S. Jayaram, the co-founder of Voke, at a CES 2017 panel. VR journalists are creating an experience. That experience can integrate interactivity and data into 360 footage, for example. What do you think? What is your experience with VR so far? What challenges are you facing? I look forward to your comments and ideas. What do you want to see in my next column? Suggest + Follow to get notified when I’ll release a first cut of my 360 VR film from a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq for your review.	eab754f1-9c80-506c-ae30-5a68c7ccbf31	25/08/2025 18:00:27
https://medium.com/daily-visit-with-god/reject-the-heretic-c68b6d8c1c44	medium.com	Reject the Heretic	Titus 3:10–11 (KJV) A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and…	Marvin McKenzie	https://medium.com/@booksbymarvinmckenzie	c68b6d8c1c44	https://miro.medium.com/…ILByq4qxE-e5.jpg	1 min	2017-02-23T16:32:16.298000	2017-02-23T08:28:00	2017-02-23T16:33:32.850000	0	0	en	Christianity,Religion	<section> <p>Titus 3:10–11 (KJV) <em><strong>A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of </em>himself.</strong></p> <p>It’s hard to take in our soft “get along with everything” world, but the Bible is clear that the heretic is eventually to be rejected.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/320/0*CjU3ILByq4qxE-e5.jpg" width="320" height="240" loading="lazy" /> <p>Heresy and apostasy are different breeds of the same animal. Apostasy is turning from the faith once delivered. Heresy is an attempt to lead others to do the same. Apostasy is bad doctrine. Heresy tries to pull others away from sound doctrine and into the error.<a href="http://bbcpuyallup.org/marvinmckenzie/index.php/2017/02/17/titus-3v10-11/#_ftn1">[1]</a></p> <p>We ought to try to reach the heretic, to persuade them to repent and come back. If they do not, after a few attempts (at least more than one) we have to move on.</p> <p>Here’s the thing, whenever we obey this passage we can be assured that we will be accused of being unloving. It’s not true. Don’t you believe it! The heretic is condemned of himself. It’s no one’s fault but his own.</p> <p><a href="http://bbcpuyallup.org/marvinmckenzie/index.php/2017/02/17/titus-3v10-11/#_ftnref1">[1]</a> One definition of heresy includes anyone who attempts to cause a division — such as trying to get a Christian to leave one church for another.</p> <p><strong>To my readers:</strong> I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below.</p> <p>For this and more than 3700 earlier <a href="http://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com/">Daily Visits with God</a> visit <a href="http://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com/">Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page</a>. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006.</p> <p><em>If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others</em></p> <p>Please consider helping our church’s teen department by signing up for cash back shopping at <a href="http://www.dubli.com/M04VB">Bible Baptist Church Fundraiser.</a> This program has three levels of participation, the first being completely free.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com/2017/</em>02/titus-310-11-kjv-reject-heretic.html">mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com</a> on February 17, 2017.</p> </section>	Reject the Heretic Titus 3:10–11 (KJV) A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. It’s hard to take in our soft “get along with everything” world, but the Bible is clear that the heretic is eventually to be rejected. Heresy and apostasy are different breeds of the same animal. Apostasy is turning from the faith once delivered. Heresy is an attempt to lead others to do the same. Apostasy is bad doctrine. Heresy tries to pull others away from sound doctrine and into the error.[1] We ought to try to reach the heretic, to persuade them to repent and come back. If they do not, after a few attempts (at least more than one) we have to move on. Here’s the thing, whenever we obey this passage we can be assured that we will be accused of being unloving. It’s not true. Don’t you believe it! The heretic is condemned of himself. It’s no one’s fault but his own. [1] One definition of heresy includes anyone who attempts to cause a division — such as trying to get a Christian to leave one church for another. To my readers: I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below. For this and more than 3700 earlier Daily Visits with God visit Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006. If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others Please consider helping our church’s teen department by signing up for cash back shopping at Bible Baptist Church Fundraiser. This program has three levels of participation, the first being completely free. Originally published at mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com on February 17, 2017.	0876ed0b-689e-50da-92bc-0886f42ab7d3	25/08/2025 18:00:27
https://medium.com/@OXygenOxon/wake-up-winter-the-winter-picnic-af2dc9793e95	medium.com	Wake Up Winter! — The Winter Picnic	If anything runs through our family like a herd of buffalo, it’s a love of food. Before my husband and I had children, we knew that if we…	OXygen	https://medium.com/@OXygenOxon	af2dc9793e95	https://miro.medium.com/…iLO888gI9Fg.jpeg	1 min	2018-01-16T09:14:13.733000	2018-01-16T09:23:16.499000	2018-05-02T05:36:33.945000	0	0	en	Food	<section> <p>If anything runs through our family like a herd of buffalo, it’s a love of food. Before my husband and I had children, we knew that if we were to procreate we would produce curly haired, round bottomed food lovers. And we did.</p> <p>Weaving food into our good times is what comes naturally to us, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise when I asked my daughters what they most wanted to do over October half term, and they asked to go for a walk and take a picnic. ‘A picnic? At the end of October? Really?’. Easier than Legoland I suppose.</p> <p>I packed up lots of small containers of different things to snack on, and they were chuffed to bits stuffing their lunch boxes into their backpacks. We walked further than usual that day, and as soon as anyone got an attack of the ‘I’m tireds’ we found somewhere to perch and opened another pot of goodies. As we grazed we took the time to take in everything we could see, and even spotted a small deer.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3264/1*F5h-6WLaxbCiLO888gI9Fg.jpeg" width="3264" height="2448" loading="lazy" /> <p>On this expedition (and a few that followed) the bar was kept pretty low when it came to culinary content, but as part of my quest to <a href="https://medium.com/@OXygenOxon/wake-up-winter-ede2d7664856">wake up winter</a>, I’m planning to get some ideas together this week, and have a proper winter picnic at the weekend. The girls and my husband have a particularly busy week ahead and some late nights lined up, so they’ll be ready for a blast of fresh air but might need coaxing into their wellies……. hopefully the al fresco dining will do the job. Join me on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OXygenOxon/?ref=br_rs">@OXygenOxon</a>), Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/OxygenOxon">@OXygenOxon</a>), and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/oxygenoxon/">@OXygenOxon</a>) to see how we get on!</p> </section>	Wake Up Winter! — The Winter Picnic If anything runs through our family like a herd of buffalo, it’s a love of food. Before my husband and I had children, we knew that if we were to procreate we would produce curly haired, round bottomed food lovers. And we did. Weaving food into our good times is what comes naturally to us, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise when I asked my daughters what they most wanted to do over October half term, and they asked to go for a walk and take a picnic. ‘A picnic? At the end of October? Really?’. Easier than Legoland I suppose. I packed up lots of small containers of different things to snack on, and they were chuffed to bits stuffing their lunch boxes into their backpacks. We walked further than usual that day, and as soon as anyone got an attack of the ‘I’m tireds’ we found somewhere to perch and opened another pot of goodies. As we grazed we took the time to take in everything we could see, and even spotted a small deer. Our first winter picnic On this expedition (and a few that followed) the bar was kept pretty low when it came to culinary content, but as part of my quest to wake up winter, I’m planning to get some ideas together this week, and have a proper winter picnic at the weekend. The girls and my husband have a particularly busy week ahead and some late nights lined up, so they’ll be ready for a blast of fresh air but might need coaxing into their wellies……. hopefully the al fresco dining will do the job. Join me on Facebook (@OXygenOxon), Twitter (@OXygenOxon), and Instagram (@OXygenOxon) to see how we get on!	9e0d058e-d484-598f-873a-64fa6d56578c	25/08/2025 18:00:27
https://medium.com/@danny_43910/why-do-liquor-stores-look-like-theyre-stuck-in-1979-and-why-it-s-about-to-change-417d912d49b2	medium.com	Why do liquor stores look like they’re stuck in 1979? (and why it’s about to change)	Looking at pictures from 40 years ago can be entertaining and educational. It’s fascinating to see how much things have changed, or…	Daniel Robinson	https://medium.com/@danny_43910	417d912d49b2	https://miro.medium.com/…uVxlpZcjNcg.jpeg	2 min	2018-03-07T17:35:17.335000	2018-03-07T17:37:19.271000	2018-06-06T00:54:17.901000	0	0	en	Food,Liquor,Beverage,Food And Beverage,Health	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3265/1*PIkdfmimFiuuVxlpZcjNcg.jpeg" width="3265" height="3886" loading="lazy" /> <p>Looking at pictures from 40 years ago can be entertaining and educational. It’s fascinating to see how much things have changed, or haven’t. For example, if you looked at an old picture of the inside of a grocery store, it would make you cringe seeing what we called “food” back then. The shelves were packed with processed products full of artificial colors and harmful preservatives. As time has passed and information about food ingredients is more available, consumers’ concern for their own wellness has changed the grocery store shelves. Organic products and fresh food have dominated the aisles. Clean label products are even filling the isles of convenience stores and gas stations. Sugary sodas are disappearing from the prime spots on the shelves. Beverages with exotic ingredients that claim wondrous health benefits are not just confined to specialty health food stores any longer. The one place that seems immune to this global trend is the liquor store. Even within modern grocery stores, the beer & wine aisle is straight out of ’79. So what’s the hold up? Most of the brands you see in the alcohol aisle are owned by big corporations and conglomerates. They don’t have the agility to respond to trends, even mega trends such as ‘health & wellness’. It also seems that they are more concerned with what their competitors are doing than what the market is begging for. It’s the small start-up brands that will bring the alcohol industry into the modern world. When Boathouse Beverage created Spiked Seltzer in 2013, it only took 3 years for Anheuser-Busch to snatch up the brand. Immediately after came Boston Beer Co, Mark Anthony Group (Mike’s Hard), Miller/ Coors, as well as other macro brands entering the market with their own versions of a hard seltzer. This pattern will be repeated as consumers stop drinking mass produced, high alcohol beverages and replace them with brands that use natural ingredients and willingly share their nutrition information. I can see the day where we’ll find a section of the liquor store with a perishable juice based alcoholic drink section. In fact, I can’t wait.</p> </section>	Why do liquor stores look like they’re stuck in 1979? (and why it’s about to change) Looking at pictures from 40 years ago can be entertaining and educational. It’s fascinating to see how much things have changed, or haven’t. For example, if you looked at an old picture of the inside of a grocery store, it would make you cringe seeing what we called “food” back then. The shelves were packed with processed products full of artificial colors and harmful preservatives. As time has passed and information about food ingredients is more available, consumers’ concern for their own wellness has changed the grocery store shelves. Organic products and fresh food have dominated the aisles. Clean label products are even filling the isles of convenience stores and gas stations. Sugary sodas are disappearing from the prime spots on the shelves. Beverages with exotic ingredients that claim wondrous health benefits are not just confined to specialty health food stores any longer. The one place that seems immune to this global trend is the liquor store. Even within modern grocery stores, the beer & wine aisle is straight out of ’79. So what’s the hold up? Most of the brands you see in the alcohol aisle are owned by big corporations and conglomerates. They don’t have the agility to respond to trends, even mega trends such as ‘health & wellness’. It also seems that they are more concerned with what their competitors are doing than what the market is begging for. It’s the small start-up brands that will bring the alcohol industry into the modern world. When Boathouse Beverage created Spiked Seltzer in 2013, it only took 3 years for Anheuser-Busch to snatch up the brand. Immediately after came Boston Beer Co, Mark Anthony Group (Mike’s Hard), Miller/ Coors, as well as other macro brands entering the market with their own versions of a hard seltzer. This pattern will be repeated as consumers stop drinking mass produced, high alcohol beverages and replace them with brands that use natural ingredients and willingly share their nutrition information. I can see the day where we’ll find a section of the liquor store with a perishable juice based alcoholic drink section. In fact, I can’t wait.	f6d10ff2-4014-525e-be8a-73a61c398044	25/08/2025 18:00:28
https://medium.com/@edjarrett_aclayjar/my-personal-testimony-d8cbc00fe9f0	medium.com	My Personal Testimony	This is a brief account of my journey of faith. A journey that almost didn’t happen. But one that has been the best of my life.	Ed Jarrett	https://medium.com/@edjarrett_aclayjar	d8cbc00fe9f0	https://miro.medium.com/…4FPgL_Vcwpg.jpeg	2 min	2022-11-05T22:48:47.439000	2022-11-05T22:53:05.494000	2022-11-26T12:01:58.167000	3	32	en	Christianity	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4000/1*T5yVGIR8GV74FPgL_Vcwpg.jpeg" width="4000" height="3000" loading="lazy" /> <p>I was born into a Christian family, the oldest of three kids. My Dad had a career in the Navy when moving was frequent. I do not remember living in one place longer than four years at a stretch, and usually much shorter. As far back as I can remember, my family attended a local church in the community we lived in. I grew up believing it was just a natural thing that people did. And so, at age 9, I walked the aisle of our local Baptist church, made a profession of faith, and was baptized.</p> <p>We were always active in the local church throughout my school years, and I was a ‘good’ Christian youth. I never really thought much about what that meant, though. And eventually, it became something that prevented me from enjoying some of the things that I saw other people doing. When my senior year of high school rolled around, I started looking forward to getting away from home and being on my own. And that did not include any plans to continue to be active in a church. After graduation, I enlisted in the Navy with a 3-month delayed entry and looked forward to the freedom it would afford me.</p> <h1>The Transformation</h1> <p>Unfortunately for my plans, I had signed up at my mom’s instigation to help staff at a Christian camp during half of the summer. During the eight weeks I was there, I met a group of other high school graduates and college students who had something I had heard about but had never experienced. And the more I was around them, the more I wanted what they had. Their relationship with Christ was much more than following a set of rules and performing the right rituals. They exhibited something living and dynamic; and very appealing to me. I don’t mean to imply that my parent’s faith was as dead as mine, and I am sure it was not. But it had never been as apparent to me as it was that summer.</p> <p>While I do not remember the specific day, I do remember the occasion very vividly when I ultimately surrendered my life to the lordship of Christ. And even more vividly, I remember the transformation it made in who I was. My plans for what I would see and do while in the Navy were upended. Not because I felt guilt over them. But because I was no longer interested. And in addition to transforming my desires, my language was transformed.</p> <h2>In the Years Since</h2> <p>In the decades since then, I have often looked back to that event to verify that, indeed, something real had happened to me. It was more than just an intellectual decision on my part. It was life-changing. And in the 50 years since that time, I have sought to follow Jesus as my Lord. I have not always been successful. But I have always claimed him as Lord and mainly sought to live for him. I have been active within a local church wherever I have been. And I have eagerly desired to grow in God’s grace and obedience.</p> <p>I cannot begin to imagine what course my life would have taken had it not been for that summer when I encountered Jesus. But I have no regrets about the choice I made to follow him. And to continue to follow him throughout the intervening years. Through all that life in this world has brought my way, he has been faithful. And my greatest desire is to stand before him and to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”</p> </section>	My Personal Testimony Photo by Ed Jarrett @ https://aclayjar.net/wp-content/uploads/Musing-on-the-Elwha.jpg I was born into a Christian family, the oldest of three kids. My Dad had a career in the Navy when moving was frequent. I do not remember living in one place longer than four years at a stretch, and usually much shorter. As far back as I can remember, my family attended a local church in the community we lived in. I grew up believing it was just a natural thing that people did. And so, at age 9, I walked the aisle of our local Baptist church, made a profession of faith, and was baptized. We were always active in the local church throughout my school years, and I was a ‘good’ Christian youth. I never really thought much about what that meant, though. And eventually, it became something that prevented me from enjoying some of the things that I saw other people doing. When my senior year of high school rolled around, I started looking forward to getting away from home and being on my own. And that did not include any plans to continue to be active in a church. After graduation, I enlisted in the Navy with a 3-month delayed entry and looked forward to the freedom it would afford me. The Transformation Unfortunately for my plans, I had signed up at my mom’s instigation to help staff at a Christian camp during half of the summer. During the eight weeks I was there, I met a group of other high school graduates and college students who had something I had heard about but had never experienced. And the more I was around them, the more I wanted what they had. Their relationship with Christ was much more than following a set of rules and performing the right rituals. They exhibited something living and dynamic; and very appealing to me. I don’t mean to imply that my parent’s faith was as dead as mine, and I am sure it was not. But it had never been as apparent to me as it was that summer. While I do not remember the specific day, I do remember the occasion very vividly when I ultimately surrendered my life to the lordship of Christ. And even more vividly, I remember the transformation it made in who I was. My plans for what I would see and do while in the Navy were upended. Not because I felt guilt over them. But because I was no longer interested. And in addition to transforming my desires, my language was transformed. In the Years Since In the decades since then, I have often looked back to that event to verify that, indeed, something real had happened to me. It was more than just an intellectual decision on my part. It was life-changing. And in the 50 years since that time, I have sought to follow Jesus as my Lord. I have not always been successful. But I have always claimed him as Lord and mainly sought to live for him. I have been active within a local church wherever I have been. And I have eagerly desired to grow in God’s grace and obedience. I cannot begin to imagine what course my life would have taken had it not been for that summer when I encountered Jesus. But I have no regrets about the choice I made to follow him. And to continue to follow him throughout the intervening years. Through all that life in this world has brought my way, he has been faithful. And my greatest desire is to stand before him and to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”	270a1d42-ebe7-5d56-a59c-4db527d986ca	25/08/2025 18:00:28
https://megbenedicte.medium.com/aquarian-era-revealed-c415dff8b124	medium.com	Aquarian Era Revealed	Have you felt the new year building in momentum? It feels like riding a ripcurl wave…you can’t see much but trust the power propelling you…	Meg Benedicte	https://medium.com/@megbenedicte	c415dff8b124	https://miro.medium.com/…pWVmqdp8MXg.jpeg	2 min	2023-02-27T19:36:30.822000	2023-02-27T19:38:03.756000	2023-02-28T04:16:15.448000	0	1	en	Spirituality,Consciousness,Ascension,Astrology,Aquarius	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1732/1*bHRWy6z8uG6pWVmqdp8MXg.jpeg" width="1732" height="1732" loading="lazy" /> <p>Have you felt the new year building in momentum? It feels like riding a ripcurl wave…you can’t see much but trust the power propelling you forward. We are experiencing extraordinary geomagnetic fluctuations, galactic energies and spectacular Aurora Borealis light shows. Let’s ride this wave into the Aquarian Era. The most influential 2023 astrological events arrive in March. Get ready for a significant shift in energy, focus and perspective as Saturn, Pluto and Mars change signs in the month of March.</p> <p>Leading the pack on March 7, Saturn moves into Pisces, the sign of fluid emotions, changeable flow, sensitivity and spiritual nature, connection and compassion. Saturn has been influencing Aquarian themes for two years, since March 2020. Saturn the Taskmaster represents discipline, authority, boundaries, rules and regulations in watery empathic Pisces. Saturn in Pisces may be an odd fit. Perhaps we will see more grounded spirituality replacing out-of-body escapism. Saturn in Pisces provides the container for Spiritual essence, the sacred vessel for embodiment. Spirituality becomes an in-body experience. Saturn in Pisces enhances a more practical daily spiritual practice.</p> <p>On March 23 Pluto enters Aquarius, igniting more of the powerful Aquarian Era for all life on the planet. Pluto will stay in Aquarius until June 11, then retrograde back to Capricorn, then forward into Aquarius, back and forth until November 19, 2024; where it will remain until 2043. Pluto is currently in the final degrees of dismantling Capricorn institutions of patriarchy, hierarchy, authoritarian governments, religious cults, and rigid societal structures. As Pluto recycles over the final degrees of Capricorn in the coming months, the impact will ripple through fixed archaic systems that deprive most of the world universal abundance, peace and harmony.</p> <p>We are witnessing a global shift from old, outdated Capricorn systems as Pluto moves into Aquarius on March 23, heralding the new era. Pluto inspires deep soul-searching, shadow work and alchemical transformation. While in Aquarius, Pluto will develop a new power system in the humanitarian sign of community, collective, hive mind. During Pluto’s transit we will see a new society emerge. Under Pluto’s refiner’s fire influence, outdated social conditioning, past trends, superficiality and collective illusions will falter, morph and dissolve.</p> <p>The Aries Equinox arrives on March 20, setting the stage for a new astrological cycle, a new season and zero point alchemy. The Equinox occurs at 0 degrees Aries, when day and night are equal length. Often referred to as the ‘Great Turning of the Wheel’, it is the cosmic pause between past and future. The Equinox provides the gateway into a fresh new start. When you ascend into a higher threshold resonance, your world reality expands into more complex consciousness. Let’s ride that wave into becoming Divine Humans!</p> <p>Join other Light Beings and visiting Starseeds for the Equinox Gateway Activations. Travel to your Soul’s original homestar and connect with your unique home starlight. Register here: <a href="https://newearthcentral.com/?p=255615">https://newearthcentral.com/?p=255615</a></p> <p>Lovingly, Meg</p> <p>Quantum Access®</p> <p><a href="https://newearthcentral.com">https://newearthcentral.com</a></p> <p>PS: If you would like to experience the Quantum Access® method, sign up for free download on how to activate the Quantum Vortex here: <a href="https://newearthcentral.aweb.page/p/bf6b11f5-e530-4b1d-b9d8-38f0d5e1458b">https://newearthcentral.aweb.page/p/bf6b11f5-e530-4b1d-b9d8-38f0d5e1458b</a></p> </section>	Aquarian Era Revealed Have you felt the new year building in momentum? It feels like riding a ripcurl wave…you can’t see much but trust the power propelling you forward. We are experiencing extraordinary geomagnetic fluctuations, galactic energies and spectacular Aurora Borealis light shows. Let’s ride this wave into the Aquarian Era. The most influential 2023 astrological events arrive in March. Get ready for a significant shift in energy, focus and perspective as Saturn, Pluto and Mars change signs in the month of March. Leading the pack on March 7, Saturn moves into Pisces, the sign of fluid emotions, changeable flow, sensitivity and spiritual nature, connection and compassion. Saturn has been influencing Aquarian themes for two years, since March 2020. Saturn the Taskmaster represents discipline, authority, boundaries, rules and regulations in watery empathic Pisces. Saturn in Pisces may be an odd fit. Perhaps we will see more grounded spirituality replacing out-of-body escapism. Saturn in Pisces provides the container for Spiritual essence, the sacred vessel for embodiment. Spirituality becomes an in-body experience. Saturn in Pisces enhances a more practical daily spiritual practice. On March 23 Pluto enters Aquarius, igniting more of the powerful Aquarian Era for all life on the planet. Pluto will stay in Aquarius until June 11, then retrograde back to Capricorn, then forward into Aquarius, back and forth until November 19, 2024; where it will remain until 2043. Pluto is currently in the final degrees of dismantling Capricorn institutions of patriarchy, hierarchy, authoritarian governments, religious cults, and rigid societal structures. As Pluto recycles over the final degrees of Capricorn in the coming months, the impact will ripple through fixed archaic systems that deprive most of the world universal abundance, peace and harmony. We are witnessing a global shift from old, outdated Capricorn systems as Pluto moves into Aquarius on March 23, heralding the new era. Pluto inspires deep soul-searching, shadow work and alchemical transformation. While in Aquarius, Pluto will develop a new power system in the humanitarian sign of community, collective, hive mind. During Pluto’s transit we will see a new society emerge. Under Pluto’s refiner’s fire influence, outdated social conditioning, past trends, superficiality and collective illusions will falter, morph and dissolve. The Aries Equinox arrives on March 20, setting the stage for a new astrological cycle, a new season and zero point alchemy. The Equinox occurs at 0 degrees Aries, when day and night are equal length. Often referred to as the ‘Great Turning of the Wheel’, it is the cosmic pause between past and future. The Equinox provides the gateway into a fresh new start. When you ascend into a higher threshold resonance, your world reality expands into more complex consciousness. Let’s ride that wave into becoming Divine Humans! Join other Light Beings and visiting Starseeds for the Equinox Gateway Activations. Travel to your Soul’s original homestar and connect with your unique home starlight. Register here: https://newearthcentral.com/?p=255615 Lovingly, Meg Quantum Access® https://newearthcentral.com PS: If you would like to experience the Quantum Access® method, sign up for free download on how to activate the Quantum Vortex here: https://newearthcentral.aweb.page/p/bf6b11f5-e530-4b1d-b9d8-38f0d5e1458b	5f19783d-9a73-5cf1-8059-23322cbc578d	25/08/2025 18:00:29
https://medium.com/coveliving/5-vegetarian-restaurants-you-must-visit-400308305643	medium.com	5 vegetarian restaurants you must visit	Have you always wanted to try vegetarian food but quite skeptical? Why not start with this list of restaurants here?	Edrie	https://medium.com/@edrie	400308305643	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*cCILrRCkz96YRfrx	3 min	2021-10-18T01:26:49.432000	2021-10-18T02:43:04.119000	2022-01-04T21:13:40.243000	0	1	en	Vegetarian,Vegan,Food,Healthy	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/0cCILrRCkz96YRfrx" width="2048" height="1638" loading="lazy" /> <p>Who says being vegetarian in Singapore is tough? In fact, vegetarians are also eating yummy and IG-worthy food, just like everybody else! You just need to know where to find it.</p> <p>As this month is in fact Vegetarian Month, we’ll share with you our top picks for vegetarian food (vegan options included too). At the end of this post, we’ll prove to you that not eating meat isn’t really much of a challenge. You might want to rethink your dietary preferences after this!</p> <p>· <a href="#d7ac">Greendot</a> · <a href="#0cbd">Komala Vilas</a> · <a href="#8594">Veganburg</a> · <a href="#499e">Real Food</a> · <a href="#0f8e">Whole Earth</a></p> <h1><strong>Greendot</strong></h1> <p>I’ll start this list with my favourite go-to vegetarian eatery. Yup, call me basic but Greendot is a must try!</p> <p>What I love about this vegetarian restaurant is the menu they serve. Rendang, Laksa, Mee Pok — these are local delicacies that usually come with meat. But eating at Greendot will make you forget that everything you’re eating is plant-based!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1440/0nL8Iwe310WSIijNs" width="1440" height="1440" loading="lazy" /> <p>With more than <a href="https://www.greendot.sg/contact-us-outlets/">10 outlets</a> all over the island, you can easily have your vegetarian meal delivered right to your doorstep!</p> <h2><strong>Komala Vilas</strong></h2> <p>One thing about me, my love for Indian food is out of this world. And if you’re looking for authentic South and North Indian food, <a href="https://komalavilas.com.sg/">Komala Vilas</a> is the place to go.</p> <p>Whatever you’re getting here, whether it’s the dosai, biryani, idly or poori, just make sure you get the chai to go with your meal!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/802/0QwNzvsw-D5TxGZMd" width="802" height="497" loading="lazy" /> <p>This restaurant is so authentic that they still serve their food on banana leaves. That’s how you know they keep their tradition alive. It’s so good, even our <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-drops-in-for-thosai-at-komala-vilas-in-little-india">Prime Minister</a> loves it!</p> <h2><strong>Veganburg</strong></h2> <p>You might think the term “vegan burger” is oxymoronic but you’ll never know its goodness unless you try it yourself.</p> <p>Like you, I too was skeptical about Veganburg until I tried it. I still remember my first bite, I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t a single trace of meat in that delicious patty! 😱</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/960/0iCOt9LEqxxOaKz3E" width="960" height="960" loading="lazy" /> <p>Besides their plant-based burgers, their sides are equally yummy too. Don’t forget to try their Phish Fingers, it’s a must try!</p> <h2><strong>Real Food</strong></h2> <p>New to vegetarian food? <a href="https://www.realfoodgrocer.com/ta-breakfast">Real Food</a> is a great place to start your vegetarian journey!</p> <p>It’s perfect for fussy eaters as they have a wide range of food for you to choose from. Be it rice dishes, noodles, burgers, pizzas and even all-day breakfast sets!</p> <p>You’ll definitely love the ambiance of this vegetarian restaurant in Orchard, totally perfect for Instagram and also some TikTok challenge videos when you’re waiting for your food.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/0PPJ08ggYBIeH0HPM" width="1024" height="576" loading="lazy" /> <p>Real Food also serves vegan options so you can bring your vegan friends here too!</p> <h2><strong>Whole Earth</strong></h2> <p>When I say vegetarians are enjoying good food, I really mean it. Did you know that <a href="https://www.wholeearth.com.sg/">Whole Earth</a> is the only plant-based restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 4 consecutive years since 2016!</p> <p>As someone who’s born and bred in Singapore, my love for Southeast Asian food is unparallel. If you’re like me, you’ll certainly fall in love with Whole Earth as they serve plant-based Peranakan and Thai cuisines!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/0unyozZNkQZ021z6F" width="2048" height="1994" loading="lazy" /> <p>From nyonya curry, sambal kangkong to vegetarian assam pedas, this vegetarian eatery hits the right spots! So the next time you crave for local Peranakan food, grab a bite at Whole Earth.</p> <p>With this list here, I’m sure you’ll look at vegetarian food in a different light and appreciate it even more. Being vegetarian is not only healthy for us but for the environment as it helps to <a href="https://vegsoc.org/info-hub/why-go-veggie/environment/">reduce carbon footprint</a>.</p> <p>So why not give vegetarianism a try?</p> <p>For more lifestyle updates, follow Cove on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cove_sg/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/covesingapore">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@cove_sg">TikTok</a>!</p> </section>	5 vegetarian restaurants you must visit Image: Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash Who says being vegetarian in Singapore is tough? In fact, vegetarians are also eating yummy and IG-worthy food, just like everybody else! You just need to know where to find it. As this month is in fact Vegetarian Month, we’ll share with you our top picks for vegetarian food (vegan options included too). At the end of this post, we’ll prove to you that not eating meat isn’t really much of a challenge. You might want to rethink your dietary preferences after this! · Greendot · Komala Vilas · Veganburg · Real Food · Whole Earth Greendot I’ll start this list with my favourite go-to vegetarian eatery. Yup, call me basic but Greendot is a must try! What I love about this vegetarian restaurant is the menu they serve. Rendang, Laksa, Mee Pok — these are local delicacies that usually come with meat. But eating at Greendot will make you forget that everything you’re eating is plant-based! Image: Greendot With more than 10 outlets all over the island, you can easily have your vegetarian meal delivered right to your doorstep! Komala Vilas One thing about me, my love for Indian food is out of this world. And if you’re looking for authentic South and North Indian food, Komala Vilas is the place to go. Whatever you’re getting here, whether it’s the dosai, biryani, idly or poori, just make sure you get the chai to go with your meal! Image: Komala Vilas This restaurant is so authentic that they still serve their food on banana leaves. That’s how you know they keep their tradition alive. It’s so good, even our Prime Minister loves it! Veganburg You might think the term “vegan burger” is oxymoronic but you’ll never know its goodness unless you try it yourself. Like you, I too was skeptical about Veganburg until I tried it. I still remember my first bite, I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t a single trace of meat in that delicious patty! 😱 Image: VeganBurg Besides their plant-based burgers, their sides are equally yummy too. Don’t forget to try their Phish Fingers, it’s a must try! Real Food New to vegetarian food? Real Food is a great place to start your vegetarian journey! It’s perfect for fussy eaters as they have a wide range of food for you to choose from. Be it rice dishes, noodles, burgers, pizzas and even all-day breakfast sets! You’ll definitely love the ambiance of this vegetarian restaurant in Orchard, totally perfect for Instagram and also some TikTok challenge videos when you’re waiting for your food. Image: Happy Cow Real Food also serves vegan options so you can bring your vegan friends here too! Whole Earth When I say vegetarians are enjoying good food, I really mean it. Did you know that Whole Earth is the only plant-based restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 4 consecutive years since 2016! As someone who’s born and bred in Singapore, my love for Southeast Asian food is unparallel. If you’re like me, you’ll certainly fall in love with Whole Earth as they serve plant-based Peranakan and Thai cuisines! Image: Whole Earth From nyonya curry, sambal kangkong to vegetarian assam pedas, this vegetarian eatery hits the right spots! So the next time you crave for local Peranakan food, grab a bite at Whole Earth. With this list here, I’m sure you’ll look at vegetarian food in a different light and appreciate it even more. Being vegetarian is not only healthy for us but for the environment as it helps to reduce carbon footprint. So why not give vegetarianism a try? For more lifestyle updates, follow Cove on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok!	3cb5d5fe-7df1-5aa9-96be-8b89793c1efb	25/08/2025 18:00:29
https://medium.com/faith-hacking-101/the-call-of-god-in-my-life-50ee2ff24cd1	medium.com	The call of God in my life	A few of my learnings from serving in my local church as an intern…	Ian Liew	https://medium.com/@ianliew97	50ee2ff24cd1	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*QXgoVksPi53dXVBD	6 min	2018-06-13T08:47:18.072000	2018-06-27T23:01:01.004000	2018-06-27T23:01:01.286000	1	182	en	Christianity,Religion,Church,Spirituality,Faith	<section> <p><em>A few of my learnings from serving in my local church as an intern…</em></p> <blockquote>So over the past few months I’ve been interning in church as part of my journey in realising my perceived calling into full-time Christian ministry. As part of this learning process, my youth pastor tasked me with reading segments of Oswald Chambers’ book, “So I Send You”, and I was to journal down my thoughts and reflections and thereafter talk it through with her. This piece is hence a summary of what I gleaned from the book together with a few of my personal experiences from my internship in church…</blockquote> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/5354/0eH9TeakO-zj1vreZ" width="5354" height="3810" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>1.</strong> <strong>The call of God doesn’t reflect my nature, but God’s.</strong></p> <p>Oswald Chambers talks about how many people make the mistake of considering their temperament or personality when they try to discern their calling. He starts off by laying down the fundamental fact that the call of God reflects His nature, and not mine. The moment I start to think about how my strengths and weaknesses affect God’s call for me, it gets difficult for me to hear God. I feel that this is true when it comes to me, and I’ve since been trying to lay aside my convictions about who I am and what God is calling me to be. A segment in the second chapter in the book reads,</p> <p>“We make a blunder when we fix on the particular location for our service and say, ‘God called me there.’ When God shifts the location, the battle comes. Will I remain consistent to what I have said I am going to do, or be true to the <strong>insurgent</strong> call of God, and let Him locate me where He likes?”</p> <p>I struggle really hard with this because I’ve always been searching for my calling with questions like, “Am I going to be a pastor?” or “Am I going to be a missionary?”, and it’s only now that I realise that I’ve been asking the wrong questions all along. It’s difficult because this mindset is so deeply rooted in me (and it also sucks to never really know until God wants me to know), but I’m slowly learning to try to simply be in tune with God as the prophet Isaiah was when he was commissioned, and go wherever He leads me.</p> <blockquote>“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!””</blockquote> <blockquote>Isaiah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬</blockquote> <p><strong>2. The call of God is not just a call to a vocation.</strong></p> <p>It is that in part, but it is also more than that. It is a call to certain kind of life. More specifically, it is a call to preach the gospel in every aspect of life. Whether it is in my family, relationships, hobbies or vocations, I am called to represent Christ in everything I do, and this is the first and foremost call of God for every Christian. As the apostle Paul puts it, “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.” Prior to reading this, I was so focused on specifically my calling in my vocation that I felt that I had missed the point. It was telling when I read this segment in the book that challenged its readers, “Is there anything competing for our strength in our devotion to the call of God?” My first reaction to this was, “Isn’t this quite definite? Won’t there always be things that compete for my strength? How then do I reconcile this?”, and it was only when I read it a second time later that day that I realised that the only reason I thought this way was because I had seen “calling” as something that was restricted to my career alone, and I had subconsciously categorized my life into “spiritual” and “non-spiritual” things. There was this disconnect between career and the rest of my life, and in that sense it was difficult for me to have fulfilled God’s calling for my life as a whole. I need to start to consciously crush this mindset that God’s calling is restricted to my career alone and <strong>every</strong> aspect of my life should instead be lived out for the glory of God.</p> <p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>ALL circumstances ARE used by God to make me a more effective minister in God’s kingdom.</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/5184/0QXgoVksPi53dXVBD" width="5184" height="3456" loading="lazy" /> <p>Not some circumstances, but all. Not “can be used”, but “are used”. Prior to reading this book, I was always of the mindset that God could use all circumstances to make me, as Oswald Chambers puts, more effective “broken bread and poured out wine”, but I wasn’t so sure if He did actually work through ALL circumstances. I think this is where my lessons from the book got personal to me, because it was this segment, along with the chapter “Vison, Valley, Verify” that have helped me to make sense of what I’ve been feeling through these few weeks of internship in church. In general over the past few weeks, I’ve felt a great disconnect with the youth congregation; I feel like there’s a discrepancy between what is expected of me as an intern versus what I know I’m capable of. I believe that it is because in contrast to the congregation’s “expectations” of an intern, I came out of nowhere and had no prior significant experience with serving in church. My church’s youth don’t really know me as a person, and I think that has made it really difficult for me to contribute as much as I would like to. One of the instances where this was made apparent to me was during my church’s Youth Leaders’ Meeting last Sunday, where I felt that this much was expected of me in the absence of my youth congregation’s full-time executive staff, but I couldn’t live up to it. It was my first leader’s meeting, and the things at which I felt completely inadequate at ranged from the bigger things like finding it difficult to talk to many of the other youth leaders (christian ministry after all is one that is centred on the souls of people) to small and technical things like not knowing how the room was to be set up. It was in part humbling, but on top of this, a huge part of me was immensely discouraged because I felt completely lost, and for the first time in many years, incompetent at something that genuinely mattered to me. I felt out of touch with the youth community in church and was at a loss at how I could connect with the people I had set out to minister to. At that point, I did the exact thing that I had promised myself to not do and questioned God. <em>Why did my journey have to involve me falling out of church? It makes things for me so much harder now.</em> Still, I spent the next few days in reflection of this experience, and it yielded yet more lessons for me in life and ministry:</p> <p>I’ve learnt that everyone pursuing God’s calling goes through times of trial to verify their vision. As Oswald Chambers puts it,</p> <p>“It is when we are going through the valley to prove whether we will be the choice ones that most of us turn tail.”</p> <p>Will I be one of those who turn tail because of such trials in ministry? Or will I choose to persist in being battered into “shape and use” for God’s purposes?</p> <p>Lastly, I’ve come to realise I am truly incompetent, and I lack in so many aspects that actually matter in ministry. At the end of the day reading about how God works in my circumstances and lack won’t magically make my difficulties go away; I am still struggling with building godly relationships in church and with the big questions about calling and life. Despite all this, I am now acutely aware of the small ways in which God is working in my life. I am encouraged to know that in the light of the small, mundane moments in office and my recent bigger discouragements, that God is working and using all of these things to show me the way and draw me closer to Him. After all, part of the workings of trials is to show me more of Jesus and less of me, and it is in my lack that God’s power is made perfect.</p> <p><em>For those who have read this to the end, thanks for reading! It is with the hope that this short sharing of mine will be a testimony of God’s grace to others (regardless of how incoherent I think it sounds), and that somehow, some way, He will speak through this. God bless! :)</em></p> </section>	The call of God in my life A few of my learnings from serving in my local church as an intern… So over the past few months I’ve been interning in church as part of my journey in realising my perceived calling into full-time Christian ministry. As part of this learning process, my youth pastor tasked me with reading segments of Oswald Chambers’ book, “So I Send You”, and I was to journal down my thoughts and reflections and thereafter talk it through with her. This piece is hence a summary of what I gleaned from the book together with a few of my personal experiences from my internship in church… “Man's hands holding an open book and a pen on a wooden surface with a notebook and a phone” by Ben White on Unsplash 1. The call of God doesn’t reflect my nature, but God’s. Oswald Chambers talks about how many people make the mistake of considering their temperament or personality when they try to discern their calling. He starts off by laying down the fundamental fact that the call of God reflects His nature, and not mine. The moment I start to think about how my strengths and weaknesses affect God’s call for me, it gets difficult for me to hear God. I feel that this is true when it comes to me, and I’ve since been trying to lay aside my convictions about who I am and what God is calling me to be. A segment in the second chapter in the book reads, “We make a blunder when we fix on the particular location for our service and say, ‘God called me there.’ When God shifts the location, the battle comes. Will I remain consistent to what I have said I am going to do, or be true to the insurgent call of God, and let Him locate me where He likes?” I struggle really hard with this because I’ve always been searching for my calling with questions like, “Am I going to be a pastor?” or “Am I going to be a missionary?”, and it’s only now that I realise that I’ve been asking the wrong questions all along. It’s difficult because this mindset is so deeply rooted in me (and it also sucks to never really know until God wants me to know), but I’m slowly learning to try to simply be in tune with God as the prophet Isaiah was when he was commissioned, and go wherever He leads me. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” Isaiah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 2. The call of God is not just a call to a vocation. It is that in part, but it is also more than that. It is a call to certain kind of life. More specifically, it is a call to preach the gospel in every aspect of life. Whether it is in my family, relationships, hobbies or vocations, I am called to represent Christ in everything I do, and this is the first and foremost call of God for every Christian. As the apostle Paul puts it, “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.” Prior to reading this, I was so focused on specifically my calling in my vocation that I felt that I had missed the point. It was telling when I read this segment in the book that challenged its readers, “Is there anything competing for our strength in our devotion to the call of God?” My first reaction to this was, “Isn’t this quite definite? Won’t there always be things that compete for my strength? How then do I reconcile this?”, and it was only when I read it a second time later that day that I realised that the only reason I thought this way was because I had seen “calling” as something that was restricted to my career alone, and I had subconsciously categorized my life into “spiritual” and “non-spiritual” things. There was this disconnect between career and the rest of my life, and in that sense it was difficult for me to have fulfilled God’s calling for my life as a whole. I need to start to consciously crush this mindset that God’s calling is restricted to my career alone and every aspect of my life should instead be lived out for the glory of God. 3. ALL circumstances ARE used by God to make me a more effective minister in God’s kingdom. “Many people's hands are painted red to form together a large red heart” by Tim Marshall on Unsplash Not some circumstances, but all. Not “can be used”, but “are used”. Prior to reading this book, I was always of the mindset that God could use all circumstances to make me, as Oswald Chambers puts, more effective “broken bread and poured out wine”, but I wasn’t so sure if He did actually work through ALL circumstances. I think this is where my lessons from the book got personal to me, because it was this segment, along with the chapter “Vison, Valley, Verify” that have helped me to make sense of what I’ve been feeling through these few weeks of internship in church. In general over the past few weeks, I’ve felt a great disconnect with the youth congregation; I feel like there’s a discrepancy between what is expected of me as an intern versus what I know I’m capable of. I believe that it is because in contrast to the congregation’s “expectations” of an intern, I came out of nowhere and had no prior significant experience with serving in church. My church’s youth don’t really know me as a person, and I think that has made it really difficult for me to contribute as much as I would like to. One of the instances where this was made apparent to me was during my church’s Youth Leaders’ Meeting last Sunday, where I felt that this much was expected of me in the absence of my youth congregation’s full-time executive staff, but I couldn’t live up to it. It was my first leader’s meeting, and the things at which I felt completely inadequate at ranged from the bigger things like finding it difficult to talk to many of the other youth leaders (christian ministry after all is one that is centred on the souls of people) to small and technical things like not knowing how the room was to be set up. It was in part humbling, but on top of this, a huge part of me was immensely discouraged because I felt completely lost, and for the first time in many years, incompetent at something that genuinely mattered to me. I felt out of touch with the youth community in church and was at a loss at how I could connect with the people I had set out to minister to. At that point, I did the exact thing that I had promised myself to not do and questioned God. Why did my journey have to involve me falling out of church? It makes things for me so much harder now. Still, I spent the next few days in reflection of this experience, and it yielded yet more lessons for me in life and ministry: I’ve learnt that everyone pursuing God’s calling goes through times of trial to verify their vision. As Oswald Chambers puts it, “It is when we are going through the valley to prove whether we will be the choice ones that most of us turn tail.” Will I be one of those who turn tail because of such trials in ministry? Or will I choose to persist in being battered into “shape and use” for God’s purposes? Lastly, I’ve come to realise I am truly incompetent, and I lack in so many aspects that actually matter in ministry. At the end of the day reading about how God works in my circumstances and lack won’t magically make my difficulties go away; I am still struggling with building godly relationships in church and with the big questions about calling and life. Despite all this, I am now acutely aware of the small ways in which God is working in my life. I am encouraged to know that in the light of the small, mundane moments in office and my recent bigger discouragements, that God is working and using all of these things to show me the way and draw me closer to Him. After all, part of the workings of trials is to show me more of Jesus and less of me, and it is in my lack that God’s power is made perfect. For those who have read this to the end, thanks for reading! It is with the hope that this short sharing of mine will be a testimony of God’s grace to others (regardless of how incoherent I think it sounds), and that somehow, some way, He will speak through this. God bless! :)	2bae45e3-9531-52f6-ab5b-69ec36531c61	25/08/2025 18:00:29
https://medium.com/@hikeexperts/platform-twitter-com-widgets-js-from-twitter-https-twitter-com-thehikeexperts-3ab69688c9c4	medium.com	//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js from Twitter https://twitter.com/thehikeexperts	May 20, 2017 at 08:12PM via thehikingguy.com	The Hiking Guy	https://medium.com/@hikeexperts	3ab69688c9c4	null	1 min	2017-05-21T01:15:52.160000	2017-05-21T01:15:52.862000	2018-03-17T02:06:40.091000	0	0	en	Hiking	<section> <p></p> <p><a href="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js">//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js</a> from Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/thehikeexperts">https://twitter.com/thehikeexperts</a></p> <p>May 20, 2017 at 08:12PM via <a href="http://thehikingguy.com/">thehikingguy.com</a></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/112/0wke551z_anuI-467." width="112" height="16" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1/0VWtYNa3ew96I7ZRC." width="1" height="1" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>Originally published on <a href="</em>https://hikeexperts.wordpress.com/2017/05/21/stunning-snow-and-sun-olallie-lake-alpine-lakes-wilderness-near-seattle-httpst-coolzpzd2erv-via-httpst-cogdrs9ri3hg/">Wordpress</a></p> </section>	//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js from Twitter https://twitter.com/thehikeexperts May 20, 2017 at 08:12PM via thehikingguy.com Originally published on Wordpress	e2ae2611-999f-5b4f-8de0-2ed1046ea93b	25/08/2025 18:00:30
https://medium.com/@sebcooke55/brexit-and-the-valleys-a-story-of-decline-c9704b37b0c	medium.com	Brexit and the valleys: a story of decline	In January, I visited Tredegar in South Wales to ask why people voted to leave the European Union. A version of this piece was originally…	S Cook	https://medium.com/@sebcooke55	c9704b37b0c	https://miro.medium.com/…z-_nRgVRXZg.jpeg	7 min	2017-07-14T21:24:55.721000	2017-07-14T21:45:08.979000	2018-01-01T19:22:12.728000	1	4	en	Brexit,Politics,Poverty,Photography	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4608/1e6JbrMj02rRz-_nRgVRXZg.jpeg" width="4608" height="3072" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>In January, I visited Tredegar in South Wales to ask why people voted to leave the European Union. A version of this piece was originally published in The Welsh Agenda.</em></p> <p>The figures speak for themselves. In 2014, the Campaign to End Child poverty said that the constituency of Blaenau Gwent had the highest child poverty rate in Wales. Over 30% of children were living in poverty. In a BBC report into the same area in 2013, some texture was given to that statistic: at a primary school in Waundeg, at the top of the valley, donated shoes were kept for children who arrived with nothing on their feet, something that used to happen during the Great Depression.</p> <p>In the years following, the situation has not improved. A toxic mix of further benefits cuts, unprecedented pressure on council budgets and record wage suppression have injected places that were already on their knees with a formula that seemed custom made to make things worse.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4608/1gd_ujK8QOU2_cttRL-Tr9A.jpeg" width="4608" height="3072" loading="lazy" /> <p>Then, on 23rd June 2016, like most of Wales, Blaenau Gwent voted to leave the European Union. Brexit was a seismic shock, one that the Financial Times described as an ‘extraordinary political upheaval’. Suddenly there was a scramble to find the people who had swung the vote to leave. Statistically, however, they couldn’t be found.</p> <p>In total, over 21,000 people in Blaenau Gwent voted to leave the European Union on an unusually high turnout. But it was impossible to ascribe this figure to a traditional eurosceptic base. Afterall, the number of Leave voters was more than double that of UKIP and Tory voters. It was this group that provided the element of the leave vote that pollsters simply hadn’t been able to predict. Their ballots were decisive but for a long time, it’s felt as if their voices have been left unheard.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3977/11QPSq-Qr5U7wJhnVIDuNGA.jpeg" width="3977" height="2769" loading="lazy" /> <p>One of these voices is Helena Llewellyn, a 60-year-old woman who has lived in Blaenau Gwent all her life. When I met her in Tredegar, I asked about the referendum and there was palpable anger in her response: ‘They’ve done me out of six years of retirement!’ she tells me. ‘I was supposed to retire in April, but instead they’ve put me on jobseekers allowance of £73 per week. I can’t live on that! I can’t even put gas and electric on the meter or food on the table. I’ve worked since before I left school! I’ve worked all my life and now I can’t touch money I’ve put away’.</p> <p>Helena voted Leave and this was the first reason she gave for doing so. She knows that it wasn’t the EU that forced her onto jobseekers allowance, but voting for Brexit became a way in which to protest against it. And it was far from the only grievance she had: ‘I want my children to have a better future. Everybody I know voted out because we remember what it was like when everyone had work,’ she tells me. ‘Look what they’re doing to people now on this minimum wage nonsense. It’s not enough to live on!’.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4185/1-fmNRzR4Je3-kiRgqA5sig.jpeg" width="4185" height="2591" loading="lazy" /> <p>Helena tells me that her son spent three years searching ‘all day, every day’ for a job before he had any luck. There is a swelling of rage on her child’s behalf as she recounts this ordeal. And for those who find a job, the story’s not much better. Helena’s sister, 52, works a 60-hour-week at a nearby furniture factory and brings home less than £300 a week. £140 of this goes on rent and council tax. Then there are bills, food, standard outgoings that must be met simply to sustain a level of existence and carry on, but it’s not a life.</p> <p>When I ask Helena about the EU money that areas such as Blaenau Gwent benefit from, she points to boarded up buildings and asks ‘Well, where is it? They’ve taken the industries from the valleys; they’ve replaced the steelworks and sewing factories with lots of little companies that just exploit people’.</p> <p>It is these testaments to decline that come across time and again in the conversations I have with people. In Tredegar, the old town hall stands over the central clock tower. It is partially boarded up and the grand facade is slowly wasting away. Two men nearby, Kevin and John, tell me that the building used to be the social club for the National Coal Board. ‘In years gone by it was really busy,’ one says, ‘in the 80s and 90s there were dances and shows’. When I ask how many people used to turn up, Kevin guesses around 250 – 300 people, a number that doesn’t seem possible today.</p> <p>He points to the balcony and tells me that it was there that Nye Bevan, a child of Tredegar, once delivered a rousing speech. But as we look up to the spot now, the balcony has turned green with moss and the window where Bevan once stood has been smashed.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4608/1LSRQ0M-WNuvlHQUzYcWb4g.jpeg" width="4608" height="3072" loading="lazy" /> <p>Valerie, 72, tells me that she used to work in a nearby sewing factory and that the town centre was bustling back then. ‘People would come from Rhymney and Bargoed,’ she says. The two cinemas she used to frequent have both disappeared. One has been knocked down, the other is a Wetherspoons. I ask her to explain what else has changed in the last 40 years, and the response she gives is one that comes up again and again: ‘When I was young’ she says ‘you used to be able to leave a job on the Friday and you’d be in another one on the Monday’. But now, she confesses, that kind of employment security doesn’t exist at all. ‘I feel sorry for the youngsters today,’ she tells me: ‘so many don’t want to get out of bed. I can see why’.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4608/1qySGOeo27CfsJMEqPjsndQ.jpeg" width="4608" height="3072" loading="lazy" /> <p>Asking who or what is to blame for this situation brings a mixture of responses, but two come up more than any other: government and immigration. The anger directed towards David Cameron is particularly acute, and it seems that he was the best campaigner Leave could have hoped for in a place like this. But even though there is anger at Cameron, nobody has filled the gap. ‘Not that I know of,’ is Helena’s response when I ask if there are any politicians that speak for her. ‘We only hear about them at election time’. She confesses that she doesn’t vote in general elections, but that the referendum was different.</p> <p>Part of the reason she felt motivated to vote Leave, she says, was immigration. She is sure that when she received a reply from the government about why her pension was changing, it said that it was due to the economy and immigration. This sort of story isn’t rare.</p> <p>David tells me that when a meat factory nearby was bought by Polish owners, they enforced a ‘Poles only’ recruitment policy. He contrasts this to the situation of his grandchildren, for whom he sees little future in the job market. Another story I hear is about a Welsh soldier who became homeless on his return from combat, only for an empty house to be given to a Romanian family. Getting details to confirm these stories often sees their factual basis slip away, but that hasn’t stopped them taking hold in a worrying way.</p> <p>Despite this, several people tell me that immigration doesn’t affect them in any way and there is little discernable anger towards migrants themselves. Rather, immigration is only ever discussed in relation to jobs, welfare, the NHS and housing. It’s almost as if it has become the most accepted way to convey the deep anger there is over the gradual erosion of these basic rights. That makes no excuse for this sort of anti immigrationism, nor does it downplay the potential for it to turn into something much more viscous, but it’s important to understand.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4375/1*0FFzt67mzsx-pbwwYJUQ7g.jpeg" width="4375" height="2894" loading="lazy" /> <p>There is no mystery about why places such as Blaenau Gwent voted to leave the EU. Here is a group of people who haven’t simply been left behind by the march of neoliberal economics, they have been deliberately pushed back to a place many thought they had seen the last of. It is a place of joblessness, low wages, poor housing, child poverty and a future people don’t want to be a part of. The conclusions being drawn from this situation are varied, but here, the response coalesced around a vote to leave the European Union.</p> <p>As Helena bluntly puts it: ‘Our children can’t get work! No work. No families. No housing!’</p> <p>The biggest surprise of June 23rd is that the referendum result was even a shock at all. If the people who dictate our political discourse had talked less and listened more, they would have seen it coming a mile off.</p> <p>Brexit was a wake-up call from the people in Blaenau Gwent and beyond. It shouldn’t be ignored.</p> <p>(all photographs copyright Seb Cooke)</p> </section>	Brexit and the valleys: a story of decline In January, I visited Tredegar in South Wales to ask why people voted to leave the European Union. A version of this piece was originally published in The Welsh Agenda. The figures speak for themselves. In 2014, the Campaign to End Child poverty said that the constituency of Blaenau Gwent had the highest child poverty rate in Wales. Over 30% of children were living in poverty. In a BBC report into the same area in 2013, some texture was given to that statistic: at a primary school in Waundeg, at the top of the valley, donated shoes were kept for children who arrived with nothing on their feet, something that used to happen during the Great Depression. In the years following, the situation has not improved. A toxic mix of further benefits cuts, unprecedented pressure on council budgets and record wage suppression have injected places that were already on their knees with a formula that seemed custom made to make things worse. Then, on 23rd June 2016, like most of Wales, Blaenau Gwent voted to leave the European Union. Brexit was a seismic shock, one that the Financial Times described as an ‘extraordinary political upheaval’. Suddenly there was a scramble to find the people who had swung the vote to leave. Statistically, however, they couldn’t be found. In total, over 21,000 people in Blaenau Gwent voted to leave the European Union on an unusually high turnout. But it was impossible to ascribe this figure to a traditional eurosceptic base. Afterall, the number of Leave voters was more than double that of UKIP and Tory voters. It was this group that provided the element of the leave vote that pollsters simply hadn’t been able to predict. Their ballots were decisive but for a long time, it’s felt as if their voices have been left unheard. One of these voices is Helena Llewellyn, a 60-year-old woman who has lived in Blaenau Gwent all her life. When I met her in Tredegar, I asked about the referendum and there was palpable anger in her response: ‘They’ve done me out of six years of retirement!’ she tells me. ‘I was supposed to retire in April, but instead they’ve put me on jobseekers allowance of £73 per week. I can’t live on that! I can’t even put gas and electric on the meter or food on the table. I’ve worked since before I left school! I’ve worked all my life and now I can’t touch money I’ve put away’. Helena voted Leave and this was the first reason she gave for doing so. She knows that it wasn’t the EU that forced her onto jobseekers allowance, but voting for Brexit became a way in which to protest against it. And it was far from the only grievance she had: ‘I want my children to have a better future. Everybody I know voted out because we remember what it was like when everyone had work,’ she tells me. ‘Look what they’re doing to people now on this minimum wage nonsense. It’s not enough to live on!’. Helena tells me that her son spent three years searching ‘all day, every day’ for a job before he had any luck. There is a swelling of rage on her child’s behalf as she recounts this ordeal. And for those who find a job, the story’s not much better. Helena’s sister, 52, works a 60-hour-week at a nearby furniture factory and brings home less than £300 a week. £140 of this goes on rent and council tax. Then there are bills, food, standard outgoings that must be met simply to sustain a level of existence and carry on, but it’s not a life. When I ask Helena about the EU money that areas such as Blaenau Gwent benefit from, she points to boarded up buildings and asks ‘Well, where is it? They’ve taken the industries from the valleys; they’ve replaced the steelworks and sewing factories with lots of little companies that just exploit people’. It is these testaments to decline that come across time and again in the conversations I have with people. In Tredegar, the old town hall stands over the central clock tower. It is partially boarded up and the grand facade is slowly wasting away. Two men nearby, Kevin and John, tell me that the building used to be the social club for the National Coal Board. ‘In years gone by it was really busy,’ one says, ‘in the 80s and 90s there were dances and shows’. When I ask how many people used to turn up, Kevin guesses around 250 – 300 people, a number that doesn’t seem possible today. He points to the balcony and tells me that it was there that Nye Bevan, a child of Tredegar, once delivered a rousing speech. But as we look up to the spot now, the balcony has turned green with moss and the window where Bevan once stood has been smashed. Valerie, 72, tells me that she used to work in a nearby sewing factory and that the town centre was bustling back then. ‘People would come from Rhymney and Bargoed,’ she says. The two cinemas she used to frequent have both disappeared. One has been knocked down, the other is a Wetherspoons. I ask her to explain what else has changed in the last 40 years, and the response she gives is one that comes up again and again: ‘When I was young’ she says ‘you used to be able to leave a job on the Friday and you’d be in another one on the Monday’. But now, she confesses, that kind of employment security doesn’t exist at all. ‘I feel sorry for the youngsters today,’ she tells me: ‘so many don’t want to get out of bed. I can see why’. Asking who or what is to blame for this situation brings a mixture of responses, but two come up more than any other: government and immigration. The anger directed towards David Cameron is particularly acute, and it seems that he was the best campaigner Leave could have hoped for in a place like this. But even though there is anger at Cameron, nobody has filled the gap. ‘Not that I know of,’ is Helena’s response when I ask if there are any politicians that speak for her. ‘We only hear about them at election time’. She confesses that she doesn’t vote in general elections, but that the referendum was different. Part of the reason she felt motivated to vote Leave, she says, was immigration. She is sure that when she received a reply from the government about why her pension was changing, it said that it was due to the economy and immigration. This sort of story isn’t rare. David tells me that when a meat factory nearby was bought by Polish owners, they enforced a ‘Poles only’ recruitment policy. He contrasts this to the situation of his grandchildren, for whom he sees little future in the job market. Another story I hear is about a Welsh soldier who became homeless on his return from combat, only for an empty house to be given to a Romanian family. Getting details to confirm these stories often sees their factual basis slip away, but that hasn’t stopped them taking hold in a worrying way. Despite this, several people tell me that immigration doesn’t affect them in any way and there is little discernable anger towards migrants themselves. Rather, immigration is only ever discussed in relation to jobs, welfare, the NHS and housing. It’s almost as if it has become the most accepted way to convey the deep anger there is over the gradual erosion of these basic rights. That makes no excuse for this sort of anti immigrationism, nor does it downplay the potential for it to turn into something much more viscous, but it’s important to understand. There is no mystery about why places such as Blaenau Gwent voted to leave the EU. Here is a group of people who haven’t simply been left behind by the march of neoliberal economics, they have been deliberately pushed back to a place many thought they had seen the last of. It is a place of joblessness, low wages, poor housing, child poverty and a future people don’t want to be a part of. The conclusions being drawn from this situation are varied, but here, the response coalesced around a vote to leave the European Union. As Helena bluntly puts it: ‘Our children can’t get work! No work. No families. No housing!’ The biggest surprise of June 23rd is that the referendum result was even a shock at all. If the people who dictate our political discourse had talked less and listened more, they would have seen it coming a mile off. Brexit was a wake-up call from the people in Blaenau Gwent and beyond. It shouldn’t be ignored. (all photographs copyright Seb Cooke)	d215c5ec-ef1c-549d-b0bc-16d8073e2ce4	25/08/2025 18:00:30
https://careersingov.medium.com/is-it-soup-yet-a-guide-to-understanding-when-to-make-a-decision-and-move-forward-9c1c2b895c94	medium.com	Is It Soup Yet? A Guide to Understanding When to Make a Decision and Move Forward	You want to make a careful, thought out decision but it’s a hard one. How do you know when you have contemplated enough to move on? How do…	Careers In Gov.	https://medium.com/@careersingov	9c1c2b895c94	null	0 min	2018-07-17T18:49:05.460000	2018-07-17T18:49:38.469000	2018-07-17T18:49:38.842000	0	0	en	Leadership,Leadership Development,Development	<section> <p><strong><a href="https:</strong>//www.careersingovernment.com/tools/gov-talk/career-advice/is-it-soup-yet/">Is It Soup Yet? <em>You want to make a careful, thought out decision but it's a hard one. How do you know when you have contemplated enough…</em>www.careersingover</a>nment.com</p> <p>You want to make a careful, thought out decision but it’s a hard one. How do you know when you have contemplated enough to move on? How do you know when to just make the choice and proceed? “Is it soup yet?” is how a colleague of mine would always phrase that question. In other words, do you have all the information or are you missing any ingredients? Have you put too much thought into or is it still heating?</p> </section>	Is It Soup Yet? A Guide to Understanding When to Make a Decision and Move Forward Is It Soup Yet? You want to make a careful, thought out decision but it's a hard one. How do you know when you have contemplated enough…www.careersingovernment.com You want to make a careful, thought out decision but it’s a hard one. How do you know when you have contemplated enough to move on? How do you know when to just make the choice and proceed? “Is it soup yet?” is how a colleague of mine would always phrase that question. In other words, do you have all the information or are you missing any ingredients? Have you put too much thought into or is it still heating?	fd0a85c6-930e-57f6-a31d-2be6e49c4bb2	25/08/2025 18:00:30
https://medium.com/@christopherpeterson/case-study-salad-design-1a7d71b11d6f	medium.com	Salad Delivery: a UX/ UI Case Study	This is a case study developed as a team of 8 at the UX/ UI Ironhack Bootcamp in Madrid (March, 2017). Below is what I was personally…	Chris Peterson	https://medium.com/@christopherpeterson	1a7d71b11d6f	https://miro.medium.com/…I4OdQvCVESng.png	4 min	2017-04-03T16:13:28.802000	2017-04-03T21:17:23.860000	2018-04-21T19:00:47.967000	1	22	en	UX,Design,Food,Salad,Food Delivery	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1748/1NbL7N7K9TlI4OdQvCVESng.png" width="1748" height="835" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/12XP9BcNctNNcaHXxUOclYQ.jpeg" width="1024" height="427" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>This is a case study developed as a team of 8 at the UX/ UI <a href="#">Ironhack</a> Bootcamp in Madrid (March, 2017). Below is what I was personall</strong>y involved with.</p> <h1><strong>Problem:</strong></h1> <p>Lack of healthy food delivery options; Lack of time in people’s lives & many food delivery companies don’t offer a lot of room for personalizing their own salad orders.</p> <h2>Solution:</h2> <p>Let’s create an online e-commerce that specifically focuses on the delivery of fresh salads along with the option of personalizing ones orders & ingredients. It will be a quick service and alternative to having to bring healthy food from home.</p> <h2>01. DEFINE:</h2> <p><strong>Listen, discover and ideate. Let’s create clear viable solutions.</strong></p> <p>Let’s begin by getting to know our users. We <strong>interviewed</strong> people at our office with questions that had to do with physical appearance, health, their eating habits and more. We also used a <strong>Typeform survey </strong>to confirm our assumptions of who our users are.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1yxqLAyP5mXkzzybZ5PAHAQ.jpeg" width="1024" height="500" loading="lazy" /> <p>From our interviews and survey we found out our users are between 20–39 years old and…</p> <p>Of the 70 people we surveyed, the great majority are knowledgable in terms of nutrition and healthy eating habits.</p> <p>But if they had a choice they would choose a quick and easy fast food option over quality of food due to lack of time.</p> <p>Most cook at home and prefer to save money by taking food from home to their work.</p> <p>There is social pressure for younger adults to eat healthy for sex appeal while the older adults eat healthy to take care of their health.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/1k11w1b6yaxKdometf-gYyQ.png" width="800" height="511" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/156Ml_gkjzCont0Cbmgedvw.png" width="1200" height="1041" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/593/1MDfloPUVe-15kw_aVI4PeQ.jpeg" width="593" height="766" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1014/163wO8ooSI-aw8euwPTPEXA.jpeg" width="1014" height="580" loading="lazy" /> <p>We did a session of <strong>crazy 8’s</strong> to come up with new solutions also. One cool idea we all voted on was having a photo taken of your food when it was ready to be delivered. But this idea along with being able to have food reviews and social media feeds were secondary after doing a <strong>Functionality Matrix.</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3607/1rb6DZBR8jCH2GBop48YkNw.jpeg" width="3607" height="2698" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/14S_3JZKCfhVq2pfMsZ7qHw.png" width="1400" height="284" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1207/1BNow1C_GCWi3foSnFqjxtw.png" width="1207" height="881" loading="lazy" /> <p>We used the optimal workshop platform to do a <strong>closed card sorting</strong> to see if our site maps made sense to our users. Thankfully almost everything was in the correct order.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/14JEnLtsfrBdaZ1VD_G7-Og.jpeg" width="1024" height="449" loading="lazy" /> <p>Before moving on to our visual design we created a <strong>user flow</strong> to solidify our Information Architecture.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/1J9drpJmI6IktzkIYxThj4Q.png" width="1000" height="587" loading="lazy" /> <h2>02. DESIGN:</h2> <p><strong>Build, Interact and Execute. Let’s materialize our ideas and solutions.</strong></p> <p>We start designing by creating low and hi-fi <strong>wireframes</strong> along with <strong>mood-boards</strong> to get inspiration from current UI patterns, colors, type etc.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2902/14yZAnXG7Ud5gLBmFuQbM6Q.png" width="2902" height="1054" loading="lazy" /> <p>Below is a prototype created in <strong>Principle</strong>.</p> <p>From the smallest micro-interactions, using Principle can help give the client an idea of what the product is capable of.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1_3-kTbuja4BBcMECdl44ZQ.png" width="1280" height="850" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1a4NsGO1A9ZaZkcSDPTHMEg.jpeg" width="1024" height="768" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>FROM BRIGHT COLORS TO EARTHY TONES</strong></h2> <p><strong>BIG CHANGE:</strong> We initially chose a very bright and tropical color palette but then chose a more subdued earthy tone of greens. After creating our wireframes we just felt like <strong>the bright colors took away to much attention from the salad and food itself.</strong> This way our eyes are drawn back to the salads.</p> <p>See the gradual change between the 3 versions below in <strong>Sketch</strong>:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1hx2-Xl-iswUMiQ-v1OtrNg.png" width="1920" height="2300" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1210/1UFXlC4RcXKp3ksfcvr7auQ.png" width="1210" height="692" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1861/1hImxYlHS7p4NXTW722m9zQ.png" width="1861" height="939" loading="lazy" /> <h2>03. REFINE:</h2> <p><strong>Test, measure & optimize. Let’s improve our product.</strong></p> <p>Let’s launch this webpage live and let’s fine tune the service by using methods such as heuristic evaluations, usability testing and more. Let’s make sure we have a product that is usable and delightful to use.</p> <p>This project became a great launching board to begin my other two projects. A <a href="https://medium.com/@christopherpeterson/case-study-a-dating-app-e5649d247131">Dating App </a>Case Study and a <a href="https://medium.com/@christopherpeterson/case-study-music-art-in-homes-2da71741833c">Music & Art in Homes </a>Case Study.</p> <p>Cheers and hope you enjoyed this case study. More to come as I continue to learn and until then, never stop exploring!</p> <p>Chris Peterson</p> </section>	Salad Delivery: a UX/ UI Case Study This is a case study developed as a team of 8 at the UX/ UI Ironhack Bootcamp in Madrid (March, 2017). Below is what I was personally involved with. Problem: Lack of healthy food delivery options; Lack of time in people’s lives & many food delivery companies don’t offer a lot of room for personalizing their own salad orders. Solution: Let’s create an online e-commerce that specifically focuses on the delivery of fresh salads along with the option of personalizing ones orders & ingredients. It will be a quick service and alternative to having to bring healthy food from home. 01. DEFINE: Listen, discover and ideate. Let’s create clear viable solutions. Let’s begin by getting to know our users. We interviewed people at our office with questions that had to do with physical appearance, health, their eating habits and more. We also used a Typeform survey to confirm our assumptions of who our users are. Surveys are a great way to validate your assumptions on your users From our interviews and survey we found out our users are between 20–39 years old and… Of the 70 people we surveyed, the great majority are knowledgable in terms of nutrition and healthy eating habits. But if they had a choice they would choose a quick and easy fast food option over quality of food due to lack of time. Most cook at home and prefer to save money by taking food from home to their work. There is social pressure for younger adults to eat healthy for sex appeal while the older adults eat healthy to take care of their health. We identified 4 different user types We created personas to help us empathize with our users Story Boards and User Journeys are a great way to put our product in the context of our user We did a session of crazy 8’s to come up with new solutions also. One cool idea we all voted on was having a photo taken of your food when it was ready to be delivered. But this idea along with being able to have food reviews and social media feeds were secondary after doing a Functionality Matrix. Silent voting during our Crazy 8’s session Functionality Matrix helped us prioritize immediate and future additions to the webpage This affinity Diagram helped identify key themes our Webpage must touch on. We used the optimal workshop platform to do a closed card sorting to see if our site maps made sense to our users. Thankfully almost everything was in the correct order. Site Map with realtimeboard and Card Sorting with optimalworkshop Before moving on to our visual design we created a user flow to solidify our Information Architecture. 02. DESIGN: Build, Interact and Execute. Let’s materialize our ideas and solutions. We start designing by creating low and hi-fi wireframes along with mood-boards to get inspiration from current UI patterns, colors, type etc. Wireframes on paper Below is a prototype created in Principle. From the smallest micro-interactions, using Principle can help give the client an idea of what the product is capable of. We used Telefon as a friendly Futura alternative and here are some color/ texture inspirations FROM BRIGHT COLORS TO EARTHY TONES BIG CHANGE: We initially chose a very bright and tropical color palette but then chose a more subdued earthy tone of greens. After creating our wireframes we just felt like the bright colors took away to much attention from the salad and food itself. This way our eyes are drawn back to the salads. See the gradual change between the 3 versions below in Sketch: Mobile version of the webpage 03. REFINE: Test, measure & optimize. Let’s improve our product. Let’s launch this webpage live and let’s fine tune the service by using methods such as heuristic evaluations, usability testing and more. Let’s make sure we have a product that is usable and delightful to use. This project became a great launching board to begin my other two projects. A Dating App Case Study and a Music & Art in Homes Case Study. Cheers and hope you enjoyed this case study. More to come as I continue to learn and until then, never stop exploring! Chris Peterson	7defb44d-a76e-5b2b-b4cb-0b2aa5932705	25/08/2025 18:00:30

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