All posts by The Silo

Reviews

This Kick Scooter Converts From Backpack To Longboard

Leave a comment

OLAF kick scooter workshop

Kick scooter, pronounced ‘geek scooter.’

Kick scooters are gaining popularity in many populous urban and suburban areas worldwide. As Europe leans toward sustainable mobility, more and more creative ideas are addressing the issue of daily commuting. Designed and engineered in a home garage in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the OLAF Kick Scooter is one such attempt to alleviate the ‘last-mile’ problem.

Engineer Bostjan Zagar and his father developed an open platform kick scooter, OLAF Urban, that can carry any bag or backpack.

A unique feature is that if used with the provided OLAF backpack, the scooter itself is a backpack, and if the handle is folded, also a longboard.

Jure Lozic, designer of Musguard – rollable bike fender, calls the  folding mechanism “an engineering marvel, simple and effective”. Bostjan owns a patent and hopes it will take him from A to B, where B is mass production. Slovenia has ample production capabilities, so an eventual goal would be global manufacture.

After almost three years of research and development, Zagar was confident enough to start crowd funding at Kickstarter.

To broaden the odds of success, he implemented the same folding mechanism to an existing concept of carry-on kick scooter, OLAF Business. Now you really can cross the Atlantic with a kick scooter. “It’s the coolest carry-on!”

Art

How UNESCO Supports Exiled Ukrainian Women Artists

1 Comment

Paris, 9 June 2022 – UNESCO is launching a scheme to support Ukrainian women artists who have had to flee their country because of the war, in partnership with the NGO Perpetuum Mobile. It will enable them and their children to be hosted and cared for by a cultural institution in the country where they have found refuge.

“The war has driven millions of Ukrainians into exile, the vast majority of whom are women and children. Among these people, women artists who have been forced to suspend their creative activities often lack material and financial resources to resume their work in their host country,” says Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General.

For this reason, UNESCO decided to launch a programme dedicated to Ukrainian women artists in exile, born of a partnership with the NGO Perpetuum Mobile, initiator of the Artists at Risk platform, which brings together cultural institutions in over 15 countries.

Audrey Azoulay

The artists concerned will be supported for a minimum of three months by a cultural institution in their host country.

They will be taken care of with their children in artistic residencies, and will benefit from support in terms of networking, visibility and the conception of new cultural projects.

(Left) Ukraine electro-pop duo Bloom Twins: “It has really affected us,” said singer Anna Kuprienko. “We’re talking to our family, we have a lot of friends and our second manager living there. We go back to the Ukraine quite a lot. We were only there two months ago. We were hopeful that this situation with Russia wouldn’t go where it has and that it would resolve.” (Right) Ukraine singer Khrystyna Soloviy : “We are a generation that has never seen the Soviet Union and was born in a free Ukraine. Ukrainians are not Russians, as said by the Russian government. We have a difficult, depressed history of Russian colonisation.”

The scheme will aim to provide them with the means to become autonomous by the end of their hosting period, whether they then choose to return to live in Ukraine or to settle permanently in their host country. UNESCO has already set aside $140,000 usd (about $177,000 cad at time of this publication) to finance the scheme, which should initially benefit some 30 artists and their children.

A new link in UNESCO’s emergency response

The programme complements the range of emergency measures already deployed by UNESCO since the beginning of the war to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage, secure museum collections and combat illicit trafficking in cultural property.

UNESCO partner Freemuse

Moreover, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, UNESCO has been monitoring the situation of artists in close consultation with artists’ networks and cultural actors in the country. This work is also carried out in coordination with international organizations involved in supporting artists at risk: PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection, Perpetuum Mobile/Artists at Risk, ICORN, Freemuse, Prince Claus Fund and the PAUSE programme. For the Silo, Lucía Iglesias Kuntz, UNESCO Press Service.

Featured image: Face of War (Putin in bullets) co-created by Daria Marchenko, 35 now exiled Ukraine woman artist.

Culture

The Dangers Of Kissing And Aspartame

1 Comment

The Diet Coke Of Relationships Things My Ex Said

What do you do when Western medicine fails to heal what ails you? 

Mitzi Mensch knows only too well what happens once doctors have exhausted their bag of tricks.  Through her writing, Mensch hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of Aspartame, challenge doctors to find answers – not simply mask symptoms – and to bring out the hopeless romantic in her readers.

Healthcare has turned into a multi-trillion dollar industry as patients around the globe are herded into doctor’s offices, only to leave with prescriptions in-hand for brightly colored pills.  But what happens when the pills don’t work and the doctor is out of ideas of how to treat your symptoms?  Mitzi Mensch knows first-hand the challenges this presents and has written about her experience in The Dangers of Kissing and Diet Coke:  What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know and Won’t Bother to Find Out, a neurological nightmare juxtaposed with a riveting love story.

This medical mystery has Mitzi playing dual roles of patient and detective all while embroiled in an intense affair with her long lost first love.

There was the “Go to Psych” doctor, the “We’re out of time doctor”, the “No, next” doctor.  Physicians pushed pills which turned her into an emotional zombie and didn’t work.  Alternative practitioners practiced protocols and provided potions which didn’t work.  As Mitzi muddled through the morass she searched for anything that claimed to cure pain, calm nerves, create somnolence.

Still her headache raged on, her tics escalated, she didn’t sleep.

Mitzi was determined to find out what was wrong and fix it. And then there is the power of first love, potent and compelling.  The Internet has made it so very easy for people separated by years and distance to rekindle what was long ago left smoldering.  But should they?  Much more than a self-help book, The Dangers of Kissing and Diet Coke sizzles, allowing the reader to voyeuristically experience an affair from the perspective of the ‘other woman.’

Yeah we know...it's an ugly picture- but so is Aspartame! Take that irony! CP

Mensch would like to help people through her writing.  “Even if one person’s health is saved by eliminating Aspartame, or one person is cured of constant headache, or one doctor will look beyond the obvious – my words will have meant something.  One thing I would like for readers to take away from this book is to be your own advocate when you get sick.  As for lovers who love down through the decades, sometimes it works.  They are the lucky ones. ”

Mitzi Mensch was born and raised in New England and attended college in Vermont.  An island girl at heart, she lives in Hawaii. Available on Amazon.com, AuthorHouse.com and local bookstores. The Dangers of Kissing and Diet Coke:  What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know and Won’t Bother to Find Out By Mitzi Mensch Publisher:  AuthorHouse  ISBN-13:  978-1491814147

Supplemental-

1.    The detriments of aspartame to our health in exchange for political favors.

2.    Finding a cure for New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH):  What to do when your doctor has given up.

3.    Medical marijuana:  Alternative treatments for pain management.

4. Things my ex said.

Culture

Quirky Doc About One Man’s Quest For Supreme Tea

Leave a comment

The movie poster says it all

Invest a little over an hour watching this documentary about tea and you might find yourself contemplating a new connection between rural farming communities and the tea farmers of China. That’s because All in this Tea deals with all aspects of Chinese tea production, but takes a special interest in how a new demand for high quality, organic Chinese tea is creating new opportunities for Chinese rural farmers.

The story begins by focusing on David Lee Hoffman’s elusive quest for rare and perfect teas.

David is a renowned tea importer and to say that he loves tea is an understatement. Based on the passion and knowledge shown in this doc, he seems to live for the stuff. Hoffman sees himself as a cultural zealot, promoting the rich history of simple Chinese farming practices and educating the western world on the merits of drinking pure, organic tea produced in the “Chinese way”.

He makes the act of producing tea seem like the ultimate expression of agricultural art.

His journey takes him to remote, obscure farms where he begins the process of encouraging the Chinese tea board to end mass farming practices and belligerent pesticide uses. His goal is to create a new tea farming economy, one where quality takes precedence over quantity.  If you like tea or if you want to learn more about Chinese tea farming practices, If you’re a tea drinker or know someone who is (don’t we all?) then All in this Tea is the right documentary for you.  For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Culture

WHY Meditation Is Science Approved Medicine

Leave a comment

Ohm! There have been countless anecdotal claims about the benefits of practicing meditation since the Eastern tradition has become more popular in the West.

 Now, there’s plenty of Western-based scientific evidence to support them, says Dr. Matt Mumber, a radiation oncologist and co-director of a non-profit integrative oncology program.

“Meditation is to the brain what physical activity is to the body. We’ve found meditation to be an important facet of health care, both for prevention and maintenance as well as in the treatment of disease, including cancer,” says Dr. Mumber, co-author with colleague and Yoga instructor Heather Reed of “Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Spirit,” (www.sustainablewellnessonline.com).

Mumber and Reed, who are co-facilitators of non-profit residential retreats for cancer patients, say one can experience sustainable wellness by developing a life practice grounded in the cultivation of awareness. This awareness is paying attention without attachment. The ability to be aware can be increased by a meditation tool called mindfulness.

“Life is a constant series of adjustments, matching your inner being with your outer doing,” Reed says. “One way to heighten your awareness is through practicing meditation.”

Mumber and Reed say there’s plenty of new evidence that the resulting sense of balance and peace is not just a psychological effect:

• Mindfulness meditation leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density: Recently published in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, shows that measurable  changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress occurred with study participants who meditated for 30 minutes a day for eight weeks.

• Meditation practitioners have longer attention spans: Published by the journal PloS Biology, a study analyzed people with three months of rigorous training and found that they gained a drastically improved attention span – not only longer, but less susceptible to internal or external distraction. They also showed improved memory and enhanced performance in several tasks, from driving a car to playing piano.

• Reduces stress and blood pressure: Presented to the American Heart Association by researchers at the at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, a study including 200 high-risk patients for heart attack found that meditation reduced their chances for heart attack by 50 percent.

Oncologist Matt Mumber co-author of Sustainable Wellness
Oncologist Matt Mumber co-author of Sustainable Wellness

“Studies involving people seeking to reduce stress and other problems in their lives via meditation will continue, as well as for those who want to enhance performance of various duties,” Mumber says.

“For those skeptical of the medical benefits of this Eastern practice, there’s now plenty of Western proof.” Matt Mumber, MD

Matt Mumber, MD, is a practicing board-certified radiation oncologist with the Harbin Clinic in Rome, Ga. He completed his radiation oncology residency at Wake Forest University Bowman Gray School of Medicine and graduated from the Associate Fellowship Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Mumber is past president of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. He founded Cancer Navigators Inc, a non-profit organization offering cancer patients access to nurse navigation, social services and educational programs to support and augment the clinical care they receive. Dr. Mumber received the Hamilton Jordan Founders Award for involvement in statewide oncology activities and in 2008 he was named a Health Care Hero by Georgia Trend magazine. He serves on the editorial board for the journals Current Oncology and Journal of Oncology Practice and is on the board for the Society of Integrative Oncology. 

 

Yoga instructor Heather Reed of “Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
Yoga instructor Heather Reed of “Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Heather Reed has been teaching Yoga since 1996. She expresses an integrative, adaptive approach and specializes in using Yoga and meditation techniques for people living with cancer, post-polio syndrome and other chronic illnesses. Heather received an Experienced Teacher Certification from Esther Myers Yoga Teacher Training Program and has had extensive training with senior staff of the Commonweal Cancer Help program and Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease. She developed Yoga classes for cancer patients at The Wellness Community, Atlanta. Since 2008, she has been Yoga teacher and co-facilitator for the Residential Retreat Program for Cancer Navigators of Rome, Ga. For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley

Supplemental-  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/how-meditation-may-change-the-brain/

Gaming

Retro FPS Action In Next Year’s Warhammer 40,000: Bolton

Leave a comment

Visceral retro FPS action to the Warhammer 40,000 flavor


Retro vibes activated!

Load up your Boltgun and plunge into battle headfirst! Experience a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, classic, frenetic FPS gameplay and the stylish visuals of your favourite 90’s retro shooters.

Play a battle-hardened Space Marine on a perilous mission across the galaxy, as they battle against the Chaos Space Marines and daemons of Chaos.

In glorious boomer shooter style, unleash your devastating Space Marine arsenal as you blast through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood. Run, jump and charge across huge levels to shoot, shred and slice the worst heretics across the galaxy!

“We are delighted to be working on this fast-paced indie FPS alongside the talented Auroch Digital studio, and our long standing partner Games Workshop,” announces Dessil Basmadjian, Chief Creative Officer at Focus Entertainment. 

“We are excited by Boltgun’s skillful combination of iconic 90s style, the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and thrilling gameplay that is sure to delight all kinds of players.”“Auroch Digital is proud to be working with Games Workshop again and Focus Entertainment on Boltgun. As a team of massive Warhammer 40,000 fans, this game has been brewing since 2018 and we’re so excited we can FINALLY shout about it from the rooftops! We can’t wait for players to get their hands on it and to see their reactions” says Nina Adams, Operations Director at Auroch Digital.

Stay tuned FPS gamers- Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun will be coming to PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PCs in 2023. For the Silo, Clemence Bigeon.

Culture

How Improper Tiling Will Wreak Havoc On Home Value & Your Health

Leave a comment

ICYMI: Poorly installed tile can cause serious health issues due to mold, and significantly decrease  home values. Gregory Norman, founder of BathMasters, highlights the advantages of hiring a professional for tiling projects and encourages homeowners to resist cutting corners.

(Clearwater, FL) —The homeowner improvement and repair market reached $317 billion USD in 2017 alone and continued to hover around that mark right up to this year-even when factoring in Covid, (1) and the number of homeowners utilizing DIY and unlicensed contractors for renovations is also on the rise.

13% of all households undertook a bathroom remodel or replacement project in the past 5 years, and of those, 42% failed to use a licensed contractor.(2)

The risks associated with improper renovations—especially tiling—can not only slash a home’s value, but also prove hazardous for homeowners’ health, warns bathroom renovation company BathMasters.

When it comes to bathroom overhauls, homeowners are generally unprepared for surprises, such as mold or leaks that can be hiding inside walls and beneath floors.(3) Improper tiling performed by a homeowner or unlicensed contractor can inadvertently allow water to seep in, facilitating accumulation of mold spores and thereby causing serious damage to a homeowner’s house and personal health.(4) Per BathMasters founder, Greg Norman, statistics show that in all remodeling projects, tile showers are the number one botched renovation.

Norman says the room for error is vast; if the underside of the shower pan is not waterproofed, or the membrane going to the drain is improperly installed, costly leaks and mold can – and likely will – occur.

(3) And the risks are alarming: mold and water damage under shoddily-installed tiles can cause heightened asthma problems, skin rashes and even autoimmune diseases.(4) Per Norman, preserving health and the value of the home are invaluable to cutting corners on a renovation project.

“No home renovation project in the world is worth putting one’s health at risk,” said Norman. “Additionally, home renovations are intended to increase the value of a home; DIY projects or renovations done by unlicensed contractors run completely contrary to that.”

Although it may seem like homeowners can save money by not using a licensed contractor, even a small defect can significantly devalue a property. Most cities require homeowners to tear out walls, along with any ceramic wall tiles, if the renovation project wasn’t inspected by the city beforehand. Also, a home appraiser may not include a non permitted addition in the square footage for the home value, which could cost homeowners thousands of dollars.

When considering home renovation projects that include electrical work, plumbing jobs, tiling or knocking down walls, hiring a licensed contractor is key.” Norman went on to say that when hiring a contractor, homeowners need to do their homework by checking reviews and ensuring that permits are being pulled consistently.

“BathMasters regularly replaces showers that have been done incorrectly by unlicensed contractors, generally within five years of installation.

The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality work; as such, its team is equipped with specialized training from the Tile Council of North America in South Carolina, enabling its contractors to offer customers the highest standard of work for all bathroom renovations. For the Silo, Ashley Richardson.

About BathMasters:

BathMasters is a Virginia plumbing, electrical and building contractor with showrooms and warehouses in Northern Virginia and the Tampa Bay Area (Florida). BathMasters is rapidly expanding to meet the demand of its customers for high-quality, full-service bathroom renovations and tub-to-shower conversions built to withstand the test of time. With thousands of custom bathroom remodel jobs under its belt, BathMasters has become the premier choice for all bathroom renovation needs.

Co-founders and brothers Gregory and David Norman grew up in a family of masters: their father was a master plumber, and their uncles worked as a master electrician, master carpenter, and class A home builder. The Norman family legacy has always been about high-quality work, never cutting corners, and an unparalleled commitment to communication, honesty and integrity in their dealings with homeowners. It is this legacy that Gregory and David carry forward at BathMasters. Their mission is to improve the skill level of bathroom installers through their extensive workforce training programs, to the benefit of homeowners and the industry itself. Visit BathMastersVirginia.com and BathMastersFlorida.com.

  1. Donahue, Kerry. “STRONG AND STABLE GROWTH PREDICTED FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR MARKET IN 2017.” Joint Center for Housing Studies. N.p., 19 Jan. 2017. Web.
  2. Webb, Craig. “Homeowners Hired Pros to Remodel 66% of Kitchens, 58% of Baths, NKBA Survey Finds.” Remodeling. N.p., 11 Jan. 2017. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.
  3. LaPonsie, Maryalene. “7 Reasons to Back Away From DIY Home Improvement Projects.” Money Talks News. N.p., 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
  4. Is Your Home a Death Trap? How Mold Affects Your Health and Your Home’s Value. N.p., n.d. Web.
Earth

Will Ontario’s Poison Caterpillar Return This Summer?

5 Comments

The Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar as found on Prospect Street, Port Dover, Ontario
This Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar was found on Prospect Street, Port Dover, Ontario

Important safety tip: if you see a caterpillar that has hypodermic-like needles poking out from its body DON’T TOUCH.

That might seem like common sense but Summer 2014 had Ontarians reporting to emergency rooms and to family doctors with symptoms ranging from swelling and rashes to vomiting and intense pain. All this from a seemingly harmless caterpillar sting.

Nature has a way with defense mechanisms and the hickory tussock moth caterpillar is no exception.

During mid to late Summer this caterpillar has one thing on its mind: time to cocoon. In order to accomplish that task, it needs to crawl around out in the open to discover the best places to begin its transformation. So it’s easy pickings if you’re a hungry bird. That explains the caterpillars needle like barbs and the poisonous toxin that they deliver.

Other signals to predators  that say “stay away” are black dots on the belly of the caterpillar .

If you see one of these critters the best way to handle them is to use a leaf or a stick to gently encourage the caterpillar to hop on board. That way you will remain safe when you transport them somewhere else- away from those areas that your family and pets enjoy. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Culture

Creativity Espoused By Mainstream Media Is Sadly About Machine Creativity

Leave a comment

Science!

[You may know him from the movies “What The Bleep Do We Know”  and “Down The Rabbit Hole” – Two great introductory documentaries on Quantum Physics you really owe it to yourself to see.  Let the Silo introduce you to a welcomed, new contributor-  Dr. Amit Goswami – Author, Speaker and Scientist. Ed.]

“I am very excited about one of my recent books- Quantum Creativity.  The main message of this book is this: If you are interested in creativity and in thinking quantum, you have the basics of what it takes to be creative, in fact, to be extraordinary in your creativity.

Quantum physics is the physics of possibilities. Quantum physics says reality is both possibility and actuality.

The objects of the universe are possibilities, quantum possibilities; they become objects of actuality in our experience when we observe because we have chosen actuality from the possibilities proffered.  This two-level complementary reality is an important aspect of our consciousness. The unmanifest, (psychologists call it the unconscious, spiritual traditions call it the transcendent) is the realm where consciousness processes possibilities (unconscious processing) but without awareness, without subject-object separation.

The manifest (psychologists call it the conscious, spiritual traditions call it the immanent) is the domain of actualities that consciousness processes with awareness, with subject-object split.

Quantum thinking consists of this two-level processing—both unconscious and conscious.  Quantum thinking understood in this way liberates you, anyone, from any assumed ordinariness.  With its help, anyone can be creative.

A stylish dude? We love the sun hat Dr G. :)

Creativity was difficult for people of the olden days because they had to pursue it blindly, they did not know how human creativity works; they assumed it is all mystery, all arts.  And today, lots of people shortchange their creativity because of their faulty mechanistic worldview.

The truth is, we cannot discuss the relevant issues of human creativity without a lot of make-belief within our current mechanistic worldview based on the metaphysics of scientific materialism—everything is matter moving in space-time and material interaction.

The science of creativity that the protagonists of a mechanistic worldview talk about, and which today you read about in the media, is about machine creativity.  To a large extent it is sophistry, about how determined machines can somehow appear to be creative.

It is self-evident that human creativity requires consciousness as a causal entity with free will, freedom to choose.

It is self-evident that human creativity requires the capacity to process meaning, that human creativity involves affects (agony and ecstasy), and that human creativity begins with intuition.

sophistry

Dealing with human creativity requires a worldview in which consciousness is causally potent, in which not only our physical experiences but also our experiences of thinking, feeling and intuition are validated. Quantum physics, properly interpreted, gives us that worldview. Engaging the two level complementary reality of quantum physics gives human creativity all its wonderful and mysterious attributes that material machines moving in a one-level space-time reality cannot possibly simulate.” For the Silo, Dr. Amit Goswami.

Culture

How Cardiovascular Disease Connects To Inflammation

3 Comments

 I bet we all have someone near and dear to our heart, who has been touched by cardiovascular disease. 

swelling

Public health and agencies such as Heart and Stroke Society have done an excellent job highlighting some of the key factors that are risk factors to cardiovascular disease.  These risk factors can include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and stress. 

An overarching factor that exists within all of these risk factors is; inflammation. 

Inflammation can be defined as “the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process.” The symptoms of inflammation are represented as heat, redness, swelling and pain.

There have been links made between chronic inflammation and some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, periodontitis and hay fever. 

One of the key modifiable factors affecting inflammation that has been researched is diet.  Meals that are contain excess calories and inflammatory fats have been linked to causing spikes in c-reactive protein, a measureable maker of inflammation.  The Standard American Diet has been linked to higher inflammation rates due to the higher intake of omega 6 fatty acids compared to omega 3.  In contrast the Mediterranean Diet has been linked to lower inflammation levels due to higher content of omega 3 fatty acids, low glycemic foods, higher amounts of carotenoids and flavonoids found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. 

AmericanDietPyramidvsMediterraneanDietPyramidWEB

Excess body fat is also a component of inflammation as it a factory for inflammatory cytokines within the body, resulting in higher levels of inflammation. A study of postmenopausal women who where overweight or obese who lost 5% or more of their body weight had measurable decreases to their inflammation levels. 

Type 2 diabetes, the result of insulin resistance also has its roots deep in inflammation.   Again research has shown that more fat cells in the body result in a cascade of cellular signalling within the immune cells that results in inflammation. 

In the case of acute inflammation such a healing cut finger, physical symptoms would be typical; heat, swelling, redness and pain. Chronic inflammation does not display these same symptoms, instead havoc on the cardiovascular system can go undetected.  The process of atherosclerosis, the origin of cardiovascular disease is a result of the activation of the immune system during inflammation leading deposition and accumulation of cholesterol and tissue along the cardiovascular system.

From a preventative health standpoint it is important to combine the current treatment of cardiovascular health treatment with strategies to reduce inflammation.

Naturopathic Medicine as a preventative form of treatment has many options available to decrease overall inflammation within the body and can be used alongside conventional medical treatments.  For the Silo, Ashley Beeton.

Finance

Should You Take Out a Second Mortgage?

Leave a comment

With housing prices cooling off a bit but still generally soaring in cities across Canada, many homeowners are asking themselves how they can cash in on the market without actually having to sell their property. For many, a second mortgage will be the ideal way to do so.  

Second mortgages are one of the perfect mortgage solutions for homeowners who want to tap into their home equity to get lump-sum cash payments at low rates of interest. If you want to know if a second mortgage is right for you, here are three questions you should ask yourself. 

1. How Much Home Equity Do I Have? 

Before you start approaching mortgage brokers about a second mortgage, it’s a good idea to do some calculations around home equity, as the amount of money available to you through a second mortgage is determined by how much home equity you have.  

Fortunately, home equity is easy to calculate: simply subtract your existing mortgage from the current market value of your property. The difference is your home equity — the amount of your home value that you own outright.  

If you don’t know how much your home is worth, you can use a free calculator like this one to get a general estimate based on the going rate for properties in your neighbourhood. 

2. Should I Get a Home Equity Loan or Refinance? 

Generally speaking, there are two ways a homeowner can cash out a percentage of their equity: through refinancing or through a second mortgage. Both can be good ways to unlock capital, but which option you go for will depend in part on your financial situation. 

  • Refinancing: When you refinance your home, you replace an existing mortgage loan with a new mortgage loan. This new loan can be negotiated to include a cash payout based on your home equity, and while cashing out will likely extend the time it takes to pay off your mortgage, you will still only be dealing with a single mortgage loan.  
  • Second Mortgage: A second mortgage is an additional mortgage loan taken on against your home equity. Because it is an additional loan, it will usually come at a higher interest rate. 

In Canada, most mortgages are refinanced every five years, but they can also be refinanced more frequently. But if you already have a low interest rate on your existing mortgage and rates are increasing, a second mortgage may be the cheapest way to turn equity into cash. 

3. Will this Loan Save Me Money? 

A second mortgage can be a powerful financial tool, but it isn’t free money: you will still need to pay it back with interest, so you should be careful about how you use it.  

Taking out a second mortgage to consolidate debt, or to build an addition on your house, are smart investments because they put your money to work by reducing your interest payments or enhancing the value of your property. This puts you in a better financial position than you would have been if you didn’t borrow the money.  

Doing a cost/benefit analysis and working out how much money borrowing against home equity will save you is the key to making a strategic decision. 

Given how much real estate values have gone up over the past few years, figuring out how you can use your newfound wealth to improve your financial situation is essential for good money management. If you want to know more about whether a second mortgage is right for you, get in touch with a local mortgage broker to explore interest rates and options.  

Feautured image: Precondo CA Via Unsplash/ Silo Content Production

Earth

Crickets And Grasshoppers Relaxing Sounds For Your Mind

Leave a comment

If you didn’t know already, crickets and grasshoppers are not the same insect- though they do share a distant common ancestor from somewhere back in time.

How can you tell them apart?

For one thing, grasshoppers have short antennae whereas crickets have long antennae. Considering that crickets are active at night, in the dark- it makes sense for them to have “supercharged” antennae.

Oh but the sound.

It’s amazing to know that together and in unison, thousands upon thousands of orthopterans (the common order that is shared by crickets and katydids,  grasshoppers and locusts) can create a huge amount of sound from nothing more than, in the case of grasshoppers: rubbing their hind legs against their forelimbs or in the case of crickets: rubbing their fore wings together.  Judging by the number of nature recordings ready for streaming,  many of us are enjoying these sounds as a soothing treatment to help us unwind, relax and fall asleep.  For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Cricket or grasshopper? What do you think? photo: Dixie Greenwood
Cricket or grasshopper? What do you think? photo: Dixie Greenwood

From the nature recordist NeCubFlyer:

“I’ve been recording high quality nature sounds for over 26 years for my own personal use. When I first started, nature recordings didn’t exist and when these types of recordings finally hit the market, they were so overly compressed & attenuated it didn’t even remotely sound natural!

Throughout some recordings you may find sounds that are man made.

All of my recordings are captured in nature as it happens. None of my recordings have been “Computer Generated” or are short segments looped together. I have traveled to some of the most remote areas of the US to capture my nature sounds only to find jets flying overhead or a train off in the distance blowing its horn. It is virtually impossible to capture a clean recording without the “Hand of Man” being heard. To remove these sounds would take some serious computer manipulation and destroy the integrally of the recording! Being a purest… what you hear is what you get… just like the real world.

If you enjoy these soothing sounds, please   visit my site  and help show your support…I hope you enjoy this beautiful recording as much as I have!!!”

Culture

Former Russian President Medvedev Said Off Air That Aliens Visit Our Planet

Leave a comment

A few years ago, Dimitry Anatolyevich Medvedev was the tenth Prime Minister of Russia- the incumbent since 2012.

Before that, he previously served as the third President of Russia, from 2008 to 2012. The Russian Prime Minister has the second highest position in the government, after President Vladimir Putin. Medvedev, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation comment confirms aliens are here.

After the recording of a 2015 television program, in off-air comments, he was less guarded.

He did not realize that his microphone was still open and stated: “I believe in Father Frost. But not too deeply.” he said in a jovial reply to a question about Russia’s equivalent of Santa Claus.

Prime Minister Medvedev Aliens Interview

A journalist asked whether the president is handed secret files on aliens when receiving the briefcase needed to activate Russia’s nuclear arsenal.

Medvedev the former Russian President stated, “Along with the briefcase with nuclear codes, the president of the country is given a special ‘top secret’ folder. This folder in its entirety contains information about aliens who visited our planet,” Mr. Medvedev answered playfully.

“Along with this, you are given a report of the absolutely secret special service that exercises control over aliens on the territory of our country … More detailed information on this topic you can get from a well-known movie called ‘Men In Black’ … I will not tell you how many of them are among us because it may cause panic,” he says.

https://youtu.be/dYXlXCq9QTk

None of the television stations that interviewed Mr. Medvedev broadcast the off-air comments, but they were delivered to Reuters as a pool signal and some were shown on YouTube.

Mr. Medvedev worked closely with Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg in the 1990s and it was Mr. Putin who ushered Mr. Medvedev, now 47, into power in 2008. In case of President’s Putin’s death, resignation or impeachment, the Prime Minister becomes the temporary president until new presidential elections are held.  http://beforeitsnews.com/beyond-science/2012/12/breaking-russian-prime-minister-confirms-aliens-are-here-2440158.html  For the Silo, via Major (ret.) George A. Filer -Filer’s Files 49-2015

Travel

Travel To Sustainability Pioneer Tongsai Bay

1 Comment

On a regular basis The Silo informs you about companies who do their part in changing our world to a better place.

Green Pearls® Unique Places is dedicated to the Tongsai Bay in Thailand and recognizes the amazing work that created a sustainable tourism industry there nearly four decades ago.

How it all began

In 1986, Khun Akorn Hoontrakul was on a boat trip with his twelve year old son Thanakorn and they spotted the bay from the sea. Khun Akorn immediately felt passionate about it – something Thanakorn did not understand back then. “My 12 year old mind didn’t really appreciate its beauty at that time. The sand was coarse and the water was dark blue because of its depth. It was my Dad who saw the potential and later said to me: ‘It was love at first sight'”, recounts Thanakorn.

Sleeping under the stars

Within one week Khun Akorn bought the land and started building the hotel. At a time when nobody thought about sustainable tourism, he believed in the responsibility to protect nature. To ensure that no tree was felled and the impact on nature was kept as low as possible, he slept at the beach for three months.

Setting a good example

Today, the hotel is led by Thanakorn and his wife Saisiri. They share the same passion about sustainable tourism believing that everyone is responsible for the protection of the environment. Their deep belief is that every little step makes a difference. They set a good example for everybody in their private and professional life: “It’s a way of life, to not destroy the environment. It’s a constant thought to make sure habits don’t contribute to waste. If we forget our water bottle, we won’t drink, as we do not drink from plastic”.

Acting sustainable is a holistic approach

Leading the hotel in a sustainable way does not only mean to take green aspects into account. Furthermore it involves a holistic approach, taking into account environmental as well as social aspects, like fair salary, staff training and education. Just as in their private life they focus on waste prevention: kitchen waste for example is composted and reused as fertilizer in the own garden.


Open for everyone: the organic garden

The hotel’s own horticulturist and gardeners are responsible for the organic garden which provides the vegetables and herbs for the kitchen. They developed a fermenting process from oranges and limes using different kinds of micro organisms for an efficient cleaning process. The garden and its plants are open for guests, who can use for example the aloe vera to treat sun burned skin. Additionally there is natural mosquito repellent made by locals, glass cleaner made out of pineapples as well as natural toothpaste.

What has changed since the opening (or in a good way not changed)

Many trees have been planted along the walkway leading to the Cottages providing more shade and in the space of ten+ years there will be a tree tunnel with shade all day long which makes walking much easier in the heat. This is to say that Tongsai is even greener than it used to be. There are 66 kinds of birds spotted in Tongsai in the past 12 years. The star resident bird is the colorful Pink-Necked Pigeon, and even a slow Loris had been spotted near NangGong Villa by Gob and Goya back in 2002. There is still a lot of natural space left in the territory but instead of building more man-made structures the business is not being expanded and natural areas are left untouched.

Pink-Necked Pigeon

The German Green Pearls GmbH ( based in Darmstadt, Germany ) unifies international tourism companies that support environmental protection and demonstrate social commitment. Thereby, Green Pearls is the first holding company worldwide that consolidates sustainable hotels, destinations and restaurants in a global data source.

Among the criteria of admission to Green Pearls® Unique Places, are a sustainability plan on management level, sustainable architecture, comprehensive water, energy saving and waste recovery measures, the use of seasonal and regional ingredients in the kitchen, as well as a large commitment for the social balance in each of the vacation regions.

Culture

Why Women Aged 50-59 Believe They Need To Look Young At Work

Leave a comment

Dark spots can be treated with topical vitamin crèmes but much larger doses are needed since the vitamins oxidize when exposed to the air.
Dark spots can be treated with topical vitamin crèmes but much larger doses are needed.

Way back in 2013 a poll by Penn Schoen Berland revealed that women’s worries about wrinkles, dark spots and other aging  skin concerns aren’t all vanity. Forty-two percent of women ages 50 to 59 believed they needed  to look young to be successful at work.

“Increasingly, both men and women have anxiety about looking  older, but the good news is that science has developed natural tools to help us look younger longer,” say Drs. Rick and Arlene Noodleman, the husband-and-wife  physician team at Silicon Valley’s Age Defying Dermatology, national leaders in medical and cosmetic dermatology and  integrative medical treatments.

Something we all battle daily is damage from free radicals,  a term that has entered the public lexicon with little understanding by most people.

“Free radicals are oxygen molecules that have lost electrons through oxidation, making them unstable. If your body doesn’t have enough antioxidants to stabilize them and render them harmless, they can damage cell membranes, which eventually breaks down the proteins that support and plump the skin,” explains preventive medicine specialist Dr. Arlene Noodleman.

“We’re bombarded by free radicals every day”, she says. “We produce them when we metabolize food and even when we breathe. They’re also in the environment – diesel exhaust, air pollution, UV radiation (from the sun) and cigarette smoke are all major producers.”

“What’s worse, those free radical oxygen molecules are always looking to stabilize themselves by swiping electrons from stable molecules, which creates even more free radicals,” says dermatologist Dr. Rick Noodleman. “We have lots of natural defenses against free radicals, but as we age, we begin to lose them,” he says.

Some vitamins are antioxidants, meaning their molecules provide electrons that stabilize the free radicals.

Clinical studies have found that certain of these are effective in preventing damage, or correcting damage such as reducing wrinkles and dark spots. In certain cases, “taking your vitamins” means applying them on your skin so they can work from the outside-in, the physicians say.

• Vitamin A – “There is significant scientific evidence that the form of vitamin A called retinoid, when applied topically, can treat damage caused by sun exposure,” says Dr. Arlene Noodleman. “It can soften fine lines and wrinkles and lighten dark spots.” In one study, subjects had significantly fewer fine wrinkles after applying a prescription-strength retinoid cream (0.1 percent isotretinoin) once a day for 36 weeks. “Of the over-the-counter retinoid products, Retinol appears most effective”, Dr. Noodleman says.

• Vitamin C – “Vitamin C applied topically is much more effective than taken orally”, says Dr. Rick Noodleman. “That’s because vitamin C is relatively unstable — it quickly oxidizes when exposed to air and in certain other conditions. So, to get the full benefit, you would need it in much greater amounts than you would normally consume in a tablet. You can get that benefit by using a topical formulation,” he says. “Look for ‘stable’ vitamin C of the L-ascorbic variety, which offers the best protection against sun damage”, he states. “It reduces lines and wrinkles, protects against sun damage, and encourages production of collagen, one of the proteins susceptible to free radical damage. Importantly, collagen makes up 75 percent of our skin and gives it support and volume.”

• Vitamin B3 – “As a ‘damage corrector’, test-tube studies have shown that vitamin B3 boosts collagen production and clinical studies have shown that it reduces dark spots”, says Dr. Arlene Noodleman. In one significant study, 50 Caucasian women applied a 5 percent vitamin B3 solution to one side of their faces every day for 12 weeks. They had a marked reduction in dark spots, redness and yellowing, and increased elasticity.

It might seem like "too much" but topical vitamin crèmes need to be applied relatively heavy in order for them to be effective.
It might seem like “too much” but topical vitamin crèmes need to be applied relatively heavy in order for them to be effective.

The two doctors advise that, for best results, people should buy these topical vitamin products at concentrations that have proved effective
– and use them for the length of time recommended.

Dr. Rick Noodleman, a board-certified, Stanford-trained dermatologist, is an expert in the medical and surgical management of skin disease, aging skin, and advanced cosmetic techniques. Dr. Arlene Noodleman, board-certified in preventive medicine and fellowship-trained in integrative medicine, is a healthy aging expert who focuses on the whole person and strategies that facilitate the body’s innate healing response. Together,the  Noodleman’s created the Revercel cosmeceutical and neutraceutical product line which includes products containing vitamins in the amounts and forms scientifically proven to be effective. They include Eye Perfection and Intensive Repair Serums with Retinol and Vita-C Emulsion. For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley. 

Gaming

Online Casino Games Explained

Leave a comment

There are now a seriously wide variety of online casino games available for players to participate in, and it can be somewhat daunting for those of us with little or no experience of the exciting pastime. Online casinos have been around for quite some time now, but over the years the offerings from operators have improved significantly. The days of huge downloads are gone, and now instant access while on the move is all the rage. Sites like novibet.co.uk are able to provide a real casino experience in the palm of your hand, or the comfort of your own home. Let’s take a look at some of the games on offer.

Blackjack

An American card game which is seriously popular around the world, Blackjack is often the purists’ game of choice. In simplistic terms, Blackjack is a head to head battle against the dealer, where the best possible score available is 21. Each player is dealt two cards, with the dealer usually receiving one card face up. Players must then take the decision to ‘Hit’ (take another card from the dealer) or ‘Stand’ (stick with what they currently have). The dealer’s second card will then be revealed, with the winning hand then taking the spoils. There are some slight rule variations depending on where you are playing, but that’s the basics of the game of Blackjack covered.

Roulette

Roulette takes its name from the French word meaning little wheel, and is very much a game of chance. Players are able to mitigate or spread the risk as much as they like, either selecting one of 36 numbers, or splitting chips over a variety of different selections. The winning number is selected when the croupier releases the ball onto the roulette wheel in one direction, and spins the wheel itself in the other. The ball will eventually come to rest in a specific slot, and players are paid out accordingly. Various other bets can be placed on the roulette table, including red or black and 1st, 2nd or 3rd twelve. Some players will also choose to cover the green zero, as this is a loser on any red, black, or block of 12 combination.

Craps

A particularly versatile dice game, craps lends itself well to the online casino setting. Players make wagers against the house or bank as to the outcome of the roll or rolls of two dice. Although this may sound like a very simplistic game, it has the potential for great excitement with players looking to roll ‘the natural’ 7 or 11, while avoiding crapping out! Competitors take turns of rolling the two dice, with wagers placed on the pass line, or the don’t pass line. A roll of 2, 3 or 12 is referred to as craps, which results in anyone wagering on the pass line losing. Those having had a bet on the don’t pass line win on a 2 or 3 and tie on the 12. The shooter can continue to roll until a seven is hit, at which stage the shooting responsibility moves to the next player.

Reviews

Noteworthy Gifts And Gadgets To Improve Your Summer And Beyond

Leave a comment

With upcoming summer temperatures in North America forecast as  “lingering on the high end of the spectrum”, many are still out and about enjoying the longer days and extra leisure time. Of course, during the summer our desire for gadgets and gear that eases our travels, enhances our self-care regime, and just makes life more enjoyable is always in high demand. With that in mind, I’ve found some noteworthy gifts and gets sure to improve the rest of your season and far beyond.

myFlipShade (www.MyFlipShade.com) – $9.99 usd

Maybe the best accessory for smartphones since the PopSocket is myFlipShade—a newly launched item that provides a pop-up shield that prevents glare and other weather conditions from affecting your ability to see your screen.

It attaches to the back of your phone using an adhesive strip and flips around to not only prevent annoying glare, but also serve as a privacy shield to block peeping eyes from reading your screen. It also functions as a horizontal and vertical smartphone stand. Even though the shade is an all-in-one phone accessory, it can still be used with other accessories like credit card holders and stands. myFlipShade is compatible with iPhone 6 and up, including Plus models, and comes in several fun colors and patterns to match various mood or personalities: black, pineapple, summer print and marble white.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: myFlipShade

Skinit, MacBook Skins, iPhone Cases (www.Skinit.com) – $29.99-$45.99 usd

Speaking of stylish phone accessories, you can express your unique style with Skinit’s authentic case collections and premium vinyl decal skins featuring your favorite iconic brands, characters, and professional sports team…or you can custom-create your own! Skinit collaborates with Marvel, DC Comics, Looney Tunes and Hello Kitty to offer you official and original artwork, so you can let your inner character shine and express yourself with killer pop-culture brands and characters. Skinit is also an official licensor of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS so you can show off your team pride and let your team passion be known. Skinit iPhone Cases can also be fully customized, including personal photos, and also provide maximum protection from damaging falls. Featuring a dual-layer case construction, the Skinit Pro Case will provide maximum style and solid protection for any iPhone model. No matter what device you have or who your all-time favorite character is, Skinit will likely have you covered.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Skinit

i-Top (www.GoliathGames.us) – $16.99 usd

Leave your cellphones behind, disconnect from the world, and embrace quality family time this summer—and as often as you can, really! Goliath Games has introduced a new generation of spinning top toys called i-Top. Using smart technology, this high-tech top keeps track of the number of spins while LEDs light up the display. Spin your way to the top score by competing in multiple challenges. Unlock hidden features by spinning the top an exact number of spins to show special animations, or you can challenge your friends and family to a high score. With over ten different ways to play and tons of animations, the fun with i-Top can be non-stop. Have a friendly family competition to see who can spin the highest score and unlock the most hidden challenges and determine who’s the ultimate i-Top master? Also super portable and travel-friendly, the i-Top—available in Mega Gear Blue, Infinite Purple and Vortex Red—has a spinner that folds down so it easily fits in a pocket or bag. Keep it handy for hours of fun and laughter. Kudos to Goliath, which celebrates and facilitates quality family time and bringing people together.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Goliath Games

RCA Sound Soother (www.RCAAudioVideo.com) – 29.99 usd

There’s no better time than summer to catch up on your sleep and with RCA’s Sound Soother device you can relax and get a good night’s slumber (or daytime nap) while listening to your favorite of 10 pre-loaded sounds. You can also use it block out ambient noise, so it’s great for hotel use and while studying among other scenarios. Users can choose from white noise, waves, rain, brown noise, pink noise, campfire, Canon in D, Clair De Lune, Gymnopedie No. 1 or Greensleeves. Set your sleep timer for 30, 60 or 90 minutes or keep it on constantly to keep you sleeping soundly through the night. AC powered with included adapter or use anywhere with 3 AAA batteries and of course adjustable volume controls. You can also enjoy your own music from your smartphone through the aux input—making this a totally customizable product for your preferences.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: VOXX International Corporation

Minetan (www.MineTanBodySkin.com) – $34.95 usd

During the summer months there’s nothing better than having that perfect, sun kissed glow.

So it’s great news that Aussie self-tanning powerhouse Minetan has landed in the U.S. This one-hour self-tanner contains skin loving, PETA-approved ingredients that truly benefit skin, including moisturizing antioxidants and oils like argan oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, coconut water, shea butter and more. Every product is free of parabens, contains 100% natural DHA, and is even vegan friendly—all quite unique for a tanning brand. You can achieve a streak-free, bronzed babe look in just one hour, or leave it on longer for a darker result. Minetan has an inclusive color range, challenging the industry-wide standard of three size-fits-all (light, medium, dark) approach to tanners, by exploring the nuances of undertone. Offering a comprehensive range of highly advanced tanning products, Minetan’s one-hour tan is just one of their many world-first, skin-friendly formulas that’s been introduced to North American customers—both online and in Ulta Beauty stores. Other notable groundbreakers include a range of nourishing coconut-water based tans, a fitness tan, and a personal spray tan kit. With all of their one-hour tans, you choose your preferred custom color depth skin finish by deciding when you shower after application. You wash off for 45 seconds and you are good to go, with a personalized tan that looks and feels great and is actually good for your skin.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Minetan

Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System (www.LusterPremiumWhite.com) – $43.99 usd

Want dramatically whiter, brighter teeth without a trip to the dentist, without messy strips and trays, and without sensitivity?

No problem! Luster Premium White offers just that with its Pro Light Dental Whitening System. Developed by dentists and clinically proven to deliver results, this trusted brand lets consumers enjoy peace-of-mind and professional-grade teeth whitening right at home…quickly, safely, conveniently and comfortably. Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System is unique among teeth whitening brands in that it uses a patented Dual Power Xenon Whitening Light and Stain Lifting Serum to whiten teeth up to 6 shades in 30 minutes! It gently whitens without sulfates (SLS) and is enamel-safe. The system includes everything needed to deliver amazing results: Dual-Energy Whitening Light, Accelerinse, Stain Lifting Serum, Power White Pro Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste in Mint. The Pro Light Whitening System can be purchased online as well as neighborhood retailers such as Walmart and Walgreens.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Luster Premium White

OMM Collection Haircare & Skincare (www.OMMCollection.com) – prices vary

The OMM Collection was inspired by the provincial South of France approach to “naturalism” and the company’s natural “farm to beauty” concept.

Indeed, OMM Unique hair formulas are blended with revolutionary Green Apple Stem Cell and Clover Flower Seed Extract to stimulate natural growth, strengthen hair follicles and deliver nourishment and thickening. The Shampoo is formulated with this Apple Stem Cell Extract with natural oils of Marula, Moringa, Amla and Prickly Pear. It’s a gentle concentrated light wash without sulfates. The Serum is a powerful infusion of hair treatment with Apple Stem Cell Extract and Capixyl, which preserves the hair follicle, providing thicker, healthier hair. The company’s Hair Mask is a rich, deep conditioning, weightless leave in treatment to rejuvenate, strengthen the overall health of hair. The Body Butter Soufflé is a rich, velvety and ultra-hydrating body butter containing natural ingredients that moisturizes the skin and locks in hydration. In addition, their Hand and Body Milk Crème is a rich, non-greasy, hydrating body cream enriched with Shea and Cocoa butter to help nourish, protect skin. The company also offers OMM signature fragrance essential oils of White Tea Jasmine and Dark Chocolate that were custom-developed with exclusivity and excellence in mind by a globally recognized international fragrance house.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: OMM Collections

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (www.Liquid-IV.com) – $24.99 usd – 16 pack

Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix that utilizes the breakthrough science of Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to deliver hydration to your bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. So effective, Liquid I.V. can provide the same hydration as drinking 2 to 3 bottles of water! Just add the electrolyte powder to your water and let CTT do the rest. Proper hydration allows your body to perform at the highest level, increase calorie burn, helps you stay mentally alert and energized, and even reduces signs of aging. Liquid I.V. is available in three flavors: Lemon Lime, Acai Berry, and Passion Fruit. I also love that Liquid I.V. is committed to defeating dehydration at a global level. With every order received, they donate one serving of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier electrolyte drink mix to someone in need around the world. This includes the poorest regions of countries like Haiti and refugees in Uganda to helping those in need during emergency and disaster situations such as Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and the Southern California wildfires.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Liquid I.V.

Empower Cosmopolitan Martini (www.EmpowerCocktails.com) – $21.99 usd

For refreshment of a different sort, try the Empower Cosmopolitan Martini for happy hour, while lounging by the pool or whenever you’re in the mood for a tasty spirit.

While the distilled beverage market is a booming industry, it’s one that continually targets men while often leaving women out as an afterthought. But Empower Cocktails seeks to change all of that. This new disruptor puts celebrating and empowering women at the forefront of its mission, while dazzling and delighting with its ready-to-pour line of delicious cocktail drinks. They recently launched their first cocktail, the refreshing but not too sweet Empower Cosmopolitan Martini. The beverage contains Sweet Potato Vodka that’s locally-sourced from a family-owned farm in Northern California, as well as triple sec, cooling white cranberry and zesty lime. It is best-served refrigerated; all you need to enjoy it is a martini glass and—if you so desire—your favorite garnish. The drink is 25 proof and contains only 80 calories per three ounces. Also cause-conscious, Empower Cocktails partners with several non-profits that champion women’s initiatives including the Voss Foundation, Dress for Success Boston, Kicked it in Heels and the Metro-Manhattan Community Foundation to name a few.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Empower Cocktails 


For the Silo, Merilee Kern. As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

 

Earth

Mangroves Disappearing -Experts Share Critical Lessons On Saving

Leave a comment

Mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate, with conservationists across the Commonwealth striving to save them from local extinction.

These nearshore forests that straddle land and sea provide a range of vital services to both humans and fish, such as coastal protection.

In a recent webinar organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat to mark World Mangrove Day , scientists and policy experts discussed how to “unlock” the wealth of mangroves, by regenerating these extraordinary ecosystems.

Rare ecosystems

Hasanthi Dissanayake, Director of Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, set the scene: “Mangroves are rare ecosystems that support the rich biodiversity and provide a valuable nursery for fish and crustaceans. There is a range of livelihoods connected to mangroves, ranging from fisheries to tourism.

“They also act as form of natural coastal defence against tsunamis, rising sea levels, storm surges and erosion. Their soils are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of carbon.”

Despite their ecological and economic value, mangroves are perishing at least three to five times faster than overall global forests. Half of the world’s mangroves have already been lost over the last 50 years due to human activity such as coastal development and pollution.

Reversing this decline has not been easy and is one of the main focus areas of the Commonwealth Blue Charter – an agreement by 54 countries to actively work together to solve some of the world’s most pressing ocean issues.

Case studies, lessons learned

During the webinar, experts shared their experiences in preserving and regenerating mangroves around the world.

Rahanna Juman, Deputy Director at the Institute of Marine Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago cited a mangrove-replanting project in an area that had been cleared to construct a pipeline. To bring back the mangroves, her team first restored the natural topography and flow of water to the area, then replanted more than 260 seedlings.

However, very few survived in comparison to mangroves that naturally recolonised the area, once it was back to the original environmental conditions. Dr Juman advised: “Mangrove planting should be the last option”.

Why Sri Lanka's Historic Mangroves Move Matters

Achini Fernando, a specialist at Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority, showed how “rapid assessing techniques” can be used to map species diversity as well as vulnerability of mangroves.

She added that this leads to better decisions on eco-tourism plans in Sri Lanka, saying: “Scientific data forms the foundation for good management.”

Leah Glass, global lead on mangroves from Blue Ventures, explained how her organization is working with the UK Government to empower coastal communities to manage mangroves in a way that also fights climate change.

This is done by placing a monetary value on the carbon stored by mangroves and selling these “carbon credits” to global buyers who want to make a positive impact on the environment. The returns are then used to fund community-led mangrove conservation, restoration and management.

Judith Okello, an ecologist from Kenya’s Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, echoed the importance of engaging local communities. In her research, local actors have been a key source of information to guide mangrove restoration work.

Collaboration

The Commonwealth Blue Charter lead at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Jeff Ardron, welcomed the insights shared by panellists, and encouraged countries, partner agencies, and all interested to further collaborate through the Blue Charter Action Group focused on mangroves.

Sri Lanka champions the Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods.

He said: “The work Commonwealth Blue Charter is driven by 10 action groups, led or co-led by 13 champion countries. These action groups are valuable platforms to share experiences, strategies and best practices – both what works and what doesn’t – to make country actions more effective.”

Fashion

Johnny Depp’s Los Angeles Penthouse Collection Threatened By Divorce

Leave a comment

What once was a successful pairing between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has changed course and their dirty laundry is playing out in real time all over the world.  Whether real or as a way to get each back into the limelight and boost their careers, the court case has proven to be entertainment on a level that has at times even had the judge laughing.  One thing unfolding is that Amber appears to have her heart set on acquiring one, if not all, of Johnny’s fabulous L.A. penthouses.

What’s so desirable about them? Find out more via this article sent along to us from our friends at toptenrealestatedeals.

Known for being a somewhat dark, idiosyncratic actor, Depp has followed his own instincts in his choice of parts since his first role in Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984.

A Florida high school dropout at age 15, he played in several garage bands and married early. When he and his new wife took a trip to Los Angeles, in a stroke of good luck he happened to meet Nicolas Cage who suggested he go into acting. This led to his first film role in 1984’s Nightmare on Elm Street and quick successes in Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow and the Pirates of the Caribbean series. He then moved on to more serious parts portraying drug and gangster criminals in Blow, Public Enemies and Black Mass.

Glen Lantz from Nightmare on Elm Street Costume | Carbon Costume | DIY Dress-Up Guides for Cosplay & Halloween
Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Johnny Depp's 'Pirates' Co-Star Comes to His Defense Amid Controversy - Inside the Magic

Widely considered one of Hollywood’s best actors and box office stars with Golden Globe and Screen Actors’ Guild Awards, Depp has made headlines from his movies, love life and his interesting real estate holdings, which include an island in the Bahamas. At various times engaged to Sherilyn Fenn, Jennifer Grey, Winona Ryder and Kate Moss, Depp had a long relationship with French singer-actress Vanessa Paradis. During his Paradis years, he purchased an entire French village which was recently on the market at $55.5 million usd. After he split with Vanessa, he married Amber Heard in 2015, but divorced just one year later. Listed after the $7 million usd divorce settlement with Heard is Depp’s unique collection of penthouses in downtown Los Angeles.

Depp acquired the five multi-storied, side-by-side penthouse units over a period of years after the building had been refurbished in 2007.

Decorated in his unique style, he never joined the units, but instead lived in them as though going from room to room, or lent to relatives to use.

Whether or not it was a conscious real estate business decision or a happy fluke, it means that the collection of units can be resold as a whole or individually. The group includes five condo units: four two-bedrooms and a one-bedroom, totaling approximately 11,500 square feet.

The 13-story Eastern Columbia Building was designed by Claud Beelman in 1930, considered to be one of the city’s best examples of Art Deco architecture still standing.

Johnny Depp’s collection of five penthouses in the famous Los Angeles Eastern Columbia building were available in 2016 as a group for $12.78 million USD; they are not currently on the market. For the Silo, Genelle Brown.

Photos: James Lang, Berlyn Photography for Partners Trust (now Compass) Video Credit:  Sean Evans, @evvo1991

Reviews

Mattress Sales in Toronto: How to Find the Best Deals  

Leave a comment

A mattress is a vital component of comfort in your home.

A poor-quality mattress can cause body aches and affect your life. It’s, therefore, crucial to purchase the right mattress from a reputable store at a reasonable price. For the best mattress sale in Toronto, you need to consider some factors to help you make the right decision. If you’re looking for a deal on your next mattress or bed set, keep reading for tips on finding the best mattress sale in Toronto and get the most significant savings with no compromise on quality. 

  1. Identify a Reputable and Reliable Mattress Store 

When shopping for a mattress sale in Toronto, it’s essential to identify reliable and reputable retailers. If you have friends or family members who have recently gone through a mattress purchase, they can give you good advice about specific stores that they found reliable. Local blogs or online forums dedicated to mattress purchases can also be good resources when looking at different brands and retailers.  

Once you’ve identified some potential stores, it’s time to look into their sales policies. Most reputable retailers will offer sales periodically throughout the year—especially around major holidays like Black Friday and Christmas—so knowing how long those sales last is critical to ensure you get a good deal. A good mattress store in Toronto like the Queensway Mattress will provide overall satisfaction from good customer service to quality products and after-sales services. So, look out for any complaints about delivery times, damaged goods, or unsatisfactory services before finalizing your decision. 

  1. Try Out Before You Buy 

Getting out of bed and trying out a mattress is an excellent way to be sure you’re making an informed decision. You can check how it feels, whether it’s too soft or too firm, and see if you like how it looks. If you want to buy a new mattress, try one out before purchasing—you may even decide that you can get by with what you already have. Leave enough time for your test drive; going from store to store will likely take more than a few hours. 

Ask about return policies: Most stores won’t accept returns once you take off mattresses from their premises. Asking these questions up front can save you time and energy later on. Therefore, if you’re looking for a mattress sale in Toronto, it’s crucial to ensure they allow you to sleep on your new mattress before deciding whether it meets your needs. 

The Most Uncomfortable Bed in the World - Touch a Life | OpenSea
  1. Go for The Best Quality and Comfort 

You might assume that high-quality, comfortable mattresses are expensive, but that’s not always true. You can get quality mattresses from reliable stores at reasonable prices if you know how to shop around. However, you need to know your needs and requirements before shopping for a new mattress to avoid wasting money on a product that doesn’t suit your needs. 

For example, if you need a mattress that can help you relieve some pressure points on your body, then you can invest in a Latex or Memory foam mattress. If you have problems with allergies, then it is better to buy a hypoallergenic mattress from a reputable store. It’s good to match your needs with quality, comfort, and economical pricing to decide what type of mattress you should purchase. 

  1. Check The Warranty 

Before you finalize your deal on a mattress sale in Toronto, check to see what kind of warranty it comes with to be safe. If your mattress wears out within five years and doesn’t have a solid product warranty, you might pay a lot more than you bargained for in the first instance. It’s also worth asking about details like return policy and restocking fees: some businesses are notorious for charging steep return fees or simply refusing to accept used or damaged products. 

Buying mattresses supported by the most reliable warranties will keep you from paying extra money later. Also, ask how long those warranties last; sometimes, they expire just months after purchase. Dedicated warranty periods may range between 2 and 15 years. 

  1. Take Advantage of Free Delivery and Removal 

When buying a mattress, ask about free delivery and removal. If a retailer doesn’t offer such services or charges too much for them, you can probably find them elsewhere. The point of getting great deals on mattress sales is not to deal with additional hidden fees. Just be sure to factor in other costs, like transportation and set-up, when you do your comparison shopping. 

For example, if one store offers free shipping, but another delivers right to your door at no extra charge, you might pay more overall by Option 1. However, some people prefer picking out their mattress; they say they can test it out before purchasing. You can also benefit from some retailers offering a mattress sale in Toronto who let customers try out mattresses at home—so check around! 

  1. Look for Economical Pricing and Flexible Payment Methods 

Many of us choose to buy mattresses online since they tend to be less expensive. However, if you’re going to buy a mattress online, make sure you find one with an economical pricing structure and flexible payment options. You don’t want to spend even more money paying interest or other fees because you bought your mattress online; shop smart and get a good deal. 

You can also search for reputable stores that offer mattress sales in Toronto at monthly installments and no-interest financing plans. This way, you won’t have to pay all at once but will still get to enjoy your new mattress immediately after making your purchase. 

Conclusion 

Those who know how to find deals on mattress sales in Toronto are doing a service to themselves, whether they choose to purchase online or offline. There are so many choices that come with different prices, but if you know where to look and what questions to ask, you can get what you need at a price that won’t break your bank. A reputable mattress store in Toronto will have all of their products clearly labeled and will be able to answer any questions you may have about their products. You need not settle for less than what you want when purchasing mattresses; do your research, ask your questions, and use these tips as a guide when looking for a deal on a mattress sale in Toronto. 

Art

20th Century Masters: Picasso’s Guernica

2 Comments

“Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth” –Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) was one of the most well-known artists of the 20th century. Throughout his long and prolific career, Picasso both innovated and participated in important artistic movements such as realism, cubism and surrealism.  In comparison to Vincent van Gogh, the infamous starving artist, Picasso was one of the first modern artists to achieve great wealth and celebrity in his lifetime.

Possibly the most important work that Picasso produced was Guernica (1937).

This large scale black and white mural (approximately 12 x 26 feet), was commissioned for the Spanish Pavilion in the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris and was completed by Picasso in under a month.  In it, the artist depicted a catastrophic incident from the Spanish Civil War, wherein the Nazis conducted carpet bombing experiments on the town of Guernica, in the Basque region of Spain.

File:Guernica at the Whitechapel - geograph.org.uk - 1593698.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Historically, Spain had been ruled by a monarchy up until the 1930s, at which time it was replaced by a republican government that promised social and economic reform and a redistribution of goods and land.  Spanish conservatives disliked this idea and headed by General Francisco Franco, they launched an insurrection that led to the Spanish Civil War.  Aided by the Fascists and Nazis, General Franco assumed dictatorship of the country and ruled until his death in 1975.

During this time of turmoil, Picasso was not in Spain but working in Paris.

This is important to note when considering his choice of palette. He would have been paying attention to the events taking place in his native country largely through newspapers, transforming the black and white newsreel into a large scale canvas.  Also, by choosing a dichromatic colour scheme, Picasso allowed the subject matter to stand out over colour.

Prominently positioned in this work is the Minotaur (a half-bull/half-man monster), an important symbol for Spanish people representing the tyranny of General Franco and his Nazi and Fascist supporters. Picasso  used distortion in the imagery and figures to portray the horrors and suffering of innocent civilians massacred by the carpet bombing. This, in combination with the palette, evokes in the viewer the sensation of a stark nightmare, tying the work to the surrealist movement.

On a final note, Picasso was adamant that this work not be displayed in Spain until democracy was restored.

On loan to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Guernica was returned to Spain in 1981. For the Silo, Eve Yantha. 

Culture

Sixty Six Percent Of Canadians Take Smartphones Into Bathroom

Leave a comment

Study: Lots of Canadians use smartphones while on the toilet

A digital privacy expert provides tips on protecting your phone on and off the john:

A recent survey by the cybersecurity company NordVPN revealed that as much as 65.6% of Canadians bring their smartphones with them into the toilet. That’s a bit less than the average of all surveyed countries. While most Canadians (60%) scroll through social media during that time, barely anyone thinks of growing threats online and hackers’ attempts to compromise people’s phones.

“Canadians seem to need smartphones a lot.”

“Our previous survey already showed that Canadians spend a lot of time online- more than 22 years per lifetime which is a third of their lives,” says Daniel Markuson, a digital privacy expert at NordVPN. “Even though the majority (83%) name smartphones as the device that tracks their online behavior the most, Canadians still haven’t developed good cyber habits to protect their online lives,” he says.

Using social media and gaming — top activities for Canadians while on the toilet

The majority of Canadians admit that their time on the toilet is mostly spent scrolling through social media (60%), gaming (40%), and reading or listening to the news (35%). This shows that Canadians like entertaining themselves while in the bathroom.

Among other activities, Canadians also watch videos, movies, or television programs (33%) check work email and other tools, for example, Slack, Microsoft Teams (33%), and call or message other people (31.5%).

“While most of Canadians’ time on the loo is spent on social media, people also feel concerned about Facebook (80%) and Instagram (40%) collecting the biggest amount of their users’ data. Social media networks, ISPs, third-party organizations, websites, and governmental institutions regularly collect users’ personal data and track browsing habits for marketing or other purposes,” says Daniel Markuson.

Cybersecurity refresher for Canadians

Smartphones are evolving at a rate that is beyond belief, making us stay connected even while on the loo. However, Canadians are encouraged to not forget about their online safety, even while immersed in social media, conversations, games, or the news.

Daniel Markuson, a digital privacy expert at NordVPN, shares key tips on protecting your phone on and off the john:

  • Keep apps and the phone’s operating system (OS) up to date. Don’t skip software updates.
  • Do your research. Never download unknown apps — read up on them first.
  • Avoid unofficial app stores. They’re more likely to contain malware-ridden apps.
  • Avoid using unknown Wi-Fi. And always use a VPN when you do.
  • Be vigilant. Don’t click on suspicious links, don’t give out your number to strangers, and be wary of unknown numbers.

Methodology: The survey was commissioned by NordVPN and conducted by the external company Cint on January  19-26, 2022. The survey’s target group was residents of France, USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania aged 18+ (nationally representative), except for Lithuania (18-74) and the sample was taken from national internet users. Quotas were placed on age, gender, and place of residence. 9800 people were surveyed in total, made up of 800 people from Spain and 1000 people from each of the remaining countries. 

Image
Sci-Tech

Synth Britannia Shows The Future Was In Fact Delivered

Leave a comment

Come on, you have to admit. It’s a lot of fun to stumble around YouTube with that old pre-internet habit of television channel surfing surprising you with random discoveries.

When I do, I particularly enjoy reading comments left by others who have somehow found their way to whatever it is I happen to be watching. This comforts me because I know that this method of purposeful and accidental consumption of media is not exclusive to me [many comments start with: “Not sure how I ended up at this video but….” or ” __________led me here.”]  but perhaps I’m alone in the belief that spontaneous discoveries help connect me better to the production. I think what I’m talking about is called “verisimilitude” and no doubt as I type this out there’s someone trying to figure out how they’ve discovered the same excellent BBC synth documentary that I discovered by chance: Synth Britannia.

Donna Summer's synth programmer in 1977 brought the sounds of the future to disco with I Feel Love
Donna Summer’s synth programmer in 1977 brought the sounds of the future to disco with I Feel Love

A few years ago, I was enjoying reading a guest editorial in Wired by comedy bull Will Ferrell. )

Not one to beat around the bush, Will wanted to know what had happened to the future?  Specifically the future suggested if not promised in comic book ads to the then pre-adolescent Will Ferrell. He asked, where were the Jet packs, autopilot-flying cars and robot butlers? It occurred to me that if Will was an electronic musician he would have come to the same conclusion that the producers of Synth Britannia did while they drew up the plans to make their excellent documentary: The future did come, it just wasn’t so literal.

1970's Northern Britain looking like a scene from Blade Runner, one of the birthplaces of future synth music.
1970’s Northern Britain looking like a scene from Blade Runner, one of the birthplaces of future synth music.

To compound matters this future somehow passed by all of us, unless perhaps you were a student of history or an existentialistic, free-radical electronic acolyte or computer programmer back in the golden age of dystopia vision. I call this era the ‘other’ 1970’s.
I have added the qualifier: ‘other’ 1970’s, because today’s media mistakenly focuses on reinforcing the bell-bottom, disco driven qualities of the 1970’s but there was a much more robust, artistic movement running against the grain in the same way that meaningful art has always done. This movement bridged fashion, art, cinema, sound design and of course music and if you want to learn more while being thoroughly engaged, then spend some time paying attention while you watch Synth Britannia.

You might even find yourself considering an impulse purchase of a mini Korg 700S. I know I did.

Supplemental- While I polished this article, one thing became apparent. New music or to be specific, those new artists that are being profiled on national television as new music agents are all lacking the one thing that characterizes the heroes of this column. Simply put, today’s music heroes are not a unity of ideas and expression. They are not bands. They are performers representing wish fulfillment with no sense of genuine attitude or social commentary and perhaps even worse, no sense of daring inventiveness. So far, most (but not all-there are exceptions) of today’s star performers are ‘safe’, predictable and lacking in terms of communicating their alienation. They have become game show contestants. This is because media business (in other words the television networks) has formulated and created what is palatable to an audience. The home video game market further suggests and reinforces created fantasies with interactive games that essentially boil down to a form of karaoke or twister. Simply put, new consumer habits are being engineered and I’m sure they always will be.

So, as listeners, is it fair to say that we no longer think for ourselves and we no longer question what is ‘good’ or ‘impactful’? With today’s de rigueur promise of dream and wish fulfillment (in terms of television shows that empower an audience with voting privileges to create the next pop star) that most crucial artistic ingredient: “individualized commentary” has been eradicated. Even more alarming is that consumers’ freedom of choice is being challenged.

That’s likely because the major media corporations feel wholly threatened by what the internet promises: a vast sea of content that is discoverable and searchable by desire or by chance.

Vince Clarke- Depeche Mode's keyboard player and future visionary.
Vince Clarke- Depeche Mode’s keyboard player and future visionary.

So-is it fair to say that we have become woefully inadequate in identity and informed choice? If there is art, angst and message, where can we find it? Try channel surfing around YouTube and follow what catches your interest.  For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Culture

Quit Smoking Again

7 Comments

Did Hollywood glorify smoking? Sophia Loren sharing an on screen moment of smoking.

Yes, I have quit smoking . . . again. I know – I know, you have lost your faith in me because I have stopped and started and stopped and started over and over and over. You have to give me props for my perseverance though right?

It is now day 16 and I am feeling great although I have to admit, cravings still come over me, especially when I have a glass or two of wine and I realize that I have smoked for far too long.

I had my first cigarette when I was a teenager and now that I am midway through my life I am motivated  for my health and for my children.

For the last five years I wasn’t a heavy smoker and to be honest I would never have classified myself as a heavy smoker in all the 26 years that I was smoking. Wow, I can’t believe I have smoked for that long. You know, I gave up a couple times? – when I was pregnant with both my children and last year I quit for a couple of months as well.

My incentive and push was the Quit and Get Fit Program which is sponsored by the Lung Association of Ontario. “Quit and Get Fit is based on scientific studies that demonstrate how physical activity, and even deep breathing, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.” I will readily admit that I do not consider myself to be very fit, although my trainer has expressed his amazement at how strong I am, considering I have never really followed any type of fitness regime on a regular basis.

It must be my First Nations blood.

Whatever the reason, the program allows “get fitters”  to take part in personal training sessions at a participating health and fitness club. Basically, you get a sponsored two-month membership and 16 sessions with a trainer. It is a really good opportunity to get familiar with your local fitness center staff and equipment. Many successful quitters will tell you that after stopping smoking they inevitably gain weight and training is a perfect way to prevent this from happening.

For any of you looking to quit smoking, check out the Lung Association of Ontario website for further information.

If it’s too late to register or your local fitness center is not participating I would highly recommend taking up some type of fitness activity. For me, I hope that these two months will turn into years of taking care of myself and becoming a happier and healthier Julie.   For the Silo, Julie Mallon. 

Gaming

Gaming And Exercise Reduced Pandemic Stress In These Countries

Leave a comment
  • Nearly six out of 10 adults have suffered mental health problems during the pandemic
  • Stress and anxiety are the biggest concerns, international research shows

Taking more exercise and online gaming are the two main ways people globally are tackling mental health issues driven by the pandemic, new international research* from the leading digital board game publisher Marmalade Game Studio shows.

Its study across the US, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore found nearly two out of five people (38%) have turned to exercise to address mental health concerns while 30% are using online gaming to relieve stress and anxiety.

Marmalade Game Studio’s research found mental health issues have soared across all countries during the pandemic with nearly six out of 10 (57%) saying they have developed mental health concerns during the pandemic and the same number say they are currently suffering from a range of issues. People in Singapore (65%) and Hong Kong (64%) are the worst affected followed by France (57%), Germany (56%) and the US (52%).

The biggest issues internationally are stress and anxiety with 38% saying they are currently affected by stress while 30% say they are suffering from anxiety.

However more than one in five (22%) say they are depressed and 4% say they have suicidal thoughts.

Marmalade Game Studio has recently introduced a new feature on its games in response to demand from customers for more ways to stay connected with family and friends – its Bubble in-game video chat allows gamers to add friends and family to group chats, start games from these, and video chat whilst playing.

Cristina Mereuta, co-CEO at Marmalade Game Studio, said: “The pandemic has had a huge effect on mental health globally and millions have at points suffered from a range of conditions caused by worries about their own and others physical health as well as financial worries.

“Many people are clearly taking action with increased exercise and online gaming appearing to be the most popular ways of relieving stress and anxiety.

“It is important however that people seek professional help where appropriate and it’s worrying to see that some people are doing nothing.”

The mental health impact has not all been negative – around 7% of French people say their mental health has improved during the pandemic followed by 6% of Americans, 5% of people in Hong Kong, 4% of Germans and 2% of people in Singapore.

The table below shows the ways people across all countries are addressing mental health issues.

ACTION TAKEN?PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WHO HAVE TAKEN THESE STEPS
Doing more exercise38%
Playing online games30%
Trying to see friends and family more29%
Getting help from my doctor27%
 Talking to loved ones26%
Getting help from mental health professionals25%
 Talking to close friends19%
 Doing nothing14%

Digital gaming has proved to be important for mental health – 16%** of European Union gamers say being able to play games online and connect with others particularly families helped during lockdowns and 42% say playing multiplayer games during lockdown made them happier.

* Marmalade Game Studio commissioned independent research company PureProfile to interview 1,000 adults aged 18-plus across the US, France, Germany, Singapore, and Hong Kong in November 2021 using an online methodology. 

**  https://www.statista.com/topics/8016/covid-19-impact-on-the-gaming-industry-worldwide/#dossierKeyfigures

Gaming

Agency Now Representing World Class Esport Athletes

Leave a comment

You may have only recently heard about esports and esport athletes but professional video game sport competitions have been around for over half a decade. Since 2018, Prodigy Agency carries the mission to bring 360° support to esports players by guiding more than 170 talents around the world.

Are you an accomplished esport athlete? Prodigy can help you become a professional and compete against the world’s best. Much like a physical world professional, you can find your way to the top and earn sponsorships, awards and a real world salary. Read on…..

Fashion

The Mullet Dress

Leave a comment

The author’s sister utilizes her mullet dress by “showing off a little leg-party in the front, and keepin’ them guessing with a little train-business in the back.” photo: H. Richards

“Business in the front, party in the back.”

We’ve all heard the mullet mantra. However, I’m pretty sure mullets were only cool for a short period in the 80’s, and that was still only true if you were in a rock or heavy metal garage band. Once the mullets-are-acceptable-period passed, they were never a socially acceptable hairstyle again.

For whatever reason, over the past few years the fashion gods have decided to bring back the mullet, only this time, in a way-cool form. Yep, I’m talking about the mullet shirt, skirt and dress. Instead of a poor choice hairdo, the mullet can now be worn as an article of clothing. And in further ‘good’ news, “mullet wear” is surprisingly figure flattering for all body types, since it can be worn in such a variety of forms.

1973 early mullets for Linda and Paul McCartney in this Japanese TV special.

Mullet shirts are typically bo-ho style, sometimes with a flowy batwing sleeve, and give you a comfortable look that pairs perfectly with a mid-rise or high-rise pant (which are also coming back in style in every colour known to the human race).

You can also find mullet shirts that are more tailored with a collar, or in the form of a sweater that is longer in the front, and both are work-appropriate looks. Just remember, if you are wearing a loose-fitting top, make sure your bottoms fit well in a straight leg or skinny leg style.

For the younger crowd looking for some extra summer-loving fun, you can also take advantage of mullet crop tops by covering most of your belly with a high-waisted pant, skirt or shorts, and let just a hint of your midriff show, this way you can wear crop tops without showing your whole stomach and saving yourself from potentially looking trashy, like the aforementioned hairstyle. Or, if you’re out on the beach with friends and simply want to make a poutine run, go ahead and rock the crop top however you like. You will find yourself feeling vivaciously vintage, ready for a beach day, relaxing on the weekend or for a fun night out, depending on your choice of footwear and accessories.

But the mullet fun doesn’t stop there!

You will also be seeing skirts and dresses that attest to the mullet mantra, only reversed: Show off a little leg-party in the front, and keep them guessing with a little train-business in the back. Mullet skirts and dresses will give your outfit a unique, fashion-forward twist, and allow for a little behind modesty, yet are still playful and fun. The potential styles are endless, from maxi-mullet dresses for a beachy vay-cay, as well as high-waisted skirts that you can tuck a fitted shirt into and be ready for work. All of these styles will be available to you in a rainbow of bright colors, pastels, floral, and graphic prints. As fashion expert, Carson Kressley says, “If you look like a bag of Skittles, you’re doing it right.”

The moral of this story is, fashion repeats itself, trends come and go, and come back again.

The best part of the cycle is when a style comes back in a new, more polished form.  Mullet madness is indeed back again, and you can leave the scissors behind. For the Silo, Hannah Richards.

Gaming

World Chess Champ Partnership With Unibet Fights Problem Gambling

Leave a comment

Kindred Group brand Unibet continues its sponsorship with five-time World Champion in chess, Magnus Carlsen, and extends its partnership with Offerspill, the Norwegian chess club, founded by Magnus Carlsen.

Kindred Group plc (Kindred) has signed a two years extension of its partnership with the world’s best chess player, Magnus Carlsen through its flagship brand Unibet. The Group also extends its sponsorship of Offerspill, Norway’s largest chess club. Both sponsorships will promote and support Kindred’s long-term ambition to reach zero per cent revenue from harmful gambling by 2023.

“We see great potential in engaging the best chess player of all time, and the world’s highest-ranked chess player, as a global ambassador in the fight to combat problem gambling,” says Nils Andén, Chief Commercial Officer, Kindred Group.

“It is also natural for us to involve Offerspill, Norway’s largest chess club in our work. This partnership is an important contribution to raising awareness of chess as an exciting global sport, while also engaging in the local community in Norway.”

“Just as I have set a hair-raising goal of becoming the first chess player in the world to reach 2,900 rating points, Kindred, as the first global gambling operator, has set itself an ambition of zero revenue from customers with harmful gambling behavior. This is an ambition I would like to contribute to achieving and a message I am happy to support,” says Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Champion.

“In top sports, it is about pushing the boundaries, but at the same time, you have to know your limitations and know when to stop. The same thing is important when gambling; you need to stay in control and know when to stop,” says Carlsen.

“Over the last two years, Offerspill made an impressive effort to lift Norwegian chess to a new level, especially during the pandemic.

Such a boost requires funding, and we are proud to contribute, and at the same time promote our message of safety, sustainability and responsibility in entertainment-based gambling through the club,” concludes Nils Andén.

In 2014, Unibet was the first gambling operator to introduce odds on chess, at the same time as Magnus Carlsen defended his World Cup title for the first time.

Throughout the years, Kindred has also sponsored a number of international tournaments and major championships. Magnus Carlsen founded Offerspill in 2019 and has been a Unibet ambassador since 2020. The same year Offerspill and Kindred Group signed a partnership. Today, Offerspill is the largest chess club in Norway with 400 members. For the Silo, Maria Angell Dupont.