Category Archives: Culture

Culture

Change Your Life Today By Starting A Fantastic New Career

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Lots of people will tell you they’re fed up with work due to the pandemic. Why do something that makes you miserable for the rest of your life? It is possible to change careers right now but you’ll need a little money. 

Unless you invest in your new career, you might end up in the same kind of job you already have. It’s why everyone should seriously consider taking out a loan. Here are some jobs you’ll be able to start after training. 

Drive A Truck Long Distance 

Even if you’re in a tough financial position at the moment, you can get a truck driver’s license. Just find a company that deals with the responsible lending of bad credit loans and you’ll have a much better chance of being approved. 

Once you get your truck driver’s license it’s easy to find a job because North America is desperate for drivers. Would you enjoy making deliveries all over the country? It’s perfect if you love driving and lots of freedom. 

Operate A Forklift In A Yard 

If you don’t want to drive long distances, it’s still possible to use your loan to get a license. How would you feel about operating a forklift in a yard? You’ll spend all day picking things up and carrying them around. 

When you check the loan calculator of money lending websites, it’s clear to see you’ll make enough money to pay everything back within a few months. There are even opportunities to work with bigger machinery in the future. 

Becoming A Personal Trainer 

Even though it’s easy to become a personal trainer you will need a certification. It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent the last decade in the gym. If you don’t have a certification you won’t get insurance and a client could sue you. 

It’s great if you like working out because you’ll be able to train people in their homes. A great way to spend winter when it’s cold. If you find it easy to get clients you’ll be able to pay back a loan fast. 

Learn How To Code At A Camp 

I’m sure you’ve heard it’s possible to get a great job once you know how to code. If you don’t want to study at college, you’ll be able to attend a code camp. It’s somewhere you’ll learn everything you need to get a job. 

Code camps are also good because you get to network with other people with similar interests. It makes it easier to find a job. If you want to pay back the loan quicker, start freelancing at night while you’re at the camp. 

Teach People To Speak English 

Even if you live in English-speaking countries it’s possible to get a job teaching people English. If you want to teach English you will need a TEFL certificate to get started, but you might not need a college degree. 

One of the reasons why it’s a great career is because you’ll be able to teach all over the world when you feel like traveling. Would you enjoy teaching in South Korea, China, or Brazil somewhere down the line? 

It’s Worth Getting A Loan 

If you can find a career where it’s easy to find a job, the loan isn’t going to be a problem. You’ll be able to start working in a new industry within weeks or months. 

Culture

Africa without vaccines while Canada doses are wasted

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Canada just moved from having enough doses to vaccinate every Canadian, into a surplus position.

This also means that Canada reached a new very problematic milestone. Doses are going bad in Canada, while desperate people, including frontline health workers in Africa, are still struggling to get access to vaccines.

None of us are safe until all of us are safe. We know this pandemic isn’t truly over until it is over everywhere. Canada MUST share more of our excess doses now. Canada MUST resist the urge to offer 3rd dose “boosters” to healthy Canadians (some of whom are getting them in order to vacation in the Caribbean) while nurses in Senegal are still unprotected.

We have more than enough vaccines, others don’t.

Africa is facing a COVID-19 crisis, cases are surging and the continent is heading towards a global catastrophe. Over the last month deaths from COVID in Africa have increased 80%. Only roughly 3% of Africans have received the first shot, and the continent is not on track to vaccinate 10% of its population by the end of the year. The WHO’s Bruce Aylward said this should be “a scar on all of our consciences.”

What can Canada do?

Meanwhile in Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau announced on July 27th that with 66 million doses received, we have enough to fully vaccinate every eligible Canadian. We have now reached a point where the supply of vaccine exceeds demand, and already Astra Zeneca doses have been thrown away and Moderna vaccines are sitting in freezers nearing their expiry dates.

Canada is the country that has ordered the most vaccines per person: counting optional purchases, enough to vaccinate each Canadian 5 times. Unless the excess doses are shared right now, we could end-up throwing away millions of doses while most of the rest of the world remains unvaccinated. This is a scandal that we cannot let happen.

Vaccines being discarded is not a theoretical concern. In addition to the 300,000 doses from Johnson and Johnson that were discarded due to a manufacturing issue, thousands of Astra Zeneca doses have already been wasted in Canada because they could not be used before their expiry dates. With this vaccine barely been used in anymore, there may be thousands more sitting in freezers or the garbage, and provinces are coy about how many they may be throwing away.  The same is starting to happen with Moderna, with pharmacists unable to put some of the doses they have in arms.

Figure 1: A tale of two pandemics
While Canada is in a very good position, some African countries are seeing an increase in cases with a very small share of their population vaccinated.


Canada has so far committed to share 30.7 million doses with COVAX, the global vaccine distribution mechanism, including a recent pledge to donate the remainder of our Astra Zeneca orders. But there has been no confirmation of when these donated vaccines might reach countries in need.

In addition, new analysis by the ONE Campaign based on data from analytics firm AirFinity shows that at the current rate, Canada will end-up with between 16 and 42 million more vaccines piling up in freezers or thrown away by Christmas, while the pandemic continues raging on in Africa and the developing world.

We not only have a moral obligation to share doses, it is in our own best interest to stop the global spread and emergence of new variants. Until then, more preventable deaths will occur and Canada’s own recovery will be threatened by a shaky global economy. According to the IMF, failing to help the developing world defeat Covid-19 could cost the global economy US$4.5 trillion.

The time to donate more doses is now. Lives depend on it.

Africa is experiencing an increasingly urgent COVID crisis and needs at least 200 million vaccine doses by the end of September to slow the spread and prevent more needless deaths. Canada should immediately transfer all incoming vaccine orders to COVAX, beyond ensuring that there are enough for every Canadians to be fully vaccinated. This should mean at least 12 million more doses shared before the end of September, and in total 16-42 million vaccines donated before the end of the year if we want to end the pandemic and avoid unimaginable waste.

Vaccines being discarded is not a theoretical concern. In addition to the 300,000 doses from Johnson and Johnson that were discarded due to a manufacturing issue, thousands of Astra Zeneca doses have already been wasted in Canada because they could not be used before their expiry dates. With this vaccine barely been used in anymore, there may be thousands more sitting in freezers or the garbage, and provinces are coy about how many they may be throwing away.  The same is starting to happen with Moderna, with pharmacists unable to put some of the doses they have in arms.

It may be tempting for the Government to keep vaccines stockpiled just in case boosters may be needed. But the evidence so far on the need for boosters is far from conclusive, and many experts have warned that it would be counterproductive to start giving third doses to healthy people in rich countries while at-risk populations have not yet had their first shot in developing countries. Stockpiling a product with a short shelf life will inevitably lead to a lot of waste. In any case, Canada has already ordered up to 60 million more doses of Pfizer a year for the next 3 years in case boosters are needed.

The excess doses we have coming in the next 5 months must urgently be shared with countries in need to stem the pandemic globally. Variants spreading around the world pose a threat to Canadians. The longer we wait to vaccinate the world, the more variants we will see and the longer this vicious cycle will continue. The time to donating more doses is now. Lives depend on it.

Up to 42 million doses could go unused in Canada by Christmas

By December 2021, Canada will have received at least 92 million doses of the four vaccines currently approved by Health Canada (Moderna, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson). If Medicago and Novavax post positive Phase 3 results and are also approved, total supply could increase to 117 million doses. [1]

To fully vaccinate every Canadian, including children under 12 should vaccines be approved for them, 76 million doses will be required in total. These are highly optimistic projections of actual demand, since it is unlikely that 100% of the population will want to be vaccinated.

This means that between 16 and 42 million excess vaccines risk being stockpiled or wasted in Canada by the end of the year. The higher scenario means our excess vaccines would be enough to fully vaccinate everyone in a country like Burkina Faso this year. Right now, 0.01% of people are fully vaccinated in Burkina Faso. For the Silo, Justin McAuley.

Figure 2: A growing stockpile
Even accounting for the already-announced donations, Canada will have millions of excess vaccines

[1] This excludes the 30 million doses already donated to Covax.

Culture

Tips For A Relaxing Staycation Can Include Legal Canadian Edibles

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Just because you have the days off, it doesn’t mean you need to leave town. There’s no mob of townsfolk chasing you out of town with pitchforks just because you’re “technically on vacation”. Sometimes, you just don’t have the money, energy and/or desire to go anywhere. Sometimes, when you get a week or two off work, all you really want to do is relax.

Go for it: have yourself a staycation. But if you are going to commit to the staycation, to really sink your teeth into relaxing, you need to follow a few simple steps. In this article, let’s look at a few tips you should follow if you want to squeeze the most relaxation out of your time off work.

Set Up an “Out of Office” Reply

If relaxation is like a balloon lazily floating in the air, work emails are the needle that’s going to pop it. Over and over and over again. They are constant, daily reminders of a stress you are supposed to leave behind, where it belongs – at work. Do yourself a favor and, after you finish your last day before vacation, quickly set up an out of office auto-reply. That lets co-workers and clients know that you are on vacation, and you don’t want to be reached save for the most urgent matter.

Log off Social Media

Social media is a fun sinkhole to fall into, but once you climb back out you might notice that you don’t feel all that good. That’s because people on social media tend to put their best face on, posting themselves doing fun activities, joyously traveling, eating magnificent meals… and nobody ever posts the bad stuff. Over time, this can cause you to unfairly compare yourself to those idealized accounts. And, as the saying goes, “comparison is the thief of joy”. It’s best to stay away, especially while relaxing!

Try a Little Legal Cannabis

Cannabis is legal in a lot of states, as well as in Canada, so why not partake? Even if you’re not much of a smoker, there are delicious cannabis infused treats you can try, or CBD-infused cannabis tea you can sip on. The chemical compounds in cannabis (CBD especially) have been shown to reduce stress and relieve pain.

Image result for canada cannabis

No one’s advocating for you to spend your entire staycation smoking on the couch, but a bit of edibles or tea can help you fully, psychologically disconnect from the stresses of work.

Pick Up a Hobby

If you find that idle hands don’t really look good on you, pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Try painting an abstract portrait, or cooking an elaborate Thai meal. Try taking a drop-in pottery class or fixing up a car engine. Everyone has at least one hobby they want to try but haven’t.

Binge Watch a Show

Finally, take advantage of the current stream-site ubiquity and get involved in a good show. Everyone at the office has been talking your ear off about finally watching Deadwood or The Wire? Put the matter to rest and just watch the darn shows.

Who needs to get on an expensive plane, pay for an expensive room and sit on a crowded beach in order to relax? Not you. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be relaxing right away. For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.

Art

Unique Angles view How We Communicate

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Look with great honesty at your inner life

Contemplate the ways in which you approach and communicate with the world. Our interactions are shaped by context at all times, one moment calls for gentleness while the next requires a firmer approach. It becomes second nature navigating these nuances, we stop giving thought to the many personas involved in our experiences moment to moment.

From time to time, turn the mirror and allow the reflection to sink in. Do not approach with judgment, merely curiosity. Make contact with yourself and get to know once again what has been lost to habit. Investigate the uncharted waters of you, revealing a self you may not have encountered for many years.

Andreja Kuluncic says, “Everybody can be an artist.”

The Zagreb, Croatia-based artist believes all that is needed is for each of us to wake up the creative part of ourselves. In her participation-driven work, she explores this idea extensively. In one piece titled Art and Box, audience members are invited to take a box containing dismantled pieces for an art exhibition back to their communities.

With the box comes a dancer who the participants can invite to collaborate on a performance piece at their local school, library, or any other place they see fit. In this way, and through much of her work, Kuluncic seeks unique angles from which to view how we communicate socially. Her work Collective Stranger traces lines within the Croatian community combining the experiences of women from many backgrounds all of whom fit into the category of oppressed and even ostracized populations.

Alison Jackson is no stranger to alternative facts. Her career is built on the voyeuristic relationship we have with celebrities. Jackson creates images using lookalikes that challenge our concept of what is real. Most recently she has created photographs featuring a Donald Trump lookalike for the series Mental Images. Jackson says, “my pictures ask where does the truth end and the lies begin…where the subjective triumphs over the objective.” He work spans many media including publishing, photography, television, and is exhibited in museums and galleries.

Encounter others inner worlds through literature and share your findings. Add your titles to our reading list here. Andreja Kuluncic turns to Death Drives an Audi by Danish author Kristian Bang Foss. User Carl Smith has read Where the Dead Pause and the Japanese Say Goodbye by Marie Mutsuki Mockett.

Rekindle a relationship with your true self. Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese mystic and philosopher wrote, “He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightented.” For the Silo, Brainard Carey.

*featured image: “CREATIVE STRATEGIES” multidisciplinary research project 2010-ongoing Andreja Kuluncic.

Art

Pornhub launches guide to famous museum erotic art

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Unbeknownst to many, some of the world’s best pornography doesn’t exist on Pornhub. Rather, it exists in famous museums around the world: The Louvre (France), The MET (New York City), The Prado (Spain), The Uffizi Gallery (Italy), The National Gallery (UK) and Musee d’Orsay (France), to name a few.

And with museums finally reopening around the world as pandemic restrictions are being lifted, Pornhub wanted to do its part to encourage people to enjoy every stroke of erotic art.

Pornhub is launching “Classic Nudes” to provide museum-goers with an interactive oral history of some of the most renowned erotic art in some of the world’s most famous museums. Pornhub is encouraging people to ditch those boring self-tour recordings and enjoy every single brushstroke of these erotic masterpieces with Pornhub Brand Ambassador Asa Akira.

New York – July, 2021 – Pornhub, the premier online destination for adult entertainment, today announced the launch of “Classic Nudes,” an interactive guide to discover and learn more about erotic art in some of the world’s most famous fine art museums – The Louvre (France), The MET (New York City), The Prado (Spain), The Uffizi Gallery (Italy), The National Gallery (UK) and the Musee d’Orsay (France). With museums finally reopening around the world as pandemic restrictions are being lifted, Pornhub wanted to do its part in stimulating the public to visit, explore and fall back in love (or lust) with these cultural institutions.

The public can tour each of the 6 museums  – either in person or at home – via the Classic Nudes mobile website. The online portal guides visitors past the SFW masterpieces and gets right to the good stuff: representations of the naked body in all its artistic glory. Simply visit the Classic Nudes website on your device, select your museum, follow the map, locate the artwork, and listen, read, or watch along to its curated content.

Hungarian-Italian artist and porn legend Cicciolina stars in the promotional video for Classic Nudes.  Pornhub Brand Ambassador Asa Akira serves as orator for the campaign providing an oral history of 30 erotic art pieces in this curated collection, while Pornhub amateur couple, “MySweetApple” brings 6 iconic artwork to life.

“There’s a treasure trove of erotic art around the world – depicting nudes, orgies, and more – that’s not available on Pornhub. These pre-Internet art pieces are currently sitting in museums, which we are now finally able to start visiting again as covid restrictions are starting to lift ,” said Asa Akira, Pornhub Brand Ambassador. “So as people start to head back to  The Louvre or The MET, they can simply open Classic Nudes, and I’ll be their guide. Time to ditch those boring self-tour recordings and enjoy every single brushstroke of these erotic masterpieces with me.”

Classic Nudes follows previous artistic endeavors from Pornhub including the recently launched “Remastured,” an initiative that used modern A.I technology and machine learning to restore century-old erotic films into titillating technicolor.

Previously, the company commissioned contemporary art gallery Maccarone Los Angeles to present a feminist art show entitled ‘The Pleasure Principle,’ a pan-generational, sexually-charged exhibition of female artists whose work centers the erotic and disrupts the processes of content-cleansing that code certain images as profane, abject, or pornographic. Pornhub also hosted the online premier of SHAKEDOWN, the critically-acclaimed documentary art film centered around the Black lesbian stripper scene in early oughts Los Angeles by filmmaker and vanguard artist Leilah Weinraub. 

Pornhub’s “Classic Nudes” campaign is a collaborative initiative with creative agency Officer & Gentleman.

For more information about Classic Nudes, please visit http://www.phclassicnudes.com/

About Pornhub:

Founded in 2007, Pornhub is the leading free, ad-supported adult video streaming website, offering viewers the opportunity to upload and share their own videos. With over 3 million videos and over 130 million visitors a day, Pornhub truly is the best adult site in the world. Pornhub has built the largest dedicated membership base in the adult community, averaging over 76 million monthly active members, offering viewers a fun and sophisticated social experience directly insite, complete with messaging, photos, achievement badges, and much more.

Vintage

Protecting the body in Combat- European Bronze Style

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This monograph provides for the first time a combined overview of all classes of metal body armour from the European Bronze Age in a holistic perspective, combining discussion of both traditional typo-chronologies and aspects of manufacture and use.

The earliest metal body armour recovered comes from Dendra, Greece, and dates to the first half of the 15th century BC.

However, the majority of metal body armour, including helmets, cuirasses and greaves, derives from the European Late Bronze Age, c. 1200–950 BC. This armour has been found from Iberia in the west to Cyprus in the east, and from Sicily in the south to Denmark in the north, as well as in the Near East. It thus derives from a wide geographical study area. Nevertheless, only around 30 cuirasses, 75 greaves and 120 helmets have so far been recovered.

The development, manufacture and use of this metal body armour across Europe remains unclear, even after more than a century of research. Earlier studies were largely concerned with typo-chronological aspects of this armour, whilst topics such as manufacturing techniques, efficacy and technological observations were rarely addressed.

Page 29 from the full volume available below. Click on the hypertext at the end of this post for the PDF.

This volume therefore brings together both traditional artefact and metallurgical studies, as well as reconstructions of manufacturing techniques, technological developments and innovations and use-wear analysis. The monograph also provides much-needed detail concerning material characterisation, in the form of alloy composition and microstructure analysis of a significant sample of the original finds.

Combining the results of this with the study of the manufacturing techniques and use-wear traces, a better understanding of how this armour was both produced and used is achieved. I have documented, studied and analysed all accessible helmets, greaves and cuirasses in eastern Europe as well as a number of examples from western Europe, significantly increasing the quantity of body armour studied and analysed in detail. The publication contains the whole spectrum of known body armour currently recovered, as well as including ‘new’ finds from auctions or private collections, which have previously been overlooked.

The present volume offers a holistic artefact study of European Bronze Age body armour, its manufacture and usage. It serves as a basis for further experimental studies into the production and utility of bronze helmets, cuirasses and greaves, which will deliver further important insights in … View full abstract For the Silo, Marianne Modlinger.

Art

finally a Machine will curate an Art exhibit

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The Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art (mowna) Announces the Debut of an AI Experiment in Art Curation: “This Show is Curated by a Machine ?”


The free call for international submissions is now open for all to take part in an experiment that defines how we move forward with AI curation in an ethical way


NEW YORK (July, 2021) – The Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art (mowna) is currently designing an artificial intelligence curator for their final show of the year “This Show is Curated by a Machine 🤖” which directly answers the Whitney Museum of American Art’s curatorial question,“The Next Biennial Should Be Curated by a Machine.” 

The curator, an AI bot machine, will learn to curate by looking at the data set from the 2021 mowna Biennial, an exhibit of an international pool of artists selected from 44 countries gathered through a free call for submissions process that ran from January through March of 2021.

The Biennial includes all forms of art made from 2019 to 2021. The machine will also learn from other data sets of recently made art. The AI machine will curate the show by looking at the text data of the submissions as well as the artwork files. There will also be human curators, so that a comparison can be made. 

The show will be viewable at mowna.org, and a detailed writeup of the process, results, and thoughts about the future of artificial intelligence related to art curation will be made available. Early questions are available here in the mowna blog.


“We are interested in creating a machine that can curate in a diverse and ethical way, that is not founded in white supremacy or structures of inherent racism. Much of the art world is affected and effected by both of these issues. So mowna asks, is it possible to create an AI that looks at the art and curates with diversity, equity and inclusion? It is important to build this machine now, before other big tech companies design algorithms that erase the artist and define AI curation.” ~cari ann shim sham*, Co-founder and Curator of mowna.

logo


“This Show is Curated by a Machine 🤖” marks the third online art experience by mowna, the first being its Opening Show now available to members in the mowna collection, and the second being the current exhibit, the 2021 mowna Biennial. The Biennial is mowna’s direct response to the gap in the art world seen after the coronavirus pandemic, and showcased art of all mediums that otherwise would’ve gone unseen. Tickets to the Biennial will be available until the show closes on September 22nd, and are sliding scale pay what you wish, after which “This Show is Curated by a Machine 🤖” will be installed and available for online viewing. 


Artists may submit up to 10 works of art per submission and artists will be paid 70% of ticket and membership sales from the show, with the other 30% paying for the creation of the platform. There is no submission fee to apply, and all mediums of art are welcome. The works must have been completed after January 1, 2020. The deadline for submissions is August 20, 2021 at 12 PM ET. Contact The Silo for more information.


As the global community continually moves further into a multi-faceted technological way of life, the way art, across all mediums, is consumed, has been changing in ways to make art more accessible while remaining true to the integrity of all genres. mowna recognized this growing, transformational need pre-pandemic which catalyzed the formation and birth of the Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art  to meet the ever-growing needs of an ever-changing art world.


mowna is at the center of the exponentially changing art world and makes it their priority to showcase art from all walks of life. With a mix of what is familiar and unfamiliar, patrons will see artists who’ve been curated by the Whitney or the MoMA along with artists available only on mowna. 


“This Show is Curated by a Machine 🤖” will run from September 23, 2021 through January 31, 2022 at mowna.org.  mowna exists to provide an international online platform for the most timely, diverse, and preeminent artists. 

Culture

Why High Heels Are Still One Of Business World’s Most Powerful Symbols

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4 Reasons Why Women Will Lead The Business World In The 21st Century

When you let women be women in the business world, they do better. That’s according to a recent report from the Harvard Business Review, which makes the case that traditional thinking – that women should be treated no differently than men in corporate settings – is simply flawed and regressive.

A major point the post makes is that only about 20 percent of businesswomen make partner. By expecting from women what you would expect from men, the corporate world is consciously and unconsciously excluding female leadership. That’s a very bad thing, according to many. For example, Kevin O’Leary of “Shark Tank” fame says that of his 27 companies, only the ones with female CEOS make him money.

“Women are good for business, so it follows that what’s good for your best women will be good for your bottom line,” says Debora McLaughlin, CEO of The Renegade Leader Coaching and Consulting Group (www.TheRenegadeLeader.com), and author of “Running in High Heels: How to Lead with Influence, Impact & Ingenuity.” 

“I’ve long advocated this position, and that symbols of female business identity, like high heels, are signs of a businesswoman’s ability to elevate business results, consistently providing a better return for stakeholders.”

McLaughlin discusses why women will be essential for leading businesses into a new paradigm this century.

• The old way doesn’t work. Since 1955, more than 90 percent of the companies on the Fortune 500 list have gone bankrupt, shrunk in size, become inconsequential, been mopped up by their rivals or closed their doors. Sixty percent of CEOs think their current business model is only sustainable for another three years. Sticking too closely to your old guns, including discouraging a woman’s nature in the corporate world, will likely involve your company in that 90-plus percent failure rate.

• The business world has already changed. While technology continues to revolutionize how we do business, it has also changed the workforce. Today’s employees are smarter, more innovative, more creative and full of potential – and it’s not only due to technology. As Generations X and Y emerge as tomorrow’s leaders, Millennials are proving to be very resourceful workers. Old models like “command-and-control” don’t fit with a company’s most precious resource, its people.

• Women are more social and excel in collaboration. We shouldn’t generalize to strictly regarding gender norms. However, it’s probably fair to say that women are more nurturing for in-group members. Much of the traditional management method centralized authority; a woman’s leadership is more prone to sharing influence and, perhaps, fostering a creative culture of collaboration.

“Of course, this is not a strict gender rule,” McLaughlin says. “But I think it’s the experience of many that women are, in the aggregate, more nurturing.

• Momentum will continue to build for women leadership. Momentum tends to build upon itself, and that includes social change. While that change has been slower in the corporate world, we’re already seeing signs and opinions of change, as exemplified by Kevin O’Leary.

“More importantly, if the Harvard Business Review’s post is an indicator, women in business will feel more comfortable being themselves in a professional environment,” she says. “Unlocking those invisible shackles from a woman’s high heels will be a game-changer.”

About Debora McLaughlin

Debora McLaughlin is the best-selling author of “The Renegade Leader: 9 Success Strategies Driven Leaders Use to Ignite People, Performance and Profits.” Her new book, “Running in High Heels: How to Lead with Influence, Impact & Ingenuity,” is a how-to leadership companion for women in business. She is CEO of The Renegade Leader Coaching and Consulting Group (www.TheRenegadeLeader.com). As a certified executive coach, McLaughlin helps business owners, executives and managers nationwide ignite their inner renegade leader to unleash their full potential, drive their visions and yield positive results, both in business and in life. 

Supplemental-  Top 10 Female CEOs & Influential Business Women of North American Companies

Culture

how YouTube Stars Make Millions Without Leaving Home

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Over the past few years social media stars have made a fortune online, using YouTube to create their own brand. Take a look at how they’ve made their careers and the money that they’re making. From top YouTubers to the celebs you’d forgotten started their careers online, here we take a look at the secrets to online fame and fortune.

Take a look at some of the biggest YouTube stars making millions online and find out if you could do the same! Did we miss anyone? Leave us a comment at the bottom of the post and let us know who is your favorite.

YouTube Stars Infographic

Culture

Eight Ways To Make Time For Important Things

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Dr. Alok Trividi

One of the most common lines that people love to use: “I wish I had more time.” Maybe it’s more time to spend with family or friends; more time to exercise and eat healthy; or more time to go back to school. Whatever it is, how do you make more time for those truly important things in your life?

Dr. Alok Trivedi, author of Chasing Success, says the reality is we all have the same 24 hours. The difference is some people know how to better manage it than others.  When it comes to making time for the important things, Dr. Trivedi recommends:

1. Minimize, minimize and minimize some more. There was a reason Marie Kondo’s novel about tidying up your space to become happy was so successful. There is truth in her message of eliminating the unnecessary and finding what you love in the process. Get rid of what does not bring you joy. This can be old items or even toxic relationships that no longer serve you. Less is really more.

2. Being busy does not bring you value. In North American culture, it can be all too easy to be running around completing task after task. Many people view this form of productivity as determining their worth in society. It’s wise to assess what in your life is bringing you value and maximize that rather than trying to do things that just don’t feel right and make you feel unworthy on the inside. Business is an excuse and distraction to overlook the things in which you may be afraid to focus your energy on.

3. Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness. Your time is precious and needs to be allocated to the most important things. Utilize your time to be both effective and efficient. Being only effective can be a time-consuming action. While complementary, being only efficient can lead to sloppy results. When you are doing any task, approach it within a concept of both maximum efficiency and total effectiveness to reap the best results. In your personal life, this is achieved through being present and genuine in your interactions.

4. Single task and hold your focus. Many people find themselves casually checking a single email, and before long they snap into full-fledged work mode. Develop a schedule and follow it religiously. It may be hard to find your groove initially, but if you stick to it, little by little it will become a habit.

gif by- cami5x5 deviantart.com

5. Know what you hold important. It is a challenge to know how to dedicate your free time if you haven’t discovered what you love. Find the activities where your creativity flows and your heart sings. Only in these states are you going to find yourself in the states of joy that make you feel life is worth living.

6. Address problems at the root. When you have the time to dedicate to the important things, you don’t want work problems to keep popping up. If there is a problem at work, address it from the start. Don’t keep putting it off, because it will fester at inopportune times. This goes both ways. If you have a personal dilemma with a family member, don’t run from it by adopting workaholic ways. Confront your problems head on to solve them with best results. Shying away will only allow the problem to become worse in the shadows.

7. Getting and staying organized. When it is time to be with friends and family the last thing you want to do is housework. Dedicate an initial cleaning and mass organization of your space. After this initial step, take a little time each day to clear your space and organize everything into its given area. The clarity of your physical space lends to clarity of mind. Then, there is mental space to focus on what matters, and not be distracted by the mess around you.

8. Block out time just for you. You must become your top priority. Declare certain times of the day and week that are just for you. This time can be for you to indulge in your favorite pastimes, meditate, or even to do nothing. This time is yours to center yourself and think about what you are presently encountering in life.

Live in every moment, and focus on the present. For the Silo, Alex Smith.

Culture

Learn To Communicate With Your Pet

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It’s a funny thing about cats and babies. When babies cry, we desperately try to understand why. When a cat meows on the other hand, we usually take it as if he or she’s just being…… well, annoying. To be fair, it depends on the pitch of the meow. If it’s more of a screech, well then you and I probably take that as a sign to stay away. But not with babies. Have you ever wondered why the different treatment?

Why do people put extra time into analyzing baby behaviors compared to cats?

I mean, both are obviously trying to say something to us.And we know from research that cats have a language of their own. In fact the meows you hear could be one of 20 different sounds they’re making, all with slightly different inflections and behavioral responses.

We can now learn the full range of complex emotions we previously thought were reserved only for human beings — as they are actually happening to our cat children.

Cats can have a sense of guilt, for example. And if you can spot the emotions, you’ll know exactly when they misbehave!

Cats can feel lonely, as we already pointed out. And oftentimes they’ll try and hide from you, much like a teenager who secretly needs to be consoled in some way.

Cats can even be manipulative. But you already knew that, or at least suspected it every time your cat showed you some warmth and love right before chow time!

Dog Lovers might be interested in the Bowlingual.

Dogs, in comparison, can never quite get past a five-year-old’s more narrow emotional spectrum. It’s either happy or sad for them.

Don’t believe me? Check it out and see firsthand what your cat is trying to tell you today by clicking here.

Culture

Cutting Through The Madness Of Menopause

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According to Nashville-based, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Founder of Ageless Solutions, Dr. Nicholas Sieveking, “menopause can surely be a crazy time in a woman’s life.  Not only does it signal the fact that she can no longer procreate, she will most likely suffer from some symptoms; physical, mental or both.  As the body is depleted of estrogen, bones lose calcium and become more brittle which can lead to osteoporosis, hormonal fluctuations prompt hot flashes and night sweats and vaginal dryness can become a problem.”

Aging And Menopause

And of course, as with anything, there are myths floating around about menopause from when it will hit to the best way to combat its symptoms. Here’s are some things I hear from patients which serve as a relatable rundown to help women navigate their way through what can be, a very confusing time.

  1. “I just had my last baby 4 years ago! I’m only 40! How can I be perimenopausal? “

While it’s been largely believed that menopause begins at 50, this just isn’t true.  The average age to begin menopause tends to be 52, but women can actually begin anywhere from their 30’s to 60’s.  Perimenopause, the shift leading up to menopause, can begin anywhere from a few months until a year before actual menopause starts. Symptoms include but aren’t limited to night sweats, trouble sleeping through the night, shorter or irregular periods, crashing fatigue, sore muscles, dizziness, changes in nails and hair. It’s important for women to keep a health log of any changes they notice in their bodies after age 35 and mention them to their doctors during checkups.

 Menopause Hot Pepper Metaphor

  1. “I’m not menopausal! I haven’t even had one hot flash.”

Hot flashes and menopause seem to go hand in hand. But they are not always the first sign. While most women experience hot flashes not every woman does so if they aren’t aware of the other emotional or mental changes they may solely focus on the physical changes.  The start of menopause can also be signaled by anxiety, depression, fuzzy or unclear thinking with inability to focus, low libido, forgetfulness, short temperedness or irritability. Pay attention to how you are feeling day to day. The more attuned you are to your body the sooner you’ll flag any changes.

  1. “Weight gain comes with the territory. Nothing I can do will change that.”

As estrogen is depleted, the body may experience hormonal imbalance.  The body often responds by trying to protect itself and a main way of doing that is storing fat.  But women don’t have to gain weight without a fight.  Some ways to keep a well-maintained weight are:

  • Look for high-fiber foods. They can help with constipation, which is often associated with menopause because lack of estrogen can decrease bowel activity.
  • Eat plenty of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods, like low-fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables, beans and fish. They help to keep bones strong.
  • Give soy a try. Soy contains estrogen.  While the jury is still out on whether soy can actually help, it can’t hurt.  Add it to your diet for a month or so and see if it has any effect.  Drink 1-2 cups of soy milk or eat a cup of edamame on a daily basis.
  • Women need 1,000 – 1,500 mg daily of calcium and 800 units of vitamin D daily.  It’s very hard to get that much through food alone.  Supplements are very helpful.
  • In addition to helping battle the bulge, walking, jogging and strength training can help stimulate bone growth and increase bone density. Balancing exercises can help with strength and will make you less likely to fall.  Falling during and after menopause increases chances of breaking a bone.
  1. “I can handle my liquor besides; red wine is good for me.”

Understand that during the onset of and stages of menopause, the body will not experience alcohol and caffeine as it always has. Alcohol, especially red wine, can trigger hot flashes. It can also diminish calcium absorption and inhibit live enzymes that activate vitamin D.  Caffeine increases calcium excretion and reduces how much of it the body can absorb. Both alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating stimulants that can make night sweats even worse.

  1. “I yelled at the dog and then I cried about it for an hour.”

Changes in progesterone and estrogen levels may cause mood swings.  Things seem to set you off. You may fee rage then sadness. Drops in progesterone may cause increased irritability and moodiness. Also, don’t underestimate the power of what menopause really means.  With childrearing days behind them, many women begin to think about the rest of their lives.  No doubt, these thoughts can trigger feelings of anxiety and depression.

  1. “I got my period when I was 16 so I won’t be menopausal until later.”

An older age at first period doesn’t automatically mean a later start to menopause. Actually, the opposite tends to be true.  If a girl gets her period on the later side, she may begin menopause on the earlier side.  However, predicting the age a woman will begin menopause is difficult. Pay attention to your body. After age 40 you’ll notice more and more changes and symptoms of menopause.

The process of menopause is a part of a woman’s life. Work closely with your doctor to create a plan that combines healthy foods, exercises, stress management and a commitment to enjoying life to its fullest. There is so much to look forward to. Having a positive outlook is the key to looking your best regardless of age and stage.

Dr. Nicholas Sieveking is a board certified plastic surgeon who completed his training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. After Stanford, he received additional fellowship training in Aesthetic Surgery in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to his plastic surgery board certification, Dr. Sieveking is also board certified with advanced fellowship training in Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine. This double board certification enables Dr. Sieveking to be the most complete anti-aging surgeon and physician to treat his patients age-related needs, from the inside to the outside. Dr. Sieveking’s comprehensive solo practice includes advanced cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, state of the art cosmetic laser and skin care services, Bio-identical hormone replacement therapies, medically-supervised weight loss programs, and cutting edge laboratory testing for hormone, amino acid, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies as well as toxin analysis and food and chemical sensitivities testing.

Dr. Sieveking has operated and lectured around the world on topics of face lifts, breast surgery, and cleft lip and palate repair. He has authored a chapter on Rhinoplasty in one of the major training textbooks for plastic surgery residents. In 2012 and 2013, he was voted “Top Plastic Surgeon in Nashville” in two Readers Polls by the citizens of Nashville. For the Silo, Jennifer Cypen Kaplan

Art

Video Art & Culture- The Distinctive Features Of The Medium

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VIDEO ART. The name is equivocal. A good name. It leaves open all the questions  and asks them anyway. Is this an art form, a new genre? An anthology of valued activity conducted in a particular arena defined by display on a cathode ray tube? The kind of video made by a special class of people—artists—whose works are exhibited primarily in what is called ‘the art world’–ARTIST’S VIDEO?

An inspection of the names in the catalogue gives the easy and not quite sufficient answer that is this last we are considering, ARTIST’S VIDEO. But is this a class apart?
Read the full original and historic essay [in appropriately PDF electronic form] by David Antin by clicking here.

Special thanks to http://pzacad.pitzer.edu/ for archiving the original essay.

Art

LGBTQIE And Ecosexuality

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Beth Stephens & Annie Sprinkle
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” -Anais Nin

Nature is born of sexuality.

The two are inextricable and inevitable partners. Where humans find fault with sex that does not suit their particular beliefs in what is right or wrong, nature transcends. There is no taboo in the natural world, there is no polite side-stepping of the rawness of nature. Nature simply is, in all its sensual glory.

Beth Stephens & Annie Sprinkle have collaborated for 17 years.

They recently showcased their film Water Makes Us Wet at Documenta 14. They were one of just 180 artists at the exhibition which takes place only every five years and draws in a million people. In conjunction with the film they exhibited visual art, performed Ecosex Walking Tours, and facilitated “sidewalk sex clinics.” Their film premier at the Gloria Theater was the only one to completely pack the house. For their Documenta Ecosex Walking Tour, Stephens & Sprinkle consciously began at the site of the first tree planted in Joseph Beuys’ 1982 Documenta project 7,000 Trees.
Their film is part art, part activism, a call to action, and a vision of how the future may look if we are careful with the earth as opposed to how it could look if we continue our ecologically destructive behaviors. Within the environmental activist movement, the two always felt a bit out of place. They felt the need to hide their flamboyance, their sexuality, and some of the details of their pasts. Because of this they began their own movement, an all inclusive environmental activism that encourages people to be themselves.
By allowing people to embrace their own identities and to infuse a little fun, they hope to create a movement that is sustainable and perhaps avoids some of the activist burnout that frequently effects those constantly fighting for the future of a healthy planet.
For the film, and throughout their work, Stephens & Sprinkle have unabashedly embraced and exposed their own bodies. In so doing, they show both their vulnerability and their strength as well as embrace their advancing age. Sprinkle, who is now 63, was once a pornographic film actress. She finds that showing her 63 year old body has pushed more limits than anything she’s ever done. “I think that taboo does need fixing,” she says.
During the making of the film, Stephens & Sprinkle were in a serious auto accident which features in the documentary. The two were seriously injured and hospitalized but eventually walked away. The wreck served as a metaphor for the universality of “eco-sinners” in that even the filmmakers were driving around in an old, polluting van.
The two describe the incident as romantic and remarkable and say it has given them a new lease on life. The accident was a result of another driver’s distracted driving. The film as a whole is a look at the issues facing the planet, some of those perpetrating them, and ways to think about the problem. “What we really hope with our film is that people leave the film thinking about the issues we’ve presented but also feeling like well, there is something I can do in my personal life.”
The term “eco-sexual” was originally used by dating sites and subsequently in a book titled Eco-sex: Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life Sustainable by Stephanie Iris Weiss. Stephens & Sprinkle took the term and created an art movement around it. “We like to think that all sex is eco-sex including human on human because we are the earth, we’re not separate from the earth…we acknowledge all the sexuality that is going on around us.” At UC Santa Cruz where Stephens is a professor, the two established E.A.R.T.H Lab which stands for Environmental Art Theory & Happenings. There they incorporate some of the principles of ecosexuality in the programs they run. For the Silo, Brainard Carey. 
Culture

‘Jupiter’ wine Launches in intergalactic event

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The ‘Wines From Another World’ journey, by the award winning wine advisor, was inaugurated last week where the first bottle, ‘Jupiter’, was unveiled to a rapturous reception from members of the elite wine connoisseur community.
 Lisbon, Portugal: Martins Wine Advisor (MWA), the winners of Best Wine Advisory Service 2019 and 2020 UK at the LUX Life Food & Drink Awards, have launched their new nine-year exclusive ‘Wines From Another World’ series in partnership with Pedro Marques Antunes from Sparrow Creative Solutions, in spectacular style in a converted warehouse setting.

Set against an immersive intergalactic space with cutting-edge technology, the luxurious launch event for ‘Wines From Another World’ was attended by luminaries from the elite wine world, media members and special VIP guests who were transported to another dimension, suspended between space and earth.The event marked the start of the nine-year journey where 9 planets, 9 regions, 9 producers, 9 codes and 9 wines will come into fruition for the ‘Wines From Another World’ series.

WFAW_Photos_Code_01_Jupiter_Smoke_01

The first bottle to grace the ‘Wines From Another World’ collection is the highly sought after and rare, ‘Jupiter’ wine, which has balanced innovation with tradition using ancient wine techniques. It is the epitome of the millenary wine culture that was brought to Alentejo, in the south of Portugal, by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. This collector’s wine – by invitation only –  is a glorious testament to Claúdio Martins’, the CEO of Martins Wine Advisor, visionary quest for excellence and exceptional taste.’

Wines From Another World’ has cultivated a spirit of collaboration which is represented in Martins’ strong relationships with some of the finest wine producers in the world, including winemaker Pedro Ribeiro of Herdade do Rocim –  one of the most respected producers in the Alentejo. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system is an apt representational name for this bold wine, which was made with indigenous grapes and ancient production methods, including five years of ageing in amphoras.

WFAW_Photos_Code_01_Jupiter_30

Rocim’s mission is to produce wines in a sustainable manner respecting the social, cultural and natural matrix of the region.‘Jupiter’ boasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for wine collectors to widen their horizons with a bottle of legendary proportions and tremendous value, which will age gracefully for many years to come. ‘Jupiter’ has already reached cult status, with half of the 800 bottles sold within 72 hours of its release last week.

“One of the greatest pleasures of wine is that the more you learn and are exposed to it, the better it gets. In every bottle, there is a melange of culture, geography, history, and families. There is a lot of depth and many things to think about in every bottle of wine. The more you open, the more curious and engaged you become. ‘Jupiter’ is no different, in fact it is one of the more complex and intriguing wines of its time – a true icon that will only grow in its splendor over time,” says Martins..

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Martins grew up among the vineyards of the Dão region of Portugal, near the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains. Almost as far back as he can remember, he spent his school holidays helping local producers with their harvest, where he gained a wealth of well-rooted knowledge and experience by turning the humble grape into a blissful drink.

Martins went on to gain a multitude of distinctions, experience and credentials. Above all, he has become a passionate, dedicated, and service-focused wine consultant and entrepreneur with extensive global expertise. The international firm that he built in London, Martins Wine Advisor, continues to win accolade after accolade and counts some of the world’s most affluent connoisseurs and producers among its clientele.

ABOUT ‘WINES FROM ANOTHER WORLD’

From the most unique and rare vineyards in the world, Martins Wine Advisor, in partnership with Pedro Marques Antunes from Sparrow Creative Solutions, is curating a stunning and limited edition wine collection for its ‘Wines From Another World’ journey, where one wine is created each year across nine-years on an exclusive invitation only basis.

What started off as a passion project has become a fully realized series, where CEO Claúdio Martins goes to the source of some of the rarest and most exclusive wines with only 500 to 1,000 bottles produced of each wine, using indigenous grapes, traditional and even ancient methods – creating wines that tell the stories and history of the places they’re made in.
Culture

River Water Levels Are Favorite Discussion Among Ontario Paddlers

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SUP- Stand up paddling is a popular sport along the Grand River system. image: grandriverrafting.ca

Is the water level in the river going to be okay for canoeing or kayaking on any given weekend?

This is a common question that people call the GRCA to ask. It is also an important question. Usually what  they mean is ” will there  be enough water?”, but occasionally, there is actually way too much water for most people to canoe or paddle safely.

Fly fishermen too need to check river levels so they are safe and don’t get swept off their feet by a strong current.

An angler will likely move to a different area rather than take a chance. As an organization, the GRCA does not make recommendations as to appropriate water flows for recreational activities along the Grand River and its tributaries because there are many variables to consider. Some people have the expertise and training to enjoy high flows that could be fatal to inexperienced and ill equipped paddlers.

Very low flows make for slow going as there may not be enough water for the canoe to float and it may need to be pulled to deeper water at certain times. A skilled paddler will be able to read the water to find the deepest water and will have fewer problems. Some people have a bad day if they have to step out of their boat even once, while others are more tolerant of low flows. That is why there is no definitive answer to this question.

Appropriate water levels are a favorite discussion among paddlers. Those who paddle regularly have their own personal chart, whether it is in their head or on a spreadsheet.

Checking flow information

Many avid river recreation enthusiasts in Southern Ontario bookmark the River Data section of the GRCA’s website and check it when trip planning. This is one of the most visited sections on the GRCA’s website and provides hourly updates on river flows from 39 gauges on the Grand and eight tributaries. Some gauge information is also posted on an Environment Canada website that includes rivers in other parts of Canada, but the GRCA site has data for more gauges from this
watershed.

The main chart here is called the Flow Summary.

Recreational users should pay attention to the column headed “flow.” This one is measured in cubic metres per second or cms. If the rate is 10 cms, that means that 10,000 litres of water is moving past the flow gauge each second at this part of the river. The cms gets bigger as the river moves towards Lake Erie. There are huge changes in river flow due to seasons, weather, ice jams and dam operation.

Compare this to the “summer lowflow” which is the average flow during the dry summer months and you will see in relative terms how much water is flowing down the river. Following this Flow Summary is a list of sections of the rivers and tributaries with graphs. For example, one of the most popular sections of the river for a day trip, Cambridge to Paris, a paddler would check the Galt gauge on the “Middle Grand River“section. The graph will tell you if the level is going up, down, or holding steady. Occasionally a flow gauge does not operate and the information can be inaccurate, so the information is provisional. There is also a River Flow Information line that is updated regularly and can be reached at 519-621-2763, ext. 2511.

Photo by Judi Thompson

Outfitter information

There are several local outfitters in the area and they have cut off levels, when they stop canoe rentals. Canoeing the Grand in Kitchener has a safety section on their website with a five step rating chart for paddling. This scale  goes from “Excellent” to “No Go” with five levels, depending on the paddler’s age, skill, expertise and river conditions.

Grand River flow rates chart

When river flows skyrocket

As the graph above shows, the Grand River may not give much warning of a sudden increase in river flows, which is why the GRCA must sometimes issue high water safety warnings to the public. This is the flow information from the week of May 2 to 9 from a few years ago. Note that it shows heavy rain on Thursday night May 3 in the northern part of the watershed meant flows ballooned from 8 cms to 120 cms within a couple of hours, as the data from Marsville shows. The GRCA issued a warning after the storm. The rainwater gushed down the river and by the afternoon of Friday May 4, flows were dropping at Marsville but skyrocketing at West Montrose. By Saturday May 5, the river flows in Brantford were extreme and then they peaked at York on the southern Grand on Sunday.
A final important note, Dams can make the impact of a rainstorm less severe but they don’t eliminate flooding or high flows.

For the Silo ,Janet Baine, GRCA Communications Specialist

Culture

How to Have Much Better Digestive Health

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Everyone experiences sporadic digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, gas, diarrhea, or dreaded constipation. Symptoms often go away on their own; however, they can cause major disruptions to your life when they occur frequently.

Fortunately, lifestyle and diet changes can have a positive influence on your gut health and some simple home remedies may ease discomfort.

In this article, we discuss a few ways that can help you to have better digestive health. Enjoy reading!

Stress management tips from an occupational therapy expert | HSC News

Relax (Manage Stress)

Anxiety and stress can affect the digestive system. Many people have a nervous stomach before a big event or important occasion, but sustained stress can affect the connection between the brain and the gut, causing continuing problems. There is a bond between physical and mental health, and reducing stress can positively impact both.

When you’re having a busy day, it can be tempting to rush your meals, but that can cause indigestion and stomach discomfort. Make the time to relax, especially before and after eating.

In addition, reducing stress by seeking support and making lifestyle changes may improve problems with digestion. It is well known that meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and yoga have improved digestive symptoms.

Include Fermented Foods in Your Diet

Fermented foods are partially or wholly broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria. These microorganisms work to preserve food, and they can also benefit your gut health.

Kimchi-  Lactic acid produced by bacteria during fermentation creates a tangy, pungent flavor similar to that of sauerkraut.

Bacteria occur naturally in the gut. There are good bacteria that help digest food, but there are bad ones that can cause problems with digestion if there are too many in the body. Furthermore, fermented foods contain good bacteria (probiotics) that may help you maintain a healthy digestive system. You can easily increase your probiotic intake by incorporating these fermented foods into your diet: probiotic yogurt, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kefir, or miso.

Probiotic yogurt is particularly known as a good choice in a fight with gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it’s an easy way to meet your daily probiotics goal, and it contributes to healthy gut flora.

15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts

Stay Hydrated

Low fluid consumption is a frequent cause of constipation. Experts recommend drinking 50–66 oz. (1.5–2 liters) of non-caffeinated drinks per day to prevent constipation.

An additional way to help fulfill your daily fluid intake needs is to include vegetables and fruits high in water, such as cucumber, zucchini, peaches, tomatoes, melons, celery, strawberries, and grapefruit.

The simplest way to digestive bliss: chew your food properly! | Alliance For Natural Health

Chew Your Food

We all know digestion starts in your mouth. Your teeth break down the food into smaller pieces, and that way, they support the enzymes in your digestive system to also break it down better.

So keep this in mind next time you eat. Remember to chew your food slowly and make it ready for digestion!

To sum up, simple diet and lifestyle changes may help improve your digestion if you experience occasional, frequent, or even chronic digestive symptoms. In order to relieve some of these symptoms, try our suggestions from above. You will be surprised by the results!

Culture

4 Aspects Of Your Life You Can Improve By Listening To Jazz

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Music is known to have a strong effect on most people. It can compel its listeners to move along its rhythm and dance. It can also provide stimulation to the brain, which can improve a person’s bodily performance.

This positive impact can double for the person performing the music. Can you image the impact that the more varied and dynamic genres of music, such as jazz, can have on you? 

Jazz is not only a pleasure to listen to, but consuming it can bring about numerous improvements to your health and lifestyle. Whether you listen to this type of music in the background while working to attending dedicated worldwide jazz festivals, jazz can help improve your well being. Continue reading to learn more about how jazz can improve many aspects of your life.  

Energy and Creativity

Completing daily tasks can sometimes get difficult. It can be easy for you to become bored and lose motivation or have your energy depleted due to repetition and tedium. Jazz can help you regain that focus and energy, making activities such as daily work and exercise feel easier than they are.

The unique, diverse rhythm provided by the music causes your brain to produce and release the appropriate chemicals. This is the brain attempting to match the music’s beats, and due to jazz’s improvisational nature, it keeps the brain’s stimulation high, making it easier to keep up with rigorous activities. Additionally, active, but ambient, noise increases processing difficulty, which encourages abstract thinking and creativity. More creative thinking can help you find work solutions and keep you engaged in the task at hand. 

Blood Pressure 

Is high blood pressure a recurring problem with you? Then music rich with rhythm, especially jazz, can help you out. Music has a dynamic relationship with people’s cardiovascular system that several researchers have investigated before. Jazz can help you decrease your blood pressure by impacting your blood vessels. Rhythmic, lively music like jazz can open your blood vessels to around 30% more than normal, reducing your pressure.

Further studies conducted by the Osaka University in Japan show that people who listen to music after three months have their blood pressure reduced by 6 mmHg. You can equate this decrease to people who have taken their blood pressure medication, lost 10 pounds, or adopted a low-sodium diet. This change can ultimately improve your overall health, as it decreases your chances of suffering from heart disease or a stroke. 

Immune System

One of the most important systems in your body is the immune system. It is mainly composed of organs and white blood cells and it is your body’s ultimate line of defense against germs, infections, and diseases. While there are many healthy habits you can embrace to boost your immunity, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can also add listening to jazz to the list.

Psychologist Carl Charnetski discovered in a study that people who listened to jazz for at least 30 minutes produced a higher level of immunoglobulin A (IgA) than other subjects. This chemical is one of the many antibodies created by the immune systems that manifests alongside the mucous linings of the body. Arrange for jazz listening sessions to keep a strong level of IgA going. 

Stress Management 

While it can be a cliché to say that jazz’s primary audience is “cool” people, there is some truth to that statement. According to the University of Nevada, music that goes up to 60 beats per minute can cause your brain to release alpha brainwaves. These waves are related to sleep and relaxation, calming your nerves and ironically making you more alert. Certain types of noise, such as smoother jazz, stringed instruments, and even rainfall, are more effective than others in winding you down after a busy day at work. 

Jazz is not only one of the most dynamic music genres out there, but it can also make a positive impact on your health. From improving the body through the immune and cardiovascular systems to decreasing stress and encouraging energy, focus, and creativity, listening to jazz can bring noticeable changes to your well being. Consider these benefits the next time you choose the concerts to attend or the type of background music you will play while you work. 

Art

Beautiful Minecraft Coffee Table Book Features Stunning In Game Built Art

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Twelve years ago to the day,  back in the year 2009 – a Video game called #Minecraft was unassumingly released. The sandbox video game became the second best selling PC-based game in history and was bought by Microsoft for $2.5B usd in 2014. 

In keeping with our look back celebration, let’s check out this wonderful book for Minecraft lovers everywhere: Beautiful Minecraft ($19.95, 112 pp., 4C, hardcover).

minecraft book page example1

As they pore over the pages in this remarkable collection, Minecraft lovers of all stripes will find themselves immersed in a world of astonishing creations like floating steampunk cities, massive alien worlds, detailed classical sculptures, fantastical landscapes, and architectural marvels. The sculptures and scenes throughout the book are built from thousands to millions of blocks and represent months and even years of design work on the part of their creators.

I wanted to show how a video game can become a true artistic medium…how players can become artists.

beautiful minecraft book cover“Beautiful Minecraft is the sort of thing that fans of the game are sure to love because it brings them even closer to the game they love,” said No Starch Press founder Bill Pollock. “Since my first visit to MineCon in 2011, I’ve been inspired by the passion Minecraft fans have for something that is much more than a game. Beautiful Minecraft shows us how in game creations can be high art, and the results are nothing less than amazing.”

For the Silo, James Delaney-author, managing director of BlockWorks: a team of Minecraft artists from around the world. BlockWorks has created artwork for companies like Disney, Microsoft, Warner Brothers, and The Guardian.

Publisher: No Starch Press
Author: James Delaney
Print ISBN: 978-1-59327-765-9
Price: $19.95
Specs: 112 pp., 4C, Hardcover

You Might Also Be Interested In:

other cool books via no starch
The Game Console by Evan Amos
The Arduino Inventor’s Guide by Derek Runberg and Brian Huang
The Hardware Hacker by Andrew “bunnie” Huang

Available in fine bookstores everywhere and from http://www.oreilly.com/nostarch, or by contacting [email protected]

About No Starch Press
No Starch Press has published the finest in geek entertainment since 1994, covering topics like LEGO, hacking, science, math, and programming for all ages. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our books tackle topics that people care about.

Art

Worlds Leading Architects Include Sir Norman Foster

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Who is Sir Norman Foster?  A British born architect world renowned for his ground-breaking interpretations of neo futuristic and post-modern design, that’s who.

Perhaps most famously known for designing and constructing “The Gherkin” tower in London, England at a cost of 138 million pounds. This office building is sure to turn the heads of tourists and Londoners alike.

Culture

Change Your Life And Connect To Higher Realms

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Aleya Dao was a successful alternative health practitioner undergoing a sound healing session herself when she had one of those extraordinary ascents into an entirely expanded level of cosmic consciousness. And what she discovered in those few minutes and the days and years afterward, was how ready her Higher Self, her Body Deva and an array of personal multidimensional Team members were to help her overcome her own perceived shortcomings, destructive habits and life’s speedbumps. She decided on change. The woman she is today is not the woman she was then–and she gives full credit to the Higher Realms for helping her evolve to the happy and fulfilled trailblazing spiritual teacher, healer and author that she has become.

In her astonishing and powerful book, Seven Cups of Consciousness: Change Your Life by Connecting to the Higher Realms (New World Library), Aleya offers a direct manual on how to engage with the higher dimensions to advance your own evolution–to create a life filled with happiness and purpose, always connected with a divine and perfect aspect of yourself, protected and guided by a loving angelic presence. She shows how this kind of life becomes possible when we learn to consciously connect at the spiritual level with higher dimensions. 

 

“When you explore your inner realms, along with the higher dimensions, your life will change in amazing ways,” writes Aleya, a sound healer, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, acupuncturist and spiritual guide for 20 years in the Southwest. She practiced in Telluride, CO, before moving to Santa Barbara, CA where she currently serves an international clientele. “The basic idea is that all your work is done at a level higher than your physical reality. There are aspects of you that exist in higher dimensions, at the spiritual level. I call these parts of you your energy self or your Higher Self.”

Seven Cups of Consciousness offers step-by-step practical guidance for reaching beyond one’s limited physical experience and energetically opening to the guidance and support of multidimensional resources.

Her book outlines specific processes built around “cups of consciousness” that are designed to give readers access to the energetic realm and the innumerable resources it contains. “The physical realm is only one of many. You are a multidimensional being expressing yourself in multiple dimensions,” writes Aleya. “You are never alone. Using your angelic resources can assist you in enormous ways.”

Just as a cup of coffee or tea helps you wake up in the morning, Aleya promises readers that sipping from the “cups of consciousness” she offers will help them awaken to higher levels of consciousness and energetic support:

  • First Cup – You Live in a Multidimensional Reality
  • Second Cup – You Are Never Alone
  • Third Cup – You Can Change Your Inner World
  • Fourth Cup – Your Challenges Can Help You Grow
  • Fifth Cup – Your Body Is a Nature Spirit
  • Sixth Cup – You Have Soul’s Wisdom
  • Seventh Cup – You Are Perfect
 
Aleya has created energetic practices designed to help readers release old patterns and gain access to a higher consciousness for each of the seven cups. Links to eleven powerful downloadable audio meditations that guide readers through these processes are also included.
  • Become acquainted with your own River of Light, adjacent to the front of your spinal cord
  • Dialogue with your Team to resolve old “stuff” that keeps you mired in lack, limitation, real world problems and broken romances
  • Communicate with your Body Deva, the nature spirit that is embodied as your physical self
  • Begin living a multidimensional life, so that you solve problems from a vantage point that you cannot by living a 2D existence
  • Enable your Higher Self, Team and Body Deva to support you in living a life that is fully expressed with joy, fulfillment, purpose, self-love and even romance!

 “The key lies in your ability to focus on your inner world, using your imagination and intent as a way to connect to other dimensions,” writes Aleya. “You will learn that your real power comes from within and from beyond. As you develop these tools, your consciousness will evolve, your challenges will transform, and a deep inner peace and empowerment will bloom.”

Art

The Greatest Places To See POST COVID Art In The City Of Toronto

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If you were to ask a tour guide where to see art in Toronto once the city opens back up post-Covid, they would likely tell you to get tickets for the Art Gallery of Ontario. While the gallery is a wonderful place to see new exhibitions and long-standing collections, it’s not the only spot that the city has to offer. After walking through the halls of the AGO, you should check out these other cultural venues and events:

Graffiti Alley


Graffiti can turn outdoor spaces into sprawling art galleries. Take an afternoon to venture over to graffiti alley to see a series of increasingly bold and colorful murals adorning the backs of buildings. You can grab a hot coffee from one of the nearby cafes and then take a stroll through the unconventional art collection.

Nuit Blanche


Graffiti Alley turns a part of a neighborhood into a gallery. The festival Nuit Blanche transforms the entire city of Toronto into an interactive gallery for a single night. This year the celebration takes place on October 5th. You can see everything from beautiful zen gardens to riveting dance performances to participatory installations. The art projects span across neighborhoods from downtown to Don Mills.

The Drake


One of the cultural destinations that always participates in Nuit Blanche is The Drake. They are partners with the festival, along with the Canadian Art Foundation, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the IMAGES Festival.

All of the six Drake venues are the perfect spots to experience art, all while enjoying a tantalizing dinner or sipping a strong drink. Go to The Drake Hotel on Queen West to feast on appetizers like hand-cut steak tartare or charred octopus before exploring the location’s gorgeous art collections. You’ll find the collection One Way Out by the artist Greg Ito displayed in their lobby and café. Ito uses paintings, installations and sculptures to delve into the concept of escapism. So, you can finish off your specialty cocktails and get transported to a fantastical destination.

The Hotel has the multifaceted performance venue known as the Drake Underground. The cultural hub hosts musicians of all genres to get crowds screaming and dancing until the early hours of the morning. It also hosts poetry slams, where you can hear the city’s up-and-coming spoken word artists compete for the top performance of the night. You can see a full list of what’s going on at The Drake Hotel here.

If you’re looking for a low-key way to spend your afternoon, head to the Drake Mini Bar across the lobby from Drake One Fifty in the Financial District. The venue manages to pack a lot of art into a small space. It’s been a solo exhibition site for the visual artist Rajni Perera in the past and now features the conceptual work of Thomas Trum. The artwork is displayed on murals and tabletops, so you can drink in the thought-provoking images and mood-altering colors while sipping on a freshly-made mojito.

Incredible art exists outside of galleries. You can see it sprayed on the backs of buildings in a narrow alleyway. You can spot it in a sprawling festival. And you can find it the hottest hotels and eateries, where even your menu feels like it should be framed. For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.

Culture

Angels In Starships? There’s Lights All Over The World

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images: courtesy of the author
Images: courtesy of the author.

A thousand UFOs are reported each month and are usually seen with lights or as bright orbs. They often appear to be signaling their presence. I have been told by high ranking personnel that UFOs definitely have a religious aspect involved in their presence. Most are friendly but some have their own agenda.  The Ten Commandments has instructions for mankind to abide by rules or laws that mankind should use when they travel in space such as do not kill and steal.

The Bible frequently mentions lights.

“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew. 5:14-16: The Bible promises life after death. Are these ships here to pick up human souls as they die? People’s bodies are known to lose less than an ounce at death. 

 

"A fourteenth century fresco of the Madonna and Child by St Giovannino, in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, attributed to the 15 Century school of Filippo Lippi. A UFO hovers in the distance. A blow up of this fresco reveals details of the UFO including port holes. It seems to indicate a religious involvement between UFO's and the appearance of the Christ Child. " from disclose.tv

“A fourteenth century fresco of the Madonna and Child by St Giovannino, in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, attributed to the 15 Century school of Filippo Lippi. A UFO hovers in the distance. A blow up of this fresco reveals details of the UFO including port holes. It seems to indicate a religious involvement between UFO’s and the appearance of the Christ Child. ” from disclose.tv

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The soul comes from without into the human body, as into a temporary abode, and it goes out of it anew … it passes into other habitations, for the soul is immortal.”

Angels in Starships

AngelsinStarships

There are thousands of books about angels and first hand contacts with humans. The book “Angels in Starships” tells of Angels or aliens in Italy. The book states, “And now the facts: Giorgio, Tina, Paolo, and other friends have a number of ‘eye-to-eye’ contacts with space brothers, with rides in starships, and with conversations, in which it is revealed to them that they are the so-called ‘angels’ of the Bible, or mediators and messengers of those who served God’s will, and still serve, to reveal the truth to men of Earth, and to guide them on the path toward higher development. During the encounter their car received tremendous heat and the engine was severely damaged.

In the course of such meetings, the group received important revelations and messages of utmost seriousness, which concern all the inhabitants of this afflicted planet. The invitation to follow paths to a better way of life is well advised, for the time of great catastrophes and dreadful happenings about which the Apocalypse speaks is coming nearer; the day in which “one will be taken away and the other left behind.”

On the occasion of one of these unusual meetings, the Earthly friends, who had been entrusted with messages and teachings, and had been guests on the flying saucers and the starships, were allowed to have the wonderful experience of visiting a distant planet. 

A few examples of UFO encounters : In Indian Sanskrit, space vehicles are generally called ‘Vimanas.’  Cicero, in the 43rd chapter of his “De Divinatione”, writes of ‘balls in the heavens’; Julius Obsequens, in “Prodigia”, writes of ‘flaming shields’, and these descriptions occur likewise in Aschylos, Plutarch, Seneca, and Valerius Maximus. and Xenophon. Dio Cassius related that, at the first landing of the Romans in Great Britain under Aulus Plautus in the year 43 B. C., a round object flew like lightning from east to west. Roman soldiers had UFO like objects on their shields.

‘Dark globes’ were seen over Basel in the Middle Ages, and similarly, there were ‘airships’ in the skies of the United States toward the end of the 19th century. During World War II, ‘balls of light’ and so-called ‘foo-fighters’ followed both the Allied and the German aircraft.  For the Silo, George Filer. Search “Filers Files” for more about UFO’s

 Supplemental: Kniha angels in starships

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Culture

WFH Is Hard But Working Den Aims To Change That

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Launching at a time when the world is going remote, Working Den aims to serve the growing community of remote workers and businesses globally by offering a holistic solution to help members create a healthier, motivating and sustainable work environment.

With more and more businesses turning to remote working options, it is the best time to look at ways to ensure the wellbeing of virtual workers, as it is directly linked to their productivity and overall health. Working Den is affordable and easy to use software, offering a tailored and science-based service based on your profile, provided by a team of top professionals including psychologists, human resource and workplace leaders. 

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The platform is founded by Upwork’s top freelance talent Daniel Hall who has vast experience in remote working and has invested time in building the ideal virtual work environment. Led by the physical and mental problems he experienced in his 8 years working from home, Daniel hired a team of health and scientific experts to come up with solutions for Working Den. Together the features have created a go-to platform for wellbeing and mental health issues linked to remote working. 

Working Den aims to improve physical and mental health via expert guidance, tests and ongoing support. Once the user signs up, he or she then takes a DSE assessment (Display Screen Assessment) which is a legal requirement in the UK, in order to establish what issues there are with the home working setup. It then provides solutions to the problems users have to ensure that they know how to have the ‘perfect’ home set up. This goes far beyond just a suitable chair and desk. Working Den service includes the Pomodoro timer built for productivity, a gratitude diary to help with depression, a depression assessment and an eye strain push notifications every 20 minutes to stop eye strain.

The solution that Working Den provides, apart from being affordable thanks to its SaaS nature, is a unique and competitive tool for individuals, virtual companies and companies who work with remote workers and virtual members. 

The project serves as a successful case study for the UK Government’s Business Bounce Back loans scheme. Daniel’s advertising business was adversely affected during lockdown due to companies pausing their advertising internationally. To “bounce back” Daniel saw a gap in the market to help the masses of people who were working remotely for the first time with not much consideration given to their health. And the Bounce Back loan that Daniel borrowed is what has funded the business. 
In Daniel’s words: “Working from home has nearly been the death of me. The loneliness of hardly ever seeing anyone, the constant long hours because you are always by a computer and the burn out that followed.

Lots of people who have started working from home since Covid will have experienced this and lots more will experience it as time goes on. I want to teach people there is a healthier way of doing things. What we have launched is only the start, we already have more features in development and I’ll do everything I can to improve the lives of people who are working from home.”  For the Silo, Christina Ioannou.

Featured image- dmarcian.com

Culture

UK PM Johnson: You May Need Vaccination Proof To Enter Pubs

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51%

Only days after it was announced that 51% of British adults have received at least one doses of their COVID vaccine, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that people may need to present a vaccination certificate in order to go to the pub. One month ago, Johnson had said that this would not be the case.

One Year Later

When the UK first entered lockdown one year ago, Johnson recognized he was “taking away the ancient, inalienable right of free-born people of the United Kingdom to go to the pub” but now he is suggesting limits on how many of them will be given back that right.

British political analyst and commentator Jonathan Sacerdoti says the UK’s vaccination program has been impressive, beating the rest of Europe by far. “This has been for three main reasons,” he explains. “Firstly, the UK implemented skillful procurement of vaccines, which enabled the country to ensure a plentiful if varying supply level of the newly developed vaccines. Having finally broken free of the European Union after years of Brexit back-and-forth, the UK was able to make its own decisions just in time, and signed early and favorable contracts with vaccine manufacturers.”

AstraZeneca

“Secondly, the UK also invested in developing its own vaccine, the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. This has offered a far cheaper alternative to the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine which the UK is also using, and is far easier to transport. It does not require the deep refrigeration that some other vaccines do, and it can therefore also be administered in pharmacists and smaller medical practices, or even in old age homes, rather than only in mass vaccination centers. Despite some concerns over possible blood clots as a side effect, the vaccine is widely accepted to be safe and effective. It has enabled the UK to make progress with vaccinating its population quickly, and promises to help vaccinate poorer countries around the world.”

Extended Dosage Gap

“Thirdly, the UK made the controversial decision to extend the gap between the two vaccine doses each person needs, from 21 days to 12 weeks. This was not backed up but he vaccine makers’ research, but was based on wider knowledge of immunology and how other vaccines have been developed. At the time it was seen as highly controversial and even risky. But ongoing testing for antibodies has shown a continued, strong immune response even with the prolonged gap. This single decision has enabled the country to effectively provide a high level of protection to double the number of people in the same time. As long as vaccine supply and availability continue uninterrupted, the second doses will be given within 12 weeks and the population will continue to benefit both individually and as a whole.”

EU Lags

Meanwhile, the European Union is lagging far behind in its rate of vaccination, causing a rift between the bloc and its recent ex-member state the UK. Threats of banning or controlling exports of vaccines manufactured in the EU to countries which are far ahead in their programs has caused a diplomatic war of words. The UK determined to have its commercial contracts fulfilled regardless of the EU’s weak performance in acquiring and administering vaccines. The EU is desperate to claw back more vaccines for use in its own countries, despite slow progress in administering them.

Jonathan Sacerdoti is a British broadcaster and social commentator, widely featured on British and international television and media. He provides commentary for a wide range of TV stations including regular appearances on the BBC (including on their international show Dateline London) and the UK’s Sky News. He also appears on Channel 4 News, Al Jazeera English, NDTV in India, France 24, i24News Cheddar News and others. He has been published by the Daily Telegraph, The Spectator, the New Statesman and Jewish Chronicle. He is also a well-known campaigner on racism issues. 

Culture

Canadians aware country is #1 in extreme, unfair mobile rates

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Canada's Cell Phone Rates: the Highest in the World | iPhone in Canada Blog

My name is Ann Murray (not that Ann Murray), and I’m a publicist for RingCredible, the next practical, affordable, secure and reliable solution in mobile VoIP calling.  I’m writing to explain  how consumers can spend as little as possible on mobile calling charges each month  – and quickly hack their household mobile calls spending.

This topic is especially timely, given how Canada’s mobile rate calling rates are one of the world’s worst – and also given the recent acquisition of Mobilicity by Telus. [see link below CP]

Why the hefty price? This is the fault of “The Pricey Three” – Bell, Rogers, and Telus – that lock customers into very expensive calling plans. If you’re in one of the Pricey Three’s plans, you are more likely to run out of call credits, you will have less minutes included, and the price of additional minutes will be more expensive than the rates of your friends and family around the world.

The solution is RingCredible’s “How to hack your mobile phone bill,” which include the following tips:

5. Use calling cards, which is a very cheap way to make calls (just not very convenient)

4. Try the smaller mobile calling alternatives owned by Bells, Rogers or Telus

3. Go with free peer-to-peer calls using Viber

2. Sign up for Wind and Mobilicity, which sell all-inclusive packages (Mobilicity was recently acquired by Telus)

1. Sign up for a VoIP provider such as Skype [Skype The Silo: thesiloteam CP], Fongo, or VoipGo

Our solution, RingCredible (App’s available at www.ringcredible.com) is a great, and nearly free calling choice, with the added benefit of offering the same user experience as when making a normal mobile call.

 Some other interesting results to consider  include:

* What the acquisition of Mobilicity by Telus means to the consumer http://mobilesyrup.com/2013/05/28/one-step-closer-ontario-superior-court-of-justice-approves-telus-acquisition-of-mobilicity/

* How to save when you’re out of the country and calling back home

* How other countries have hacked their own mobile calling rates 

mobilsyrup readers respond to "One step closer: Ontario Superior Court of Justice approves TELUS’ acquisition of Mobilicity"
mobilsyrup readers respond to “One step closer: Ontario Superior Court of Justice approves TELUS’ acquisition of Mobilicity”

For the Silo, Ann Murray.

Culture

5 Ways Conversation Could Get You Punched In The Mouth

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Take it from the queen of verbal mishaps, there may not be a right way to start a conversation but on the wrong day, a poor choice of words could get your tongue snatched out of your mouth. Believe me when I say, you do not want that problem on your hands. So, to minimize your risks, I’ve narrowed down a solid list of WRONG ways to start a conversation, with the hopes that you’ll take heed and have more thoughtful discussions in the New Year.

I’m not condoning violence of any sort but I can tell you with absolute certainty that you are in great danger if you say any of these things to the wrong person. Choose wisely.

She was asking for it-
If somehow in your mangled mind you believe that a woman who dresses provocatively, gets drunk or “chooses” an abusive partner deserves to be assaulted, well you might just deserve to lose a few teeth. The reality is, we could all make better choices from time to time but you don’t get to be the judge of anyone but yourself. Victim blaming is never okay. This type of thinking perpetuates a culture of abuse. You’re better than that…right? Hold abusers accountable for their actions. If you can’t do that, just be quiet.

TV dust and wives

Are you pregnant?-
You know good and well I’m not pregnant. This age old attempt to body shame women has gotten many people hurt, from the ancient times of Jesus of Nazareth to the current age of the Kardashians. Taking cheap shots at a woman’s body is simply a bad idea. If you’re genuinely curious to know if a woman is pregnant, you’ll just have to wait until she announces it. If the news never comes, well there’s your answer. If you’re concerned that she could possibly be gaining too much weight, start an exercise group and invite all of your friends to participate.

Pregnant or fat

The earth is flat-
You would think a person would only say this in a conversation for shock value or to be provocative but it turns out this is actually a thing. There are real people out here who refuse to believe the earth is round and this is problematic. This conversation would likely start off with laughs and jeers but quickly turn ugly when the flat-earther suggests you’re stupid for allowing yourself to be brainwashed by live footage from outer space, actual satellite images and scientific research. It’s only a matter of time before this debate transforms into a full on brawl and somebody ends up in the ER.

flat earth
image: theverge.com

If you can say “nigger/nigga,” why can’t I?-
Why are we still having this discussion? I mean, really. We’ve only been talking about this for the last 60 years. You need to be more concerned about your twisted obsession with wanting to say that word. What is it in you that just cannot accept that there is a word born out of hatred that you should not use? Even more so, why does it bother you that a marginalized group of people have taken the power from an otherwise derogatory word and transformed it into a term of endearment. If you cannot understand that this does not involve you, you have bigger problems than using the “N word.” You’ve been warned.

Wiggers
What are you?-
What do you mean, ‘what am I?’ What are you? I’m a human being who is minding my own business and not walking around challenging other people on their ethnicity. Biracial and multiethnic people do not owe it to you to satisfy your curiosity about the realities that exist outside of Mayberry. I’m sorry if your limited understanding of the world leaves you confused and intrigued. Find a travel agent and book yourself a trip to another zip code. And while we’re on the topic , ‘no, you cannot touch my hair.’

Some accidents in life are preventable. Hopefully, this guide will help you avoid conversation calamities in the New Year.

#AskMe Tees spark thoughtful and meaningful conversations about important and fun topics but we cannot keep up with the shenanigans and tomfoolery of habitual line crossers. Simply put, there isn’t a t-shirt for every conversation. So, we created this. For the Silo, Ayanna Smith. 

AskMe Tshirt

Ayanna Smith is the founder of #AskMe Tees, the award-winning Escape Lounge breakout games in Washington, D.C., and Ridlz. She is brutally honest, sharp-tongued, quick-witted and hard to embarrass, yet philanthropic, service-oriented and deeply compassionate. Between her budding business ventures and family, she has a lot to talk about!

Vintage

Dead Media- 3D

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A can of virtual reality

I’ve always been fascinated with stereo viewers. Once upon a time, when I was a wee lad, I visited my great-grandmother at her wee home in Jolly Olde England.  It turned out that she had the same regard for immersive technology as I did- she had a Victorian era stereograph viewer and a sick collection of  antique 3D stereo cards. Steampunk or what?

Victorian Stereograph ViewerYes, stereoscopy has been around for a long time. That contraption belonging to my great-grandmother was made of wood and had two glass lenses. It weighed so much I had to brace it on the floor, on top of a pillow, and lie in front, resting my head on my elbows. It was worth the effort. I could see ‘into’ the photograph and felt like I was transported into space and time. On a side note- I had this experience again decades later when I bought a heavily discounted (read: cheap) Nintendo Virtual Boy.

View-Master

This feeling of traveling outside of the body and experiencing a sense of virtual surroundings was shared by millions of kids and adults when the View-Master was first released in the late 1930’s. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say: “View-Master, since 1939, has been a device for viewing seven 3-D images (also called stereo images) on a paper disk. Although the View-Master is now considered a childrens’ toy, it was originally marketed as a way for viewers to enjoy stereograms of colourful and picturesque tourist attractions.”

Whatever the original intent was, View-Master has become synonymous with several generations of Pop Culture geeks and depending on your age, the sight of a black or red (or red and blue) View-Master conjures up images of Donald Duck, The Lone Ranger, or E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial.

Keep a bottle of eye drops nearby.
Keep a bottle of eye drops nearby.

Like most immersive technologies, educational and practical uses were developed. The U.S. Military used the View-Master as an aid in the identification of airplanes. The Gruber Company used the View-Master to develop human anatomy study guides. But for all of this, the best View-Master reels are 1960’s Batman and 3D stills from the original Tron film. Of course this is highly personal and your tastes may be different.

3D is back sort of…..although the last few years have seen North American releases of 3D blurays finally end (and no 3D televisions being manufactured), Europe continues to see new releases and these can be purchased online. This is a good thing.  Sure I can dust off the bluray 3D version of Tron (Tron: Legacy). and still enjoy it’s jaw dropping immersion but it’s nice to know that the newer releases such as Wonder Woman 1984 can still be added to the collection.

Oculus Quest 2

If 3D is dying a slow death the same can’t be said for it’s direct descendant. Virtual Reality gaming and simulation takes immersion to an entirely other level:  it provides a full 360 degrees of movement and viewing, complete with real world effects such as light and shadow movement and visual scaling.  If you haven’t already tried VR gaming then you are missing out. But that’s a story for a future article.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

One of my personal fav's.
Tron 1982 ViewMaster Image