To turbo boost your persona, you need to go back to ground zero: Your face is the starting point

Building your persona and then later down the track your narrative structure first means stripping all the component parts of your image totally back to Ground Zero.

As Pablo Picasso would have demanded before he worked up The Old Guitarist in his Blue Period or The Boy With A Pipe from his Pink Rose Pink Period – a completely blank canvas.
First off the starting block has got to be a focus on your face. What does it automatically say to the world before you attach any Saint George and The Dragon heroic tale to it whatsoever?
Bill Gates knows his facial archetype as ‘The Super Nerd’ and expertly self-deprecates around it. The 1984 film Revenge Of The Nerds was a celebration of the nerd archetype. And of course the ‘The Nerd’ always tends to wear glasses. The flipside of Superman was Clark Kent, tipping his hat to Nerd-dom with the oversized glasses as his ‘disguise’.
Gates, like the nerd in the playground, always gets ‘tricks played on him’ and is misunderstood because he’s so off-the-Richter-scale bright, so much so, he’s almost ‘outer worldly’.
Gates hams up this nerd status when playing to the crowd.
In his recent damage control interviews around links to Epstein but also his modus operandi behind Covid vaccines and permanent pandemic prepardeness he geeks it up being a complete ‘open book’ about how so many people push and poke him.
“Me putting chips in arms, doesn’t make sense to me – why would I want to do that?” he told The Guardian.
Gates joked with the BBC in May, that “Only recently I’ve been out in public and some people yell at me that I’m tracking them.”
‘Yes I’m the most hated man in the world,’ he basically admits. ‘People throw rocks at me’ is what he’s openly saying.
That’s what happens to ‘The Nerd’.
The Nerd doesn’t have any social skills around self. It tells everyone how misunderstood they are. The Nerd doesn’t hold back.
The upside is that, at the same time, the nerd facial archetype also embodies Super High IQ levels. So that’s where he gets all the ‘Despite my awkwardness, listen to me, I really do know what I’m talking about’.
That’s all in ‘The Nerd’ facial archetype.
My former client Mark Sait, the co-founder of SaveMoneyCutCarbon.com is a perfect example of understanding the facial archetype when promoting yourself in the media, in his instance as ‘The Super Nerd’ as well.
I convinced BBC Radio 4 MoneyBox to have him on to talk to their millions of listeners, got a full page in the Mail on Sunday to its 3,000,000 readers with Sait positioned as an ‘Eco Warrior’, I had him simulcast on both BBC News Channel and BBC World Business show reaching an accumulated 50,000,000 viewers discussing how the BBC could save money and cut carbon by installing more eco-friendly bulbs in their green room, full page Government-funded ‘How to guide’ style ads on how to safely return to work post Covid featuring Sait and his electric car, the list goes on – yes because the URL SaveMoneyCutCarbon was ‘of its time’ because of all the mad stampede towards Net-Zero, but largely because of the amplification of Mark Sait, the CEO’s, Bill Gates-esque ‘geek’ qualities.
I upped the ‘superintelligent’ nerd qualities of Sait, personally carrying the ‘Nerd’ message by Messenger-pigeon with his face.
Sait’s brother even works for Microsoft, I said!
To build SaveMoneyCutCarbon’s online widget that automatically links online sales of their sustainable products to an ESG score for company compliance, he hired Cornwall-based tech gurus, The Geeks. That says it all!
Let’s get down to the basics.
If your face was frozen, cropped just above the forehead and around the face, just so the forehead, eyes, nose mouth and chin were in view – what does that, without you uttering one single word – without anyone knowing your back story – or where you’ve been to University, what private members club (in Sait’s case, its the Home Grown club in London for entrepreneurs) you’re a member of – says about you?
Where does your frozen face then lie on a chart of frozen emotion?
My client, the former BBC Dragon James Caan CBE’s face resonates as a swathe ‘Omar Sharif’, much more so than his namesake, the late Hollywood legendary actor, James Caan. Omar is the Caan, the Dragons’ inherent facial archetype.
John Cleese wrote all about it in his 2001 book with Brian Bates called ‘The Human Face’.
“There are 6 Billion human faces and yet we instantly recognise faces that we don’t know,” he said. “How is it that this small part of us can be such an immediate and effective way to define who we are?”
And “How do we hide our true feelings when they are written on our faces without even knowing?”
Cleese expertly argues that there are just 7 universally recognised facial expressions: anger, fear, happiness, sadness, disgust, surprise and contempt.
But in between these are 7,000 discreet expressions.
In my opinion, these 7,000 ‘frozen facial emotions’ can all be laid out on a grid in the form of Emojis from sad/angry right across to happy/ecstatic.
Regardless of whether you’re sometimes angry, happy or sad, your normal ‘frozen face’ is automatically encoded with a dominant emotion – whether you’re feeling that emotion or not.
Like Sir Paul McCartney, he’s the deeply sad-eyed Beatle, whether he likes it or not as his dominant facial emotion. That’s whether he’s having a good or a bad day. He’s sad-eyed.
A&A is what I label the requirement at this stage. Acceptance and Amplification about your facial archetype.
Acceptance is about accepting you’re born with a particular facial archetype, but also only by acknowledging it can you unlock a galaxy of media opportunties.
This was the subject of my lecture a few years back to the Institute of Leadership Management. ‘Its your face. You’re stuck with it. Unless you alter it with cosmetic surgey, which I don’t recommend, you have to work with it. Accept that.’
So many entrepreneurs wanting to raise their profile try to position themselves as someone they’re not. They might want to be polo-necked wearing Steve Jobs as opposed to the geeky glasses wearing Bill Gates. But they can’t.
Recognising what’s already there and working with it is the key to unlocking the media treasure.
The second point is Amplification. Once you’ve worked out where your facial archetype sits on the Emoji chart, then you can amplify It, make it resonate. Like hitting a tuning fork.
You suddenly come into focus when the divining rod finds water underground with small movements suddenly becoming big movements.
Getting a handle on your inherent facial archetype is the doorway of the foyer of the mansion you just entered, opening up into the next room.

2025-09-15

2 Little Words to Close More Sales

If you knew two little words that could improve your sales, you’d use them, wouldn’t you?

When you see your customer has some reservations, it makes sense to get the issues out in the open, doesn’t it?

And after the ink is dry on the deal, you should make every effort to make sure your customer is satisfied, shouldn’t you?

So why all the questions? They illustrate a simple technique–sales tie-downs–that can help you improve your sales process. By getting your customers to agree with you in small steps along the way, you have a better chance of reaching agreement when it’s time to do business.

Sales tie-downs are short questions you add to statements throughout your presentation to get your prospective customer to start saying “yes” long before you go for the close. You want to engage your customer and get them used to saying “yes.”

Too often, sales reps simply regurgitate their presentations and expect to land the sale. It doesn’t work. Prospects tune out because they aren’t engaged in the process. The remedy is to ask little questions along the way, and monitor the feedback.

You know what I mean? Are you following me? These are tie-downs. End statements with questions like: Wouldn’t you agree? Is that right?

These questions can be as simple as:

Aren’t they?
Can’t you?
Isn’t it?
Shouldn’t it?
Won’t they?

Tie-downs have to become a natural part of your conversation before you can use them in your sales presentations. Be aware of your tone so the questions don’t sound threatening or argumentative. Practice tie-downs on your spouse or friends. Have some fun using them in role-playing exercises with other sales professionals. That will help you develop a rhythm that will include enough–but not too many–tie-down questions.

There’s another benefit to tie-downs as well: They keep you in control and confirm that your customers understand what you are saying during your sales presentation, and that it’s okay to continue.

You don’t need a big close, as many sales reps believe. You risk losing your customer when you save all the good stuff for the end. Keep the customer actively involved throughout your presentation and watch your results improve.

Now let me ask you again, if you knew two little words that could improve your sales, you’d use them, wouldn’t you? I think you know the answer.

2025-09-13

NASA has sparked a race to develop the data pipeline to Mars

For decades, NASA built and flew its own relay orbiters and spacecraft to ferry valuable data back to Earth. Now the agency is shifting to buying connectivity as a service, much like it does for launch and astronaut transport.

That pivot has sparked a race, with major contenders pitching ways to keep Mars missions online. What’s at stake isn’t a single contract: it’s the data pipe to Mars.

This new approach, which will mix NASA assets and commercial infrastructure, would gradually replace the patchwork relay network the agency relies on today. Generally, that works by orbiters like Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and MAVEN that pick up data from rovers and landers and transmit it to the Deep Space Network’s (DSN) giant antennas on Earth.

NASA’s relay spacecraft are still healthy, but they were never meant to be a permanent backbone. The agency’s latest senior review on planetary missions calls out MAVEN’s critical role as a relay and provides steps to keep it available into the early 2030s. But eventually, this hardware will decay.

At the same time, NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, which manages the DSN, is looking for solutions to augment these aging assets. The aim, according to an RFP released in July and due today, is to create an interoperable marketplace where NASA can be one of many customers instead of the owner-operator.

The current request is specifically for capability studies, not immediate hardware buys. The ask is twofold: a “lunar trunkline” between the moon and Earth and end-to-end Mars communications that move data from assets on the surface, through Mars orbit, and to operations centers on Earth.

It’s a formidable challenge. Any architecture must contend with the vast distance between Earth and the moon and Mars, long latency, periodic solar interference and Earth visibility windows, and high requirements for fault-tolerant systems. That’s why NASA is asking for plans, to gauge how industry might solve these puzzles, rather than immediately jumping to procurement.

Techcrunch event

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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While TechCrunch can’t confirm which companies are submitting concept proposals, a handful have already staked their place in the race.

Blue Origin just unveiled a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter built on its Blue Ring platform, pitched as maneuverable, high-performance spacecraft to support NASA missions to Mars as soon as 2028. Rocket Lab has touted its own Mars telecom orbiter concept, which the company says is a core element of its proposed architecture for the Mars Sample Return campaign.

In 2024, NASA’s Mars Exploration Program separately funded 12 short commercial services studies, including a trio of studies for next-gen relay services, to SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Blue Origin. SpaceX’s proposal to “adapt Earth-orbit communication satellites for Mars” will likely be derived from its Starlink internet satellite constellation.

The long-term goal is to transform the agency’s planetary exploration agenda from pure-science missions to a permanent human presence on the moon and, eventually, on Mars.

2025-09-10

Therapeutic Services: What They Are & How They Can Help You – Health Cages

Therapeutic services are professional services created to assist a person who is having a hard time dealing with mental, emotional, physical, and psychological issues. These services are undertaken by a licensed physician, professional counselor, or psychologist, and they differ from one individual mode to the other while addressing the main drive of enhancing the life of an unhappy client by ensuring emotional assistance or handling of natural challenges. From anxiety and stress to relationship issues and chronic pain, therapeutic services will always be in a position to offer exceptional care to smooth your way through life’s problems.

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What Are Therapeutic Services?

Therapeutic services include a range of treatments and interventions that address a broad spectrum of physical and mental health grievances.

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Most of these services are delivered one-on-one, in group therapy, or both. For mental illness issues, therapeutic services would be mainly talking therapies: CBT, DBT, or psychodynamic therapy, mostly insight into thoughts, feelings, or behavior regarding a person gaining an understanding of the issues and how to manage change.

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Physical illness, like physical or physiotherapy, which might encompass exercises or treatment modalities such as TENS to achieve rehabilitation from an injury, will treat chronic issues or restore level mobility.

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Occupational therapy subsequently will strive to instill skills in the individuals so that they can take care of their daily affairs correctly and move toward independence. Speech therapy is conducted to repair speech issues or disorders in individuals related to swallowing.

How Therapeutic Services Can Assist You with Mental Health Care

Mental Health Support

For those with issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chemical dependency, therapy provides a haven for a sense of being safe to open up about one’s feelings, learn healthy ways of coping, and unfreeze through painful feelings. It can be learned, through psychotherapy, how to react in healthy ways to stressors, get out of the stupor of negative thinking, and become sensitive to the feelings one experiences.

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Therapeutic services can also help in coping with individuals changing life, relationship issues, or grief. Whether it is surviving divorce, grieving loss, or related stress, therapy helps to provide a safe marking ground for emotions to be sorted out and sense to be found in such circumstances.

Physical Rehabilitation and Pain Management

The different types of rehabilitation include physiotherapy, after which hood is performed to restore movement, mobility, and functions for various reasons because of various physical injuries plus long-term pain. The physiotherapists are meant to assess your condition and draw up a personalized treatment plan apart from assisting you in learning by performing techniques or exercises needed to relieve you of pain and recover movement. This kind of treatment is essential in rehabilitation or post-surgery after accidents, but, in that light, it may allow more efficient management of long-standing illnesses like arthritis or back pain.

Improvement in Communication and Daily Life

Speech therapists treat speech delay in children or—if a person has suffered a stroke and cannot speak—they treat such persons with hopes of improving speech or language comprehension and achieving effective communication.

Occupational therapy is done in collaboration with individuals who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities; a therapist provides support so that such individuals may better perform activities of daily living, such as cooking, dressing, and driving.

2025-09-09

Rail Merger Could Lead to Poor Service and High Fees, Warns Shippers Group

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s Big Merger: What It Means for You

The Deal in a Nutshell

On July 29, Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) signed a contract worth 85 billion dollars. They will merge into one company that covers 50,000 route‑miles of track across 43 states. This will create a coast‑to‑coast system that handles everything from chemicals to fresh produce.

Why the Companies Think It Helps

They say a single company can shave up to 48 hours from a railcar’s total travel time.
All paperwork will be handled by one system instead of flipping between two operators.
Trains will move without waiting for another company’s clearance at the border.

Who Says It Won’t Work

The Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) is a trade group that represents about 3,500 companies in chemicals, manufacturing, agriculture and energy. These members meet every year to share their concerns and ideas. The group has a long record of speaking out against big mergers.

FRCA president Emily Regis says history reveals that when rail companies merge, costs rise and service suffers. “The Freight Rail Customer Alliance has long been opposed to continued consolidation in the rail industry based on past experiences resulting in increased rates, higher fees and unreliable service,” she told FreightWaves.

What Past Mergers Have Done

When two rail companies have joined before, a few patterns appear:

Customers pay more for each shipment.
Fees creep in from hidden charges.
Schedules get messy, causing delays.

These are the same problems that the FRCA wants to avoid. They fear that the new company will do the same thing.

Why People Care

Every American business depends on freight rail to move goods. If rail rates go up, those businesses must raise their own prices. Consumers then face higher prices at the store. That is why customers of chemical plants, car factories and farms are very interested in how this merger will affect them.

What the Merger Promises

A single “border” that eliminates the hand‑off between two operators.
One software platform that tracks a journey from start to finish.
Shorter total delivery times, which should save money for shippers.

What FRCA Wants Instead

Rates that stay flat or go down.
Transparent fees so customers know what they pay.
Consistent schedules that do not change at company borders.

Bottom Line

UP and NS are betting on a bigger, faster network that should bring benefits to industries across the country. The FRCA, however, urges caution. They warn that history shows an increase in cost and a lack of reliability after past mergers. The next months will reveal whether the new company lives up to its promises or repeats the patterns of the past.

What the FRCA Is Saying About U.S. Rail Freight

FRCA stands for the Freight Rail Consumer Association. It’s a group that watches freight rail for consumers, shippers, and communities. They’ve noticed a big change in the rail business since 1980, and they want more fairness for all who depend on rail to move goods.

Why The Rail Industry Is Smaller Now

Since the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, freight rail companies were freed from many heavy regulations. At first, this meant more freedom for the railway owners. But over time it also opened the market to other transportation methods, especially trucks. The number of big rail carriers, called Class I carriers, fell from about forty to just six.

Those six carriers now handle about 90 percent of all freight hauled by rail across the United States. When you see the trend, you realize the power, and the work, is all in a few hands. The rest of the small and mid‑size railers have partly disappeared or been taken over.

How This Affects Shipments

The bigger carriers own most routes and the major hubs. They decide on schedules, rates, and track access. This concentration can bite shippers that rely on rail to move bulk items such as coal, grain or chemicals. When pricing gets higher or train services are slower, shippers may switch to trucks.

Over the last twenty years, truck transport has taken more business because of poor service and high rates from the few remaining rail carriers. Yet, despite losing market share to trucks, rail companies have kept boosting their earnings and shrinking their operating costs.

Market Power Is a Big Concern

Ann Warner, a spokesperson for the FRCA, explained that this growing “market power” is a real worry. It’s when a company can set prices or change services with little competition to balance it out.

She pointed out that the rail carriers might be pushing shippers into contracts that sit outside the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (STB). These contracts lack adequate service guarantees and protect shippers from hefty or rising fees.

So even if a company claims it saved money through something called Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), the savings are not passed to shippers. They’re kept for the rail owners or shared with shareholders, leaving almost no benefit for those who actually send goods by rail.

What “Precision Scheduled Railroading” Is About

PSR is a way for rail companies to streamline operations. They focus on running trains on a strict timetable, dropping unnecessary stops, and improving efficiency. The idea is to cut operating ratios – a measure of how much the company spends relative to the revenue it brings in.

But according to the FRCA, these efficiencies are not shared. The rail carriers keep the gains, and the shipping companies feel left out. They are told to handle all costs themselves, even though the rail company improves performance.

What The STB Can Do

The STB’s job is to regulate the freight rates and terms that are publicly announced. They can approve or reject the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), or a similar deal. But the STB does not have authority over private contracts shippers may agree to with rail carriers.

Because shippers often have a choice between different carriers, the STB needs to make sure these choices are fair. The agency can set rules that carry to help shippers get reliable service and prevent unfair fees or access issues.

However, it’s unclear how a tighter set of rules – for example, stricter guidelines about merging rail companies – would help larger shippers that move bulk freight. Those shippers often use “unit trains” that carry one commodity from point to point.

Unit Trains Explained

A unit train is a single train that carries a single product, like coal or grain. It moves directly from the source location to the destination, without stops at intermediate places. This reduces handling and speeds up the transit time.

Because unit train shippers rely on one rail company to move their entire load, they are more vulnerable if that carrier becomes too powerful or tries to hike a fee. Therefore, competition among carriers matters a lot to keep freight costs reasonable.

Reflections from FRCA Members

Frank Regis, a spokesperson for the FRCA, emphasized that a transcontinental merger brings a chance for better competition, especially for those who ship via unit trains. The idea is that a single carrier could offer better service or lower rates than when multiple carriers compete for the same shipment.

He said the key for shippers is guaranteed competition. When competition is assured, shippers get higher service quality and better pricing. The STB should enforce that competition, not leave it solely to market forces.

There’s also a worry about how long it would take for a new merger to actually improve the service. When past mergers happened, some shippers saw service disruptions or falling standards. It’s hard to avoid these headaches.

Why Freight Volume Matters

Every year, about one and a half billion tons of cargo pass through U.S. raillines. Roughly half is bulk material – such as coal, grain, or other large products that require unit trains.

When only a few carriers handle this huge amount, the risk of higher costs or lower service is high. So it is very important that any merger preserves or improves competition, especially for the shippers that depend on bulk goods to run their businesses.

The FRCA Plans to Watch the Mergers

Ann Warner said that the FRCA is ready to stay behind the scenes and help if a formal merger application is submitted. They want to provide feedback, ask questions, and help shape decisions that keep the rail industry fair and efficient.

The group believes that shippers should know that the rail industry still has an obligation to offer reliable service and reasonable rates. Even with a huge merger, the STB must watch closely to ensure shippers get what they need to succeed.

What This Means for Everyone

When a railroad company merges with another, the goal is to make the network smoother, cheaper, and faster for everyone. But it also gives those companies more control over tracks, freight rates, and service schedules.

If the control is too much, shippers might lose choice or unfairly face high rates. That’s why the STB matters – it reviews any merger to make sure the public, not just the company, benefits.

The FRCA sees the big question: Will a transcontinental merger actually lead to a better rail system for shippers, especially those that move big, batch commodities? The group wants evidence that any potential improvement will happen soon and will keep rail services intact and strong.

Looking Ahead

There are plans for the STB to set stricter rules for how rail mergers are reviewed in the future. This means they will look more closely at how a merged company will affect freight rates, service quality, and competition.

We’ll see if these new rules help the carriers stay healthy while protecting shippers and customers. If the outcomes are positive, shippers will have fair rates and reliable trucking. If it goes the other way, the state may need to intervene to help the public.

Overall, the FRCA’s voice reminds us that rail freight should serve the public and the economy, not just the owners. Their goal is to keep the rail ladder robust, protected, and true to its purpose: moving goods safely and efficiently across the country.

2025-09-08

Should I Force My Teenager to Spend Time with Me? – Health Cages

Introduction:

It can be difficult as a parent to see your teen child pull away from family time. It’s a common difficulty: Should I force my teenager to spend time with me? This question touches on broad themes of family dynamics, adolescent independence, and maintaining meaningful relationships. In this blog, we’ll explore the solution to this problem, address common concerns

in this blog, we’ll discuss these topics:

Understanding the Teenage Perspective
The Impact of Family Time on Teenagers
Addressing Common Concerns
Balancing Independence and Family Time
Practical Tips for Engaging Your Teenager
Conclusion:
Faq’s

Understanding the Teenage Perspective

Why Teenagers Pull Away

Young people are in that phase of life where they are finding their identity and seeking independence. Teenagers often change their priorities during this period, with friends and personal interests taking over family time. Understanding that this behavior is a normal part of development can help parents compassion for the situation.

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When Is a Teenager No Longer a Teenager?

The teenage years are usually between the ages of 13 and 19. However, the transition from teenage to adulthood is progressive, and the exact age when someone is not considered a teenager can be different. The focus should be on supporting your teenager through this developmental stage, either than setting specific milestones with age.

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The Impact of Family Time on Teenagers

The Importance of Spending Time Together

Spending time with family is significant for maintaining close relationships. It provides hope for bonding and creating golden memories. For teenagers, these relations can offer a sense of stability and support, especially during times of personal change and growth.

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What Teens Like to Do

Understanding what your teen enjoys can help teens more time spend with you. Activities like going out, sports, or creative projects that match their interests can make spending time together more enjoyable. Asking them about their preferences can help them plan meaningful activities.

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Addressing Common Concerns

Is It Okay for Teens to Not Want to Be Around Family?

It’s normal for teenagers to seek more independence and sometimes they prefer to be alone. This desire for independence does not necessarily indicate a problem or a lack of love for their family. It’s part of their development as they form their personality.

What If I Feel That My Teenager Doesn’t Want to Do Anything?

If your teenager seems disconnected or unmotivated, it could be a sign of underlying issues such as stress or a loss of interest. Open communication is key to understanding their perspective and finding ways to help them effectively.

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Balancing Independence and Family Time

The Strain of Forced Family Time

Forcing a teenager to spend time with family can lead to resentment and conflict. It can also damage the trust and respect that are important for healthy parent-teen relationships. Instead of creating tension, it is important to approach this issue with sensitivity and understanding.

The Emotional Toll on Both Sides

When family time feels forced, it can cause emotional stress. Teens can feel stressed, while parents can feel rejected and disconnected. This tension can affect the overall family dynamic and lead to misunderstandings.

Strategies for a Harmonious Relationship

Open Communication: Initiate honest conversations about your teenager’s feelings and preferences. Understanding their point of view is crucial for finding common ground.
Plan Joint Activities: Discover activities that interest both you and your teenager. Whether it’s a shared hobby or a new experience, finding mutual interests can enhance family time.
Respect Their Space: Acknowledge and respect your teenager’s need for independence. Offering support while allowing them space can strengthen your relationship.
Seek Professional Guidance: If conflicts persist, consider family counseling. A professional can provide strategies and support for improving family dynamics.

Practical Tips for Engaging Your Teenager

Where to Take a Teenager for a Day Out

Planning an outing that fits your teen’s interests can be a great way to spend quality time together. Popular ideas include visiting a concert, going to a sports game, or exploring new places based on your hobbies.

Finding Common Ground

Engage your teen in conversations about what they enjoy and find ways to incorporate those interests into family activities. This approach can make spending time together more enjoyable and less of a chore.

Conclusion:

Forcing your teen to spend time with you is unlikely to yield positive results. Instead, focus on developing relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. By communicating openly, planning engaging activities, and respecting their need for independence, you can strengthen your family bond and create a supportive environment.

Remember, the teenage years are a time of significant change, and navigating them with compassion and patience will benefit both you and your teen in the long run.

Faq’s

Q1. Should I force my teenager to spend time with me?

A1. Harris advises against forcing your teenager to spend time with you. However, she emphasizes not giving up on encouraging this time together. “Remember, your teen still needs you, even if they act like they just want to be with their friends all the time,” she says.

Q2. Should you punish a 17-year-old?

A2. Disciplining teenagers is not about punishment but about ensuring their safety and teaching them to make healthy choices. Positive discipline strategies help maintain a harmonious family environment and foster responsible behavior.

Q3. What to do when your child doesn’t want to spend time with you?

A3. Join in on their favorite activities. Whether it’s watching the same game or exploring the mall together, even minimal interaction can make a difference. If your child prefers to be alone, let them know you’re there because you want to share in their experiences.

Q4. What to do when your teenager shuts you out?

A4. When your teenager gives you the cold shoulder, start by acknowledging their feelings. Ease off with the questions and allow them space to cope. Reassure them that you are always available for support when they need it.

Q5. Is it normal to not want to spend time with your child?

A5. According to Louise Clarke of Your Parenting Partner, it’s normal for parents to sometimes struggle with enjoying alone time with their kids. Admitting and accepting these feelings can be difficult, but it’s important to recognize that it’s a common experience.

You’re not alone. Find support and info on our mental health blog.

2025-09-06

Ramadan fasting advice for employees & employers to follow

As we approach the Islamic holy month of Ramadan healthy fasting and workplace routines are critical for employees and also for employers to understand so that staff performance can be assessed fairly.

Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, International SOS is raising health and travel awareness among organisations around the world. This year, Ramadan is expected to start around May 16 or 17 and end around mid-June, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar. Taking into account longer daylight hours and warmer weather, medical experts at International SOS have collated essential health tips for fasting employees.
Medical Director Dr. Issam Badaoui said: “Each year, we remind organisations and fasting individuals that there are simple steps they can take to ensure they have a healthy, productive month. Practically, the advice we offer should be applied throughout the year, as part of a balanced, active lifestyle, and the good news is we are noticing a growing interest in both nutrition and exercise.
At International SOS, we are keen to champion wellness and ultimately contribute to the prevention of avoidable, lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes – and what better time to encourage the adoption of sustainable, wholesome habits than during the holy month of Ramadan.”
International SOS’s top five tips for employees observing the fast this Ramadan are:
Do not skimp on rest and sleep – Ramadan is a time of increased prayer and gatherings of family and friends. Though it may be tempting to stay up late for Suhour and only sleep after Imsak, you should still aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep during every 24-hour period, even if this is accumulated over several separate periods of rest. A well-rested body and mind will make it easier for you to concentrate at work and have more energy throughout the day.
Stagger your hydration – Thirst can be one of the most challenging symptoms of fasting, leading us to chug plenty of water and liquids as soon as we break our fast and then just before Imsak. However, rehydration should be a cumulative process. The best way to rehydrate fasting bodies and maintain this hydration for longer is to pace your liquid intake by consuming at least 2 litres of water – one or two glasses at a time – between Iftar and Imsak. It also helps to cut down on caffeinated drinks at night, and to top up your liquid intake with soups, fruits and vegetables rich in water, such as cucumbers and watermelon.
Beware excess salt and sugar – After a full day of fasting, avoid satisfying cravings by filling up on sweets and sugary beverages such as soda and energy drinks, which lead to an unhealthy spike in glucose levels. Instead, opt for the natural sugars found in fruits, and consume complex carbohydrates such as rice, bread and wholegrains alongside vegetables, which will keep you fuller for longer.
As for salt intake, it is worth keeping in mind that having moderately savoury foods with water can help you retain some hydration for longer. However, consuming too much salt will have an adverse effect and contribute to thirst and dehydration during the day, so go easy on salty snacks such as popcorn and salted nuts at night.
Do more in the morning – Where possible, schedule more difficult tasks requiring greater concentration or physical effort in the morning, when you will have more energy. International SOS encourages businesses each year to schedule important meetings during the first half of the day, when fasting employees will have more energy and will be better able to retain new information.
Don’t stop exercising – Though you may feel more tired and understandably less active while fasting, skipping regular exercise for a full month is unhealthy, particularly as most of your food intake will be consumed at night. Moderate exercise is advisable and will also help you feel less sluggish. Just remember to wait a couple of hours after Iftar before going to the gym or simply for a brisk walk. If you still prefer to schedule workouts while fasting, avoid being in the sun for a long time, take frequent breaks, and stop if you feel faint, light-headed or extremely thirsty.
In addition, individuals suffering from chronic illnesses should consult their doctors on how to manage regular medication and to ensure it is safe for them to fast.

2025-09-04

Building Unified Offshore Teams: The Manager’s Toolkit

Why Offshore Teams Are the Real MVPs

Gone are the days when hiring across borders was just a cost‑cutting trick. Today, it’s the ticket to world‑class talent and fresh ideas. When a team is tightly knit, productivity soars by 30 %, projects finish faster (up 45 %), and staff stick around 25 % longer than teams that lack solid management.

The Secret Sauce: Management, Not Just Geography

It’s not the time‑zone differences or fancy tech that makes the magic happen; it’s how leaders create genuine collaboration, earn trust, and rally everyone around a common purpose—even when the team is spread across continents.

Enter EOR Services: Quick Wins, No Paperwork Hassles

Companies that use Employer of Record (EOR) services can jump into action faster and stay compliant with less bureaucratic weight. That frees managers to focus on bringing people together rather than drowning in paperwork.

What Big Brands Are Saying

Structured communication – clear, scheduled check‑ins keep everyone on the same page.
Defined roles – when nobody’s “just someone who shows up,” the team doesn’t get muddled.
Regular virtual touchpoints – daily chats or weekly stand‑ups bridge the distance gap.

With these practices, remote squads can match or even outshine their in‑office counterparts. But only if managers embrace strategies that tackle the quirks of distance, culture, and digital collaboration.

Bottom Line

Letting a project run smooth and keeping your crew happy isn’t a joke – it’s a mis‑managed lesson. By investing in the right leadership tools and EOR support, firms can turn offshore hires into their biggest competitive edge.

Understanding Offshore Team Dynamics

Riding the Offshore Wave

The Big Picture

Offshore squads are like a crew of distant sailors: they’re not in the same kitchen, they’re in different time slots, and they’re all talking through headphones. Yet, they’re sprinting to the same finish line.

What Keeps Them on the Same Page?

Physical Distance: Picture trying to finish a jigsaw puzzle without the pieces nearby – a fun challenge if you’ve got patience.
Time‑Zone Tango: Meetings at 2 AM in Lagos? Sure, let’s just swap coffee for a midnight snack.
Cultural Jigsaw: Different customs, attitudes, and shorthand. One guy might love “YOLO,” another prefers “let’s play it by ear.”
Tech‑Mediated Hangouts: Video calls, chat threads, and file shares become the new office where the coffee machine is actually a Zoom barista.

Why It Matters

When these hurdles are tackled smartly, teams can actually harmonize – delivering brilliance while keeping their sanity. The secret? A splash of creativity, a dash of humor, and a commitment to staying connected, no matter where the clock strikes.

2025-09-02

Marseille flights and trains experience second day of disruptions as wildfires blaze in France

Marseille Airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday as wildfires raced towards the city.

Marseille Airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday due to a wildfire raging close to the southern French port city.
An official update from the transport hub states that flights have now resumed without restrictions as of 9.30am on 9 July, although delays and cancellations are still expected.

Train traffic was also halted in most of the surrounding area, and some roads were closed and others tangled with logjams.
The prefecture said in a statement Tuesday evening that ’’the situation is under control,″ though the fire has not yet been extinguished. It described the fire as ’’particularly virulent.″
It urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads.

Flights still delayed and cancelled at Marseille Airport

Flights to and from Marseille Provence Airport have resumed, but travellers are still advised to prepare for disruption.
“Delays or cancellations may nevertheless occur. We invite travellers to consult the updated list of departing and arriving flights in real time, and to contact their airline for more information,” the airport says in a notice on their website.

“Travellers with a reservation on a cancelled flight are asked not to go to the airport and to contact their airline to find out the conditions that apply.”
So far, flights that have been cancelled today are Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Air France to Paris CDG, Aegean Cronus Airlines to Athens, Iberia to Madrid, Brussels Airlines to Brussels, Lufthansa to Munich, and Pegasus Airlines to Istanbul.
Several arrivals are also delayed or cancelled.
The airport adds that access to the transport hub by public transport and by road from Marseille remains disrupted, and travellers should give themselves extra time for the journey.

On Tuesday, Marseille Airport closed at around midday and halted all flights as wildfires, fanned by winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, raged nearby.

Some flights were diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports.
The disruption comes during a peak travel season as the French summer holiday period begins.

Train traffic halted around Marseille

The prefecture said train traffic was halted, notably after a fire neared the tracks in L’Estaque, a picturesque neighbourhood of Marseille.
SNCF, France’s national rail operator, said rail travel to and from Marseille would remain “highly affected” on Wednesday.
Its website shows more than a dozen train services have been cancelled or delayed in and out of the city.
ZOU! rail service suspended its services in both directions between Marseille and Miramas.

French regions under red alert for wildfires

Several weeks of heatwaves combined with strong winds have increased the risk of wildfires in southern France, with several breaking out over the past couple of days.
More than 1,000 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau before racing toward Marseille. Some 720 hectares were hit by the blaze, the prefecture said.
Nine firefighters were injured, according to the prefecture, or local administration. No dead have been reported.
Hundreds of homes were evacuated. The prefecture urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads. With the fire approaching Marseille, the prefecture also advised residents in the north of the city to keep windows closed to prevent toxic smoke from entering their homes.
A red alert has been issued for forest fire risk in Bouches-du-Rhone, Var, and Vaucluse, France.

Wildfires threaten south of France tourism economy

The blaze in Marseille comes at a time when Mediterranean tourism is at its peak, placing additional pressure on local infrastructure and visitor perceptions.
Mabrian, a global travel intelligence platform, analysed the impact of this natural disaster on air connectivity and traveller sentiment.
According to the group, up to 45,000 air seats and 282 flights could potentially be affected between 8 and 9 July 8.
“Marseille Airport is the main gateway to Provence and the South of France, which welcomes 30 million tourists annually – especially during the summer season,” explains Carlos Cendra, partner and director of marketing and communications at Mabrian.
“Any disruption to air traffic at this time of year is always a cause for concern.”
The wildfire is also significantly affecting two key drivers of travel demand: climate and safety perception. These factors are influencing overall sentiment toward the tourism offering and the broader visitor experience in the region.
Compared to the same period in 2024, Marseille’s Perception of Climate Index (PCI) has seen a sharp decline this week, dropping by -36.4 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Perception of Security Index (PSI) has experienced a marked decrease since July 1st, representing a -5.1 per cent year-over-year decline.

2025-08-28

The Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Contact Lenses Safely – Health Cages

Are you tired of struggling with your glasses or making mistakes with contact lenses as a first-time user? Imagine if you wake up and see the world clearly without glasses slipping down your nose, or if there is no foggy lens when drinking morning tea. That’s the freedom contact lenses offer! While they bring great convenience, wearing contact lenses safely takes a little practice and the right guidance. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through what contact lenses are, their benefits, and essential dos and don’ts so you can enjoy clear vision comfortably and confidently.

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What Exactly Are Contact Lenses and Why Are They So Popular?

Contact lenses are tiny, transparent discs that rest gently on the surface of your eye, correcting your vision or even changing your eye color for cosmetic fun. Unlike glasses, which sit a little away from your eyes, contact lenses move with your eye, providing a wider, more natural field of vision. Today’s lenses are crafted from advanced materials like soft hydrogels and gas-permeable plastics that let your eyes breathe and stay comfortable throughout the day.

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Here’s why many people in Pakistan and around the world prefer contact lenses:

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Freedom to Move: No worries about broken frames or glasses sliding off during your daily activities.
Crystal Clear Vision: Because lenses sit directly on your eye, your view is sharper and more natural.
Boosted Confidence: Show off your face without any frames getting in the way.
Perfect for Active Lifestyles: Whether you’re playing cricket, jogging in the park, or attending special events, lenses keep up with you.

Ready to experience these benefits? You can easily order your lenses online with a valid prescription. For Pakistani users, the Focus Lens is a trusted brand offering reliable products and convenient home delivery.

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Different Types of Contact Lenses: Which One Suits You?

Contact lenses come in different types, each designed for individual needs, so consult your eye doctor before shopping.

Types	Wearing Duration	Best For
Soft (daily)	1 day	Beginners, sensitive eyes
Soft (bi-weekly/monthly)	2 weeks/1 month	Regular wearers
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP)	Up to 1 year	Special vision needs
Toric/Multifocal	Varies	Astigmatism, presbyopia
Colored/Cosmetic	Varies	Fun, special corrections

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Why You Must Get an Eye Exam Before Buying Lenses

Before you buy any contact lenses, a professional eye exam is essential. Your ophthalmologist will check your eye health, measure your eyes accurately, and recommend the right lenses. Never purchase lenses without a prescription; the wrong fit can cause discomfort, blurry vision, or even infections.

How to Put In And Take Out Contact Lenses Safely

At first, following all the contact lens guidelines might feel tricky. But once you have learned the rules, it’s clear why you choose contact lenses over glasses every day. Here is that beginners need to know about some hygiene steps:

Wash Your Hands

Always start with clean, dry hands. Use soap and water, and dry with a lint-free towel. Dirty hands are the #1 cause of eye infections.

Check the Lens

Before putting in your contact lens, confirm it is clean and not torn. Also, find if your contact lens is inside out, place it on your fingertip, and look at its shape from the side. It should look like a bowl, not a saucer.

Insert the Lens

Place the lens carefully on your fingertip. With one hand, hold your upper eyelid open to prevent blinking, and with the other hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid. Then, slowly and gently place the lens onto your eye. After the lens is in place, blink slowly a few times and look around to help the lens settle comfortably on your eye.

Remove the Lens

Before removing your contact lens, wash your hands thoroughly once again. Then, look upward and gently pull down your lower eyelid with one hand. Using your thumb and finger, carefully pinch the lens to remove it from your eye. Finally, place the lens into your clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution to keep it safe and disinfected.

How to Take Care Of Your Contact Lenses

Do:

Use only the lens solution your doctor recommends.
Clean your case every day and replace it every 3 months.
Stick to the wearing schedule (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly).

Don’t:

Never use water or saliva to clean lenses.
Don’t sleep in lenses unless your doctor says it’s okay.
Don’t share your lenses with anyone.

Remember: Your eyes are precious. Treat them with care!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes and how to dodge them:

Wearing lenses too long: Always follow the schedule.
Swimming or showering with lenses: Water can carry germs.
Ignoring discomfort: If your eyes hurt, take the lenses out and call your doctor.
Skipping follow-ups: Regular eye exams keep your eyes safe.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you notice any of these signs, remove your lenses and see your eye doctor right away:

Redness or pain
Blurry vision
Light sensitivity
Discharge or swelling

Conclusion

If you are a teen and a first-time contact lens user. You must have to get some knowledge about contact lenses, their types, and special guidance on how to put in, take out, and clean your lenses correctly, so you can enjoy clear vision and your elegant look. Follow this step-by-step beginner guide to enjoy all the benefits without worry.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your eye exam if you haven’t already, and buy contact lenses from a trusted brand, Optiflex Lens, in Pakistan. Your eyes deserve the best; give them the care they need, and enjoy a brighter, clearer world.

FAQs

Are contact lenses safe for beginners?

Yes, if you follow your doctor’s advice.

Can I wear contacts with dry eyes?

Yes, but ask your doctor for the right type.

Do contacts expire?

Yes. Always check the date and follow the replacement schedule.

How to care for lenses as a beginner?

Always wash your hands before handling them, clean and rinse lenses with fresh, doctor-recommended solution, store them in a clean case, replace every three months, and never use water or saliva to clean or moisten your lenses.

Why do I Still Need an Eye Doctor?

Because contact lenses are medical devices that require regular monitoring and care to keep your eyes healthy, and prevent complications like infections or damage.

2025-08-22

New Apple TV Show Glorifies Liberal Woman Profiling "Right Wingers" For The FBI

Leftist organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center have been saying for decades that “conservative extremists” are the biggest domestic terror threat in the US. Of course, the ADL and SPLC have been oddly quiet when it comes to the multitude of leftist related shootings and terror attacks in recent years, including several transgender related mass shootings since 2018. These incidents don’t fit the progressive narrative mold.

You will likely never see a TV series based on government agents scouring the internet for left-wing extremists plotting potential mass killings, even though there is an endless gold vein of real life story material to be mined for such a show. Until Donald Trump took office this year, it’s highly unlikely that the FBI was looking into woke zealots with any seriousness.

The focus of Hollywood propaganda, the focus of government propaganda and the focus of NGO propaganda has long been the demonization of conservatives, red pillers, anti-feminists, militia members and “white supremacists” (essentially anyone against mass immigration from third-world nations). Overtly political productions are crushing Hollywood’s profit margins because they still operate on a model that treats the “right wing” as a fringe minority. In reality, the right wing is the majority.

Apple TV apparently still hasn’t gotten the memo, or, they’re releasing content today that they started shooting years ago and it’s too late to turn back. Their latest series, The Savant, is set to be released this month and the trailer has gone viral on social media, but not in a good way.

Beyond the tiresome woke tropes that plague the majority of mainstream productions, The Savant trailer feels like something out of a time capsule dug up from an earthen floor in the basement at MSNBC. A brilliant liberal white women operating in the shadows, working for the FBI and using the internet as a weapon to undermine conservative racists, terrorists and “incels” bent on the destruction of progressive democracy? It’s a bit laughable.

It sounds like an ego-stroking fantasy tale written for Tumblre, but the show is actually based on a “true story” featured in an article written for Cosmopolitan back in 2019. The article tracks the career of an anonymous woman known as “the Savant” who works for the federal authorities to identify possible terrorists. She frequents forums and chat boards, engaging with “evil right wingers” and determining if they are a serious threat. She even, allegedly, received praise from former FBI Director Robert Mueller.

The idea feels old because it is old. The article mentions the Savant’s operations in reference to the ADL and SPLC, though it’s unclear if she collaborates with them directly. Her work links to events that occurred almost a decade prior to the Cosmo piece. Most of her targets are little known, arrested for minor offenses that rarely make the news. But according to Cosmo, people like the Savant are defusing worse crimes before they happen.

Interestingly, the primary example used in the article to showcase the Savant’s talents is the identification of a Muslim terrorist, not a right wing terrorist. The man was Michael Finton, who was arrested in 2009 during a sting in which the feds gave him a fake truck bomb and let him try to blow up a federal building in Illinois.

This suggests that the Savant is probably more than a profiler, she’s a profiler who identifies people who can be “nudged”. It’s a covert agency term often used to describe the tactic of manipulating an easily led person into committing a crime or attack. These crimes are then used by governments to destroy the reputations of the various groups that the individuals are associated with, while conjuring mass fear and suspicion in the populace.

A recent example would be the FBI attempt to manufacture a militia kidnapping plot against Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2022 that involved more federal informants than actual suspects.

Cosmo focuses heavily on the “red pill” movement, which the Savant was monitoring in 2019. The bias is dripping and the hatred for anti-feminist movements is obvious, connecting the most extreme of examples to average men who have the guts to call out the trespasses of Marxist feminism. There was a clear agenda in the US at that time to link anti-feminism among white conservatives with terrorism, a plan which ultimately failed to gain traction. Though, we are still seeing similar propaganda programs today in Europe, Canada and Australia. The article notes:

“On sites like Gab, Reddit, 4chan, 8chan, and VK, the new white supremacists and misogynists hatch conspiracy theories that take off on Twitter and make it on fake news sites like InfoWars and even occasionally Fox News. They serve up “constant peer pressure to do something criminal,” says K (the Savant). They turn hate speech into hate crimes…”

It’s easy to see why this is nonsense – They make no mention of Islamic fundamentalism which is perhaps the greatest concentration of violent ideology against women in the world. In other words, whoever the Savant is, she is a mechanism of a leftist slander machine that is quickly dying (whether she considers herself a leftist or not). A machine desperate to fabricate a conspiracy of murderous conservatives that doesn’t exist, simply because people on the right disagree with woke talking points. She’s not a hero, far from it.

Apple TV thought this story was a worthy premise for an expensive streaming series and they’ve been met with resounding ridicule online. The political left is not just out of touch, they are out of time.

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2025-08-21

Should I Get a Botox Treatment?

If you’re asking whether or not you should get a San Diego botox treatment, odds are you’ve had friends or family who has undergone the procedure and achieved excellent results. However, you may be nervous about the procedure simply because it is new to you and you don’t know what to expect.ContentsWhat Happens During a Botox Treatment?Why Do People Get Botox?What Should I Look for in a Botox Dermatologist?

In this guide, we will break down what happens during a Botox treatment, why patients have the procedure performed on them, and what you should look for in your Botox dermatologist.

What Happens During a Botox Treatment?

Botox treatments generally consist of a simple, three-step procedure to get you in and out with minimal discomfort or time commitment: For Best botox san diego Call us at 858-263-6002.

The Dermatologist’s Team Will Set You Up. Generally, the dermatologist or a member of his or her team will bring you back to the treatment room and get you set up. The dermatologist will then review the treatment with you, ensuring that you are both on the same page for where he or she will inject the substance, what to expect, etc.

The Dermatologist Will Inject the Botox. After applying a soothing cream, the doctor will then inject the Botox into your problem areas. The procedure itself only takes a few moments and the entire time from entering the office to leaving is often less than 20 minutes total.

The Dermatologist Will Review Discharge and Follow Up. The dermatologist and members of his or her team will then review any specific discharge instructions such as any movements to avoid, foods to abstain from, and what to expect over the next few days and weeks. They will then provide you with instructions for when to schedule your follow up appointment and discuss anything else that needs to be addressed before you go.

Read More: What Do You Need to Know About Juvederm Voluma?

Why Do People Get Botox?

The most common reason why people elect to receive Botox treatment is that these individuals wish to address cosmetic issues, especially wrinkles. Botox works great for wrinkle reduction because the injected substance is administered directly into the muscle and nerve area that is causing the wrinkles in question. Once injected, these muscles relax over the course of a few days to a week, causing the skin to appear wrinkle-free. This result often lasts for up to 6 months.

Outside of cosmetic issues, Botox can also be used to treat a variety of conditions including TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), Hyperhidrosis (inappropriate sweating in body areas such as the hands or armpits), and spasticity caused by neurological issues.

What Should I Look for in a Botox Dermatologist?

Above all, you’ll want to look for a dermatologist who has experience with Botox injections. While any dermatologist who performs Botox procedures will be able to achieve a good outcome, experienced clinicians will minimize bruising risk and will often complete the procedure more quickly than their novice counterparts.

Outside of experience, it is a good idea to check out the dermatologist’s website or call the office to get a feel for them. If they don’t seem like the type of doctor you generally like to work with, you should consider searching elsewhere. Make sure it’s a good experience for you!

Are you ready to get your first Botox treatment? If so, call a qualified Botox dermatologist today!

2025-07-26

Emoji Evolution: From Small Symbols to Global Language

Emoji Evolution: A Crazy, Colorful, and Hilarious Roller‑Coaster

When Pictograms Became the Heavy‑Hitters of Text

Since the middle of the ’90s, emojis have been the secret sauce of every chat, meme, and almost every headline. They’re everywhere: teenagers in Tokyo texting their crush, seniors in Paris sending a cat‑with‑a‑sardine to their grandchildren, and even remote pilots in Antarctica sending a thumbs‑up to the ground control.

The Emoji Squad Gets Greener (and Greasier)

If you’re a fan of numbers piling up, you’ll be thrilled that Unicode keeps adding fresh faces. The next big push aims for nearly 4,000 characters by next year. It adds 164 add‑ons, but only nine of them are brand‑new designs. The rest are variations of already‑familiar icons—think different skin tones or gender options—so that every user can finally pick the emoji that feels like they.

From 112 to 8: How the Emoji Boom Has a Flipping End

2022 – 112 new emojis were released. The world’s emoji population got a major upgrade.
2023 – Only 31 were added. It was a lean year, like a minimalist gym routine.
2024 – The number jumped back to 118, thanks to many “option‑packed” choices (skin colour, gender).
2025 – A tiny number of just 8 new emojis made the cut—an all‑time low that left many fans asking, “What am I missing?”

Non‑Customizable Icons Are Declining

Each time Unicode rolls out an update, the batch of “standard” emojis (the ones that can’t be tweaked) shrinks. It’s like the old, plain chocolate type being replaced by colorful, gender‑specific cupcakes.

Other Visual Tools Are Competing for Attention

Whether it’s GIFs, stickers, or avatars, the internet loves anything that can poke fun or convey feelings that plain text can’t. These visual goodies are now massive contenders, fighting hard to keep emojis from being the only way we express emotion.

Bottom Line: Emojis Keep On, With a Few Bumps in the Road

So, next time you pick the heart‑eyes emoji or the questionable “shrug” symbol, remember that behind every single chip of delight lies years of relentless licensing, innovation, and a little sprinkle of hype.

Emoji Shuffle: Inside the Unicode Consortium’s Latest Parade of New Icons

Ever noticed that your phone seems to be running out of creative juice? That’s because the Unicode Consortium is still swimming in a sea of color and imagination—but the race to keep your emoji deck fresh is getting a little tangled.

StatistaNew 2025’s Hall of Fame

The beetroot? Yes, it’s officially in the mix.
Shovels and the flag of the British Channel Island Sark – because every tiny flag deserves its moment.

These “icons” are the latest offerings from StatistaNew’s 2025 line, showing that even when the public pitches ideas, the emoji makers sometimes feel like they’re stuck in a design vacuum.

Unicode’s Upcoming Menagerie (2026)

In a near‑futuristic lineup, the consortium has flagged the orca, the yeti, a landslide, and even a ballet dancer for 2026. Funny how a love for a ballroom dancer is filing a paperwork request alongside a mythical beast. Yet the final green light is still pending—stay tuned!

How the Consortium Keeps Your Emojis in Order

It all began back in 1995 when the U.S. nonprofit first tweaked 76 pictograms. Those early icons set the straight‑ahead path: Unicode oversees a tapestry of text characters for every device, ensuring each line, glyph, or emoji has a universal address (even if the style varies from one app to another).

Early Influences and Modern Rise

1999: Shigetaka Kurita, who slid in 176 simple icons for a Japanese phone operator—think of him as the original emoji pioneer.
2010: Unicode dropped a massive 1,000‑emoji update to match the booming trend.

That spark turned the small “pictograms” into today’s emoji superstars.

Breaking Barriers: Diversity in Your Inbox

2015: Skin tone options arrived—now your emojis can match your own shade.
2017: Regional flags made it to the lineup, giving countries a chance to brag.
2010 & 2015: Same‑sex couples entered the scene, followed by non‑binary representation in 2017.
2019: Interracial couples made their debut, bringing broader color stories.

All these upgrades show that emojis genuinely keep pace with society—recognizing that we all value more than just the platonic grin.

Reaching Out? Loading Recommendations…

The next wave of icons is expected to roll out soon. Until then, keep swiping, keep laughing, and remember: every new emoji is a tiny yet powerful voice in our digital conversations. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this colorful saga!

2025-06-26

Safe, Professional, Beautiful The Lisa Topham RN, LLC Promise – Health Cages

Last spring, Margaret, a 45-year-old mom from Wilton, CT, decided it was time to do something for herself. Years of work, parenting, and stress had taken a toll on her skin—and her confidence. She wasn’t looking for dramatic changes, just a refreshed version of herself. After researching med spas in the area, she discovered Lisa Topham RN, LLC, a name that kept coming up with glowing reviews. One visit was all it took to know she had made the right choice.

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From the moment she stepped into the serene space at 57 Danbury Rd Suite 103, Wilton, CT 06897, Margaret knew she was in good hands. Lisa’s warm welcome, clinical expertise, and attention to detail instantly put her at ease. Today, Margaret’s skin looks radiant, her confidence has returned—and it all began with the promise of safe, professional, and beautiful care.

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A Legacy of Trust and Precision

Lisa Topham RN, LLC is not just another med spa. It’s a carefully crafted experience led by a seasoned professional with a medical background and an artist’s eye. Patients across Connecticut trust Lisa not only for the results she delivers but also for the high standards of safety and professionalism she upholds.

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Expert Use of Injectables

Lisa’s expertise in Botox, Neurotoxin, Lip Filler, and Dermal Filler makes her one of the most sought-after specialists in Wilton and beyond. Her approach is never about overdoing—it’s about enhancing your natural beauty in subtle yet effective ways.

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Botox and Neurotoxin treatments are tailored to soften fine lines while maintaining natural facial movement.
Lip Filler is used with precision to create a balanced and flattering shape, avoiding that “overdone” look.
Dermal Filler helps restore youthful volume to areas such as cheeks, jawlines, and under-eyes.

All injectable treatments are performed by Lisa herself, ensuring safety, precision, and the most refined results possible.

Cutting-Edge Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

Lisa Topham RN, LLC offers advanced solutions that go beyond traditional facials. From collagen stimulation to skin tightening and texture improvement, the services are designed with long-term beauty in mind.

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Innovative Treatments for Lasting Results

PDO Threads and PDO AfterGlo are non-surgical solutions to lift and firm sagging skin while enhancing skin quality.
Sculptra and Renuva stimulate your own collagen production for results that improve over time.
Kybella is an effective injectable option for reducing unwanted fat beneath the chin.

These treatments are perfect for those seeking natural-looking, gradual improvements that don’t require extensive downtime.

Personalized Skincare Services

Not every client needs injectables. Many come for expert facials, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels to maintain a glowing complexion year-round. Every treatment at Lisa Topham RN, LLC is customized to suit the client’s skin type, concerns, and goals.

Holistic Options for Skin Health

PRP and PRF are regenerative therapies using your body’s own growth factors to enhance skin tone and texture.
LumEnvy is a next-level skincare treatment designed for deep rejuvenation and brightening.
Upneeq is a prescription solution for drooping eyelids, offering a refreshed and awake appearance without surgery.

These therapies are designed to work in harmony with your body, revealing fresher skin from the inside out.

Why Patients Keep Coming Back

The clients of Lisa Topham RN, LLC aren’t just satisfied—they’re loyal. Whether it’s the calming environment, the attention to safety protocols, or the honest and informative consultations, people feel cared for at every step. The clinic’s presence on Instagram and Facebook showcases real results and shares educational content, helping clients feel confident in their choices.

At every appointment, Lisa and her team ensure that no question goes unanswered and no client feels rushed. Their philosophy is built around integrity, transparency, and transformation.

Your First Visit

Booking a consultation is simple. Whether you’re interested in Botox, Lip Filler, PDO Threads, or even just a rejuvenating facial, Lisa begins with a full consultation to understand your unique concerns. Clients are walked through every detail—no hidden surprises, just clear and confident care.

Ready to start your journey to a more radiant you? Call 203-520-3546 to speak directly with Lisa’s team and book your personalized consultation today. You can also visit the clinic at 57 Danbury Rd Suite 103, Wilton, CT 06897 for an in-person experience that combines warmth and world-class care.

The Final Word

In a world filled with quick fixes and overpromises, Lisa Topham RN, LLC stands out for doing things the right way—safely, professionally, and beautifully. Every client who walks through her doors becomes part of a story that blends science with artistry and care with transformation.

Are you ready to see what your story could look like?

2025-05-26

Top Five Tips for Business Start Ups

With that in mind and in the spirit of business development, I have put together my top five tips for start-ups, beneficial for all new businesses across the UK.

1: Prioritise your expenditure

Whether you secure £25,000 or £250,000 in investment I guarantee that the money will quickly run out! Therefore it is vital to prioritise your expenditure, only investing in what is necessary for day-to-day success and business development. When you reach the point of making a profit, it is so important to stick to the business plan and reinvest funds to secure that steady growth.

2: Mistakes are there to learn from

No matter how hard you plan, prioritise and organise there will still come a time when you make a mistake – we’re only human after all. However, there is very little point in wasting time obsessing over it. Instead, be productive and focus on what you have learnt and what you can now do to prevent it from happening again.

3: Spend time sourcing the right staff

Hiring the right employees is essential for every business and I cannot stress this point enough. Really take the time to source, interview and develop new team members, ensuring they are right on board you when it comes to your vision and goals for the future success of the business. I have said this before, but will say it time and time again – bad staff can break a business, but good staff can make it.

4: Source a good business mentor and listen!

Every good businessman or woman has or has had a business mentor. Richard Branson and the late Steve Jobs included. In winning the Apprentice 2015, Joseph will now benefit from the invaluable advice of Lord Sugar, which from experience is the real prize. A business mentor has the experience, the patience and the belief to guide and help you when it comes to making those all-important decisions – often providing an alternative perspective, which, in most, is difficult to see for yourself.

5: Marketing Marketing Marketing

You may have the best business concept, product or service in the world, but there is little point if no one knows it exists! Make sure you take the time to research your market and develop a coherent strategy that will focus on promoting your USP to the right target audience. At risk of stating the obvious, online or digital is the best place to start, and will be the first place people look when searching for a similar product or service.
Mark Wright, Director of Digital Marketing Agency Climb Online

2025-03-26

Fox Channels Could Become Unavailable On YouTube TV Over Payment Dispute

Authored by Victoria Freedman via The Epoch Times,

YouTube said on Monday that several Fox channels could become unavailable on YouTube TV if the two companies do not reach a deal by Aug. 27.

Google-owned YouTube said in a blog post that it is negotiating to renew its deal to carry Fox channels, but said the media company is asking for fees “far higher” than those paid to other partners offering similar content.

“If we are unable to reach a new agreement by 5 PM ET on August 27, 2025, Fox channels, including Fox Sports, Business, and News, would become unavailable on YouTube TV. Content from these channels saved in your library would also become unavailable at this time,” the company said.

The video streaming platform said its priority is to ensure a deal that is fair for both companies, and that does not pass on additional costs to subscribers.

YouTube added that should Fox content become unavailable for an extended period of time, it would provide subscribers with a $10 credit. Users will also be able to watch Fox content by signing up for Fox’s streaming service, Fox One, YouTube said.

YouTube has partnerships with content providers such as Fox, Paramount, and CNN to offer their channels through its subscription-based streaming service, YouTube TV.

Fox Corporation said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times on Tuesday: “While FOX remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with Google’s YouTube TV, we are disappointed that Google continually exploits its outsized influence by proposing terms that are out of step with the marketplace.

“We are alerting FOX viewers who are YouTube TV subscribers that they could lose access to much of their favorite news, sports, entertainment and local station programming unless Google engages in a meaningful way soon.”

The corporation launched the website KeepFox.com to keep viewers updated on the progress of negotiations. On the website, it highlights that YouTube TV customers “could be deprived of some of the fall’s biggest television sporting events,” including NFL and College Football on FOX, if the partnership expires.

Paramount Global Renews Partnership

In February, YouTube TV and Paramount Global—which owns channels including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon—renewed their partnership, after negotiations had earlier stalled.

In a statement provided to The Epoch Times, a Paramount spokesperson said at the time that the company looked forward to extending its “long-standing partnership,” and continuing to give subscribers access to their favorite programming.

“We are pleased to announce a renewed Paramount-Google agreement for the continued carriage of Paramount’s leading portfolio of entertainment, news, and sports networks across YouTube TV’s platform,” the statement said.

Paramount previously cited “one-sided terms” and “non-market demands” as the main reasons for stalled negotiations.

In the past, YouTube TV has faced other contract distribution disagreements, including a two-day blackout in a dispute with Disney in 2021 that revoked subscriber access to channels such as ABC, ESPN, and FX.

Growth of Streaming

According to a February 2024 letter from YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, YouTube TV had over 8 million subscribers. In December 2024, the company raised its monthly subscription price by $10, from $72.99 to $82.99, more than double the original $35-a-month price at its launch in 2017.

According to the latest figures from audience analytics company Nielsen, streaming accounted for nearly half (47.3 percent) of all TV viewing in July.

Nielsen’s The Gage—which is a monthly snapshot of total streaming, cable, and broadcast consumption through a television screen—found that the streaming share was followed by cable (22.2 percent), broadcast (18.4 percent), and other sources (12.1 percent).

In terms of streaming, YouTube Main (excluding YouTube TV) set a platform record in July, with 13.4 percent of the viewership, followed by streaming giant Netflix at 8.8 percent.

The Gage said that YouTube viewing grew by 2 percent with 18- to 24-year-old viewers, itself the largest increase among age demographics (up 8 percent).

The streaming market share has been growing in recent years, with Nielsen reporting in June that streaming had hit a then-record 44.8 percent of total TV usage in May, more than broadcast (20.1 percent) and cable (24.1 percent) combined.

“While the milestone of streaming exceeding traditional TV viewership is almost certainly not permanent, it presumably will be in the near future,” The Gage said.

Loading recommendations…

2024-12-03

NEVER FORGET: How College Football Helped America Heal After 9/11 – Space Coast Daily

MATT O’HERN: Nobody was talking in terms of Republicans vs. Democrats

For over 30 years, I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere and pageantry of college football enough to go to games even if my favorite team wasn’t one of the teams playing. After all of these years, the one game that stands out the most as my favorite is the Tennessee vs. Georgia game on Oct. 6, 2001, and the reasons go beyond the field.

I’ll never forget squeezing into that sold-out Neyland Stadium less than four weeks after our nation was devastated by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

The packed house was an inspiring symbol of American courage and unity that I dearly miss. College football had resumed on Sept. 20, but security concerns still lingered, and ground zero was still smoldering.

For much-needed escapism from the chaos and carnage that was dominating news and culture in general at the time, I decided to go to that Tennessee vs. Georgia game with a group of college friends who had divided loyalties, and I ended up as the one fan not wearing red and black among UGA fans behind the end zone.

A blue Duke Blue Devils hat I wore stuck out like a sore thumb. Even on standard definition TV, several friends back in Birmingham recognized me and called me to say, “I saw you in that ugly Duke hat on TV.”

Before kickoff, the usual “Star Spangled Banner” was replaced by “God Bless America.” In those minutes leading up to the showdown between two SEC East juggernauts, all eyes were focused on the American flag, as we replayed the horrific sights in our minds of the thousands of fellow Americans killed in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA.

Nobody was talking in terms of Republicans vs. Democrats. We were just glad to be able to gather together to get back to our favorite traditions.

After kickoff, the game remained as competitive as fans and experts predicted, with several lead changes throughout the game. With only 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Tennessee appeared to clinch the game when Casey Clausen connected on a swing pass to running back Travis Stephens as blockers cleared his path for a 62-yard touchdown. As Stephens reached the end zone, the stadium was so loud that I couldn’t hear my own voice.

Georgia bounced right back and marched down the field. Defying all the odds, the Bulldogs’ freshman quarterback, David Greene, engineered a scoring drive that ended with a six-yard go-ahead touchdown pass with only six seconds left.

Georgia fans around me were ecstatic, and UT fans fell silent in disbelief. Were it any other year, I genuinely believe there would have been several major fights as we left the stadium, but no matter who we were rooting for, everyone in that stadium was preoccupied with the bigger picture of our nation’s future, and that’s what mattered the most in those days.

No punches were thrown as we left our seats. Instead, “Great game” compliments and friendly jokes were exchanged between fans. I’ll never forget a Georgia fan next to me who yelled, “Cancel your chess club meeting, Dukie! Tonight, you’re partying with the Dogs!”

I walked a few blocks from the stadium to the home of my friend, who hosted our 50/50 group of UT / UGA fans. I initially dreaded potential arguments or heated exchanges, but we sat back, enjoyed a meal, and then made our carpool journey back to our college in Birmingham peacefully.

Throughout that day, the gameday atmosphere, patriotism, warmth, and the conduct of the fans served as helpful reminders of how fortunate we were to still enjoy the freedom to gather in such large numbers, even after a historic catastrophe that shut down the entire nation only weeks before.

College football is famous for intense rivalries and harsh trash talk between fanbases, but as I discovered on that autumn day in Knoxville, it can also be incredibly effective at bringing people together, even when they’re rooting for different teams.

There will always be knucklehead fans who root for any team in any sport, and they make much more noise in our current era, where most fan interactions occur online rather than in person. I haven’t attended a college football game in person in a few years, but I know that for most college football fans, there are still more positive interactions with fans of opposing teams than negative ones. When I reflect on days like that, Saturday, and wish we could put aside our petty differences, after the final whistle blows, or after an election ends.

I was able to uncover footage of the Florida vs. LSU game, which immediately followed the UT vs. UGA game. Below, you can watch footage of the LSU and Florida coaches, players, and fans as they enthusiastically sing “God Bless America”, after a moment of silence to honor the victims of Sept. 11. I encourage you to watch with the volume up.

God Bless America.

– Matt O’Hern

2024-10-22

Government Bans NDAs to Empower Harassment and Discrimination Victims

The UK government is to ban the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence employees who experience harassment or discrimination in the workplace, under landmark changes to the Employment Rights Bill.

New Law Ditches NDAs that Trap Victims

In a bold move set to hit the House of Lords next week, the Employment Rights Bill will render any nondisclosure or non‑disparagement clauses that silence victims and witnesses entirely useless. Campers, especially Zelda Perkins—ex‑PA to Harvey Weinstein and brain behind Can’t Buy My Silence—have rallied behind the change.

Votes From the High‑Ground

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner got right to the point: “We’ve heard the pleas of those who’ve endured harassment and discrimination—time to crack down on these NDAs. We’re making it happen.”

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders added: “These tweaks give millions of workers a safety net. No more hush‑ups about the shenanigans that happen at work.”

Why NDAs Went Bad

NDAs were originally meant to protect company secrets. In recent years though, some bosses weaponised them to keep staff from airing their grievances. From Weinstein’s palace to UK scandals, NDAs have silenced whistleblowers and victims alike.

Under the new playbook, any clause that stops a worker from talking about harassment or discrimination will be rendered void. Employers will actually be encouraged—and will not fear lawsuits—for openly backing victims.

Campaigners Shelled Him in Support

Sarah Owen, chair of the Women & Equalities Committee, has pushed for the amendment.
Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh joined the chorus.
Perkins said the reform will “put the UK at the front line of global protections.”

“This is a huge milestone,” Perkins declared. “It belongs to those brave enough to break their NDAs, risking everything to speak the truth when told otherwise.”

Legal Realities to Watch

Law experts caution that the ban could backfire. Nikola Southern, employment partner at Kingsley Napley, warned: “While the ban boosts transparency, some victims might want to keep their identity hidden. Employers might shy away from settlements.”

She urged companies to rigorously audit their contracts and settlement templates to stay compliant.

Broader Reforms & A New Playbook

The NDAs revamp sits alongside other reforms in the Employment Rights Bill, part of the government’s “Plan for Change.” It’s aiming to refresh UK labour law for the 21st‑century workforce.

If the legislation passes, we’ll see a junior pivot in tackling workplace misconduct—silence will give way to transparency, accountability, and a new era of justice.”

2024-10-22

Nvidia to sell H20 chips to China again after US gives export approval

The move is a U-turn for the government, which in April banned sales of the chip to China.

US tech giant Nvidia will start selling its H20 AI chip in China again after the Trump administration relaxed export restrictions.
The White House gave assurances that it would grant licenses for the product in the Chinese market, the firm said on Tuesday in a blog post.

The move is a U-turn for the government, which in April banned sales of the chip to China, linked to concerns that the technology could be used for military purposes. At the time, Nvidia said it had been told that the export control would stay in place for the “indefinite future”.
Nvidia claimed in May that it had taken a $4.5 billion (€3.8bn) inventory cost hit in the April quarter because of the restrictions and added that it had missed out on an additional $2.5bn (€2.1bn) in sales. The announcement temporarily sent its share price plunging.
The H20 chip was specifically designed for the Chinese market, in line with restrictions introduced by former president Joe Biden in 2023.
When in office, Trump overhauled the Biden-era curbs but imposed restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 AI chip.
On Tuesday, Nvidia also announced a new China-specific AI chip it said was “fully compliant” with export rules.

Tuesday’s announcement comes after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has spent months lobbying in both the US and China.

Huang argued that Trump’s restrictions were a “failure” in the sense that they were boosting China’s AI capabilities, notably as the market could no longer rely on American products.
Exports of the chip do, however, help Chinese AI companies like DeepSeek, that use Nvidia chips to create their products.

The breakthrough comes as relations between Washington and Beijing have thawed in recent weeks.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration threatened a 145% duty on Chinese goods sent to the US, and Beijing responded with a 125% retaliatory tariff. The two sides decided to lower these taxes in May, and then agreed on a trade framework last month.
The trade agreement seeks to ease restrictions on exports of raw materials and other critical technologies. Throughout earlier talks, Donald Trump had nonetheless suggested that curbs on the H20 AI chip wouldn’t be relaxed as part of the framework. Both China and the US are seeking to find a permanent solution to replace the temporary trade truce before a 12 August deadline.
Nvidia’s Huang is currently in Beijing to hold talks with government officials, after meeting with President Trump last week.
The CEO also announced plans to create a new graphics processing unit, the RTX PRO, for the Chinese market, which he said is fully compliant with US export controls.

2024-07-19

Unplugging Distractions: Mastering Concentration in the Modern World

How often do you find yourself pulled away from your tasks by distractions throughout the day? The answer for most of us is “many times.”

Ever Wonder Where All the Time Went?

Picture this: you’re in the middle of a monster‑sized report, your fingers dancing on the keys. Suddenly an email pop‑up shatters your focus. We’ve all felt the itch to open it. You pause, devour the message, and then return to the report, only to find your head in a fog: “Where was I?”

Now multiply that every day, every week, every month. 12 months later you’ll be left with more questions than answers: how many minutes (or even hours) have slipped away?

And it’s not just a numbers nightmare – your output suffers. Every time you toss your brain from one task to another, you break the hard‑won flow state.

The Classic Distraction Checklist

Email alerts screaming like raccoons at midnight.
Phone calls and missed calls that seem to demand your answer right then.
Your internet cravings – scrolling endlessly, chasing the next meme.

How to Turn the Tide (and Bring Your Focus Back)

Mute the Noise: Turn off those nags that send email notifications. Remember: you don’t have to answer right away.
Keep Your Phone on Silent: Don’t let that ringing wobble your groove. Let the voice message handle the drama.
Say “No” with a Smile: A polite decline can be your superpower. Not every ping actually matters.
Train Your Mind: Think of distractions like buzz alerts – you’re controlling the moments to hit dismiss.
Set a 10‑Minute Internet Cap: All right, devote ten blissful minutes to online surfing, then wheel back to your masterpiece.
Communicate Your “Do Not Disturb” Mode: Tell colleagues, friends, and family when you need a sandbox of focus. Set boundaries so your deep‑work stays uncompromised.

Why Bother? Because Quality Wins

When you’re in the flow, you’re not merely working – you’re creating something remarkable. Every interruption is a step away from excellence. By locking out distractions, you unlock a roaring productivity machine.

Happy focus-flowing!

2024-06-19

The Benefits of Playing on a Coed Soccer Team in NYC

NYC: The City That Never Sleeps

Hey there, Big Apple fan! Welcome to the place where the lights never dim and everyone’s chasing that next exciting moment.

Living the New York Dream

Staying active: From sunrise yoga in Central Park to midnight skate sessions, there’s a workout for every mood.
Making new friends: Whether you chat with a fellow commuter at the subway or join a pop‑up art workshop, the city is overflowing with chances to connect.
Having a blast: Six‑letter nights, rooftop parties, or just grabbing the best pizza slice—NYC keeps the fun coming.

Pro Tip

Think of it as a jam session: you’ve got to keep the beats in sync, but when everything lines up, it feels like pure magic.

2024-06-11

How a once-tiny research lab helped Nvidia become a $4 trillion-dollar company

When Bill Dally joined Nvidia’s research lab in 2009, it employed only about a dozen people and was focused on ray tracing, a rendering technique used in computer graphics.

That once-small research lab now employs more than 400 people, who have helped transform Nvidia from a video game GPU startup in the nineties to a $4 trillion-dollar company fueling the artificial intelligence boom.Now, the company’s research lab has its sights set on developing the tech needed to power robotics and AI. And some of that lab work is already showing up in products. The company unveiled Monday a new set of world AI models, libraries, and other infrastructure for robotics developers.

Dally, now Nvidia’s chief scientist, started consulting for Nvidia in 2003 while he was working at Stanford. When he was ready to step down from being the department chair of Stanford’s computer science department a few years later, he planned to take a sabbatical. Nvidia had a different idea.Bill DallyImage Credits:Nvidia

David Kirk, who was running the research lab at the time, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, thought a more permanent position at the research lab was a better idea. Dally told TechCrunch the pair put on a “full-court press” on why he should join Nvidia’s research lab and eventually convinced him.

“It wound up being kind of a perfect fit for my interests and my talents,” Dally said. “I think everybody’s always searching for the place in life where they can make the biggest contribution to the world. And I think for me, it’s definitely Nvidia.”

When Dally took over the lab in 2009, expansion was first and foremost. Researchers started working on areas outside of ray tracing right away, including circuit design and VLSI, or very large-scale integration, a process that combines millions of transistors on a single chip.

The research lab hasn’t stopped expanding since.

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“We try to figure out what will make the most positive difference for the company because we’re constantly seeing exciting new areas, but some of them, they do great work, but we have trouble saying if [we’ll be] wildly successful at this,” Dally said.

For a while that was building better GPUs for artificial intelligence. Nvidia was early to the future AI boom and started tinkering with the idea of AI GPUs in 2010 — more than a decade before the current AI frenzy.

“We said this is amazing, this is gonna completely change the world,” Dally said. “We have to start doubling down on this and Jensen believed that when I told him that. We started specializing our GPUs for it and developing lots of software to support it, engaging with the researchers all around the world who were doing it, long before it was clearly relevant.”

Physical AI focus

Now, as Nvidia holds a commanding lead in the AI GPU market, the tech company has started to seek out new areas of demand beyond AI data centers. That search has led Nvidia to physical AI and robotics.

“I think eventually robots are going to be a huge player in the world and we want to basically be making the brains of all the robots,” Dally said. “To do that we need to start developing the key technologies.”

That’s where Sanja Fidler, the vice president of AI research at Nvidia, comes in. Fidler joined Nvidia’s research lab in 2018. At the time, she was already working on simulation models for robots with a team of students at MIT. When she told Huang about what they were working on at a researchers’ reception, he was interested.

“I could not resist joining,” Fidler told TechCrunch in an interview. “It’s just such a great topic fit and at the same time was also such a great culture fit. Jensen told me, come work with me, not with us, not for us.”

She joined Nvidia and got to work creating a research lab in Toronto called Omniverse, an Nvidia platform, that was focused on building simulations for physical AI.Sanja FidlerImage Credits:Nvidia

The first challenge to building these simulated worlds was finding the necessary 3D data, Fidler said. This included finding the proper volume of potential images to use and building the technology needed to turn these images into 3D renditions the simulators could use.

“We invested in this technology called differentiable rendering, which essentially makes rendering amendable to AI,” Fidler said. “You go [from] rendering means from 3D to image or video. And we want it to go the other way.”

World models

Omniverse released the first version of its model that turns images into 3D models, GANverse3D, in 2021. Then it got to work on figuring out the same process for video. Fidler said they used videos from robots and self-driving cars to create these 3D models and simulations through its Neural Reconstruction Engine, which the company first announced in 2022.

She added these technologies were the backbone of the company’s Cosmos family of world AI models that were announced at CES in January.

Now, the lab is focused on making these models faster. When you play a video game or simulation you want the tech to be able to respond in real time, Fidler said, for robots they are working to make the reaction time even faster.

“The robot doesn’t need to watch the world in the same time, in the same way as the world works,” Fidler said. “It can watch it like 100x faster. So if we can make this model significantly faster than they are today, they’re going to be tremendously useful for robotic or physical AI applications.”

The company continues to make progress on this goal. Nvidia announced at the SIGGRAPH computer graphics conference on Monday a fleet of new world AI models designed for creating synthetic data that can be used to train robots. Nvidia also announced new libraries and infrastructure software aimed at robotics developers too.

Despite the progress — and the current hype about robots, especially humanoids — the Nvidia research team remains realistic.

Both Dally and Fidler said the industry is still at least a few years off from having a humanoid in your home, with Fidler comparing it to the hype and timeline regarding autonomous vehicles.

“We’re making huge progress and I think AI has really been the enabler here,” Dally said. “Starting with visual AI for the robot perception, and then generative AI, that’s being hugely valuable for task and motion planning and manipulation. As we solve each of these individual little problems and as the amount of data we have to train our networks grows, these robots are going to grow.”

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2024-05-16

From Firefighting to Serenity: Find Your Calm

Stop the Fire‑Fight! Turn Your Day into a Calm Cruise

You’re juggling quality hiccups, part shortages, and team drama—just when you think you’ve caught a breath, a new crisis pops up. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? With a few simple moves you can shift from chaotic firefighting to a calm, controlled vibe.

My Early Lessons on the Assembly Line

I began as a Production Superintendent, watching 80+ folks sprint to build Rover 800 doors. I was a “headless chicken,” scrambling to solve every problem that hit me. Everyone was in the same hot‑spot, and a “it’s just how it is” mindset prevailed.

Consulting with Honda changed everything. Their pace was noticeably calmer—no frantic sprinting here. I promised myself that I’d bring that serene atmosphere back to my team. Fast forward 20 years: those same tactics live in every role I’ve taken, and they’ve become a cornerstone of the businesses that work with me.

How to Shift From Fire‑Fight to Calm

Know Your Current Mood

Picture a 0–10 scale where 0 is “all calm” and 10 is “full-on firefight.” Write down your current number. Repeat every month so you can see if you’re moving toward peace.
Visualise the Calm

Picture the day you’re not sprinting, but strutting through tasks. What does it feel like? What does your environment look like? Paint that vivid picture—mind‑oriented, body‑oriented, all of it.
Build a Concrete Plan

Map out concrete metrics that support that calm: New customers, project scope, margin targets, conversion rates. Think numbers that should magically lift you out of the firefight.
Dig Into the Details

This is the game‑changer. Identify why you’re off‑track: maybe pricing is too low, delivery times too long, or customer churn is high. Ask “how do we turn this around?” The exact answer might be a 40% revenue lift or a 57% re‑order boost, cutting delivery lag from 30 days to 15 days. With clear numbers, you can plan real improvements instead of chasing an impossible “X” target.

Don’t shy away from a quick pause, even amidst a raucous firefight. Take a breath, jot down point 4—it’s worth the effort for the biggest payoff.

What’s Next?

Next week I’ll dive deeper into preventing new fires from igniting in the first place. Stay tuned for more actionable tricks to keep your ship steady, even when the seas get rough.

2024-05-16

Apple TV+ price jumps 30% to $12.99 monthly

Apple is raising the monthly price of its Apple TV+ streaming service to $12.99, marking a 30% increase from the previous $9.99 subscription price.

The updated price takes effect for new customers starting Thursday and will impact current subscribers 30 days after their next renewal date.

It’s worth noting that the yearly subscription rate remains unchanged at $99.99. Apple also isn’t changing the price for the Apple One bundle of services, which starts at $19.95 per month.

Apple TV+, like other streaming services, has been steadily increasing its subscription prices. In 2023, Apple raised the price of the Apple TV+ monthly subscription from $6.99 to $9.99. The latest price hike marks the third time Apple has raised the subscription price for its streaming service since its launch in 2019 at $4.99 per month.

The price hike comes as The Information reported earlier this year that Apple is losing more than $1 billion per year on its streaming service, making it the only service in Apple’s portfolio that isn’t profitable.

Despite Apple TV+ productions earning thousands of nominations and wins, the streaming service has lagged behind Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video in subscriber count.

Last month, Apple announced that it landed a record-breaking 81 Emmy Award nominations, with the popular thriller series “Severance” leading as the year’s most-nominated series.

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Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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2024-05-08

Crew Cut Hairstyles for Men: Classic Looks with a Modern Twist

Introduction

The crew cut hairstyles have been a favorite among men for decades. Known for its clean look, low maintenance, and timeless style, the crew cut has never truly gone out of fashion. Today, it is making a strong comeback—only this time with a modern twist. Men from all walks of life are embracing the crew cut not just for its simplicity, but for its ability to adapt to different face shapes, hair textures, and fashion trends. In this guide, we’ll explore the history, benefits, and modern variations of crew cut hairstyles so you can find the perfect version for yourself.

The History of the Crew Cut

The crew cut hairstyle originated in the early 20th century and was popular among Ivy League college students and military men. It got its name because the short style was practical for rowing crews—keeping hair neat and out of the eyes during competition. Over time, it became a staple for men seeking a no-nonsense haircut that looks sharp and feels comfortable.

Why the Crew Cut Remains Popular

There are many reasons why the crew cut hairstyle continues to be popular:

2023-11-25

Charlotte Pocketed .3M From Left-Wing NGO To Empty Jails For 'Racial Equity'

Charlotte Pocketed $3.3M From Left-Wing NGO To Empty Jails For 'Racial Equity'

The optics are incredibly awful for the entire Democratic Party machine.

The brutal killing of Iryna Zarutska (Ukrainian refugee) on a commuter train in North Carolina highlights not only the willingness of leftist corporate media to cover up news stories that jeopardize their woke narratives but also the broader failure of so-called criminal justice reform, which appears to have shockingly backfired and become a major public safety threat. Adding to the mounting outrage, a leftist magistrate judge released the schizophrenic monster on cashless bail (before he killed Zarutska) – another failure point. And then there’s this: far-left nonprofits accelerated the push for disastrous criminal justice reforms.

Democrats did this. pic.twitter.com/94ykOx2mtf

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 9, 2025

It’s now widely known that Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, Zarutska’s killer, had been previously arrested 14 times in North Carolina for crimes ranging from assault to firearms possession, and whose own mother admitted he was schizophrenic and should never have been allowed back on the streets, was recently released on cashless bail (before he killed Zarutska) by a progressive magistrate judge despite a two-decade violent crime spree.

Today, I led a letter calling for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, who released a 14-time offender who went on to murder Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte.

This tragedy was preventable. There must be accountability. North Carolinians deserve better. pic.twitter.com/yqEGa873KJ

— Congressman Tim Moore (@RepTimMooreNC) September 9, 2025

Magistrate Teresa Stokes is not listed as a licensed attorney on the NC State Bar directory, indicating she has not passed the NC bar exam. However, North Carolina magistrates are not required to be attorneys or pass the bar; qualifications include a degree plus experience or…

— Grok (@grok) September 8, 2025

But the failures don’t stop with local leftist politicians and rogue progressive judges (or magistrate judges) who embrace woke and enabled criminal justice reform from hell. They extend much deeper – into the shadowy world of the dark-money-funded nonprofit industrial complex, which poured millions of dollars into Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to push for “reducing the jail population.”

“Another factor in the death of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail–the left-wing MacArthur Foundation giving Mecklenburg county a $3.3 million grant to reduce the jail population. Specifically as part of racial equity aims,” Daily Wire’s Megan Basham wrote on X.

Basham noted, “Like Soros’ Open Society, the MacArthur Foundation incentivizes local municipalities to make residents less safe by leaving threats like Decarlos Brown on the streets.”

Another factor in the death of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail–the left-wing MacArthur Foundation giving Mecklenburg county a $3.3 million grant to reduce the jail population. Specifically as part of “racial equity aims.

Like Soros’ Open Society, the MacArthur… pic.twitter.com/0J0G52iZKT

— Megan Basham (@megbasham) September 9, 2025

Basham’s screenshots show Mecklenburg County boasting about the MacArthur Foundation plowing $3.3 million into the county as part of a “Safety and Justice Challenge” that aims to “reduce the jail population“…

MacArthur Foundation’s own website shows that it’s committed to DEI.

Using public data via Sayari, the MacArthur Foundation is linked to the usual far-left NGO suspects, including the Rockefeller Family Fund and many others that are not particularly enthusiastic about ‘America First’.

It seems as if the very pillars the Democratic Party has built itself on, whether social and criminal justice reform, progressive judges, or its dark-money-funded NGO complex, all played a role in allowing serial criminals to roam the streets, endangering the public.

Americans must avoid cities and towns where progressives enforce cashless bail and other woke policies, as these places are increasingly crime-ridden and unsafe.

Zarutska’s shocking death should’ve never happened. This is a policy failure by the liberal elites. And there needs to be accountability at the ballot box.

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2023-11-25

Home workers struggling with 'work-life blur'

Coronavirus has turned homeworking into the new normal, but boundaries between our personal and professional lives are beginning to erode, and mental health of staff is being affected. Work-life blur is becoming a real issue.

“At the start of lockdown we were running on adrenaline – but now we are being expected to work, play, sleep and live from the same room – and it’s having an affect on productivity and mental health”, explains Melissa Broxton from coworking experts Worksnug.com
Is it possible to maintain a work-life balance when both things are happening in the same place? This is known as “work-life blur” and is something that homeworkers and their employers should be wary of.

The benefits and challenges of the work-life blur of homeworking

There are certainly benefits to homeworking. As well as sparing workers the ordeal of the daily commute, it allows them to think of their day in terms of tasks rather than hours. Once all tasks have been completed, the day can end. This is far more motivating than running down the clock in an office because you must be there from 9 until 5.
However, this flexibility comes with its own set of problems. Without set working hours, many employees will find it hard to switch off. Finishing early may create feelings of guilt, even if all tasks have been completed. With no set hours, workers may be left feeling that they are never fully at work, but also never fully away from work. This can easily start to affect an employee’s personal life, as they may find themselves frequently checking in with work during leisure time.

How to avoid work-life blur

Both employers and employees can take steps to avoid work-life blur.

Set a working day and finish on time:

Employers can help by setting reasonable deadlines and not contacting their staff outside of traditional office hours.

Set clear boundaries:

Employees also have a responsibility to be firm about their boundaries. Having a separate phone or laptop for work can help to create a sense of separation between the personal and professional world.

Separate work from home:

Turning a certain room of the house into an office can also help to reintroduce the physical distinction between work and home.
“We need to be mindful that everyone is different, and each employee has different demands. Some thrive in an isolated environment, and others hate it. Flexibility of work and life is going to be important moving forward”, concludes Melissa Broxton from Worksnug.com

Communication is absolutely key. Richard Alvin, Managing Editor of Business Matters Magazine spoke on the matter:

‘As a business based in Canary Wharf, we were told way back in 2010 that preparations for the smooth running of the London 2012 Olympics would be top priority in the area. From that point on, the managers sat down together and we devised a scheme of work whereby our employees could work from out or out of the office. Developing deadlines, tasks and back-end systems to ensure that the level of work and service was as high as it always it, without the commute.
‘It can be done but much like any change to a very prescribed method of working, getting used to working from home still requires time to get used to the change as well as a new way of managing your surroundings.
‘Being in an office means that communication between teams is instant. That communication is key to daily business decisions and needs to be upheld by other means – Slack/Whatsapp/Telegram – all are excellent for real time comms.
‘Of course with corona virus closing schools has mean that many staff members are having to battle child care as well as work on a daily basis and you can see the lines blurring there from being able to work during regular office hours.
‘We always say to our staff that it’s more about the task list – as long as the deliverables are achieved by the agreed time and that certain online meeting are adhered to, the rest of the time can be juggled to suit.
‘As much as staff need to manage their time, manager’s need to be realistic too. I would thoroughly recommend task management systems such as Asana, Monday or Red Booth to name a few, to set tasks, share files and view where everyone in the team is currently at.’

What is the future for Britain’s home workers post covid lockdown?

According to SHP, 71% of UK businesses plan to adopt more flexible and agile working practices post COVID-19 lockdown.
Where is Britain at compared to the rest of the world post-covid? According to a recent Gallup research, three in five (59%) of U.S. workers who have been doing their jobs from home during the coronavirus pandemic would prefer to continue to work remotely as much as possible, once public health restrictions are lifted. In contrast, 41% would prefer to return to their workplace or office to work, as they did before the crisis.

A recent survey conducted by getAbstract, 43% of U.S. full-time workers in the U.S. would like to work remotely more often after COVID-19, citing the absence of a commute, added flexibility and productivity gains as the main motivations behind that wish.
A new LinkedIn survey suggests more than three in five Australians believe working from home will become the norm, even when the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
99% of people say they’d like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers, as reported by ResumeLab.

For all of the stresses that covid has brought to us, perhaps the new work life balance of office and home is a positive one, it just needs to be managed to ensure that the results are the desired ones.

2023-07-30

Tag: time

2026: Two New Train Routes That Will Make Your Heart Race

Meet the Pair of Railways on the Rise

Why You’ll Love These Lines

All Aboard!

The High‑Speed Dream Trip: Top 5 Luxury Trains You’ll Love

Five Riveting Trains That Are Worth the Ticket

Upcoming Routes in 2026

Explore evergreen forests and glacial lakes on this panoramic Canadian route

All‑About Those Scenic Trains

#1 – The Rocky Mountaineer

Why Trenches (a.k.a. Windows) First?

In Short:

All Aboard the Rocky Railway Adventure

Why the Glazing Is a Spectacle

Vancouver to Banff: A Classic Trail

New World’s Cup Connection

Passage to the Peaks: A Mountain Getaway

Pack Your Bags

Travel like royals on the British Pullman in the UK

Chasing the Charm of the Past with British Pullman

What Makes It Feel Like a Stepping Stone Back in Time

Destinations That Turn Your Trip Into a Chapter From a Travel Romance

British Pullman Claims Second Place

More than a Train Ride

Celebrity Passengers Included

Sip wine in the most sophisticated surroundings on the Napa Valley Wine Train

Meet the Napa Valley Wine Train: A Classic 3rd‑Place Ride

What’s on the Menu?

Why It’s a Must‑Try

Related Adventures

Free-flowing champagne and midnight lobster rolls on the Orient Express

All Aboard the VIE: Europe’s Wandering Luxury Train

Popular Routes That’ll Make Your Seat Claimer Smile

Why the VIE Is the Gap‑Year of Rail Travel

All aboard the Glamorous Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express!

Why this classic locomotive is a dream ride

Chef Jean Imbert’s Whimsically Gourmet Menu

Dozens of Overnight Routes Around Europe

See Andalusia in sumptuous style on board the Al Ándalus train

Chasing the Dream on Rails: Spain’s Re‑imagined Al Ándalus

From Royal Rings to Silver Track

Renfe’s Rejuvenated Ride

2026 Onward: Back to the Capital

Why you should hop on

Ford Hits the Market With a “Next Model T Moment” – Spoiler: It’s All About Electric

What’s the Big Deal?

Farley’s “Model T Moment” Vibe

Why It Matters (and Why You Might Care)

Ford’s Kentucky “Model T” Fizzles Out

What the UBS Analyst Had to Say

Why the Tension?

The Delay Dilemma

Question Marks on the Small‑EV Push

Bottom Line

Building your persona and then later down the track your narrative structure first means stripping all the component parts of your image totally back to Ground Zero.

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

What Are Therapeutic Services?

How Therapeutic Services Can Assist You with Mental Health Care

Mental Health Support

Physical Rehabilitation and Pain Management

Improvement in Communication and Daily Life

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s Big Merger: What It Means for You

The Deal in a Nutshell

Why the Companies Think It Helps

Who Says It Won’t Work

What Past Mergers Have Done

Why People Care

What the Merger Promises

What FRCA Wants Instead

Bottom Line

What the FRCA Is Saying About U.S. Rail Freight

Why The Rail Industry Is Smaller Now

How This Affects Shipments

Market Power Is a Big Concern

What “Precision Scheduled Railroading” Is About

What The STB Can Do

Unit Trains Explained

Reflections from FRCA Members

Ford Hits the Market With a “Next Model T Moment” – Spoiler: It’s All About Electric

Farley’s “Model T Moment” Vibe

Ford’s Kentucky “Model T” Fizzles Out