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This month, Finland published its key positions on how international law governs cyber operations. Long a champion of a robust legal architecture for cyberspace, it joins a growing list of states that have publicly announced their views on the subject (including Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Iran, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States). It is a trend that reflects a recognition that states can influence international cyber law in a way that fosters their national interests. Indeed, states like Finland that seize the interpretive initiative in advance of other states secure a distinct advantage as the law develops.
The country has approached the topic with normative sophistication. During the UN Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) in February, for instance, it cautioned that while “voluntary non-binding norms of responsible state behavior,” such as those acknowledged in the 2013 and 2015 GGE Reports, are “essential elements in building and maintaining free, open and secure cyberspace,”
the OEWG must make sure that what is stated is consistent with international law and does not create confusion. Of course, any voluntary norms, rules and principles – whether already agreed or new – are without prejudice to States’ rights and obligations under international law. We would support including in the report of the OEWG a general clause stating that nothing in the work of the OEWG should be interpreted as undermining international law.
This was a perceptive observation, for the adoption of a non-binding norm risks being misinterpreted, among other things, as implying that what is in fact legally required behavior is instead merely encouraged. Responding to this risk, Finland’s representative urged, “It is time to move forward to discuss operationalization of international law.” Finland has done just that with the release of its positions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The MFA’s impressive statement begins, as do all such statements, by emphasizing that public international law applies in cyberspace. This being so, it notes that a state’s cyber operation in violation of international law constitutes an “internationally wrongful act” under the law of state responsibility. Internationally wrongful acts require a (1) breach of an international law obligation that is (2) attributable to a state (Articles on State Responsibility (ASR), art. 2).
With respect to the latter, Finland’s statement identifies the two most likely grounds for legal attribution of a cyber operation – that the perpetrator is either an organ of the state or acting “on behalf” of one. In doing so, the MFA implicitly draws on Articles 4 and 8 respectively of the ASR. Although Article 8 refers to “instructions, or direction or control” rather than acting “on behalf,” in practice this is a terminological distinction without practical difference Here, Finland’s meaning is clear because it refers specifically to the rules of attribution in the ASR, in which Articles 4 and 8 are key components.
In terms of the former element (breach), recent cyber operations targeting both pandemic responses and ongoing elections have moved the prohibition on intervention onto center stage. Finland has adopted the mainstream approach set out by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its Nicaragua judgment. There, the ICJ noted that an act must be “coercive” with respect to “matters in which each State is permitted, by the principle of State sovereignty, to decide freely.” Mirroring this dual element approach, the MFA statement notes, “[h]ostile interference by cyber means may also breach the customary prohibition of intervention…, provided that it is done with the purpose of compelling or coercing that State in relation to affairs regarding which it has free choice (so-called domaine réservé).”
The legal policy statements of other states are in accord (e.g., Australia, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, here and here, 2015 GGE report; see also Iran, here and here, and China in the context of sovereignty). Of course, unsettled issues surrounding application of the rule remain, most notably how to distinguish influential acts from coercive ones; but Finland’s statement nevertheless strengthens the centrality of the rule in guiding state behavior.
Finland also adopts an approach to jus ad bellum issues that is fast becoming the prevailing one. With respect to both the prohibition on the use of force in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and the inherent right of self-defense captured in Article 51, it focuses on the consequences of a cyber operation when assessing (1) whether it rises to the level of a “use of force” with respect to Article 2(4) or (2) qualifies as an “armed attack” vis-a-vis Article 51.
Of particular note, the statement adopts the “scale and effects” test for “armed attack” that the ICJ set forth in its Nicaragua judgment. The Tallinn Manual experts (rules 69 & 71) and numerous states (e.g., Australia, France, Netherlands, United States) have focused on the concept of scale and effects as the correct approach to assessing cyber operations against both the use of force and armed attack thresholds. Although Finland uses the term only in the self-defense context, its consequence-based approach to the “use of force” threshold reflects a similar methodology.
Unsurprisingly, Finland supports the premise of a gap between the use of force threshold and that for armed attack, thereby adopting the ICJ’s characterization in Nicaragua of an armed attack as the “most grave form” of a use of force. In doing so the MFA rejects the U.S. position that the thresholds are identical, as have most other states. Also noteworthy is the reference to “a cyberattack producing significant economic effects such as the collapse of a State’s financial system or parts of its economy.” Like the Netherlands, Finland simply notes the “question merits further consideration.” Only France has opined that such a cyber operation could cross the armed attack threshold.
As to international humanitarian law, the MFA statement notes that it “only applies to cyber operations when such operations are part of, or amount to, an armed conflict.” This is an indisputable conclusion. Importantly, the caveat suggests that cyber operations alone can trigger an armed conflict. Although a very complex issue, it would seem incontrovertible that at least cyber operations that seriously injure or kill individuals or damage or destroy significant property would qualify as “hostilities” that initiate an international armed conflict (IAC) between the states concerned. The unsettled issues, which Finland does not address, are whether cyber operations falling short of these consequences, such as those that interfere with the functionality of cyberinfrastructure, initiate an IAC. And the issue of cyber operations initiating a non-international armed conflict remains even more unsettled. But as a general matter, Finland is correct in observing that the “unique characteristics of cyberspace, such as interconnectedness and anonymity, may affect how international humanitarian law is interpreted and applied with regard to certain cyber means and methods warfare. The related problems can nevertheless mostly be solved on the basis of existing rules.”
As did the 2013 and 2015 GGE reports, and as have most states that have addressed the issue (e.g., Australia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Czech Republic), Finland confirms that “States are bound by the same human rights obligations both online and offline” (see also 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 Human Rights Council resolutions; Tallinn Manual 2.0, rules 34-38). Of particular importance is the further assertion that “each State has to protect individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction from interference with their rights by third parties.” In other words, states not only have a negative obligation to refrain from activities affect the human rights of individuals on their territory (such as shutting down online political activities without appropriate justification), they also bear a positive obligation to take measures in response to remote cyber operations that interfere with the exercise and enjoyment of human rights such as expression and privacy by individuals on their territory. This obligation was missing in the 2013 GGE report but included in that of 2015.
However, the MFA statement, like those of other states, avoids the controversial issue of whether human rights obligations are extraterritorial in character (see discussion here). For instance, the position Finland would take regarding the human rights obligations of a state that conducts cyber operations shutting down political websites in another state cannot be discerned from the statement itself. This is an important question because of the ability of a state to remotely control the enjoyment or exercise of human rights in another state by cyber means; it merits focused discussion among states. There are, however, other indications that Finland does support extraterritorial application of human rights law in general (see here, here and here).
Commendably, Finland has taken on two controversial issues from which some states have shied away. The first is whether there is an international law rule requiring respect for the sovereignty of other states. In 2018, the United Kingdom opined that no such rule existed. Not only was the assertion counter-normative, but it caused concern in other states, for it would deprive them of the ability to condemn hostile cyber operations as internationally wrongful on the basis of a sovereignty violation. A number of them, including close allies of the United Kingdom (e.g., France, Netherlands) quickly issued statements affirming a rule of sovereignty, as did NATO (with the UK reserving) in its cyber doctrine. The February OEWG proceedings (here and here) also saw states endorse the rule of sovereignty (e.g., Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland). Indeed, to date, no other state has unambiguously supported the British position; even the United States has avoided doing so.
Finland is now firmly in the “sovereignty as a rule” camp.
Finland sees sovereignty as a primary rule of international law, a breach of which amounts to an internationally wrongful act and triggers State responsibility. This rule is fully applicable in cyberspace. Whether an unauthorized cyber intrusion violates the target State’s sovereignty depends on its nature and consequences and is subject to a case-by-case assessment.
Beyond confirmation of the rule itself, the MFA statement is significant in that it focuses on the consequences. Finland understands that the question is not whether there is a rule of sovereignty; there clearly is. Rather, the open question is when does a hostile cyber operation conducted from outside a state violate the sovereignty of the state into which it is conducted. The Tallinn Manual 2.0 experts were of the view that sovereignty violations may occur based on either territoriality or on interference with, or usurpation of, another state’s inherently governmental functions (rule 4). Finland agrees.
As to the first (territoriality), the question is what types of consequences amount to a sovereignty violation. Clearly, the causation of physical damage or injury does, as well as causing cyber infrastructure to no longer function. Below that level of consequentiality lies uncertainty. Accordingly, the MFA statement wisely insists on a case-by-case approach. It notes that “relevant considerations include whether an intrusion in the cyber infrastructure triggers a loss of functionality of the equipment relying on it, or modifies or deletes information belonging to the target State, or to private actors in its territory.” This is a fairly liberal interpretation of a violation, particularly the reference to alteration of information.
The second basis is equally important because the consequences it requires (interference, as in disrupting an election, or usurpation, like conducting remote law enforcement searches on another state’s territory) need not be physical or otherwise tangible in character. According to the MFA statement, the “rule put forward in the Tallinn Manual 2.0 is consistent with the understanding of violations of sovereignty as unauthorized exercise of authority in another State’s territory.” This basis for violation of sovereignty looms large in both the current election meddling and pandemic response interference contexts.
It is unsurprising that Finland has embraced sovereignty as a rule of law. Should respect for sovereignty not be a legal obligation, a hostile cyber operation attributable to another state would generally be lawful unless it violated the prohibition on intervention, which extends only to those that are coercive and affect a domaine réservé. Moreover, the victim state would be unable to take cyber or non-cyber countermeasures in response to the hostile operation, for wrongfulness is a condition precedent to taking them (ASR, arts. 22, 49-53; Tallinn Manual 2.0, rules 20-25). As the MFA statement correctly observes, “Agreeing that a hostile cyber operation below the threshold of prohibited intervention cannot amount to an internationally wrongful act would leave such operations unregulated and deprive the target State of an important opportunity to claim its rights.”
A second controversial issue that Finland addresses head on is the existence of a rule of due diligence. Drawing on such jurisprudence as the ICJ’s Corfu Channel judgment, the Tallinn Manual 2.0 experts concluded that states are subject to a due diligence rule by which they must take feasible measures to put an end to ongoing hostile cyber operations mounted from or through their territory that are posing serious adverse consequences with respect to the rights of another state and of which they know (rules 6 and 7). A number of states have taken the same approach (e.g., Brazil, Estonia, Finland, France, Korea, Netherlands, but see Argentina). However, the GGE was unable to achieve consensus on the matter in its 2013 and 2015 reports and therefore styled due diligence as a voluntary non-binding norm of responsible state behavior.
Finland is clear. States shoulder a due diligence obligation as a matter of international law.
Another cardinal principle flowing from sovereignty, closely related to the obligation to respect the sovereignty of other States, is each State’s obligation not to knowingly allow its territory to be used to cause significant harm to the rights of other States. It is widely recognized that this principle, often referred to as due diligence, is applicable to any activity which involves the risk of causing significant transboundary harm.
States may thus not knowingly allow their territory, or cyber infrastructure within a territory under their control, to be used to cyber operations that produce serious adverse consequences for other States. While only States can violate sovereignty, the sovereignty-based obligation of due diligence extends to private activities taking place in a State’s territory.
The MFA statement goes on to operationalize the obligation.
If harmful cyber activity takes place and causes serious harm to another State, the State of origin must take appropriate action to terminate it, as well as to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. In order to be able to do this, States should have the necessary procedural and legal mechanisms in place. It should nevertheless be recalled that due diligence is an obligation of conduct, not one of result. In general, what is required of States is that they take all measures that are feasible under the circumstances.
This robust approach to the rule of due diligence raises the question of its limits. For instance, it is unclear whether the due diligence obligation attaches in the event of any significant transboundary harm or only that harm implicating a legal right, such as sovereignty, of the victim state. Similarly, Finland appears to suggest that due diligence requires law enforcement and judicial measures. It is not apparent that is the case when other alternatives would suffice to put an end to the hostile operation or when the hostile operation is no longer underway. But Finland’s approach makes an interpretive sense for a state that is likely to be the victim of hostile cyber operations, not the initiator of them. And Finland’s is the most granular discussion of the obligation by any state to date.
A number of contentious international law debates are not addressed in the MFA statement. I mention this not as criticism but rather as a reminder that much work is left to be done in the field. Most noteworthy in this regard is the issue of collective countermeasures. Countermeasures are actions that would be unlawful but for the fact that they respond to another state’s internationally wrongful act and are designed to put an end to them (ASR, arts. 22, 49-53). Finland takes a very traditional approach to the topic, as it does with another response option, the plea of necessity (ASR, art. 25; Tallinn Manual 2.0, rule 26).
A dispute arose over countermeasures in 2019 when the President of Estonia publicly took the position that one state could conduct cyber countermeasures on behalf of, or in collaboration with, a state facing unlawful cyber operations. France, by contrast, has rejected collective countermeasures as a lawful response option to unlawful cyber operations. Finland’s statement does not take on this contentious issue.
Reasonable arguments may be mounted in support of both sides of the debate, although it would seem that the restrictive view leaves less cyber-capable states somewhat at the mercy of cyber-enabled adversaries if they wish to respond with countermeasures in the same domain as the initial wrongful act. Given Finland’s geographical location, relative size, and cyber capabilities, it would appear to be in its national interest to join its neighbor in supporting collective countermeasures. Importantly, the International Law Commission did not rule out this prospect in its ASR commentary.
There are those who claim normative ambiguity in cyberspace is advantageous, that it affords states the leeway they need to operate in support of their national interests. To some extent, they are correct. After all, the rules of international law that apply in cyberspace were crafted prior to the advent of cyber operations; one should not expect a seamless normative tapestry to govern cyber operations
But ambiguity is a double-edged sword. Law that is unclear in the cyber context constitutes a dangerous grey zone in which states that operate maliciously can avoid both condemnation on the basis of law and the consequences international law imposes for unlawful conduct, such as countermeasures and reparations. Such uncertainty is the sweet spot within which bad actors will inevitably operate.
States like Finland realize that the grey zone must be reduced if the international community is ever to enjoy stability and security in cyberspace. Accordingly, I applaud Finland for joining other states that have publicly issued statements of legal policy regarding the applicability of international law in cyberspace. In particular, Finland is to be commended for taking a stand on some of the more contentious issues. Hopefully, other states soon will follow suit.

domain: law


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The Avengers were formed after Captain America was found and thawed out by S.H.I.E.L.D., and first saw action in thwarting an attempted alien invasion by the Chitari.
The team would later meet Superman during a mission Latveria in neutralizing stolen missiles that were to be use in a live demonstration on a naval base in New York as part of a weapons sale by Doctor Doom, they were shot down by Latverian anti-aircraft fire and saved by the Man of Steel. The Avengers were grateful for the young hero's help and accepted his help on their mission, which they succeeded in neutralizing the missiles. In gratitude to Superman's help, Captain America presented him a comm-unit to contact the Avengers if he and his friends needed urgent help.
The Avengers would from time and again assist Superman and by extent the X-Men. This cooperation includes destroying a Project Rebirth device that was stolen by Magneto, and battling the Friends of Humanity after mutants were exposed to the public.
In the aftermath of mutantkind becoming public that include the formation of the Justice League, the Avengers shared on mutual grounds with the new superhero team in spite of the American government's mixed opinion on said team.

domain: entertainment


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by Susan M. Liberski, MD – CCMS Member
When Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman physician in the United States, graduated from medical school in 1849, I bet she would little suspect the number of women who would be physicians today or that a month would be dedicated to celebrating our contributions. Women in Medicine Month was established by the American Medical Association years ago and the Collier County Medical Society has been observing since the 1990s. One of the results of CCMS’s Women in Medicine month activities was the establishment of the annual Women’s Health Forum, where women doctors have outreach to women patients in the community. Many of the female physicians of Collier County who were involved with the initial health forum continue to participate in this highly anticipated event today, which draws over 300 attendees and approximately 24 CCMS member physician speakers each year.
Currently, there are approximately 860,000 actively practicing doctors in the United States of which 36% are women. In 2017, 21,338 incoming first year medical students were women, making up 50.7% of incoming classes, the first time in history. By 2019, over 50% of medical students in the United States are women. Women are practicing in all specialties in medicine however what we practice is not evenly distributed. Over 60% of all Pediatricians are women, over 50% of Obstetrician/Gynecologist are women while less than 10% of practicing physicians in Interventional Radiology, Urology, Neurosurgery, Interventional Cardiology, Thoracic Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgeons are women. Women, who made up about 10% of practicing Gastroenterologists in the early 1990s now only make up 16% of that subspecialty. As the current physician population ages, with over 44% of all physicians over age 55, this inequity in the distribution of what type of medicine women practice can potentially lead to physician shortages, especially in the surgical subspecialties where we are underrepresented.
The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) note that the specialty choices for residents and fellows seem to mirror the trends of practicing physicians. The AAMC along with the National Resident Matching Program and 11 other organizations have formed the Coalition for Physician Accountability. This Coalition is working to make recommendations on how to make the matching process better and less stressful as well as making suggestions to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. Reasons for women not entering certain specialties include discrimination and sexual harassment, lack of role models, lack of maternity/family leave, and the number of years of training to name a few.
There also remains pay inequity in U.S. medicine. According to the Harvard Business Review, of the academic physicians in 24 U.S. medical schools, female physicians made about 10% less than males at all academic ranks. According to Medscape’s 2019 Physician’s Compensation report, male primary care physicians earn about 25% more than their female counterparts. Male specialists earn about 33% more than the women. These numbers have been adjusted for number of patients seen, number of hours worked, numbers of procedures done, etc.
The reasons for this pay inequity remain unclear. Less than 1 in 5 female physicians practice in the top 5 paying specialties. In several surveys of physicians in multiple high-paying specialties, women report far more sexual harassment, bullying, and workplace harassment than men. In an American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons survey, over 80% of women orthopedic surgeons have experienced this as compared to 30% of men. In Radiology where 26% of radiologists are women, over 40% have reported these same behaviors against them.
Men and women physicians do appear to practice medicine differently. A 2017 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reviewed the medical literature and found that female physicians are more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines and provide preventive care more often. This study in JAMA looked at a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries who were hospitalized and found 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission rates statistically, significantly lower in those patients cared for by female physicians. How this translates in real world patients in a larger scale, and how male versus female doctors practice, needs to be studied further.
In the medical community, women are increasing in numbers and are represented in all specialties, but true equity is not there yet. We have come a long way since the days of Elizabeth Blackwell and those early women physician pioneers. In Collier County, as we celebrate Women in Medicine month, we salute all our female colleagues. As a woman physician, if you’d like to get involved with the Women in Medicine group or learn more about the Women’s Health Forum as a place to showcase your practice, please contact April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director.

domain: medical


How has COVID-19 Changed the Political Economy?
New AAEA member research released in AEPP
There has been a perception of a tradeoff between public health and economic prosperity when it comes to combating the pandemic. New research shows that there is no such tradeoff across countries. Instead, urgency and decisiveness reaped double dividends in terms of both public health and economic activity.
In the new article “The Political Economy of COVID-19” released in the Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, David Zilberman, Scott Kaplan and Jacob Lefler from the University of California, Berkeley use a political economic lens to analyze the joint economic and mortality impacts of social distancing and other public health policies. In particular, they study how policy choices are affected by political economic considerations and whether or not these policies were justified when considering both monetary and health impacts.
The authors say, “First, social distancing policies were justified on both economic and public health grounds given their clear impact in reducing mortality risk and allowing individuals to begin reengaging in activities that were on once prevented by COVID-19 concerns. Specifically, countries that responded earlier and more aggressively to the pandemic suffered fewer deaths and lower economic costs. That is, ultimately there was not a tradeoff between public health and economic activity. Second, we find that weather, public policy, population density, and demographics appear to drive most of the differences in mortality rates. We observe learning-by-doing among medical professionals, lowering mortality rates. Third, regulations in some countries protected affluent citizens while the economic and health costs were borne by poorer citizens. Fourth, it is well worth investing in preventative measures that will allow us to more quickly respond to future crises, both with respect to public health and climate change.”
If you are interested in setting up an interview, please contact Allison Ware in the AAEA Business Office.
ABOUT AAEA: Established in 1910, the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is the leading professional association for agricultural and applied economists, with 2,500 members in more than 60 countries. Members of the AAEA work in academic or government institutions as well as in industry and not-for-profit organizations, and engage in a variety of research, teaching, and outreach activities in the areas of agriculture, the environment, food, health, and international development. The AAEA publishes two journals, the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, as well as the online magazine Choices and the online open access publication series Applied Economics Teaching Resources. To learn more, visit www.aaea.org.
Contact: Allison Ware
Senior Communications Manager


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- May 21 - 31 2021
- All Day
Shoals Virtual Storytelling Festival
Shoals Storytelling in Florence, Alabama, celebrates 10 years of stories with its first ever virtual Festival! Don’t miss TimpFest favorites Donald Davis, Kevin Kling, Pippa White, and Dolores Hydock, along with lively music, interviews, and a beautiful tribute to Kathryn Tucker Windham. The Norton Dill documentary, “Kathryn: The Story of a Teller,” will bring back fond memories of Kathryn’s warmth and her generous, kind spirit. Inge Auerbacher, with her inspiring true story as a survivor of the holocaust, is also a featured presenter.
Please join TimpFest as we support our friends in Alabama!

domain: artistic


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“From Local To Global: AYV Is Live On Dstv. Together We Made History. Thank You All” AYV’s CEO Ambassador Navo Shares Thank You Message Following Successful Launch Of AYV On Dstv
Founder of Africa young Voices Media Empire, Amb Anthony Junior Navo Jr has taken on his social media platform sharing epic photos of the launching of AYV DSTV in Sierra Leone. Taking on social media, Amb Junior Navo thank partners who supported their vision and encourages Sierra Leoneans make use of the opportunity to compete with other countries in Africa and the world “Let’s all continue to work together and use this new platform to positively compete with other countries in Africa and the world.” He said. Read full post below
“FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL:
AYV IS LIVE ON DSTv…
E BI MA!
For us, the sky is not our limit!
We are on cloud nine.
We thank God for prayers answered and assured hopes for the future.
We are honoured, humbled and excited to have contributed our part to further BRINGING SIERRA LEONE TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD TO SIERRA LEONE.
Last week, we officially opened our new international media centre building in Central London -United Kingdom ; and last night, we launched Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire on DSTv channel 399.
The AYV TV is the first channel from the West-Africa sub region, after Nigeria and Ghana, to be onboard the MultiChoice pan-African satellite TV-platform. This does not only expand the AYV TV’s footprint across Africa, but provides Sierra Leone talents, businesses, products and organisations with a channel to reach an African Market in the sub- Saharan Africa.
Many many many thanks to Multi-Choice DSTv for the platform provided, to our amazing team, our partners, our friends and our audiences around the world. Thank you all.
Let’s all continue to work together and use this new platform to positively compete with other countries in Africa and the world.
Together we made history.
Together we can showcase Africa to the world.
Amb. Anthony Navo; Jr.
AYV Media Empire”
Amb. Anthony Navo (Jnr) is the Founder and CEO of Sierra Leone’s Leading Media House – Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire.
He is a Council Member of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce. He serves as the Global Chairman of the All Walks of Life (AWOL) – a Sierra Leonean global charity organisation.
Navo is the Chief Executive Officer –Shandong Steel and Iron Ore Mining company.
He is the former National Youth Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
He holds B. A Hons in Business and Management from the UK
Photos of event

domain: geography


Enesoon is China’s largest private thermal energy storage (TES) provider, offering professional services for clean heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Its 629 partners span 21 provinces, 105 cities, and 629 counties. It is currently contracted to provide its technologies and products to 500 million square meters of heating area throughout China.
Yibao Technology is a vertically-integrated InsurTech company that hosts a service platform and ecosystem for car insurance. With a registered capital of RMB 50M, Yibao is making car insurance accessible to all by making it price and data driven.
Haoshizai is a SaaS company that is vertically integrates cross-industry communication and resource sharing. It hosts some of the most efficient F2B. F2B2C, and C2B2F channels, optimizing the operating efficiencies and market values of its clients. Its services are flexible and scalable to fit a wide range of use cases.
Guangxi Tongsheng is a leading FinTech company endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce to supply financial leasing for new and used vehicles. Its parent company, Guangxi Investment Group, is the Guangxi Assets Local state-owned enterprise with the largest volume and highest profitability, with dual AAA credit rating, ranked 135th among the top 500 Chinese enterprises in 2017.


Recently, the popularity of silk pillowcases has exploded as more and more of us are recognising the visible benefits of simply switching our pillowcases from cotton to silk.
Silk pillowcases might seem initially like a confusing alternative to the cotton pillowcase, but dermatologists and senior hair stylists alike have been raging about the positive impact this simple change to silk will have on your hair and skin.
If, like me, you have battled with frizzy, Hagrid-esque hair for most of your life, you will probably find that investing in hair oils or supplements provide only a temporarily taming solution. What many people fail to realise, is that when they are sleeping on cotton, they are literally in bed with the enemy!
Unless it’s a Thursday night, any night of the weekend and possibly even Monday night, most of you will be spending 9+ hours a night with your hair scattered across cotton bedding. Whilst you sleep, little do you know, your cotton pillowcase acts as sponge. It hoovers up your hair’s moisture and the expensive hair oils/treatments you spend hours applying. So many of us are opting for fancy hair treatments and bank-breaking hair products to get thick, luscious locks, but failing to cash out for hair-loving silk pillowcases which doesn’t absorb it all.
So, if you are suffering from any of these common hair complaints, it’s highly likely that it has something to do with the type of pillowcase you sleep on:
Do cotton pillowcases cause dry hair?
Cotton is a natural absorbent, meaning you can kiss goodbye to your bougie hair oils and masks, as these will likely be absorbed into your cotton pillowcase as you sleep. Cotton not only absorbs hair products, but it can also absorb your natural hair oils, leaving hair parched and prone to breakage.
Do cotton pillowcases cause frizzy/untamable hair?
You might be getting a restful sleep, but your hair is not having a chilled time on a cotton pillowcase. As you toss and turn, the friction caused by the cotton fibers in your pillowcase irritates the hair shaft and gives hair a frizzy appearance. You are also more likely to wake up with tangles in your hair due to the constant friction.
Do cotton pillowcases cause split ends?
Unlike SILKCASE, which is made of soft protein fibers, cotton fibers are quite harsh on the hair. As you sleep, friction is created by hair strands rubbing against your pillowcase and this can seriously damage hair fibers.
Do cotton pillowcases cause hair not to grow?
As mentioned before, by drying hair out and leaving it prone to breakage, cotton pillowcases can eventually cause hair thinning. Repeat breakages and split ends will cause hair to drastically thin out without regular trims.
Do cotton pillowcases cause greasy hair?
As cotton pillowcases absorb your hairs natural oils, your scalp can go into overdrive, producing more oil than your hair actually needs and making it greasy. It’s tempting to then over-wash hair if it gets greasy easily, but this dries hair out even more!
Introducing the SILKCASE
In the age of ‘self-care’, it's incredible that more people have not switched up their pillowcase to silk. The benefits of silk for hair and skincare have since been confirmed by leading professionals, and are swiftly becoming an essential part of any skin and hair care enthusiasts regime.
In particular, silk pillowcases have been scientifically proven to improve the appearance of our hair by:
● Keeping Hair Smooth - silk is made of frictionless protein fibers that allows your hair to slide effortlessly around your pillow whilst you sleep.
● Maintaining Hair Moisture - silk is far less absorbent a material than cotton, allowing your hair treatments to stay put at night.
● Improving Hair Health - because silk is frictionless, it prevents hair breakages and split ends from forming, and allows hair to grow thick and healthy.
● Reducing Greasy Hair Days - silk is a natural temperature regulator, meaning that it reduces the chance of your head from sweating at night. Due to its low absorbency, silk does not absorb essential hair oils and cause an overproduction of oil.
Whilst silk pillowcases might be more expensive than its cotton alternative, this one time purchase absolutely saves you your time and hard earned money.
Hair damage caused by the long-term use of cotton opposed to silk pillowcases is responsible for some eye-watering trips to the salon and causes many of us to fork out on hair treatments that are ultimately being absorbed into your bedding! Never mind the frustration of hair that does not seem to grow or frequently snaps off.
For the faux blondes amongst you, there is even more reason to invest in silk pillowcases as once hair has been bleached, it is often fragile, porous and struggles to contain moisture.
Great hair deserves a great rest, and the answer is undeniably SILKCASE!


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Watermelons to beat summer heat
D Gopi Vijayawada: Come summer, the denizens look for juices, soft drinks and ice creams to beat the Blazewada's summer heat. The nature's gift of...
D Gopi Vijayawada: Come summer, the denizens look for juices, soft drinks and ice creams to beat the Blazewada's summer heat. The nature's gift of watermelons, tender coconuts, palm fruits (Tati Munjalu) play dominant role in beating the heat in the season. Watermelons dominate summer with people eating the juicy and fleshy fruit on the streets. Tonnes of watermelons are brought on to the streets with the vendors offering them to the denizens as nature's answer to the summer heat. The vendors put up sheds at several important junctions and supply the fruit to the people, besides selling the same to retail vendors who go round on the pushcarts. The fruit contains six per cent sugar and 90 per cent water in its sweet juicy interior flesh, which is consumed by the young and old standing by the side of the pushcarts. Though the thick outer layer and seeds are thrown, there are a few takers for the seeds, which are supposed to have nutritional as well as medicinal value. The green or yellow skin keeps the flesh inside sweet enough to eat and also quenches the thirst. It is a common sight in summer for everyone to see the craving mouths walk to the vendor and enjoy the juicy pulp of the fruit. The fruit, cultivated in parts of Rayalaseema and Godavari belt in coastal region are made available to the denizens in every summer. However, as the summer heat is yet to begin, the venders are importing the fruit from the neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states. The local fruit, which is more juicy and sweeter is expected to hit the market from the middle of April, the traders said.

domain: food


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| Sir David Wilkie
's flattering portrait of the kilted King George IV, with lighting chosen to tone down the brightness of his kilt and his knees shown bare, without the pink tights he wore at the event.
The 1822 visit of King George IV to Scotland was the first visit of a reigning monarch to Scotland since 1650. Government ministers had pressed the King to bring forward a proposed visit to Scotland, to divert him King from diplomatic intrigue at the Congress of the Nations in Vienna. The visit increased his popularity in Scotland, turning his subjects away from the rebellious radicalism of the time. However, it was Sir Walter Scott's organization of the visit with the inclusion of tartan pageantry that was to have a lasting influence, by elevating the plaid kilt to a part of Scotland's national identity.
After a decade of ruling as Prince Regent, George IV acceded to the throne and his coronation on July 19, 1821, was celebrated by splendid traditional pageantry, much of it invented for the occasion. He was obese and was widely unpopular with many offended by his treatment of his wife. He had also been struggling to manipulate the government which was seen as a corrupt oligarchy by radicals who went as far as civil war following the revolutions which shook America and France. He was invited to attend a Congress of the Nations in Vienna, but government ministers wanting to keep Parliamentary control of foreign affairs pressed him to bring forward a proposed visit to Scotland. Suffering from painful illness and pushed by opposing factions of diplomats and ministers, the King remained indecisive, but preparations went ahead in the hope of his agreement.
Walter Scott was author of the novel Waverley which popularized a romantic image of the Scottish Highlands. This led to him being invited to dine with George, who was then the Prince Regent, in 1815. By 1822 Scott had become a baronet, and was well acquainted with both Highland and Lowland aristocracy.
Kilts and tartans were used for army uniforms but were no longer ordinary Highland wear, having been proscribed in the wake of the Jacobite Risings by the Dress Act. The "small" kilt as worn today was a relatively recent innovation in the Highlands, having been introduced around the 1720s and later adopted as dress uniform by the army, but the romance of the "ancient" Belted plaid still appealed to those wanting to preserve the Highland identity. Soon after the Act's repeal in 1782, Highland aristocrats set up Highland Societies in Edinburgh and other centres including London and Aberdeen, landowners' clubs with aims including "Improvements" (which others would call the Highland clearances) and promoting "the general use of the ancient Highland dress" by obliging members to wear this when attending meetings. Numerous less exclusive associations including the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, of which Scott was enthusiastic chairman, had membership including many lowlanders as well as chieftains of impeccable Highland ancestry, and also promoted Highland culture with all attending meetings and dances wearing "the garb of old Gaul".
Contemporary caricature of the kilted King George IV.
When his advice was sought, Sir Walter Scott seized the opportunity to invent a splendid pageant wherein ancient Scotland would be reborn, and the King parodied in cartoons as a fat debaucher would be seen as "a portly handsome man looking and moving every inch a King". George would be presented as a new Jacobite King, with the logic that he was by bloodline as much a Stuart as Bonnie Prince Charlie had been, and would win the affections of the Scots away from radical reform.
George was persuaded by Scott that he was not only a Stuart prince, but also a Jacobite Highlander, and could rightly and properly swathe himself in "the garb of old Gaul", so in July 1822 the King placed his order with George Hunter & Co., outfitters of Tokenhouse Yard, London and Princes Street, Edinburgh for £1,354 18s worth of highland outfit in bright red Royal Tartan, later known as Royal Stuart, complete with gold chains and assorted weaponry including dirk, sword and pistols.
Scott brought the Highland societies and the Clan chieftains into arranging for a plaided pageantry. Some chieftains took this as a chance to show impressive forces and thus disprove allegations about the Highland clearances, but the decimation of their tenantry rather undermined this and in one instance the problem of finding kilts was solved by borrowing army uniforms.
Holyrood palace was not in fit condition as a royal residence, and arrangements were made for the King to stay at Dalkeith House, 7 miles (11 km) from Edinburgh.
There was widespread concern about procedure and etiquette, not least amongst the touchy Highland chiefs (notably Glengarry), which Scott met by producing a shilling booklet "HINTS addressed to the INHABITANTS OF EDINBURGH AND OTHERS in prospect of HIS MAJESTY'S VISIT by an old citizen" which gave an outline of planned events with detailed advice on behaviour and clothing. All gentlemen of the city were expected to attend public appearances in a uniform blue coat, white waistcoat and white jean trousers, and a low-crowned dark hat decorated with a cockade in the form a white St. Andrew's saltire on a blue background. Similarly detailed guidance was given for those fortunate enough to attend functions or levees, with gentlemen to wear a full dress suit, as well as a description of the dress of the Highland chiefs and their "tail" of followers who were expected to "add greatly to the variety, gracefulness and appropriate splendour of the scene".
The exception was the "Grand Ball" held by the peers of Scotland to entertain the King: Scott's "Hints" called this a "Highland Ball", reminded readers that the King had ordered a kilt and set the condition that, unless in uniform, "no Gentleman is to be allowed to appear in any thing but the ancient Highland costume". At this, lowland gentlemen suddenly embarked on a desperate search for Highland ancestry (however remote) and a suitable tartan kilt from the Edinburgh tailors, who responded inventively. This can be seen as the pivotal event when what had been thought of as the primitive dress of mountain thieves became the national dress of the whole of Scotland.
The King's ship arrived in the Firth of Forth about noon on Wednesday August 14, 1822, but his landing was postponed due to torrential rain, and on the Thursday August 15, the King in naval uniform arrived in sunshine at the quayside of The Shore, Leith. A procession including lowland regiments and Highland clan regiments with pipe bands escorted the King's open carriage the 3 miles (5 km) up to Edinburgh past cheering Scots crowding every possible viewpoint eager to show a welcome to their monarch.
Much of the pageantry for the visit would be medieval rather than Highland, but the exotic outfits of the "gathering of the Gael" were to attract most attention. The next day was one of many that the King spent away from the public at Dalkeith.
On Saturday afternoon, August 17, the King attended a short Levee at Holyrood Palace, where the great and good queued to be greeted by George in his Highland outfit complete with pink pantaloons to conceal his bloated legs.
On Thursday, August 22, heavy rain returned for a Grand Procession from Holyrood to Edinburgh castle. The procession and the King's closed carriage went up a Royal Mile flanked by colourful bunting and densely packed cheering crowds obscured by their umbrellas. At the castle, the King climbed out onto the battlements of the Half-moon battery to wave his cocked hat to continuing "huzzas" from the crowd for fifteen minutes, reportedly saying "Good God! What a fine sight. I had no conception there was such a fine scene in the world; and to find it in my own dominions; and the people are as beautiful and as extraordinary as the scene." and "Rain? I feel no rain. Never mind, I must cheer the people." He had not been used to this kind of reception.
On Friday, August 23, a review of 3,000 volunteer cavalrymen was held on Portobello sands. The King was also to honour the Clans including a contingent from the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, and although disappointed not to be reviewed they took part in the Grand March Past then were cheered by the crowds as they marched back to Edinburgh. That evening, George appeared at the Peers' Ball wearing a field marshal's uniform as earlier in the day rather than the anticipated kilt, and sat to enjoy watching the Scottish country dancing and the splendour of the belted plaids worn by the men.
The King went in state to the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Sunday service at St. Giles Cathedral, then the next day made a private visit to the Holyrood Palace apartments of his ancestor Mary, Queen of Scots. On the Tuesday, August 27, George made his last and least formal public appearance at a theatre performance of Scott's Rob Roy to his evident pleasure. His visit closed on Thursday August 29 with a visit to Hopetoun House before joining his ship and departing.
While the King's one kilted appearance was to be ruthlessly caricatured creating a memorable image of "our fat friend" being hoisted onto a horse, the effect of the event wryly described as "one and twenty daft days" was an increase in goodwill and a new-found Scottish national identity uniting Highlander and Lowlander in sharing the iconic symbolism of kilts and tartans. The pride of the Clan chieftains in their heritage was reinvigorated, but there was no check in the progress of the Highland clearances.
- The Invention of Scotland: The Stuart Myth and the Scottish Identity, 1638 to the Present. - book reviews (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2082/is_n2_v55/ai_13508030)
- Scottish Kilts - Historical Development (http://histclo.hispeed.com/style/skirted/kilt/kilts-hist.html)

domain: history


The Iraqi Cabinet has voted to postpone early elections from June to 10th October.
Vast wealth and the promise of dramatic change make for cautious optimism concerning Saudi Arabia, the chief executive…264 Views | the publication reaches you by | Saudi Arabia Today
Cabinet Spokesperson, the Minister of Culture Hassan Nadhem (pictured), said the Iraqi Government will provide all the necessary support to the Independent High Electoral Commission, and will work to ensure that the upcoming elections will be free and fair.
The project for the design, engineering and procurement of the new 400,000m3/day Jubail II seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO)…386 Views | the publication reaches you by | Saudi Arabia Today
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“Wellness is a way to cope with the demands and rigors of new modern lifestyles,” according to Ogilvy in their latest report, The Wellness Movement Pioneers: New Global Research Findings.
The report makes the case that the mass public are project-managing life adopting mental health, nutrition, physical activity and sleep to boost personal wellness. There is a big business model underneath this, which has inspired Ogilvy to start up the company’s Health & Wellness Practice. Think of this report as the group’s own business case to address the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy, illustrated by the first image.
The report synthesizes interviews the team undertook with so-called wellness pioneers, folks active in various aspects and geographies for healthy lifestyles.
In the section called “A sick planet,” the Ogilvy team points out that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a growing share of mortality in both wealthy and developing nations. Once upon a time, infectious diseases killed most people on the planet; today, it’s NCDs like diabetes, heart disease, and lifestyle-influenced cancers (especially due to the risks of tobacco) that will kill most of us. Note the bar chart and dramatic growth of NCD mortality in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
How to address this? Ogilvy responds by pointing to the wellness movement and “salutogenesis:” moving from a mindset of what causes disease to what boosts health; from a reactive healthcare response to a proactive health input paradigm; and, from guarding against pain or loss to promoting for gain and growth.
There are several dozen pages of research to mine, but among the most overlooked topics in the social determinants of health literature is the section on social fitness. “We can’t all be gurus, but we can take part,” the authors assert. “Taking part” brings people together to support social fitness. Isolation kills; connectedness heals, research has proven.
“Homo Sapiens know how to adapt and change….Now we realize the impact modern life has on our health. We must make better choices if we want to get and stay well,” Ogilvy concludes.
This is the opportunity for Ogilvy, their wellness industry clients, and health consumers the world over.
Health Populi’s Hot Points: Ogilvy’s report re-confirms my latest work and learnings in the growth of retail health, which for morphing health consumers is a preferred way to “consume” healthcare: via self-directed value-based products and services that people curate in the context of their own health values.
“Values” here has a two-fold meaning: first, in terms of an individual’s own value-set of preferences, tastes, and cultural norms; and, “value,” a person’s definition of quality vs. price vs. personal utility for a good or service. As people in the U.S. face first-dollar coverage paying for healthcare in high-deductible plans and via health savings accounts, health spending is done with “their” money. That means that healthcare should look and feel like retail service experiences to gain loyalty and retain customers on an annuity basis. Health is not a one-off purchase but a lifelong continuum of personal investing.
In today’s health/wellness marketplace, the first area consumers are turning to is food, and increasingly a food-as-medicine paradigm. There is growing evidence on the role of (good, clean) food in health: the DASH diet, for example, has hard clinical evidence that the eating regime can reverse heart disease and help manage or fend off Type 2 Diabetes. Grocery stores continue to hire retail dietitians and nutritionists, coupling up with store pharmacies and continuing to blur food/health/healthcare adjacencies.
Each wellness area identified by the first graphic has at least a few savvy marketers who know how to reach, motivate, and successfully sell to health consumers. The healthcare industry’s legacy stakeholders — hospitals, physicians, health insurers and pharma — must get skilled in this increasingly consumer-driven health market to stay relevant in the growing world of wellness.

domain: literature


Pro Creation is the best digital marketing agency in Nagpur. We are passionate about all things digital and effective business results. We offer digital strategy, planning & creativity, resulting in fully managed and highly successful online marketing campaigns. Digital marketing has become prominent largely because it reaches such a wide audience of people. Digital marketing includes email, advertising, social media, and multimedia messaging that is distributed through the web and mobile phones.


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Today, on the Senate floor, you said this:
“Last I checked, Long Island was part — albeit sometimes regrettably — part of the United States of America.
It would be my pleasure to give you a guided tour of our Island that you called a “regrettable” part of the United States of America. What would you like to see?
Would you like to visit Sagamore Hill, the home of our 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt? Maybe you’d like to stop in Huntington to visit the birthplace of one of this nation’s most renowned poets, Walt Whitman.
Also, I’d love to show you the wonders of the North Shore, where F. Scott Fitzgerald got his inspiration to write the classic novel, The Great Gatsby. To top the tour off, It would be my honor to bring you to my hometown.
There, while enjoying a burger with fries and a milkshake from All-American, you can realize what a great place Long Island really is, and why you should think before speak on the Senate floor. Millions of people call this Island home, and I can almost guarantee you that we are more beneficial to this nation than your state of Arizona. With all due respect, of course.
lol trolling the Long Island tag because omg i want finals to be over and to be home. and wow McCain you can fuck yourself. (now regretting writing that essay senior year about the good things you could do for the country…)
don’t mess with long island. we are the shit.


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THE BOLLI JOURNAL
The BOLLI Journal, our bi-annual art and literary magazine, offers a glimpse into the creative lives of the many writers and visual artists in our midst.
At BOLLI, we have an opportunity to invent and reinvent ourselves through our scholarly and creative pursuits. Our writing, photography, and art courses, as well as our less formal groups, encourage members to develop and refine their expressive spirits and skills. The BOLLI Journal provides a showcase for a variety of these efforts, illustrating who we are, how our history and imagination have shaped our identities, and how we craft our lives now.
The BOLLI Journal seeks original writing and visual art from all members.
BOLLI members may submit up to FOUR pieces of writing and/or art work (total) for consideration for publication in the 2018 volume.
WHAT TO SEND
Any BOLLI member may submit original unpublished fiction and/or nonfiction prose, poetry, or playwriting. Please double space and number each page of your work, but do not write your name on your manuscript/s. Include a word count below the title of each piece being submitted. (2000 word limit.)
Any BOLLI member may submit original unpublished, high resolution digital photography. Professionally photographed, high resolution images of original drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and/or crafts may be submitted.
HOW TO SEND IT
Work should be submitted via email although hard copy may be left with Matt Medeiros for scanning and sending via email. (No particular computer program is preferred for either writing or photographs.) The email subject line should read “Journal Submission,” and material should be provided as attachments. In the text of your email, provide your name, home address, telephone number, and return email address. Send to the editor at: Bollijournal@gmail.com.
Your submission will be acknowledged within a week of its receipt. If you do not receive such acknowledgment, contact editor Maxine Weintraub: email@example.com.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
All material will be reviewed as “blind” submissions by The Journal committee: Editor Maxine Weintraub, Marjorie Arons-Barron, Beverly Bernson, Betsy Campbell, Jane Kays, Joan Kleinman, Marjorie Roemer, Larry Schwirian, and Sue Wurster. Other selected jurors are also part of the process. While suggestions might be made for improvement and resubmission of material, submissions will not be edited without permission.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JUNE 17, 2017


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Win tickets to Let it Be, A celebration of the music of the Beatles
Published Monday, October 2, 2017 4:13PM EDT
We have your chance to win a pair of tickets to Let it Be, A celebration of the music of the Beatles on Saturday October 28th at the Centerpointe theatre!
What if the Beatles had reunited 10 years after their break-up? This revamped production of “Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles” answers that question, and brings you the show that you never got to see. While the first half of theatrical performance is comprised of favorites from the Beatles career, the all new second half imagines a world in which the Beatles re-united!
Email email@example.com for your chance to win!
Contest starts at 12:00 p.m. noon on Monday, Oct. 2 and closes at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017.
All CTV Ottawa contestants must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of Ontario (unless otherwise noted.)


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How to Make and Sew Signatures into a Junk Journal
Signatures in junk journals are groups of pages that are sewn into the cover just like any other book. The difference is the types of papers used in a junk journal and how the journal maker sews the signatures into a junk journal. The two most common ways to sew signatures in a junk journal are with a three-hole or five-hole pamphlet stitch. Both are very easy once you learn the process. This article explains how to do a three-hole pamphlet stitch.
Selecting Signature Papers
Each signature is made up of 10 to 20 papers of varying styles, sizes and colors. There are no rules when it comes to selecting the papers. You may choose printed pages from a digital junk journal kit. You might want blank coffee-dyed papers that are decorated after they are sewed into the cover. Furthermore, you can sew in an entire signature of greeting cards you received for the holidays or other special occasions.
First, you must decide the size of your junk journal when selecting the papers to use for the signatures. A favorite size of junk journals is a 9-inch by 6-inch cover with a 1- to 2- inch spine. The process explained here can be used on any size junk journal you choose to make. I will use smaller dimensions for this article.
You need to gather 20 pieces of paper, so you can make the signature and sew it into a junk journal. These papers need to be, at the most, 8 ½ inches tall by 11 inches long. It is perfectly fine to have smaller size papers for the signature. A variety of sizes adds more interest to the junk journal. You can even add envelopes into the selection because they can easily be sewn into the junk journal along with the other papers.
Choose a variety of colors, designs and patterns. You can use old junk mail, magazine pages, pages from a dictionary, other book pages, ledger paper, graph paper; the list goes on forever. If it is made of paper, you can add it to a signature. Paper doilies are often sewn into the signatures of junk journals.
Prepare the Papers
You must decide how you want the papers to be in the signature. I stagger the sizes and patterns of the papers I put in my junk journal signatures. I love the variety it adds to the junk journal. It’s like looking at a photo album when you turn the page and each one is different from the rest.
Once you have the papers in the order you want, you need to fold them, so the center crease is very defined. Remember to keep the pages the direction you want when you fold them. It doesn’t matter if the pages are not even with each other. You may prefer the design or pattern on part of the page but not the other. Make the fold where your favorite part will show when sewing the signature into the junk journal.
Each paper is folded individually and then tucked all together to make the signature. Make sure the folds are straight. To do this put your finger in the middle of the fold and then run your hand up to the top of the paper and then down to the bottom. Use a bone folder or the handle of your scissors to train the paper and define the fold. This gives a clean, crisp fold and makes the paper hold its folded shape.
Put the folded papers into the order you chose and line them up where you want them to be in the signature. For example, if you chose a paper that is shorter than the rest, decide whether you want it closer to the top of the junk journal cover or the bottom. I stagger mine to add more interest to the junk journal signature.
Cut the signature to size
Now that you have made the signature for the junk journal, you need to cut it to the confines of the junk journal cover. I use binder clips or paper clips on the folded side of the signature to hold the pages together so they do not shift when I cut them to size. You can use your scissors, but you take the chance of the papers shifting or the cut not being straight. A ruler and a utility knife or exacto blade works best to perform the cut process.
Bind the papers together, so they are secure and stay in place. Lay the junk journal signature on a self-healing cutting mat or hard, flat surface. If you do not have a self-healing cutting mat, put a piece of cardboard under the signature, so the surface underneath is not damaged from the cutting process.
Put a ruler, T-square or other straight edge along the top of junk journal signature. Cut through all the papers at once with a utility knife. Do this to the bottom and open side of the signature. You are ready to sew the signature into your junk journal.
Sewing the Signature into the Junk Journal
Sewing a signature into a junk journal is actually the quickest and easiest part of making a junk journal. You will need an awl (sometimes referred to as a “pokey tool”), wax coated thread, and a rather large needle for this process. You can use embroidery, jewelry or upholstery thread. I sometimes use unflavored dental floss. The great thing about creating a junk journal is you can use what you have on hand. Regular sewing thread is not strong enough to hold the signatures in place for very long. The rule is if you can break the thread easily with your hands then it is not good for sewing signatures into a junk journal.
You must measure the amount of thread needed to sew the signature into the junk journal. A good rule of thumb is the rule of three. Hold the end of the thread at the top of the journal cover, unwind the thread to the bottom of the journal, back to the top and back to the bottom again. Cut the thread. You now have three book lengths of thread for which to sew in the signatures of your junk journal.
Open the journal cover and lay the pages open to the middle of the signature. Position the signature so that ½ inch of the inside cover is exposed and the fold of the signature lines up with the fold of the junk journal cover. Secure the signature pages to the cover with paper clips or binder clips in this position. I use two binder clips at the top and two at the bottom of the junk journal.
Poke a hole straight down with the awl, directly in the middle of the signature fold. Measure 1-inch from the top of the signature and poke another hole directly in line, from top to bottom, with the first hole. Measure 1-inch from the bottom of the signature and poke another hole directly in line, from bottom to top, with the middle hole.
Thread the needle with your chosen thread and pull the tails of the thread together so it becomes two strands of thread with one side slightly longer than the other. Push the needle through the middle hole and out through the back of the journal cover. Leave about 6-inches of thread inside the middle of the signature. Push the needle through the top hole of the cover and signature. Hold the tail end of the thread and pull tightly to keep the thread tight. Push the needle back through the center hole and pull the thread tight while still holding onto the thread tail that is still inside the journal signature. Push the needle through the bottom hole and back inside the junk journal.
Now that you are back inside the junk journal with the needle and thread, pull the tail to one side of the signature and loop the needle underneath the thread that goes from the middle hole to the top hole. This leaves you with the tail on one side of the signature and the threaded needle on the other side of the signature.
Cut the thread from the needle as close to the eye of the needle as possible. Pull each end of the thread tight, so the junk journal cover and signature does not move or shift. Tie the two ends of the thread together in a double knot. You have now sewn the signature into your junk journal.
You can cut the threads shorter if you wish. Some junk journal makers keep the threads longer because they like to hang charms or little paper tags on the ends of the threads to give the junk journal more interest. The choice is yours. I like hanging little paper hearts or inspirational words from the thread dangles.
A single signature junk journal is good for carrying with you as a daily planner. They also make wonderful handmade gifts. You can sew more than one signature into a junk journal. The process is a little different because you need a template to keep the signatures evenly spaced and lined up in the junk journal. For now, you know what it takes to make and sew a signature into a junk journal.


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Play Casino Online
Casino online is free or you can pay small fees. You can make use of your credit card to pay or make a payment using your PayPal account. You don’t have to worry about fraud, or having to spend any money to play. There are a variety of game beep beeps to choose from and you can switch between them whenever you want. Make sure you are aware of the rules of the game that you are playing. You can then enjoy it for real money!
Some casinos have software applications that allow you to play their games. These applications interact with the casino’s computer software and will show results and game histories. A web browser lets you to play casino games with other players on the same computer. This allows you to play with other players from all across the globe. The applications are also available for download for free. You can download them free, and you’ll be able to play any game you’d like to play them as long as you have an Internet connection.
Casinos online offer many advantages, including convenience. Casinos online offer the best convenience, since you can play from anywhere you want to be at any time. Plus, you don’t have to deal with driving and parking. You can also play games in different languages. With all of these advantages you’ll be able to have more fun and earn more money than you could ever imagine. While playing in the at-home comforts of your home, you won’t have to leave your house to play your most loved games.
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The good thing about playing online casino for free is that you can try various games, regardless of how much money dino casino you have. Moreover, you don’t have to be in a specific state to participate in any kind of gambling. You can play online from wherever you are, whenever you’d like. You can play whenever you want, even while you are at work. This is great for people who are busy.
Before you decide to play casino online for free, make sure you check the laws of your state. Some states don’t allow gambling in any way, and you must check the laws of your state to ensure you’re not violating any laws. Some states have legalized gambling on the internet, so make sure you consult your state before you make a decision to play. Some states allow online gambling, while some aren’t. For instance, you cannot gamble online in places which are not permitted by law.

domain: hobby


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Coaching and individual support might be right for you if,....
… despite your best efforts, you seem to be drowning.
… you don’t even know where to start and lack the right strategies.
… you know the the problem, still, you struggle to create lasting change.
… despite knowing what you should change, you end up in this situation again and again.
Benefits of Coaching
Step by Step Process
You can rely on a step by step process, while being accompanied by an expert every step of the way.
No two clients are the same. Therefore our process will be uniquely yours – no “one size fits all”!
We start out the process with a detailed analysis of your situation. That way we’ll know exactly where to start.
One-on-one sessions are the ideal setting for me to guarantee you highest levels of confidentiality.
All my methods are backed by psychological science. I am not bound by one school of therapy.
Support when it suits you best. Based on your needs and availabilities.
This is a dialogue I encounter frequently in my professional life:
Client: “When is the best time to start with coaching?”
Client: “But I’m not ill. Isn’t it too early?”
No, not at all! Contrary to therapy, coaching works with healthy clients in challenging situations. Therefore the best time to start, is the moment you notice something doesn’t feel right (e.g. your “work-life” balance, your stress level, your wellbeing).
My coaching process always starts with a detailed analysis of my client’s situation and stress factors. Following this, I support my client in prioritizing the aspects collected. Together we then tackle them, one by one.
Coaching is an interactive process, I contribute my expertise, experience and based on the above ask the right questions and provide exercises and other work materials. My client brings in her/his everyday challenges.
The goal of the process is not just to ease symptoms of stress, or learn short-term interventions. Quite the opposite, we strive to develop new skills and incorporate new habits. Only that way, we can effectively master and prevent stress.
Getting Started is Easy
Free 20 Min Chat
No strings attached and completely free. We use this chat to get to know each other and judge our “fit”.
After our free chat, you have enough time to sleep on your experience. When you’re ready, you can easily book an appointment.
Now we can explore your stress factors in more depth and I can tailor my approach to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coaching the same as therapy?
Nope, not at all. Coaching focuses on helping otherwise healthy people manage crises and overcome challenges. Therapy focuses on treatment of mental illness.
I just feel a little overwhelmed at the moment. Can I sign up for coaching?
Absolutely! That’s what I’m here for. Contact me for a free intro call and we can see how I can best support you. No strings attached 🙂
What’s your qualification?
I’m an occupational and clinical psychologist and am additionally trained in positive psychology coaching. I also teach at two international universities. Want to learn more about me? Klick here!
I’m not yet sure about coaching. Where else could I start?
Why not sign up for my free newsletter to get a better idea of how I work? And also look at all my resources and information. They are a wonderful place for inspiration and knowledge.
How long does a coaching session last?
And what’s the investment?
Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes and costs 120€. Our intro call lasts for approximately 20 minutes and comes free of charge.
How many sessions will I need?
Seeing that I promise a tailored approach, I do not sell “one-size-fits-all” packages. Most of my clients are happy with their progress after 5-10 sessions. But there is no commitment required.
Ask a question or book a call below.
For psychological emergencies please call 112 or visit your nearest hospital!

domain: psychology


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"Fiat SpA, the Italian carmaker taking a stake in Chrysler LLC, may spin off its automobile division following a purchase of General Motors Corp.’s European unit."
In other words, we're spending billions of dollars so that the best parts of GM and Chrysler will survive . . . as divisions of an Italian auto maker. Wasn't the original idea to save the US auto industry?

domain: finance


Evaluation of the SME definition
This evaluation has been commissioned by the Europe 2020 and National Competitiveness Policies unit of Directorate B in DG Enterprise and Industry (Unit B3). The current SME definition is set out in a Recommendation of the Commission adopted on 6th May 2003, which came into effect as from 1st January 2005. This definition up-dated and replaced the one adopted in 1996. The Recommendation is addressed to the Member States, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) and, as well as providing a framework for statistical definitions, has specific applications in EU... policies that support SMEs (Structural Funds, Framework Programme for Research and Development, Competitiveness and Innovation Programme etc.) and in the rules governing State Aid. The Commission has published two reports on the use of the recommended definition : Report from the Commission in 2006 on the Implementation of the Commission Recommendation (2003/361/EC) A Commission Staff Working Document in 2009 on the implementation of the 2003 Commission Recommendation. An SME Definition User-guide has also been published, explaining how it is used in practice and an on-line tool has been provided, courtesy of the Walloon Region of Belgium, that can help enterprises establish if they count as an SME or not. DG Enterprise and Industry is responsible for managing the SME Definition and, if necessary, proposing amendments in the form of a new Commission Recommendation. In 2003, the financial ceilings were updated to reflect productivity growth and inflation. This maintained the relative position of enterprises defined as SMEs within the economy.
- Corporate author(s): Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services , Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry (European Commission) Now known as... Now known as... Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (European Commission) Themes: Enterprise, Industrial policy
- Subject: aid to undertakings, business policy, competitiveness, economic growth, EU industrial policy, EU policy, Framework Programme for Research and Development, innovation, research and development, small and medium-sized enterprises


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AICSA and the InterVarsity Choral Festivals have made our name largely by virtue of our concerts featuring major choral works, both from the established repertoire and from Australian composer commissions. But another important and enduring part of our repertoire is the collection of about 30 short works, generally referred to as "Songbook" material or "The National Repertoire of Public Domain Material for University Choirs". This includes motets, part-songs, "Ballett" madrigals etc. This collection evolves from decade to decade, as some songs grow in popularity and others decline - while some evergreens never lose their place. Here are mp3 files of 17 short works popular with festivals and individual University Choral/Musical Societies. Enjoy!
© Copyright Australian Intervarsity Choral Societies Association 2011. Other copyright may apply. These tracks are provided for the interest of those concerned with the AICSA movement. Any copying, renting, diffusion, public performance, or broadcasting of these tracks without the authority of the copyright owner(s) is prohibited.

domain: library


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In recent years the Hakfoort Group has committed heavily in the Mount Isa area, with their flagship being the Red Earth Hotel. Although fully refurbished, the Lounge Bar in the Red Earth lacked those final touches which makes a good renovation a great renovation.
DDA stepped in, and taking the existing classical theming as a guide, enhanced the room with modern crystal pendants, classical wallpapers, decorative mirrors, and floral arrangements. The end result is a completed room – an oasis in the outback.
Construction cost: $54,700


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With Philippe at Ammaza. A first.
Later, you dreamed about your dad. He was old and sick. He came into your (a) bedroom while you were in bed. You touched his hand. He struggled to get into the bed and you snuggled next to him, hugging him, loving him, not saying anything. When you awoke, you wished you had done this in real life.


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Hercules Bar Cabinet by Agrippa
A take on our popular Hercules Cabinet, now also available as a bar. The prehistoric saber tooth, the largest feline ever to have lived on earth, is the focus of this cabinet. The hand-carved wood sculpture of the saber tooth skull functions as the handles for this architectural cabinet.
Dimensions: 35.5″ W x 17.75″ D x 59″ H 35.5″ W x 17.75″ D x 59″ H
Item Number: CG-AGRIPPA-HERCULES-BR
Wood Finishes: Walnut Beeswax | Walnut Stained
Price: Upon Request
MADE TO ORDER This item is made to order.
Please contact our sales team for more information.


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Forex, what is margin? What is margin call? What is margin level? Forex Margin definition
When trading, margin is often mentioned by forex brokers. Margin is nothing but collateral that is maintained in order to keep positions open. It is also referred to as a margin deposit and is automatically deducted when opening a new trading position. Margin is quoted in relation to 1 lot.
Figure 1: Margin
In the above image, Figure 1: Margin we notice that a margin of 27.91 was allocated to an open position of EURAUD for 1 micro lot (0.01). The margin is the minimum amount required to maintain an open position for EURAUD and is deducted automatically from the available equity and is released once the position is closed. The margin required varies based on the leverage used. To better understand margin, let’s take a simple example of buying EURUSD for a trading account that has a 1:1 leverage.
Assuming that you want to buy 1 micro lot (or 1000 units) of EURUSD at 1.395, the margin amount required to open a buy position would be 1000 x 1.395 = €1395.
If your trading account has a total equity of €10,000, then when you open a trading position of 1000 units, the amount of €1395 is deducted as long as the trade is kept open. The margin amount is released once the position is closed.
The difference between the margin amount and the equity is what is referred to as free margin. This free margin can be used for opening other new positions.
The ratio of equity to margin is what is referred to as margin level.
Margin Call – event when forex broker automatically closes open orders thus preventing trader from entering into debt.

domain: economics


Marissa Elene Nadieja is a musical artist and among artists in a world where anesthetics are the essence
of their life and longings. Svefreyja
is primarily a progressive artist, but her music is not bound by a particular genre. As a serious music
student, she studied Bel Canto singing from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia for ten years and
four years from other teachers. Svefreyja had the privilege of studying music at a very young age, as her mother
was a piano instructor by profession. Svefreyja went on to study guitar, voice and piano but she was mostly
a self-taught composer and arranger. She also plays congas, bamboo flutes and various keyboard instruments.
Though her studies were mostly in the area of voice and Opera, she wanted to pursue her original musical
aspirations. She studied classical guitar for a few years, composition for three years from West Minster
Choir College in Princeton New Jersey, and found herself trying to teach herself how to write music. Being
an innovator and creative person has driven Svefreyja to become an extremely diligent in her efforts with music.
Marissa has performed in many concert settings. Her first paying performance was at age thirteen, where her
guitar teacher hired her to sing at her sister's wedding. Svefreyja has always been interested
in visual art. As a child and teenager was thinking of becoming an illustrator or an environmental scientist,
but music seemed to be at the forefront of her mind. At the moment, she is concentrating on becoming an engineer
where she can produce her own music in her home studio in New York City. Svefreyja was born in Princeton New Jersey and
grew up in New Jersey and Bucks County Pennsylvania, right outside of New Hope in the Philadelphia area. Both
of her parents are natives of New York City, taking her to many cultural events from a very early age. She now
resides in Staten Island New York, New York City in the United States. Her love for art
and beauty goes on and on.


"Draining the Swamp"
Updated January 12, 2018
President Trump's Accomplishments
January 10, 2018
The Trump administration released their annual report to Congress on White House Office Personnel. It includes the name, status, salary and position title of all 377 White House employees.
The report also said that Trump decided not to take a dime of his salary, instead he donated it to an amazing cause! (see below).
The report also showed that President Trump is far better at saving money than Obama was. The total annual White House salaries under Trump are $35.8 million vs. $40.9 under Obama, a savings of $5.1million. Here are some other key findings
There are 110 fewer employees on White House staff under Trump than under Obama at this point in their respective presidencies.
Nineteen fewer staffers are dedicated to The First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS). Currently, there are five staffers dedicated to Melania Trump vs. 24 staffers who served Michelle Obama (FY2009)
However, it's what the report said Trump did with this salary that has everyone talking. Instead of taking his salary, Trump donated all $400,000 to the Department of the Interior where it will be used for construction and repair needs at military cemeteries! AMAZING!
It's so great to have a President who loves our brave military men and women so much!
Oh, and where's the media coverage of this? Oh that's right, they don't cover anything good that the President does.
NO, BUT WE WILL PLEASE, PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ALL YOUR EMAIL PALS AND OTHERS! TOGETHER, WE'LL GET THE MESSAGE OUT.
By Christian Ziegler, State Committeeman, Sarasota County Florida
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE
• President Trump has brought Merry Christmas back to the White House, reading the Christmas story at the tree lighting and printing out cards to wish a Merry Christmas.
• President Trump appointed Mick Mulvaney as Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to provide oversight and accountability to the undisciplined agency.
• President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency issued a new directive to ensure that all members of their Federal Advisory Committee must not receive any funding from the EPA.
• President Trump announced John Koskinen’s term as IRS commissioner would not be renewed after it expires next month, David Kautter of the Treasury Department will serve as acting commissioner.
• The Justice Department settled two lawsuits with conservative Tea Party groups that were unfairly scrutinized by the IRS for their tax-exempt status.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt issued an agencywide directive designed to end the abusive “sue and settle” Obama-era practice where environmental groups were able to impose policies through litigation that they couldn’t pass through Congress.
• President Trump and his Administration assisted efforts to provide search, rescue, and recovery operations for survivors of Hurricane Marie in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
o Deploying thousands of Federal personnel, ships, and supplies to assist with relief efforts.
• President Trump took leadership in creating a bipartisan deal that raises the debt ceiling, fund the government, and provide Federal assistance to survivors of Hurricane Harvey and Irma.
o President Trump’s leadership provides short term funding and borrowing authority so Congress can focus on his ambitious priorities for the fall, particularly tax reform.
• President Trump fulfilled his promise to the American people by nominating and, after Senate confirmation, appointing Neil Gorsuch as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
• President Trump implemented higher ethical standards to make sure his Administration works for the American people.
o President Trump signed an Executive Order implementing tough new lobbying standards for political appointees, including a five-year ban on lobbying and a lifetime ban on lobbying for foreign countries.
o President Trump has donated his salary, following through on his promise to the American people.
• To make sure the Government serves the needs of all Americans, President Trump has called for a comprehensive plan to reorganize the executive branch and has used his budget to begin to implement his plan.
o President Trump created the Office of American Innovation to streamline and improve the Government for future generations.
• The Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor announced two companion interim final rules that provide conscience protections to Americans who have a religious or moral objection to paying for health insurance that covers contraceptive/abortifacient services.
ELIMINATING JOB KILLING REGULATIONS & WASTEFUL SPENDING
• Simply cutting red tape and putting Obama-era regulations on hold have already saved $378 million since President Trump took office, and that savings is expected to jump into the billions next year when the administration’s anti-regulation campaign hits full stride, according to a report from the American Action Forum.
• The President signed into law a bill ending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that increased the cost of credit for hardworking Americans and made it more difficult for small community banks to resolve differences with costumers.
• The President signed an infrastructure Executive Order which will save billions of dollars directly by streamlining and expediting the permitting process for infrastructure projects
o The EO establishes a two year goal for the federal government to process all of the actions required by federal law for the environmental reviews and permits of major infrastructure projects
• To date, President Trump has signed 70 pieces of legislation into law, including 14 under the Congressional Review Act, aimed at specifically overturning Obama-era rules and regulations.
o Enacted more legislation and signed more Executive Orders in the first 100 days than any President in a half century.
o More Congressional Review Acts signed than all other President’s combined.
• Withdrew from the Paris Accord, which undermined U.S. competitiveness and job creation.
o According to a study by NERA Consulting, meeting the Obama Administration’s requirements in the Paris Accord would cost the U.S. economy nearly $3 trillion over the next several decades.
o By 2040, our economy would lose 6.5 million industrial sector jobs – including 3.1 million manufacturing sector jobs.
• Through infrastructure reform and investment, the Trump administration aims to dramatically reduce permitting time for projects from 10 years to 2 years, spurring investment and job creation.
• President Trump signed an Executive Order to expedite environmental reviews of infrastructure projects, to jumpstart industry spend and investment.
• President Trump signed an Executive Order, which mandates that for every one new regulation, two old regulations must be eliminated in order to control regulatory costs.
Also: TAX REFORM BILL PASSED ON DECEMBER 21, 2017


With kickoff of the 2012 season just around the corner, it’s time for the first week of MAC Blogger Roundtable. Each week one MAC blog posses questions to the other blogs and gathers the answers into a digest post. This gives us a chance to get the skinny from many different blogger’s/team’s perspective and better understand the issues facing other teams on a weekly basis. This week’s questions are from the Buffalo blog, Bull Run.
Below the fold you’ll find the questions that were posed to us and our answers, so read on…
1) It’s easy to pick out the three or four Mid American conference coaches who sit on hot seats this year. What’s not so easy is to quantify who deserves to be there. In your mind which hot seat resident (Enos, Clawson, Quinn, *least* deserves the honor? Which coach who is not generally seen as a candidate for the hot seat is most in trouble this season?
As much as we despise Bowling Green, we feel that Clawson is a good coach and should be able to get BG on the right track before leaving for greener pastures (no pun intended). Bill Cubit at WMU probably needs to get more wins this season. WMU hasn’t reached a MAC title game since 2000.
2) To expand or not to expand? Temple is gone and were back to 13. Should the MAC bother trying to re even the divisions and if so how? Football only? All Sports? East or West?
Having 14 teams (7 and 7) seemed like a logical place for the MAC to end up. Now that we’re back to 13, we’d like to see the conference get back to 14 schools but only if it’s in all sports. This football-only or basketball-only talk doesn’t seem to be conducive for the longevity and overall health of a conference. We want all our members to be fully vested in the future of our conference for the time that they’re members. That’s not to say that a program can’t keep an eye on the future, but to split time and effort (read revenue) between conferences doesn’t makes sense to us.
3) Which MAC bottom feeder surprises this season and why? Which MAC power chokes and why?
We think Eastern Michigan will perform better than expected this year. EMU has a rough schedule after a week 2 matchup with Illinois State. The Eagles then face Purdue, Michigan State and arguably the most difficult in conference schedule facing Kent State and Toledo at home before going on the road against BG, Ohio, and WMU. The record might not indicate a winning season, but this Eagle team should be able to keep games close. Ron English has done a great job.
As for a MAC power that chokes this season, that’s a tough one. WMU has been coming on strong and will likely be Toledo’s strongest competition this year so we’d have to hope that they’re the ones to trip up. That being said, we don’t think it’s very likely that we’ll see that.


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The last month and a half has been challenging for me. I traveled to Greece for two weeks, which disrupted my usual routines, though I still managed to do some meditating and blogging while I was there. Then my dad was hospitalized and died, and for a while it seemed nearly impossible to focus on anything else. I still think about my dad constantly, and my mom and I are doing our best to figure out this new normal. To top it off, I am pregnant with my first child, making me both excited and exhausted. Simple tasks like eating and exercising have become much more difficult than they once were.
As a result of all these changes, I feel as though I’ve lost my momentum and motivation. I’m doing my best to practice self-care, get lots of rest, and go easy on myself as my body and mind work their way through these momentous events they’ve never faced before. But I don’t feel like myself, and I see old habits creeping back into my life. So I’ve decided it’s time to take some of my own advice. Here are some of the things I’m doing to try to regain some energy, productivity, and creativity.
- Make lists and plan my days. I’ve always been a fan of to-do lists. Lately, I find them to be essential. Taking a few minutes at the beginning of the day to think about what I hope to accomplish and what I need to prioritize helps to keep me on track when I feel less than motivated. Checking things off my list reminds me that even though I may be feeling rather blah, I am actually capable of getting things done.
- Cut out distractions. I’ve been much more distracted than usual lately. Sometimes my distraction takes the form of mindlessly scrolling through Facebook, and other times I find myself pulled down a rabbit hole of pregnancy articles and baby-related YouTube videos. Yes, I have a lot to learn in that area, but I don’t need to learn all of it right now. To keep myself more focused on tasks at hand, I’ve decided it’s necessary to start using site-blocking software again.
- Meditate. Meditation has been very difficult for me lately. I couldn’t bring myself to do it at all for a couple of weeks around my dad’s death. My grieving was too active, and in that moment, I didn’t want to detach from my thoughts; I wanted to dive into them. A few weeks out, though, meditation is beginning to feel necessary. I know that it will help to combat the distraction, clear some of the clutter from my mind, and create space for more creative, meaningful thinking. So I’m trying to establish a meditation practice again, and I’m starting small — just 5-10 minutes at a time. When my breath doesn’t seem like a strong enough meditation object, I use a mantra. When it feels particularly daunting, I turn to guided meditations.
- Read old journals. It can be helpful to remind myself of how I used to feel, back when I was more motivated and excited about various projects and opportunities. Sometimes, reading past journal entries or essays I wrote a few months or a year ago can start to get me back into the mental place where I was when I wrote them. It sounds silly, but doing this reminds me of who I am at my core, when I’m not feeling dragged down by present circumstances.
- Walk. I’ve written before about the benefits of exercise and spending time in nature. Now that I’m pregnant, exercise feels much more difficult to me. I’m tired all the time, and aerobic activity just seems a lot harder than it used to be (I hear this is due in part to increased blood volume). But one thing I can do is walk, and I find that taking a walk in the woods instantly boosts my mood and energy. And there’s something very satisfying about the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, moving forward one step at a time.
If you enjoyed this post, please share.
PS: One thing that would help me to get back into a regular blogging routine would be to answer some of your questions. I’d like to write more Ask Alexis posts, so if you are looking for advice, please send me an email!