text:
Today awesome naturist Web sites and a mainly unified front, proclaiming still

blogs appear on a daily basis. The vast that is the Notion—Nude
Bulk of these are unedited and contain Recreation is the Way.” Anticipate even more
information and reports that are largely from TNS in the decades to come. N
unverified. TNS has decided to do what it
does best—creating a trustworthy magazine
while using new technologies to further
people’s accessibility to the advice the orga-

Spring 200

What’s The Naturist Society? How, why, and where did it start? What does it expect to accomplish?
This outline history of FKK expects to answer the above and other commonly posed questions. In its more than 20 years, the full story of The Naturist Society hasn’t been written down. This report is intended for those Naturists and nudists who wish to understand something more about their ideological origins; for those in media who need to follow up on a story about skinny-dipping at a local beach; for students of American history trying to find a summation of one strand of advocacy for reasonable recognition of societal nudity; and even for people who are not in any way happy that so many people revel in total body freedom.
Nudism & Nudism

Maybe for those new to social nudity, we can start with a simple understanding of the terms “nudism” and “nudism.” Both refer to the belief that non-lewd, family-friendly social nudity is a superb thing. The awareness of “good” will differ; depending on which people you speak to. Some will discuss the advantages to physical well-being. Another group will say they receive a spiritual benefit from being nude in the midst of nature. Some claim psychological benefits derive from nudists videos of the body. The people who founded and currently compose The Naturist Society (FKK) have chosen to describe themselves as “naturists” instead of “nudists” for many different reasons.

In America, from early in the century until the formation of FKK, groups of individuals who banded together in one form or another to recreate nude ordinarily called themselves “nudists.” Often, said nudists would be members of an official fkk organization that functioned rather like a rustic country club. A number of these clubs still exist today; others are developed into upscale and almost posh resorts. Naturists, to the degree they think about it at all, like to distinguish themselves from nudists by stressing the value and pleasure of social nudity in as many aspects of their lives as possible. In 1997 FKK defined nudism in this manner: “A way of living in greater fidelity to nature, with a standard of total nudity in social life, the genitals included, when feasible suitable. We plan to improve recognition and admiration for one’s self, other persons, and the biosphere.” In line with FKK’ definition is that of the International Naturist Federation: “Naturism is a lifestyle in harmony with nature characterized by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self respect, respect for others, and for the environment.” Without asserting to settle the dilemma of how best to use the terms “nudism” and “nudism” for the goals of this history “nudism” will refer to the practice of being bare in a nice, non-lusty mixed-gender setting. “Naturism” will refer to the practice of nudism while also entailing a respect and acceptance for the ethics of one’s entire person, other persons, and the surroundings.
FKK Pre History: Lee Baxandall

A history of FKK couldn’t be set forth without discussion of its creator, Lee Baxandall. He also applied his writing abilities to creating books on the arts, psychology, and politics.

For instance, if a parent is worried by the situation or if some sort of coercion is involved,

the negative effects on kids can cause feelings of weakness, endangerment, and
children being exposed to nudity in the house at young ages and generally stress some of the
positive advantages to the child. For instance, higher degrees of self esteem, the decrease of
shame and remorse, and healthier attitudes towards body image and sex. 7
Social nudism brings just a small percent of adolescents. Charles Daney, in his
possible reasons accountable for discouraging this group. To begin with, most adolescents like to
associate with individuals close to their own age groups. Yet, they are finding out that the
majority of individuals participating in /Nudism actions, are over thirty. One idea
for adolescents who are interested in social nudism, would be to seek out other teens to form awesome
social groups. The easiest approach would be to get various Internet services, such as
mailing lists, chat rooms, and web sites specifically designed for teenagers expressing an interest
Another possible reason for declining numbers of adolescents engaging in social
nudism is they locate the nudist resorts really “sedate,” due to their ”family oriented”
nature, and therefore consider them ”dreary.” One potential method to ease this problem is
for young people to organize their own social activities within the resorts. Teens are
Motivated once they find others interested in nudity, to venture outside the resorts and

experience other forms of social nudism such as clothing optional beaches, and various
Kinds of groups participating in naked sports. Some adolescents are directed from social nudism
Because of this, actions outside the resorts are
highly recommended because there aren’t any required membership fees. Likely the most
Understood reason of all, for teens objecting to social nudism, is the overall uncomfortable
feelings about their physical looks. Paradoxically though, Nudism enables one to
overcome these subordinate feelings and increases the chance of attaining a more advantageous
level ofbody approval. 8

Naturist, some co workers, strangers, and some buddies who accompanied me to a local
nudist resort. With the aim of this paper I WOn’t use their names.
I feel very lucky in getting this interview from a longtime Naturist. This
He says he has
Naturism, which comprise, “That the body is fundamentally a good thing, and that there is
no valid reason to deny all chances for us to reveal our total humanity when in societal
Circumstances.” He first participated in Naturism, while on a fishing trip with his father and brother in
After skinnydipping, he discovered hiking naked in the woods
resort in the San Francisco Bay area. The discovery of nude beaches followed later to,
“where now, it is all just part of my everyday life.” He compares the bathing suit to bare
swimming and says that “Anyone who has experienced both, will attest to the simple delight of
swimming nude.” He also loves naked hiking, boating, skiing, mountain biking etc., and
says they are all a “blast.”

His wife is also a Naturist who has long loved nude beaches. Nevertheless, she did not
Learn about “organized Naturism/nudism,” until met him. He also discloses he has
experienced no difficulties with friends or family members who are non-nudists about his
Before stopping the interview I requested him to give me his ideas on the future of
Social Nudism. He expressed concern for the quickly growing population, and said that
decades appreciated skinny-dipping and nude actions. Though these places are clothing
optional, most beginners are oblivious of this, and often times file complaints with the
authorities, resulting in the close of many skinny-dipping sites. However, the number of
Fkk resorts across the United States continues to grow and more people are appreciating the
Bare lifestyle.
His closing ideas are as follows, “For me (and I speak just for myself), being nude
(i.e., being me), doesn’t need reason. I’ve just come to the conclusion that garments
are excellent when I’m cold, pruning blackberries, or cooking bacon. Otherwise, if I prefer
to be bare, then there is no great cause not to be. The burden of proof is on others to
explain why being openly human is immodest, morally wrong, or meriting jail time. ” 1

So with that in mind, we would like to ask folks to help keep us going. Though it’s hard to ask, we do need cash to survive. While we do offer member benefits, we don’t need you to sign up for those motives.

If the fact that we do not have occasions in your region discourages you from signing up that’s fantastic! We’d rather need to close up than have to create more events just to get more members. Events are expensive and time consuming, and we would rather not take from our advocacy work. If we need to spend most of our time doing occasions, then we won’t have the ability to boost core issues we feel need to be discussed.
So unless more people contribute, or more folks really step up and begin shouldering the responsibility, we will be forced to have less events.
For those that believe we don’t want cash then only tally up the costs of filing corporate taxes, site management, development, research assistance and don’t forget TIME! Should youn’t think our time has worth, then by all means, don’t support us.
I wrote this post as I feel that every now and again, it is good to remind people what we are about. Please feel free to comment below with any ideas you may have. Are we doing an excellent job? A bad one? Can there be value in what we do? Or .
Young Naturists and Naturists America FKK
Labels: american values, organizations, young nudists and naturists
Type: Nudism and Naturism, Nudist Website, Nudist Organizations, Social Nudity Sites
About the Writer (Author Profile)
Jordan Blum is a lifelong nudie and co-founder of Naturist Portal.Naturism, Naturist and Nudity Throughout History
Before We go into the entire history of nudity and naturism, here are some naturist related articles you may want to read first. These articles will provide you with some basic facts about naturism as well as the terms which are used in the naturist world:
What Is Nudism – A Comprehensive Guide
Nudism and Naturist Dictionary
Young Naturists and Young Naturism
Social Nudism
Myths about nimble nudists and Sexuality
The Nudist Community That’s Not A Naturist Colony
Articles and Information About Nudism
Naturism and Girls / Women
Why Nudism Enhances Self Esteem
Naturism and Children
Nudists and Naturist Lifestyle
Naturist Resorts
The Complete History of Nudism, Naturists and Nudity by FKK
In this post will explore both naturism and nudity throughout history. While established nudism, as a movement, is considerably youthful, social nudity is as old as Adam and Eve.
Naturism and Nudists History Part One –
When the word nudism is mentioned, the first notion is of Adam and Eve. The Biblical Book of Genesis states at the conclusion of Chapter 2 in verse 25 that The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. In Chapter 3, after Adam and Eve eat of the fruit of the tree, they become aware in their nakedness and cover themselves in shame. Because naturism exists now in a cultural, social and political circumstance, Adam and Eve would not be considered authentic social naturists.
Only two people existed in the world, hence, there was no accurate society, or culture or political arena. There nonetheless, are Christian nudists who believe that Adam and Eve covering their bodies in shame was the true sin. God made the human body and God never created anything evil or horrible.
Furthermore, through the entire Bible there are references to prophetic naturism, such as Saul setting nude to have a vision and joyful naturism such as for instance King David dancing naked for delight when the Ark of the Covenant arrived in Jerusalem.
Nonetheless, these were various episodes and not a culture in general practicing naturism. The true origins of naturism would have to be traced to the Ancient Egypt and to the Greek and Roman Empires. It was in those arenas that the first sorts of naturism as ethnic, societal, and political bases were laid.
Naturism has played an essential part of the world’s growth and has evolved and flowed along many political and social climates, from the sources in Greece to Victorian England, to the Renaissance period experienced in both Europe and America into the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Picture Depicts The Biblical Story of Noah
Tablets from Ancient Egypt were found that demonstrated Pharaoh Akhenaton (1385 – 1353 B.C.) and his wife Nefertiti, considered the sun to be the wellspring of life, and for this reason practiced naturism and sun bathing for both physical well-being and for religious motives.
Victorian archaeologists who found the tablets were critical as they chanced upon through tablets and wall carvings that the Pharaoh and his wife, together with the Egyptian court, practiced naturism not only in the swimming pools, but also in the royal gardens and palace.

(2) He shows his intimate parts for the intent of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the performer or of every other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably anticipates he is likely to be detected by a person who because of mental disease or defect is unable to comprehend the sexual nature of the actor’s conduct.

This subsection is also insignificant to naturists because, as I comprehend it, sexual gratification isn’t born at your events. In any event, the criminal isn’t the man who hosts the celebration, but the individual committing the act. At worst you could be charged as an accessory a charge that would just stick if you actively encouraged the act.
Statute: NJSA 2C:24-4 Endangering welfare of children.
Description: degree.
This particularly includes nudity but only when nudity is depicted for the purpose of sexual gratification. That isn’t the purpose of a naturist event. Again, the possible Defendant here is the kid’s parent, not you, so long as you’re not promising to supply any sort of childcare service.
Legislative Act: NJSA2C:33-12.2. Sexually oriented business, annoyance; offense
2. a. As used in this action:
(1) “Sexually oriented business” means:
(a) A commercial establishment which as one among its primary business purposes offers for sale, rent, or display some of the following:
As long as you aren’t selling any depictions of nudity, this does not apply to you.
Statute: (b) A commercial establishment which regularly features live performances characterized by the exposure of a “specified anatomical area” or by a “specified intercourse,” or which regularly shows films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other photographic representations which depict or describe a “specified sexual activity” or “specified anatomical area”;
As long as there are not any performances or movies shown at the big event, this does not apply to you personally.
Statute: NJSA 2C:34-2.Description: older
Description: section:
Description: details:
Description: genitals,
Description: and
Description: interest.
There is nothing obscene about the human anatomy. This has been created in many Courts, including the US Supreme Court and New Jersey’s own Supreme Court. This is not going to affect you.
Statute: NJSA 2C:34-3. Obscenity for men under 18
Description: activity.
It does not care whether the content has artistic or educational value and it comprises nudity paired with sensuality with sufficient impact to concentrate prurient interest on the area or task. This may not look like a high bar to get underneath, but the fact that this qualification exists, means that nudity alone is not obscene to minors. in a school library isn’t obscene, nor is Kurt Vonnegut’s description of a image of a girl fornicating with a horse in Slaughterhouse 5, because it is clear that there is no intention to stimulate the prurient interest.
*If there were any kind of performance, dancing, display of a movie, or anything else besides people hanging out in the nude around a pool and steam room, I would keep the minors home.
Statute: Description: level.

Nudism or Naturism And The Bible

What does the Bible Say about Naturism, Naturism and Straightforward Nudity?
The Bible and Naturism – The Bible is a fantastic novel because it gives us examples of how to proceed or not. If it doesn’t give us examples of how to proceed or not, there are many principles which are pertinent to our situation. For the instance of nakedness, we’ve both examples and principles.
There are special examples of good nakedness (Gen 2:24, 1 Sam 19:24, Isa 20:1-3). In each of the preceding cases, the nakedness was either called great or controlled.
Those examples are neutral because the nudity there is only discovered. Nothing else, good or bad, is said about the fact they were nude.
Additionally there are cases of bad nakedness including David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11), Noah (Genesis 9:20-7).
The reason that the two above instances display poor nakedness is because sin is involved: David lusted in his heart, while watching Bathsheba, and acted on that lust.
Noah was intoxicated and dishonored his dad by having homosexual relations with him. Scripture most definitely does reveal something like what we as naturists practice: Jesus with the disciples (John 13:8) and David dancing in the road at the return of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:9-17).
The Bible And Naturism
Along with instances of nakedness, we now have principles involving our freedom as Christians, including Romans 14. In Christ, we’ve been granted much independence; we are not to use that freedom as a license to sin (Gal 5:13).
The most significant principle is that God has called our unclothed bodies great and it would be bad for us to say otherwise. (Isa 5:20)
In Genesis 3, (the Jewish Old Testament) the clothes that Adam and Eve wore was just for physical protection and for no other purpose. Their clothes would shield Adam and Eve from the thorns and thistles that God placed in the earth in v.18.
In the New Testament, we are ordered to give clothes to people who have . The distinction must be drawn between making a selection (naturism) and clothes the naked people. The individuals with whom we’re commanded to share clothes deficiency ability to make the choice. In Mark 7:20, Jesus said that it’s from the heart that our lustful, and other sinful thoughts, appear and not from outside sources.
In fact, Paul said, “these rules might seem shrewd because they demand strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they don’t have any effect in regards to seizing a man’s evil thoughts and desires” (Col 2:23). This implies that clothing does not have any effect as it pertains to dealing with our ideas.
In conclusion, God called the nude body good and clothes was just given to protect us against a cursed world. The Bible also says that we should thank God for what he’s given us; we do not have the power to call our bodies what He didn’t call them.
Originally, clothing was given to protect Adam and Eve from the real environment and the purpose of garments now is still to do this. Clothing doesn’t have the power to overcome our sinful lusts. Jesus Christ is the only person who can cope with our sin.
This post about The Bible and Naturism or Naturism and Nudity was released by – Young Naturists and Nudists America FKK
Genesis 2:24
Isaiah 20:1-3
John 21:7
Matthew 24:18
II Samuel 11
Genesis 9:20-27
John 13:8
II Samuel 6:9-17
Romans 14
Galatians 5:13
Isaiah 5:20
Genesis 3
Mark 7:20
Colossians 2:23
Tags: christianity, the bible
Category: Nudism and Naturism, Faith and Nudity, Societal Nudity Sites
About the Author (Author Profile)
Jordan Blum is a lifelong nudie and co-founder of Nudist Portal.

These thoughts needs to be discussed freely. Every mother concerned about “family values” should learn about the

extensive scientific research demonstrating the positive benefits of nudism for kids. Every girl concerned
about porn should understand how strongly the doctrine and practice of Naturism repudiates
of women’s bodies. Every lawmaker concerned about honoring the original intent of our nation’s creators should
know that many of them were unabashed skinnydippers. Christians concerned about preserving sexual morality
should realize that the first Church leaders accepted nudity as an all-natural section of life, and not in the least inconsistent
With all the teachings of Christ.
how relaxing and therapeutic a weekend at a nudist park might be. The mom on the beach with sand in her
swimming suit should be aware of that there are locations on the planet where she may benefit from the sensation of sunlight and water on
her body without attracting unwanted attention.
It’s my hope that this file might help you to share this great news, also to talk articulately about the
native good of the body in its natural state.
Nudity is frequently more comfortable and practical than clothes.
1. Nudity, on the other hand, is frequently substantially
more comfy.
2. For many tasks, nudity is usually a lot more practical than clothes.
“The custom of wearing a bathing suit, a desperate effort to recapture some of
our lost innocence, signifies a graphic expression of white man’s hypocrisy. For, clearly, the bathing suit is
Insignificant to any activity in and submerged. It neither keeps us dry or warm, nor can it be an aid to swimming. If of bathing is to get wet, the bathing suit does not make us wetter. At best, it really is a social attire, such as the dinner
3. Clothes also restricts motion, and encumbers the sportsman. Studies done by the West German Olympic
swim team revealed that even swimsuits slow down a swimmer.3
Naturism encourages mental health.
4. A nudist is not a body lacking something (that’s, clothing). Rather, a clothed man is a whole and
Whole naked body, plus clothes.
5. Many psychologists state that clothing is an extension of ourselves. The clothes we wear are an expression
of who we’re.4 The Naturist’s comfort with casual nudity, thus, symbolizes an attitude which is comfy
With all the self as it’s in its simplest state, without modification or deceit.
6. Studies reveal that nudism, to the other
hand, encourages a positive body self-concept.5
These effects are specifically significant for girls. Studies by Daniel DeGoede in 1984 validated research
done 16 years earlier,6 which established that “of most of the groups measured (nudist males, non-nudist men, nudist
females, and non-nudist females), the nudist females scored highest on body theory, as well as the non-nudist females
scored lowest.” 7
7. Nudism encourages wholeness of body, rather than setting aside parts of the body as unwholesome and
8. Clothes-compulsiveness locks us into a continuous battle between individualism and conformity of attire.
Nudity frees us from this anxiety, by fostering a climate of comfortable individuality without pretense.
9. The practice of nudism is, for nudists, an immensely freeing expertise. In freeing oneself to be bare in
the clear presence of others, including members of the other gender, the nudist also gives up all the societal baggage that goes
Together with the nudity taboo.
is that it delivers us briefly from the sport of clothing. It is difficult to imagine just how much clothes leads to the
Grasp of daily tensions until we see what it’s prefer to socialize without them.
unreality that prescribes sophisticated results to social status, functions and expected behaviors. In discarding our day-to-day
‘uniforms,’ we also drop a weighty burden of tensions. For a time, at least, we do not have to play the never-ending
charade of projected images we call ‘daily life.’ . . . For once in your life you are part of a scenario where age,
Profession and social status don’t really count for much. You will wind up relating more on the basis of who you
really are instead of who your clothing say you’re.” 9 This analysis is borne out by experience.
10. The feeling of “liberty” that comes from your nudist experience is consistently rated by nudists as one of
the main reasons they remain in it.10
11. An irrational clothing-compulsiveness may
inhibit psychological development and health.
Dr. Robert Henley Woody writes, “fear of revealing one’s body is a defense. To keep clothing on at all

This review of the nudit book: Co-Ed Nude Philosophy by Will Woods was published by – Young Naturists And Young Nudists America FKK

Tags: books, culture
Class: Felicity’s Naturist Blog, Naturist Novels and Naturist Publications, Social Nudity Sites
About the Writer (Author Profile)
Author of Nudist Site. Cofounder of Naturist Portal. 3rd-generation nudie. Avid read er. Feminist. 70% vegan, 30% vegetarian. When I’m not active eating, I am writing about naturism, censorship, topfree equality, body image and other interesting topics. I like feedback, so plz leave a comment when you have got something to say! Bill Schroer Goes on The Record About Being Fired By AANR
and AANR Naturist Clubs Ratings And Update On The Firing Of Bill Schroer.
For people who mightn’t know, Bill was recruited by . He went through the interview procedure and then was hired by the American Association For Nude Recreation – AANR. It was during the previous administration when Susan Weaver was president of AANR. He was fired October 15 by AANR’s new president, Beverly Price.
I asked Bill how he felt about being approached and subsequently hired, last May, as their new executive director.
His response was as follows:
“I considered the job a privilege. I ‘ve been involved with naked recreation for several years and was truly honored to be given such a great chance. I ‘d also like to mention which I enjoyed working with the AANR staff who are a fantastic and committed group of people.”
Ever since the news came out about AANR firing Bill Schroer, there continues to be endless speculation and yak about what occurred. There also have been lots of personal attacks and claims about Bill that just didn’t appear to add up. So naturally, I was really happy when Bill agreed to have a sit down with me and explain once and for all his perspective about what occurred. In this post I ‘ll do my very best to explain the main issues and correct any misconceptions that I ‘ve been able to verify centered on my conversation with Bill, together with other sources from within AANR (many of whom who were reluctant to be named or go on the record).
So what actually happened? Let’s start in the day Bill’s contract with AANR was terminated.
Bill Schroer Goes On The Record About AANR
On October 15 at 8:00 in the morning, Bill was sitting by his computer in his office when recently elected president of AANR, Beverly Price, walked into the room accompanied by Julie Erlenmeyer, who’s on the Board of AANR Florida. (I presume that Beverly brought Julie in as a witness and because she works in Human Resources at a neighborhood theme park.)
Beverly turned to Bill and only said that AANR decided to terminate his employment contract – and that was that. Bill, quite shocked by her statement, didn’t put up a fight nor assert. He simply acknowledged it, collected his things, said goodbye to the staff and walked out.
Since Bill accepted what she said without any argument, I requested him to describe why. Here is what he said:
It was not until after I learned the board had not been educated. I may have responded differently had I known then what I know now.”
Since, predicated on the AANR bylaws, just the board could terminate the ED’s contract, I tried to determine why Beverly acted on her own, clearly in violation of AANR’s own rules. Since Bill had no information to supply, I had to look elsewhere to find the answer.
After some conversations with folks within / close to AANR, I started to get the feeling that Beverly, for whatever reason, simply determined that she no longer needed him there. Nevertheless, the Board had a scheduled meeting only a month away. Why not wait and present her case to the board? I simply couldn’t comprehend the rush to action, especially since that action was in clear breach of AANR’s own bylaws?
Not only did he feel that she would not have been able to get the motion passed, he went to say that based on his understanding / feeling, Beverly did not need to have to justify her actions to the board with Bill in the room.
* Bill, nonetheless refused to suppose.
Maybe realizing that she had overstepped her bounds, Beverly brought up the vote on terminating Bill’s contract five days later in an emergency telephone meeting with the Board (the motion to terminate passed 10 to 4).
This really is an indication that about 30% did not agree with her actions and were courageous enough to cast their vote in a fashion that revealed their true feelings.


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Ep. 39 | Is This Your Man (Ft. Colin Tate)

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On this episode we interview Colin Tate, the author of "Is This Your Man". The Atlanta based author calls into discuss the 6 types of men women should look out for when dating or considering marriage. He also sticks around to speak with us about how to handle different situations in some of our own personal lives when it comes to dating.


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To achieve the optimal wellness your body is truly capable of, you’ll want to experience the FuXion line of nutrition and wellness products, like the FuXion Beauty In natural collagen support drink to help with those nagging wrinkles that start to develop over time. This extraordinary line of functional beverages, anti-oxidant-rich coffees, and nutrient-packed teas are made from more than 1,500 active ingredients extracted from the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

The Amazon is the lifeblood of our planet, the richest tropical forest in the world in terms of biodiversity. It is home to millions of unique species of flora and fauna; many that can be found nowhere else. FuXion is committed to protecting this vital resource, while bringing you the natural goodness it contains.

FuXion products truly are a fusion: merging the medicinal knowledge of the ancient Amazonian, Andean, and Mesoamerican cultures, with the latest scientific advances experience in biotechnology and wellness. FuXion nutrition is not delivered via pills or capsules, but unique formulas in convenient sachets, ready to mix with water for optimal assimilation. And all of our nutrients are always accompanied by only 100% natural flavors and colors. There are no preservatives in any of our products. This provides you with truly breakthrough nourishment.

Through years of scientific research and millions of dollars of investment in developing proprietary formulas and international patents, these unique formulations work synergistically to allow you to experience the legendary FuXion “X Effect” in your own health and wellness.

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your athletic performance, get more energy, improve your concentration and mental clarity, or just improve your health and wellness – the FuXion products are the best addition you can make to your kitchen and pantry. Best of all, you don’t need to create any new habits. FuXion products simply make the habits you now have, like drinking soft drinks, coffee or juice, healthier!

There are four categories of products to choose from, depending what your health and wellness goals are: Nutraceuticals, Weight Management, Athletic Performance, and Anti-Aging!

Beauty In, FuXion's natural collagen drink is part of the Anti-Aging categories and provides;

Natural Collagen Beverage

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If you want radiantly beautiful skin, you need to be drinking Beauty In! Stir up a cool, refreshing glass before you go to sleep at night. Then while you sleep your body is regenerating, nourished by this potent combination of vitamins A, vitamin E, tropical fruits, collagen and other nutrients for your skin.*

The FuXion Beauty In product is a natural (Non-GMO) skin health support drink, without all the sub-par ingredients that we get in other “natural” products. With the Beauty In drink by FuXion, you are able to enjoy a great tasting drink that can help keep your skin as young as possible as we age!

Because FuXion Biotech manufactures its own products in Lima, Peru, we are able to take advantage of the price points that FuXion offers. Beauty In runs $2.00 per stick, a crazy price point for the quality of ingredients the product contains.

Suggested use: Take one sachet before bed. Dissolve contents in a glass of water and stir well.

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First and foremost, we need good teachers.  Yes, believe it or not, there is a crisis in education.  One, there are not enough teachers in our schools, and there are not enough people wanting to be in education.  Two, and yes this will sound harsh, there are not enough teachers in schools who view education as a crisis in need.

To view something like a crisis, one must feel it in their heart and deep down in their soul. At some point, we all stand at a crossroad and have to decide how we feel about an issue.  When this happens, we must step out and understand that teachers who have their heart in the right place towards education can only help the crisis.

Teaching should be like anything else you love; it should capture your heart. When someone captures your heart, you carry yourself a little differently.  I would dare say; you certainly would not want to let the person down you love and would do anything to stay in good standing with them.  The same should go with why and how we teach.

This crisis we see should tear our hearts, and the gravitational pull should be like the sun; everything revolves around the students, wanting them to see and understand that education is their ticket to the future. The “want” to teach becomes a heavy burden that can only be answered from inside the heart. Many teachers teach, but how many really “want” to teach?

I am proud to be an educator, are you?  How many teachers do you know that when asking what they do, downplay teaching? Too many people walk away from teaching instead of walking towards teaching.

The call to teach is confronted with the overwhelming sense of a desire, a gift, the right character, and a “want” to see the crisis that is at hand… and a little humility goes a long way that grips your soul to the point that it encounters the need to teach.  Each of these we have discussed over the past three weeks and today.

Be the teacher you want to be.  Be the teacher you want your children to have.  Be the teacher you are called to be.  Education will be better for it.  The call to teach is powerful; embrace it.

©2018 J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at TheBookChamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page


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The “R&B Divas” of Atlanta wrapped their third season with a highly-anticipated “One Night Only” concert in Beverly Hills this weekend and HelloBeaufiul was in the house to enjoy the show! The ladies — Angie Stone, Keke Wyatt, Monifah, Syleena Johnson and newbies LaTavia Roberson and Meelah Williams – proved just why they’ve each been in the game 10-plus and why we can’t wait for the new premiere of their hit TV One series.

HB caught up with each of the divas before they hit the stage and they spilled tea on the new season. We found out how they pulled off the big show without ripping each other’s hair out, what they learned from previous seasons and what advice they shared with new solo stars LaTavia, formally of Destiny’s Child, and Meelah, formally of 702.

MUST READ: Chrisette Michele & Leela James Join ‘R&B Divas LA’ Cast

Angie Stone said we can look forward to “a lot of laughter, a lot of tears, a lot of unity and lot of togetherness.”

“There are some fights, some arguments but nothing out of the way,” she said. “I just think you have to say tuned and watch all of the changes that have come about. They are amazing.”

Syleena agreed. “This is something I really wanted for us to do a show together,” she gushed. “It’s going to show that Black women can work together. We can bicker and fight all the way to the end but we can come together. You all are in store for something so awesome.”

“One Night Only,” which will air on the season finale, was a work in progress and Monifah said each cast member had to learn how to “keep it on you” to make the big show come together.

“Be as supportive as you can, tell your truth and love,” the “Touch It” singer said, a lesson she learned from season two. “You can move through any kind of personalities because we all got different personalities. My patience has got way better. For me myself even because it’s not just about other people. Having patience is about having patience with yourself as well.”

On the upcoming season, Keke (who looks amazing to be a mother of six, by the way!) said she tried to turn it down because sometimes she forgets that people are watching at home.

“I learned that people are watching what the heck we do. And I’m such cry baby and a wimp — I’ll beat your behind if you piss me off — but I’m really a person who wears my heart on my sleeve and I can really see that in season one and season two. But now in season three, I’m probably still the same,” she admitted with a laugh.

MUST READ: Kelly Price Reveals New ‘R&B Divas’ Tour With ATL & LA Cast Members

As far as dealing with multiple personalities and life in front of the cameras, new diva Meelah said she got advice from Monifah and Angie Stone. “I’ve seen things that [they do] and I’m definitely trying to take notes,” she said. “Since myself and my good friend LaTavia from Destiny’s Child joined the cast it definitely brings about a different energy. A little more sass and a little more feistiness — as if we need any more!”

“They definitely say to be yourself because there’s cameras around all the time and it’s kind of hard,” Latavia chimed in. “But I know that I’m true to myself. Everything that I’ve done this entire season is being true to me and who I am.”

“There’s going to be a little drama for the TV but, all in all it’s sisterhood,” Meelah added.

“You’re going to be so happy when this is over,” Syleena concluded. “It’s going to be a great season.”

Season three of “R&B Divas” is currently is post-production. We’ll keep you posted on a premiere date!

LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook!

Michel’le Reveals Dr. Dre Broke Her Nose & Gave Her 3 Black Eyes: ‘R&B Divas:LA’ Reunion [RECAP]

Syleena Opens Up About Being Bullied On ‘R&B Divas: Atlanta’ Reunion Part 2 [RECAP]

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‘R&B Divas’ Of ATL Reveal Lessons Learned & Share Advice To New Cast Members [EXCLUSIVE] was originally published on

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Writing is Pretty Much Constant Failure: Nathan Knapp Interviews Vincent Chu

  Photo by Henriette Kriese

Photo by Henriette Kriese

Vincent Chu was born in Oakland, California. His fiction has appeared in PANK Magazine, East Bay Review, Pithead Chapel, Fjords Review, Cooper Street, Stockholm Review, Chicago Literati, Forth Magazine, WhiskeyPaper and elsewhere. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Sundress Publications Best of the Net. Like a Champion is his debut collection. He lives in San Francisco and can be found online at and @herrchu.

Nathan Knapp is the former editor-in-chief of The Collapsar. He was born in Talihina, Oklahoma.

Interviewer’s note: This interview took place via email from the end of last year to the beginning of this one.

NK: So, in the story of yours we published back in 2014, “The Longhorns,” there's a paragraph that goes like this:

Now when I say all Asian, I mean starting five plus the bench. And specifically, the Chinese kind of Asian. If the city could afford to put last names on shirts, our team would save on letters. We got a Cheng, Chan, Cheung, Chin and Cho. I’m serious, no joke. There’s Chris Cheng, Kevin Chan, Steve Cheung, Mike Chin and Jason Cho. Our middle school yearbook has five pages of “Ch.” The Black kids on Chipman have great last names like Washington, James, Banks and, well, Chipman. Hell, they got a player named Hardaway. No fooling around. Hardaway. Unbelievable.

It reads almost like stand-up comedy. Do you count any comedians amongst your influences?

VC: I’m definitely a fan of stand-up comedy, so that’s a great compliment. I didn’t intentionally think of stand-up when writing this story, but you’re right, it kind of reads like it. I can always watch Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Chapelle, the usual suspects. Like how comedic actors often transition into becoming great dramatic actors, I think many comedic writers would make great fiction writers. A lot of the stories in Like a Champion feature characters that have long internal monologues, and comedians of course are some of the best at that.

NK: The main thing I remember I about coming across your story was how joyful it was. That seems like a rarity, in fiction, to me. Did you set out with something like that in mind?

VC: I love the idea of a competitor, in any context, just getting totally beat, and recognizing it but continuing to quietly chug along. That kind of maturity and self-awareness is especially interesting for a kid. Suddenly, getting beat in a basketball game can become joyful, satisfying, almost Zen-like. Plus, for anyone who played organized sports growing up, or even now as an adult, you’re usually too preoccupied with yourself, your own performance. The memories that stand out after are not necessarily the team wins or losses, but the individual moments of perceived victory, even if they're incredibly small or petty or not even in touch with reality.

NK: As a fan I definitely know that feeling of the weird, almost perverse joy that comes from losing (my favorite sport to watch is college football, and my team, Oklahoma State, is a part of the one of the most lopsided rivalries in all of CFB, with something like .200 all-time winning percentage against their in-state rival, OU). Sometimes I think something about watching all of my favorite sports teams (the Seattle Mariners would be my other team) be defined by failure somehow conditioned me to write, since writing is pretty much constant failure--the first draft isn't good enough so there is a second, third, fourth, twelfth, thirteenth, then you just throw away the story, etc... I see now this isn't really a question. Or maybe I could make it into a question: what kind of failure did you go through in writing these stories, or in bringing them together into Like a Champion

VC: Yeah, so true, writing is pretty much constant failure. Anyone who has submitted a story or poem knows it takes so much rejection before acceptance. Numbers wise, I’m not sure there’s much else in life that deals out that much rejection, not a normal job, not school, not dating, maybe just being a certain sports fan like you said. With Like a Champion, I went through the usual failures, getting stories rejected, throwing away stories, getting the collection rejected, a general dread of “this is all going to be a failure,” but nothing too serious. Anyway, failure is of course much more interesting than success. All of the characters in Like a Champion fail a lot, and they don’t always overcome their failures at the end of their stories.

NK: So, this is an appallingly broad question, but one which I always wonder about, so feel free to answer it however you will--what are your ultimate ambitions as a writer? As in, what goals do you have for yourself?

VC: I’d like to see how far I can take my writing, while still having fun with it. I guess that means feeling like I realized my potential as a writer when it’s all said and done, wherever that natural limit is. Getting to write more books and having people enjoy those books would be wonderful—I really couldn’t ask for more than that.

NK: What is the writer's (particularly the fiction writer's) responsibility to the truth, whatever that may be?

VC: I think perhaps writers have a responsibility to their own truth. If they’re not delivering on that, it’s kind of like, what’s the point of it all? If writers aren’t presenting their stories to the world from their own place of truth, we should maybe give in and let AI write our literature.

NK: This is tricky, because it's almost impossible to think through, but what do you feel is the writer's responsibility to the current moment—I'm thinking of the current tidal wave of things on both wings of the political spectrum in our wider culture, i.e. Trump, Weinstein, #metoo, etc.—if any?

VC: I’ve never been an intentionally political writer, and I don’t think writers have a responsibility to write about current events or social themes, but that said, it’s hard for these times not to influence a writer’s work in some shape or form. I have stories that one could consider touch on the Me Too movement and Trump, but in organic, sort of non-deliberate ways that are natural to the characters in the story. When it comes down to it, some people want Tupac lyrics, some people want Biggie lyrics, and both make the world a better place.

NK: This is a two-parter. What writer made you want to be a writer (and why)? And what writer or writers makes you continue to believe in the art of writing itself (and why)?

VC: I used to read Michael Crichton and John Grisham books in elementary school, and I remember thinking then that I wanted to be a writer, even though I had no idea what I was reading. There are so many writers that make me continue to believe in the art of writing, from contemporary writers to other indie authors. I often read short stories in online magazines that just blow my mind and make me immediately want to sit down to write and get better myself. Currently, I’m bringing myself up to speed on Murakami, better late than never I guess, and it's very inspiring. Writers like that make you reevaluate what you thought was possible as a writer.

Brubaker and Flota vs. 1986-2016: The Best Albums of the Last 30 Years, Part 9

Where’s My Emotional Male Lead? By Maryann Aita


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Citigroup (C) Offering Possible 13.12% Return Over the Next 6 Calendar Days

Citigroup’s most recent trend suggests a bearish bias. One trading opportunity on Citigroup is a Bear Call Spread using a strike $71.00 short call and a strike $76.00 long call offers a potential 13.12% return on risk over the next 6 calendar days. Maximum profit would be generated if the Bear Call Spread were to expire worthless, which would occur if the stock were below $71.00 by expiration. The full premium credit of $0.58 would be kept by the premium seller. The risk of $4.42 would be incurred if the stock rose above the $76.00 long call strike price.

The 5-day moving average is moving up which suggests that the short-term momentum for Citigroup is bullish and the probability of a rise in share price is higher if the stock starts trending.

The 20-day moving average is moving up which suggests that the medium-term momentum for Citigroup is bullish.

The RSI indicator is at 45.2 level which suggests that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold at this time.

To learn how to execute such a strategy while accounting for risk and reward in the context of smart portfolio management, and see how to trade live with a successful professional trader, view more here

LATEST NEWS for Citigroup

Morgan Stanley Plans to Launch Bitcoin Swap Trading
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:31:00 +0000
Citing a person familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports that the leading American investment bank will facilitate deals in derivatives contracts that will allow traders and investors a synthetic exposure to the performance of Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Morgan Stanley will benefit by charging a spread for each transaction.

Bitcoin Gains Traction as Morgan Stanley Prepares Bitcoin Swap Trading
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:04:00 +0000
Bitcoin rallied 3.44% to $6,479.00 on the Bitfinex exchange as of 8:04 AM ET (12:04 GMT).

JPMorgan Chase Outperformed Top Peers: More Upside Potential?
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 13:45:23 +0000
With a YTD (year-to-date) return of 5.7%, JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is currently the best-performing stock among the five largest US banks—based on market capitalization. JPMorgan Chase has also outperformed the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF), which tracks an index of S&P 500 financial stocks. XLF has gained 0.6% YTD.

Citigroup (C) Announces Upbeat Expectations, Stock Up 1.6%
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 13:19:01 +0000
Citigroup (C) projects fixed income and equity trading revenues in Q3 to be flat to slightly higher compared with the prior-year quarter.

Weak Real Estate Lending Is Hurting Wells Fargo’s Credit Growth
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 11:32:09 +0000
Corporate lending and structured debt growth have fallen in recent quarters due to the Federal Reserve’s hawkish monetary policies and lower tax, weakening US banks’ credit growth. Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), which is already struggling with compliance- and fraud-related issues, has seen stable to negative credit growth.

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The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Hide > The Art of the Rifle: Semi-automatics

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Old February 15, 2018, 10:11 PM   #1
Junior Member
Join Date: February 10, 2018
Posts: 1
Upper shopping or snipe hunting?

Hey everyone,

I'm in the market for my first AR-15 style rifle, and have decided to start by building my own, sort of. Mostly I'd prefer to assemble prefab components - that is, I don't want to put together every single part. Right now, I'm looking for a complete upper assembly, as this seems to be the most expensive part.

After doing a decent amount of research, I've come up with a list of features I'd like. Trouble is, I'm having a hard time finding it. It seems like I can find things that are close, but not quite. With the amount of variety out there, I'm wondering if maybe the perfect upper for me exists but I just can't find it among all the options. So, I'm hoping someone can take a look and tell me if I'm crazy or point me in the right direction.

Here's what I'm looking for:

Chamber: 5.56/.223
BBL: 20" bull, parkerized (or just not stainless), preferably 4150, but would settle for 4140, 1:7 twist, would take 1:8.
Gas system: DI, preferably rifle length (would settle for mid)
Hand guard: 12"+, preferably MLok, but any guard would be fine if it isn't too hard to swap out later.
Standard BCG and charging handle are fine, if included or available.

I'm looking to use this to replace my coyote rifle (currently a Henry .357). Most places seem to have nice varmint rifles that would do the job pretty well. But they always seem to have SS barrels which I honestly don't like the look of, though I understand they may be more accurate. And they also have pretty plain hand guards that would allow me to mount a bipod OR spotlight, but not both (which would be great for night hunting).

Also, I can't afford something from a high end shop. Most of these features are available from a couple places I've seen in the $450-$700 range (Rock River, Atlantic Arms). I just haven't seen all these things rogether.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
aequitas1916 is offline
Old February 16, 2018, 07:33 AM   #2
Senior Member
Join Date: February 2, 2010
Posts: 6,143
OK, here is my opinion.
A 20" "bull" barrel is a heavy piece of equipment for your intended use. Probably not any more accurate than a H-bar profile(which is fairly heavy itself) for the number of shots you'll need for coyote hunting. Melonite is the finish of choice for me--far more wear resistant vs phosphate park. BTW: SS barrels are often NOT as accurate as non-SS barrels.
IMHO 1-8 is adequate for bullets exhibiting expansion characteristics suitable for use on coyotes. I(we) use 50-55 grain bullets exclusively for coyotes after seeing the results of heavier bullets.
Any 20" barrel will be a rifle gas unless some dufus is trying to cheat you. The rifle length gas will dictate the minimum length of the handguard.
If you already plan to change the HG later, start with standard. You might even be able do some handwork and screw an extra rail onto that type HG to get your light and bipod connection.
Unless you have dainty fingers and/or never wear gloves, your charge handle needs an extended latch.
Mobuck is offline
Old February 16, 2018, 08:21 AM   #3
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Join Date: December 28, 2013
Location: Alabama
Posts: 188
I agree. No need for a heavier bull-barrel. This upper will serve you well.
imashooter is offline

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The squad for Ireland’s summer series against the USA and Japan was announced yesterday. For what is largely a development team it’s an extremely disappointing representation for Ulster with a measly four players being selected (plus our latest recruit from Connacht).

The Front Row Union Young Player of the Year contenders Jacob Stockdale and Kieran Treadwell get the call-up, alongside the experienced Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall with John Cooney’s involvement giving us an early chance to see how our new half back pairing will perform!

I suppose the main surprise is the absence of, The Front Row Union Player of the Year, Sean Reidy and I would have thought that Herbst would be popping along to get tied to Ireland. (Update – Herbst has been out for a knee operation. Expected back to full fitness by the start of the season.) It looks as though Rodney Ah You’s Ireland career is on hold at the minutes, but a good pre-season will do him no harm at all!

Probably the most exciting inclusion is Leinster’s James Ryan who captained Jacob Stockdale last season in the Ireland U20’s but has been pretty much injured ever since. A lot is, correctly, in my opinion, expected of Ryan who led Ireland to their only U20’s Final including a memorable win against New Zealand before beating them was popular! Stockdale and Ryan are joined by fellow U20’s graduate Andrew Porter who has pushed on well this season.

The other U20’s overperformer from last season’s tournament, Ulster’s Adam McBurney, will be pretty frustrated that he’s been kicking his heels most of this season due to injury!

Apart from the absence of Reidy, there is really not a lot to complain about and it’s a reasonable mix of youth and experience as the fight for places in the 2019 World Cup squad starts in earnest. As for Reidy, if he’s starting for Ulster in what should be a highly competitive back row next season he’ll be starting for Ireland.

The dates for your diary are as follows:

USA v IRELAND Saturday, June 10, kick-off 10 pm UK/IRE. Red Bull Arena, New Jersey

Japan v IRELAND Saturday, June 17, kick-off 6 am UK/IRE. Ecopa Stadium, Shizuoka

Japan v IRELAND Saturday, June 24, kick-off 6.40 am UK/IRE. Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo.

We’ll be in Georgia covering the 2017 World Rugby U20’s Championships so if anyone wants to do up reports, with our traditional Ulster bias, on these matches give a shout. Cheers.

Backs (14) Forwards (17)
Joey Carbery (Leinster) 3 caps Finlay Bealham (Connacht) 6 caps
Andrew Conway (Munster) 1 cap Jack Conan (Leinster) 1 cap
John Cooney (Connacht) * Cian Healy (Leinster) 67 caps
Keith Earls (Munster) 59 caps Dave Heffernan (Connacht) *
Paddy Jackson (Ulster) 23 caps Dave Kilcoyne (Munster) 17 caps
Kieran Marmion (Connacht) 13 caps Dan Leavy (Leinster) 2 caps
Luke Marshall (Ulster) 9 caps Tommy O’Donnell (Munster) 12 caps
Luke McGrath (Leinster) 1 cap Jack O’Donoghue (Munster) 1 cap
Tiernan O’Halloran (Connacht) 3 caps Andrew Porter (Leinster) *
Rory O’Loughlin (Leinster) * Rhys Ruddock (Leinster) 13 caps
Garry Ringrose (Leinster) 8 caps James Ryan (Leinster) *
Rory Scannell (Munster) * John Ryan (Munster) 6 caps
Jacob Stockdale (Ulster) * Niall Scannell (Munster) 4 caps
Simon Zebo (Munster) 33 caps Devin Toner (Leinster) 47 caps
James Tracy (Leinster) 2 caps
Kieran Treadwell (Ulster) *
Josh van der Flier (Leinster) 7 caps


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More than a few brand reputation and social media managers woke up this morning to find that thousands of their Twitter followers had disappeared overnight.

It’s hard to find much online sympathy or support from companies and businesses that just a few days ago were obsessively focused on growing their own social media followers.

What happened, and how did things turn so quickly?

The Backlash

On January 27, 2018, The New York Times published “The Follower Factory,” an in-depth exposé on social media’s black market. Three days later, The Atlantic released “All Twitter Followers are Fake Followers.” On January 31, 2018, The New York Times followed up with “Twitter Followers Vanish Amid Inquiries Into Fake Accounts.”

The articles dive into the psychology and technology behind social media and how online “fame” in the form of followers has distorted previously held ideas about brand reputation. Like a monkey wrench thrown into the works, the articles have turned the social media machine on its head and exposed what’s inside.

It’s not a pretty sight.

Brand Reputation Relies on Real Connections

According to one cybersecurity expert, social media is a virtual world consisting of half bots and half real people. Companies selling fake followers and engaging in other fraudulent practices are running for cover as federal and state authorities move to take swift action on the heels of The New York Times article. Still, tens of millions fraudulent user accounts remain.

Meanwhile, reality TV stars, B-list celebrities, self-appointed business “gurus” and their PR firms are pointing fingers while scrambling to make sense of their sudden decline in relevance—which only begs the question, “Were they ever relevant to begin with?”

If nothing else, we are reminded of the fact that strong, real-world relationships triumph over weak virtual connections. They always have, and they always will—and it’s time we stop evaluating brand reputation and personal influence based on superficial (and artificial) likes, follows, retweets and shares.

The Connector’s Way Challenge

Social media is not all bad and it certainly isn’t going away anytime soon. But when everything is said and done, social media offers little of long-lasting value. And yet we’ve allowed it to influence nearly every aspect of our lives—including how we connect with the people essential to our personal happiness and professional success.

Here’s a challenge for you: Identify the number of “likes” or social media “follows” in one week (or whatever the designated time frame) that would get you to say, “Wow, I’m really good at this connecting thing!” Now take that number and schedule at least as many in-person meetings, personal conversations, or one-on-one phone calls. **

Is clicking a button a lot easier than meeting someone for coffee, participating in a service project, or joining a professional organization or association? Of course. But connecting with real people in the real world offers real rewards.

(** If you’re thinking “No way, last week I got 980 new followers on Twitter alone!” you may want to re-read the articles mentioned above.)

Here’s to connecting in the real world!

Sign up for The Galvanizing Group's monthly newsletter to get tips and ideas for creating the connections that galvanize success.

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Do medicines work for weight loss? I am overweight and considering the use of medicines for managing weight.

Medicines are available to help with weight loss. There are five approved medicines and they work differently, and sometimes they are combined. They do produce weight loss, but not every medicine works for everyone. The side effects and the person’s underlying medical conditions must be considered. Generally, weight loss with medication is less than with surgery — about 10 percent of body weight is lost and can be difficult to keep off after stopping the medicine. Sometimes people must retake the medication when they regain the weight.
Managing weight is a lifelong effort and without modifying eating habits and physical activity, medicines do very little. This is also true of surgery, though surgery is more effective overall. The medicines used are generally safe and your medical provider will monitor you along the way to regulate side effects.
Anuj Malik, MD
Board Certified in Obesity Medicine
AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy
I’m transgender, but am not sure how do I get started on hormone therapy. Help?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have positive and important impacts on a transgender person’s quality of life. First, you need to make the decision that you’re truly ready to start your hormone therapy. (Once you start, some changes cannot be undone.) One question to ask is how HRT impact your life. If you decide that HRT is right for you, the next step is finding a healthcare provider (HCP) to prescribe your HRT and monitor your therapy. It’s important to find an HCP you feel comfortable with and one who has experience in prescribing HRT for gender transition.
After that, your HCP will perform a physical assessment prior to starting your HRT and may also request a mental-health assessment. HCPs have a responsibility to be sure you are making an informed decision and that you meet the physical and mental standards for eligibility and readiness for HRT. Following the mental-health assessment, the professional will then make recommendations to your provider. Your HCP will then do the physical exam, order baseline laboratory testing, and discuss the process of initiation of your HRT. Once complete, your HCP will make recommendations on dosages and frequency of your HRT and how you’ll be monitored during your transition. Ongoing care will include follow-up appointments with your HCP to monitor your hormone levels and the effectiveness of your therapy. You may also have followups by your mental-health provider, circumstances depending.
Remember, HRT is a lifelong commitment and requires monitoring to optimize your transition and overall health. Finding the appropriate HCP is an important first step to building a happier, healthier quality of life
for you!
Terry Hackworth, NP-C
Certified by the AAHIVM
AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy

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Olla Urban Flower Project

It was a wet January day that I visited Olla Flowers to learn more about  this new florist on the edge of Gastown.  I was well rewarded for my visit and discovered much about the Flower Project that has very strong ties to the community around it.

The store sits in a very beautiful building at 235 Cambie Street with large windows and brick walls.  Everything I saw was for sale and the unique arrangements came in modern and vintage planters. From gorgeous terrariums to fair trade roses and flowers sourced locally,  Olla was alive with colour.

Megan Branson and Dionne Finch are set on urbanizing flower production and working with social enterprises through work with DTES community gardens, local flower lovers and even backyard growers.  They came to this new enterprise through their love of design and landscaping. One of their goals is to ‘bring the outside in’.

Their work within the community includes working with mature gardens for flower cultivation, working with individuals with land available to host a garden and share the crop, hiring locally and purchasing flowers grown in community gardens and then sharing the bounty from corporate events, such as work with Amnesty International with non-profits in the DTES.

For weddings they have everything an engaged couple would need.  Olla Flower Project promotes living wedding favours and centrepieces.  The creative skills of Megan and Dionne can create stunning bouquets and floral displays.  Their living arrangements can be purchased or rented for the big day.

Manifesto for Horticultural Wedding Design
“We are convinced that the bounding vibrancy and evolved design of living plants be at the center of wedding decor. We offer a pair of flowering viburnum bodnantense with an underplanting of snow drops to frame your winter vows, flowering lilac trees in spring, mixed perennial grasses with wild flowers in summer, and berry shrubs heavy with fruit for autumnal nuptials. These living containers will act as metaphors for the sustained love being celebrated.
We support a wedding design movement that celebrates humans’ relationship to the plant world and gifts its clients with beautiful plants that will continue to grow and thrive long after the last dance draws to an end.”
 Olla Urban Flower Project

I was very grateful for the opportunity to spend an afternoon wandering the store and learning so much about this unique new florist hub.  This spring will find the shop blooming with new ideas and work in the community.  Megan and Dionne have (no pun intended)  their roots well planted in this neighbourhood and as they expand so will the gardening community around them.

Olla Flowers will be an exhibitor at The Grassroots Wedding Fair on February 12 at Heritage Hall.

Shona Dion

photography by sweet earth photographics

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