I was initially surprised by how simple it was to shift my iPhone data to an Android smartphone made by Google. Just by installing an app on my iPhone that Google made to help people switch, I was able to copy my contacts list, photo album and calendar into my Google account. Then, presto — all that data appeared on the Android.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word presto in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how presto can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Last fall, we asked teenagers around the world what they thought about this global political climate. We invited them to have conversations in response to a series of questions about their political identities and values, the issues that matter to them, today’s information environment and their news habits, as well as how they talk about politics across divides. Then, we challenged them to make something in response.
Now, as a new administration takes office in the United States, we’re publishing the winners. You can see one of them, a painting by Taylor Cook, 16, from Atlanta, at the top of this article.
Here is Taylor’s artist’s statement:
The Gray and Purple
I live between the very liberal and left-leaning climate of my school and social life and the heavily conservative values of my Florida-grown family. Who can reliably fact check if everybody claims everybody else has an agenda?
During the 2020 election, I became aware that sharing my middle-ground or questioning beliefs to my family or friends usually resulted in a lecture from both sides. All I ever heard was “Hillary is crooked!” “Donald Trump is sexist!” “Why would you think that?” “Don’t get that vaccine!” “Your parents are stupid for being anti-vax and here’s why.” “All the Democrats want are your tax dollars.” “What if my Republican neighbor shoots me?” “They’re not your real friends, they’re too liberal.” I’ve heard all of the words in my painting on a regular basis from both friends and family.
We’re told from a young age that we don’t have the full picture without another perspective. But what if two different perspectives are telling two very different stories? Are my friends right when they say that Chick-fil-A wants gay people persecuted? How many of my parents’ conspiracies from Twitter are actually true? Is Donald Trump an evil billionaire looking to rule the world, or is he just a contrarian exposing what we don’t see? How many rich people have our congressional politicians in their pockets? How many of Trump and Harris’s accusatory campaign ads are true?
Some might say that it’s cowardly to hide in the gray area of politics, but it feels so wrong to choose a side when you don’t know who to trust or what’s real.
Can you relate? Why or why not?
Below are four more pieces by some of our teen winners. We invite you to scroll through the full collection, and then tell us what you think by responding to any of the questions at the end of this article.
They say you can’t make a lime out of a bunch of lemons, or I said that.
Actually, it is lemonade, and it is quite good, too. Lemonade is all over the map in terms of taste.
Some people like sour, others like sweet.
Some like strawberry lemonade, and others like mint lemonade.
And yes, some people dislike lemonade – shame on you.
The point here is that there seems to be no universal discussion on what is or what constitutes the top X, when it comes to the Top Learning System.
Therein lies a quandary because there are all types of learning systems – as defined many times over, but when people ask me, “That’s great, but which one is the #1 LMS?”
There are way too many variables to consider which type because just saying this is the #1 LMS, for example, leverages the variables that I look at and consider.
Equally noted in the past.
But as folks will point out to me, ‘you didn’t select ABC, and we think they are the best one on the market.’
Which is excellent for you and them.
There are always factors and use cases, such as what use case goes with what system, what level of diligence you did, what your budget was/is, and how wide your net was – i.e., global reach or limited reach?
Whether the vendor is a master of marketing—getting eyeballs is relevant in our industry—OR is someone so new that you haven’t heard of them.
Perhaps you looked at “newness” as a factor or key role based on others—similar to seeing a new car on a dealer’s lot versus one that is dirty.
Your eyes go right to the new – okay, clean one. Even if they are – or at least appear – the same.
Therein gets back for a short time on the question of “Okay, you identified the Top Learning Systems, but which one is #1 for a specific category – say learning suite, or LMS or a learning platform?”
a. Everything is included in the suite – you can choose to use it all or not – but it is all included at one price point.
b. The vendor may have add-ons, like a BI or performance management piece, which would be understandable because they would focus on a specific audience rather than a wider net.
When I looked at the top learning systems, there were a few that had a suite or components of a suite, where you could buy them all, or they could come with all, or you could pick and choose.
You get it all at one price point.
I always find it intriguing when folks believe that they must use it because it is in their system, but that is not true.
Let’s say you win 1M dollars.
Are you sticking around at your company?
Nope.
Although I once worked with a guy who won several million dollars and wanted to stay working.
I digress.
Then someone else shows up and goes, “What? I wanted that. And it costs how much?”
Or
You think to yourself, “I want this. But I see it is going to cost extra, and I lack that in my budget.”
Have it in a suite you purchased, and Tada it’s there.
I’m a massive fan of suites.
What is a Learning Platform?
Well, it depends on how you—the vendor, the buyer/customer, or an analyst (yep, me included)—define it.
Could a learning platform be an LMS?
Sure.
Could it be a mentoring platform with LMS capabilities?
Sure.
I know of vendors who refuse to tag themselves as LMSs for whatever reason; many times, they see LMS as a big, scary word that they do not want to be affiliated with.
However, there are systems-learning platforms out there that mix LMS functionality with other functionality that they see as different from an LMS.
They are not wrong.
And therein lies the rub, says the bard (still one of my favorite lines ever).
How do I say, “Well, this is the #1 learning platform,” knowing that the vendor in question or vendors in question have LMS functionality, perhaps LXP functionality, and maybe a dash of mentoring or more than a dash of skills?
This goes back to a key feature of an LXP—a way too many that to a dash and say, “Look, we are an LXP.”
To this, I say, “Look, you are Ms. Dash (a U.S. product, which is to each their own taste).”
Can you equally have two vendors who qualify as the #1 Learning Platform for 2024?
Yes.
It’s called a tie.
One is #1 overall, as in the #1 Learning System—a mix of some features of an LMS and LXP and then a bit of this and that that stands out.
One is focused more on the customer training needs versus say a system that is more aligned to employees.
For me, I looked at what are the core pieces of an LXP – and whether or not the vendor has it, plus the core functionality of an LMS and whether or not the vendor has it, and then where they are now, referred to as Tier 7.
Mentoring is part of Tier 7, for those keeping score.
What is tier 7? And where do I expect the next tier to hit – what other items?
A whole wonderful post next week – it’s not on the short side, hence, enjoy this micro post!
Disasters can strike unexpectedly, but many are predictable. Would you know what to do in a crisis like a wildfire or flood? Whether natural or man-made, disasters have been a fact of life since dinosaurs walked the earth. Today, financial crises, political instability, diseases, wars, and climate change are all taking their toll.
In 2023 alone, more than 86,000 people lost their lives to natural disasters. Catastrophes such as floods, droughts, wildfires, wars, earthquakes, and hurricanes displaced millions of people, causing untold suffering. The need for disaster preparedness has never been greater.
We can all play a part in helping those affected:
Support frontline charities with regular donations if you can afford it.
Become a blood donor to help those most in need in your community.
If you are a business or community leader, implement disaster preparedness policies.
Make peace, justice, and equality a priority in your sphere of influence. Peace and stability boost community resilience and recovery from disasters.
Sign up for an organ donation register if available where you live, giving others the gift of life.
Fiona R. has witnessed the impact of blood donations firsthand. “My husband needed multiple blood transfusions, and it was incredible to see his transformation. He was dying in front of my eyes, but with the transfusions, life was literally returning to his body. We are so grateful to everyone who donates blood – you have no idea how many lives you may be saving!”
Usually, the first responders in a crisis come from within the affected community. Rather than leaving it to professionals or waiting for external help, empower yourself and your community with free training starting today. Alison’s Disaster Preparednesscourses can equip you to play your part:
Free Crisis Management Courses
Do you know what to do in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake? What if a serious incident caused injuries to people around you? These free courses cover key areas for anyone facing natural or man-made disasters, including war. Whether you plan to work in international disaster relief or simply want to help build community resilience, these courses are packed with life-saving information. Register for your free account and begin learning today.
Wildfire Awareness and Risk Assessment – Learn about different types of wildfires, where they are likely to occur, and how to prepare. This course also covers safety guidelines, minimizing hazards, and what to do in the aftermath of a wildfire.
Earthquake Precautions and Safety Measures – Discover how to prepare for an earthquake with training for a range of scenarios. Learn how to handle aftershocks and respond effectively.
The Basics of Nuclear Survival – This course covers what to do before, during, and after an attack, including simple steps to stay safe. It also addresses fallout management and post-incident recovery. As Alison graduate Bella O. testifies: “Super easy to understand, and you learn so much from it. I loved it!”
Master First Aid
Emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. These first aid courses equip you with vital skills to respond to crises effectively. For community leaders, they also provide tools to train others and strengthen preparedness.
CPR, AED and First Aid – Gain vital skills with this certified Save a Life course by NHCPS. Learn first-aid kit essentials, personal protective equipment (PPE), scene safety, and how to handle common medical emergencies, injuries, and choking. Empower yourself to save lives today.
Basic Life Support (BLS) – Follow the latest 2020-2025 guidelines in basic life support and become NHCPS certified. Learn to check for responsiveness, use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and provide care for adults, children, and infants. Topics include mouth-to-mask and mouth-to-mouth ventilation, as well as team-based rescue approaches.
First Aid: A Comprehensive Guide to Saving Lives – Master life-saving skills, from responding to environmental emergencies like hypothermia and heat stroke to treating allergic reactions, poisonings, bites, and stings. Learn to manage traumatic injuries, including burns, fractures, and bleeding. Enroll today to begin this certified Save a Life course.
With more than 4,500 free courses, Alison offers a wealth of training in topics useful during a crisis, from nursing to public health, food safety, and hygiene. Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Start learning today and be ready for anything!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I include in an emergency kit?
A. A basic emergency kit should include:
Water (at least one gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food (canned goods, dried fruits, energy bars)
First aid supplies (bandages, pain relievers, medications)
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
A whistle
Moist wipes, garbage bags, and plastic sheeting
Important documents (copies of identification, insurance, and medical records)
A list of emergency contacts
A map of the local area
Q. How can I make my home more disaster-resistant?
A. Look up advice specific to your local area. The following guidelines may be useful:
Secure furniture: Fasten shelves, cabinets, and appliances to the walls to prevent them from toppling over during an earthquake.
Trim trees and shrubs around your home: This reduces the risk of damage from falling branches during storms.
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed.
Reinforce windows and doors: Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows.
Clean gutters and drains: Prevent water damage by ensuring proper drainage around your home.
Q. Are Alison’s Disaster Management courses accredited?
A. All Alison courses are accredited by the independent UK body CPD. Many can prepare learners for industry exams. Read morehere.
Q. Can I access the courses on my mobile device?
A. Yes, Alison courses are designed for flexibility and accessibility. Download the app to easily access and complete courses on your smartphone or tablet.
Main image by Royal Academy of Engineering; Nurse image by Geralt; Wildfire image by Steve PB; CPR image Manseok Kimall, all on Pixabay
Is your bed perpetually unmade? Are your closets crowded with long-forgotten odds and ends? Is your floor difficult to navigate without stepping on dirty T-shirts and old toys? Are your book bag and notebook so cluttered that it’s impossible to find a homework assignment without an hourlong search?
If so, have you ever been judged or shamed for your messiness? Do you ever feel pressure to be more organized? Or are you OK with a little clutter?
I’m a therapist who writes about housekeeping hacks for messy people. When I post videos about my home — a place where clean laundry is tossed unfolded into baskets and a giant trash can on wheels rolls around my kitchen — the comment section explodes with admonitions that I am lazy. My private inbox, however, is different. People often tell me my embrace of mess is revolutionizing their lives.
“Are you saying that I’m not a horrible person and that I’m not just making excuses?”
“I just found you and I’m already crying in relief that I’m not the only one.”
The world is harsh toward messy people. I get it. Not that long ago I thought the home of a mature, successful woman was a bright and airy haven, à la HGTV’s famous interior designer Joanna Gaines, one with made beds and clear countertops. Homes where all the stuff is neatly packed away into artfully labeled containers, and where there are no piles or smudges.
My home has never looked like that. For years, it felt as if I failed the aesthetic litmus test for being grown-up and put together. But four years ago, I accepted something that freed me and brought unexpected joy: I am messy.
Messiness ought to be celebrated. Instead, it’s a problem to solve, a bad habit to rectify, something to apologize for profusely when a visitor walks in. At best, you might forgive yourself or joke about your defect — your character flaw, really, since our culture associates messiness with laziness.
The essay continues:
The parts of my brain that allow me to produce handmade Renaissance costumes are the same parts responsible for a dining room bursting with fabric scraps and sewing supplies. It’s time we admit that what makes us shine can’t be divorced from what makes us scattered.
Science agrees. For example, people who have A.D.H.D. are often messy because their brains’ executive functioning center — the area that controls time management, focus shifting, memory and prioritization — operates differently from a typical brain’s. This atypical functioning can also create a higher level of divergent thinking and creativity, according to some research.
The often-repeated claim that clutter is harmful to one’s productivity and creativity may be wrong, as well. A University of Minnesota study tested the creative output of students working in a messy office space versus those working in a tidy one by asking them to imagine they worked at a Ping-Pong ball factory and had to come up with new uses for Ping-Pong balls. Participants in the messy room not only generated the same number of ideas as their clean-room counterparts, their ideas were also rated as more creative by independent judges.
To be sure, we messy people need to be considerate of others and provide a safe and sanitary environment for ourselves and our families. The good news is you can create an enjoyable, functional life as a messy person without becoming a neat one by using methods that work with your brain, not against it.
Are you a messy person? Or do you like to keep your home, your bedroom and your belongings neat, tidy and well organized? Describe your room and tell us whether you think it could use an organizational makeover or not.
Has being messy ever been an issue for you? How much effort do you put into keeping things neat? What strategies have you used that have been effective?
Ms. Davis writes that messiness is seen by our culture as a sign of laziness, a character flaw and a problem to be solved. Does that resonate with your own experiences? Have you ever been judged for being messy? Do you feel pressure to be more organized?
What do you think of Ms. Davis’s argument that messiness ought to be celebrated instead of shamed? What do you see as the benefits and downsides of being messy?
Is neatness overrated? Should we all embrace our messiness? How might your parents or teachers respond if you did?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Tens of millions of Hindus are convening this week in what is expected to be the world’s largest human gathering. About 400 million Hindu pilgrims from around the globe will bathe in and around the Ganges River over the next six weeks for the Maha Kumbh Mela, a religious festival that happens every 12 years in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj.
Do you belong to a religious or spiritual community? Are there ceremonies or rituals that are important to your faith? Is there a specific tradition that you have taken part in — or hope to one day join — that is especially meaningful to you? If so, what is it, and why?
Tell us in the comments, and then read the related article to learn more about the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious ceremony.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Look at picture No. 107 in the exhibition of 1874: another of Morisot’s lugubrious bourgeois bachelorettes.
Her model is on vacation in Brittany, easily reached from Paris on a new railway line. She carries fashionable accessories, bought in a new retail emporium. The day is calm. The weather is fair.
But her dress is an open tangle of white, as opaque as the brushy harbor, and between her black hat and violet choker is a face dissolving into vapor. No gatekeepers remain to decree how to picture her. Art, from 1874 onward, means freedom: so sad, so beautiful.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word emporium in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how emporium can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Above is an image related to one of the news stories we followed this past week. Do you know what it shows? At the bottom of this quiz, you’ll find the answer.
Have you been paying attention to current events recently? See how many of these 10 questions you can get right.
We’re thrilled to introduce our Third Wallpaper Bundle. This massive collection includes 96 stunning wallpapers for your desktop, phone, and social media. That’s right, 96 high-quality images in three different formats, including social media-ready images with inspiring quotes.
And the best part? It’s currently discounted to just $19 (regularly $60) for the entire bundle or just $9 (regularly $24) for the social media quotes pack. It’s less than $0,20 per image!
If you missed out on our previous bundles from 2023 and 2022, they’re still available for purchase.
Get all 2024 files for as low as $19, instead of $60.
This limited-time offer ends on February 28.
If you’re only interested in the social media quotes, you can purchase them separately (they’re also included in the main bundle!)
You can still browse all past (and current!) wallpapers and purchase them separately in thewallpaper library. You will find more details about each 2024 wallpaper and browse older designs.
What’s included in this Wallpaper Collection?
This bundle includes all 12 wallpaper packages from 2024. Starting from January 2024 and ending in December 2024.
Each design comes in seven formats – three computer wallpapers, two phone wallpapers, one tablet wallpaper, and a social media-ready square with a monthly quote.
I wasn’t sure about including the calendar wallpapers, since they were made specifically for 2024. But hey, those calendars come around every few years, right? So why not throw ’em in!
It gives a total of 96 files! They cost $60 if purchased separately, but in this bundle, you can get them for as low as $19 (limited time only!)!
It also includes 12 square images that are social media-ready (perfect for Instagram!) and have inspirational quotes. If this is the only item you want, feel free to purchase them separately.
This offer is available only until the end of February. After that, you will still be able to get the bundle but for a standard $60 price.
