fbpx
Home Blog Page 932

Women’s Basketball

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Women’s Basketball

The W.N.B.A. began its 27th season on Friday with a spotlight on it thanks to the attention garnered by Brittney Griner, the center for the Phoenix Mercury who spent nearly 10 months detained in Russia last year.

Griner drew attention not only to herself and the plight of other foreign detainees but also to the financial disparities facing women in sports that had brought her to Russia in the first place. During each off-season, many W.N.B.A. players go overseas in search of higher pay. The maximum salary in the W.N.B.A. is about $230,000; for comparison, top players in the N.B.A. make nearly $50 million per year.

What is your reaction to the gap in pay between the W.N.B.A. and the N.B.A.? Were you aware of it before Griner’s detention? Do you think her bigger platform has the power to bring a new fan base to the W.N.B.A. and reshape women’s basketball?

Do you watch women’s basketball? Who are your favorite players? What are your favorite teams? What would you say to others to encourage them to pay more attention to women’s basketball — and women’s sports in general?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more about Griner and the upcoming W.N.B.A. season.

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.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Word of the Day: gait

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Word of the Day: gait

The word gait has appeared in 68 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Dec. 21 in “A Winter Workout That Can Take You Somewhere Stunning” by Amanda Loudin:

While at C.S.U., Mr. Browning was an author on a study into the biomechanics of walking with snowshoes; it revealed that snowshoeing required more bend from the ankles, hips and knees than overland walking. This calls for a greater range of motion, which over time can improve the mobility of your lower limbs, he said.

Nicholas Tiller, a senior researcher in exercise physiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, said that snowshoeing requires an adjustment in gait, which pays off in fitness gains.

Can you correctly use the word gait 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.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how gait can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.

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.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

8 Playful New Summer Fonts (2023 edition)

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
8 Playful New Summer Fonts (2023 edition)

8 Playful New Summer Fonts (2023 edition)

Looking to add some spice to your summer designs? Why not experiment with some unique and playful summer fonts? With a wide range of options to choose from, you can easily find the perfect font to give your work that extra pop. Whether you’re designing a flyer for a beach party, creating a summer-themed website, or just looking to inject some creativity into your projects, these fonts are sure to impress. So why not try something new and see where your imagination takes you?

8 Playful Summer Fonts

Here is an awesome collection of eight fonts that are playful and one-of-a-kind. They have a fun, chunky style that sets them apart from other fonts. What’s great about these fonts is that they all have their own distinct personality. If you’re looking to bring a touch of whimsy to your designs, these fonts are a must-have. Plus, they were all created in 2023!

Click on the font cover or name to see its Creative Market page.

Pin me for later!

If you’re as in love with those fonts as I am, why not pin them to your Pinterest board? That way, you can always find them when you need a little pick-me-up in your designs. Happy pinning!

8 Playful New Summer Fonts (2023 edition)

Show us your work!

We would love to see what you create with those playful summer fonts. If you make something using them, share it on social media, and make sure to tag Designer Blogs! We can’t wait to see your amazing designs. Let’s spread the joy of creating together! Don’t forget to let us know which one is your favorite.

Still looking for a perfect font? Check the list of 10 Top Fonts with Best Ampersands.

P.S This post includes affiliate links. By clicking them you are supporting us. Thanks!

Tiny Love Stories: ‘I Never Saw My Parents Kiss’

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Tiny Love Stories: ‘I Never Saw My Parents Kiss’

Growing up in the ’50s, I never saw my parents kiss, hug or say “I love you.” Instead, their marriage, like my childhood, was steeped in sarcasm and silence. After my father’s winter death, my mother asked for a copy of their answering machine messages — still blinking from when he was alive. Copying the original tape, I overheard them whispering: “Sweetie,” “Darling,” “Dear.” Their promises interspersed with kisses, smacking the air. Their longest message contained the memory of them necking in the back seat of their old white Pontiac Bonneville, their love fogging the windows. — Margaret Mariam Rosenthal

A night at a Tokyo goth club changed my life. I met Yukiro, a 6-foot-1 Swedish drag queen who dressed like the Bride of Frankenstein and cackled “O-ho-ho-ho!” After we tore up the dance floor, I asked Yukiro if he wanted to hang again. He answered with his catchphrase, “Why not?” A decade later, we’ve cackled and vogued at nightclubs in a dozen countries. Yukiro opened my eyes to countless others who share his fierce courage, from Lebanon’s trans artists to India’s hijra (third gender). When outsiders wonder why a drag queen is my best “ghoul-friend,” I reply, “Why not?” — La Carmina

Sometimes with queer love, you don’t realize it’s love until it’s gone. The last time I saw her was almost a year ago at our college graduation. She sat just a few rows ahead of me. Through the corner of my eye, I kept seeing her glance in my direction, maybe inadvertently, maybe not. As she rose to join the procession of graduates, she looked back at me, this time, directly. I refused to meet her gaze. Now that we are states apart and have lost all contact, I can’t shake the gnawing feeling of a missed opportunity. — Grace Del Vecchio

The first time we met, all four young faces stared at me with great uncertainty. My boyfriend’s children, they ranged in age from 2 to 12. With time, the children and I stopped being strangers. Eventually, they accepted me. Soon, I began to love them. It has now been 13 years since their father and I split, but my relationship with them didn’t break. Rather, it has grown stronger. I’ve been invited to a wedding and many graduations, and I’m always glad to be there. I was never their stepmother, but I am their family, just as they are mine. — Connie Minsky

The youngest son’s college graduation (he is wearing the lei). I am in the middle.

5 Meaningful Ways To Advocate For Your Mental Health At Work

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
5 Meaningful Ways To Advocate For Your Mental Health At Work

Even the most rewarding work can be a lot sometimes. Sprint deadlines, metrics, meetings, and code reviews — all of these expectations can be a lot to juggle. And it gets especially tricky when you’re also balancing childcare, college courses, or teaching yourself to code.

So what do you do when it all gets to be too much? Better yet, how can you prevent yourself from getting to the point of burnout?

While some stress is to be expected, it can be hard to tell when and how to ask for help. It can also feel a little scary to be vulnerable with your team leader when you’re having a hard time. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to make it easier.

“Advocating for your mental health” sounds serious, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Often, it just requires a little communication. For Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re shining a light on different strategies that you can use to make your mental health a priority in the workplace.

Learn something new for free

Talk to your manager

Your manager might have no idea that you’re struggling or need some additional assistance. That’s why it’s important to set up a conversation with your team leader (or a trusted colleague) to start a dialogue about the specific resources you need to be successful. 

What obstacles are you facing at work? What changes could help you stay on track? Getting a better sense of your specific needs can help shed light on a solution, according to Kelly Greenwood, founder of the mental health organization Mind Share Partners. “Think through the resources or support that would be helpful to you, whether it’s access to mental health care, a formal accommodation, or something simpler,“ she wrote in an article for Harvard Business Review.

A few examples of working preferences you might want to bring up include whether you work remotely or in the office, your preferred communication style (like preferring email to Slack), and scheduling accommodations so you can make your therapy appointments.

But also remember that you don’t need to divulge more personal information than you’re comfortable with. Start by figuring out what you’re okay with sharing and go from there, Kelly wrote. If you have a close relationship with your team leader, you might choose to share specific details about your diagnosis and mental health history. On the other hand, you could keep things vague and explain that you’re having a difficult time and need to take time off, for example.

Going into a conversation with your manager, it might help to lead with a solution in mind. For example, a person with anxiety could explain how having their camera off during Zoom meetings helps them focus on the subject matter. Or if you’re talking to your manager about neurodiversity accommodations, you can mention the ways that it can benefit your contributions and enhance the workplace culture.

Set strong boundaries

When you’re passionate about your work, it can be hard to step away — and the lines can get even blurrier in remote positions that lack traditional workplace boundaries. Whether you’re working from home or the office, it’s easy to let work run into your personal life.

Setting boundaries is a matter of protecting your peace by identifying behaviors and situations that can influence your personal wellbeing. It plays a big role in maintaining a good work-life balance. Common workplace boundaries include:

  • Physical boundaries like your preferences around personal space and physical touch (e.g., handshakes).
  • Emotional boundaries like your preferred communication style and right to a healthy work environment.
  • Mental boundaries like your off-hours when you’re unaccessible and focus hours during the week that you set aside to be able to work without distraction. 

Every workplace is different, but here’s an example of an email you could send to communicate your scheduling boundaries to your team: 

I won’t be able to respond to messages sent after working hours. I’m committed to my work and always strive to provide the best possible output. However, I also believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. After hours, I’m focused on spending time with my family and friends, pursuing my hobbies, and relaxing — and I strongly encourage you to do the same!

If you need immediate assistance after hours, please contact [teammate’s name]. They are available to help with any urgent matters.

If you find yourself constantly checking Slack or your work email after-hours, try silencing notifications after a certain time. (You can also create an auto-response to let people know when they can expect a reply.) Along the same lines, fight the urge to check in on your days off or when you’re on vacation.

Setting boundaries can also mean saying “no” to additional projects when you’re at capacity, or rescheduling a meeting on a particularly busy day. It’s easy to fall into the habit of saying “yes” when someone asks you to do something, but it’s important to be mindful of your workload and well-being. If you have too much on your plate or you feel overwhelmed, speak up: discuss your priorities and time restraints with your manager, and be honest about what you can and can’t handle.

Maintaining your boundaries is ultimately your responsibility. The good news is, there are tons of tools and techniques we can use to keep ourselves on track, like pomodoro timers, email filters, and time-trackers. Check out our list of helpful work-life balance apps for more recommendations. 

Find (or create) a channel for discussion

There are general best practices you can follow to advocate for your mental health at work, but the best approach ultimately depends on your environment. Some companies have employee resource groups (ERGs) for neurodiversity and mental health.

“ERGs are created to build community among people with shared identities or experiences at work,” Kelly from Mind Share Partners wrote in another article. “When done thoughtfully, those that focus on mental health promote diversity and inclusion and provide support for employees managing symptoms of mental health conditions.”

If your company doesn’t already have an ERG for mental health, consider starting one yourself. Or if you’re a contractor or freelancer, speak to your point of contact about your needs and concerns. You can also consider adding a mental health clause to your contract that allows for adjustments in case of emergencies.

Seek accommodations if necessary

Some people who are neurodivergent or disabled are entitled to workplace protections and accommodations in the U.S. That might include flexible work hours, professional support (e.g., job coaching), or noise-canceling headphones and LED lighting (for people with sensory sensitivities).

You know yourself best, and which habits or techniques help you. For example, maybe you need an outline of what to expect during a meeting, or you work best when you can listen to music with headphones on. Let your team leader know what types of accommodations you might need to work at your peak potential. And keep in mind: Creating workplace accommodations will make things better for everyone.

For example, flexible work hours are great for parents, caretakers, and people with side hustles. They can also help you free up time to learn new skills or take up a hobby.

Don’t be afraid to speak up

Whether you’re asking for a mental health day, an accommodation, or a leave of absence — speaking up for your mental health is important, and it’s something that everyone should feel empowered to do. Everyone needs help sometimes, and being open about your mental health helps normalize the subject and could empower others to do the same. Starting a dialogue ultimately makes your organization’s culture better for everyone.

Make your mental health a priority

Work plays a huge role in your mental health, but it doesn’t stop there. Giving yourself room to play and be creative outside of work, spending time with loved ones, and exploring your other passions is just as important. (You know what they say about all work and no play.)

What Cultural Traditions Are Important to You?

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
What Cultural Traditions Are Important to You?

What are some cultural traditions that you participate in? These may include practices related to religion, holidays, food, dance, clothing, language, music, crafts and pastimes, or anything else important to your cultural background.

For example, perhaps you give out red envelopes for Lunar New Year, fast for Ramadan or eat hot dogs every Fourth of July. Maybe you dance bachata, watch Bollywood movies or speak Creole at home.

What is one custom that you participate in that feels especially meaningful to you?

In “Preserving Hula, the Heartbeat of Hawaii,” Miya Lee writes about the tradition of hula and what it means to Native Hawaiians:

HILO, Hawaii — The airy Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii, was silent except for bird song and the low, steady chanting of Mapuana de Silva as she sprinkled a mixture of turmeric and saltwater along the perimeter of a square stage. Ms. de Silva, a kumu hula (master hula teacher), was conducting a ceremony called pikai, before her students began their 50-minute hula practice.

“We’re known as traditionalists,” Ms. de Silva, 74, said, whose dancers practiced in shirts with the word “boring” on them. Her students performed a seated hula kahiko (ancient hula). The emphasis of their presentation wasn’t movement, but the oli (chant) and mele (song) that they were performing.

Later that night, they would compete against 23 other hula schools in the 60th Merrie Monarch Festival.

The annual post-Easter festival honors King David Kalakaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his enjoyment of the arts. When he assumed the throne in 1871, Native Hawaiian culture had been severely restricted by Christian missionaries, and the Native Hawaiian population had been decimated by Western disease. King Kalakaua is credited with reviving many ancient Hawaiian practices, most notably, hula, which he called “the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.”

Today, the Merrie Monarch Festival includes a parade and a traditional Hawaiian craft fair. However, it is best known for its hula competition, which draws some of the best hula schools, or “halau hula,” in the United States. They compete in two categories: hula kahiko, which refers to hula that predates Western contact, and hula ‘auana, which encompasses hula that has developed post-contact.

Ms. Lee describes the importance of this practice to Hawaiian culture:

In the imagination of many mainland Americans, hula may mean coconut bras and cellophane skirts. It may conjure visions of a figurine jiggling her hips on a car dashboard or smiling serenely as she is used as a bottle opener.

But hula is an ancient and often sacred dance, indigenous to Hawaii.

Each performance is built around the narration of a particular song or chant, many of which have been passed down for generations.

Pre-Western contact, Native Hawaiians did not have a written language. Instead, they documented their world — their history, mythology, religion, scientific knowledge and more — through a rich oral tradition.

Hula, Ms. de Silva said, “is the presentation, the visual and audio presentation, of our stories, our history.”

And one young woman shares what it means to carry on the tradition:

Taizha Hughes-Kaluhiokalani, 27, who won the festival’s soloist competition in 2019, started dancing hula when she was 8. “As a hula dancer, as a true ‘olapa is what we would call it, you become a channel, you become a vessel for the mele that you’re bringing to life,” she said. “It’s so important to know who you are because of the people that came before you, because once you forget, not just those people but the places, the mo‘olelo, the stories, become lost.”

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

  • What is one cultural tradition you participate in that is important to you, and that you hope future generations will continue to practice?

  • In what ways do you participate in this custom? Is it something you do on your own or with your family? Are there wider community rituals or events dedicated to it, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival?

  • Do you know the history of this tradition? How did it become a part of your culture? What is the story or the lore, if any, behind it? Why do you practice it?

  • Whether you do it on your own or with your family or community, what does it mean to you to participate in this tradition?

  • Why is it important to your culture to keep this tradition going? What would it mean if it were lost?

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.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Lesson Plan: ‘How to Print Money’

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Lesson Plan: ‘How to Print Money’

Featured Article: “How to Print Money”

It is often said that money doesn’t grow on trees. So if it doesn’t, where does it come from?

In today’s featured article, The New York Times takes us behind the scenes of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, Texas, to find out how money is made in the United States. In this lesson, you will learn about the many fascinating steps needed, and meet the vast team required, to print the money that fuels the U.S. economy, the largest in the world.

In Going Further activities, we ask you to share your opinions and experiences with money and invite you to design your own currency.

When was the last time you looked at money? We mean, really looked at it?

Take out some printed money (a $1, $5, $10 or $20 bill — whatever denomination you can easily find), and spend a good five minutes looking closely at it. Feel free to use a magnifying glass, if you have one, and to take notes on your observations. Here are a few questions to help guide your close inspection:

  • What do you notice? What can you observe about the design, colors and paper? Its texture? Its symbols? Its writing?

  • What do you wonder? What questions do you have about the bill you examined or money in general?

Afterward, share your observations with a partner. Then, together, make two lists. On the first one, write down all the materials that you think are needed to make money. On the second, write down the steps you think go into printing it.

Read the featured article, and then answer the following questions:

1. Summarize the six basic steps in printing money at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, Texas. Which part of the process did you find most fascinating, and why?

2. Return to the lists you made in the warm-up. Which steps and materials did you get right? What else do you need to add?

3. What can you learn about the process of making money from the videos and images featured in the article? Which visuals stood out most?

4. Consider some of the numbers included in the article: How much U.S. currency is currently in circulation? What percentage of Americans are cashless in their weekly spending habits, according to the article? Do either of those figures surprise you? How often do you and your family use cash — coins or bills — rather than cards or apps?

5. The article ends:

And while many people may never give a second thought to how the crumpled dollar bills in their pockets actually got made, the painstaking process of printing money highlights the important role that the U.S. dollar continues to play in the world.

What is your biggest takeaway from the article? Do you think you will give more thought to the crumpled bills in your pockets now?

Option 1: Share your thoughts and opinions on money.

Many of our daily Student Opinion questions and Picture Prompts have invited teenagers to share their views and experiences about money. Choose one of our money-related writing prompts below and share your thoughts with young people around the world:

Option 2: Design your own currency.

You’ve seen what it takes to make money. Now it’s your turn: Design your own currency. You can redesign the currency for the nation you live in or for a fictitious country of your own.

For your original bank note, you might include:

  • Country name

  • Denomination (how much your currency is worth)

  • National motto

  • Political or cultural symbols

  • Serial numbers

  • Signature of the Treasury secretary

As you design your currency, keep in mind: What “story” does your money tell? How does it represent the values of your country? Does your design catch your eye? Is it easy to read and use?

For inspiration, check out this history of U.S. currency or these exciting design examples from around the world here and here.

Find more lesson plans and teaching ideas here.

Sad Songs

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Sad Songs

When you’re sad — when you’re facing heartbreak, loneliness or grief — do you ever put on sad music?

If so, why do you think you do it? Does listening to a sad song help you feel your feelings? Is it emotionally cathartic? Does it make you feel less alone, knowing that someone else has been through what you’re going through? What are your go-to sad songs?

If you don’t like to listen to sad music, why not? What do you do instead when you’re feeling down?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to find out what science says about the reason people like emotional tunes.

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.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Expanding learning opportunities: A.I. is now integrated into A.I.U’s Virtual Campus

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Expanding learning opportunities: A.I. is now integrated into A.I.U’s Virtual Campus

Atlantic International University is pleased to announce an innovative integration of our online educational platform with Artificial Intelligence in the Virtual Campus, making it a part of our commitment to innovation and providing students with an enriched and enhanced learning experience.

 

By integrating AI tools, our goal is to enable AIU students to learn and optimize all aspects of their lives. Additional tools will be made available in the student section, accompanied by instructions and summaries on how to use them, to enhance the user experience.

 

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized various domains in a short period of time. One such example is ChatGPT, which has the potential to transform the interaction between students and AIU’s online educational platform. With this incredible AI-powered assistant at their fingertips, our students can now embark on a learning journey like never before, enjoying its availability 24/7.

 

Through the implementation of AI tools, students can benefit in numerous ways. The system can provide quick and accurate answers to frequently asked questions, granting students immediate access to relevant information.

 

Thanks to the new Artificial Intelligence section in our Virtual Campus, the student will have the opportunity to increase their personal and professional productivity, making use of these powerful tools, now integrated into the student section, thus being a participant, in first person, of the accelerating trend of AI and continuing its Perpetual Evolution with AIU.

 

 

To make the most of the new Virtual Intelligence section, students are advised to log in to our student platform and navigate to the ChatGPT function. There, they can ask questions or make requests and receive information provided by AI. It is encouraged to combine the generated results with their existing knowledge, experience, and acquired concepts, fostering critical thinking and improving proactivity.

 

The integration of these tools into our online educational platform reinforces AIU’s commitment to providing our students with quality, cutting-edge, and accessible education. The AI technology will complement the work of our professors and the content of our courses, ultimately enhancing the learning experience and promoting active student participation.

 

Atlantic International University takes pride in being a pioneer in adopting innovative and promising technologies. With this novel implementation, we reaffirm our commitment to offering our students a forward-thinking education that prepares them for the challenges of the future.

 

In order to demonstrate how powerful Artificial Intelligence can be, if used correctly, we share an example of how AI can help you write a properly structured grant proposal.

 

 

This press release was partially created with the help of ChatGPT.


Author : Vanessa D”angelo
Degree :
Major : Marketing
Country : Spain
Language : English

View Author Profile
Visit Atlantic International University

Word of the Day: defer

By
onlinefreecourse
-
0
Word of the Day: defer

The word defer has appeared in 109 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on March 3 in “Learning to Become a Better Grandfather” by Paula Span:

Dr. Hirsh-Pasek urged parents to share information about their children’s current obsessions, so grandfathers can bone up on dinosaur facts or watch a few episodes of “Bluey” and talk with their grandkids about them. For online visits, “find books they can read together and things they can do together,” she said.

… Dr. Hirsh-Pasek advised grandfathers in heterosexual relationships to spend some time with their grandchildren on their own, apart from their spouses. Otherwise, they might defer to their wives, especially if “she is the child-raiser, the more experienced one,” she said.

Can you correctly use the word defer 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.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how defer can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.

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.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

1...931932933...1,653Page 932 of 1,653

Recent Posts