<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else? <br /> <br /> Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.<br /> <br /> Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window. <br /> <br /> All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - It's no secret that shopping for holiday gifts can be overwhelming.<br /> <br /> The answer to alleviating the stress of thoughtful gift giving comes in a cardboard box.<br /> <br /> Seriously.<br /> <br /> Subscription box services are popular options for a "gift that keeps on giving," providing a personalized experience delivered safely every month.<br /> <br /> In fact, in a survey conducted by the Paper and Packaging Board from August 2015 to November 2016, 82 percent of those surveyed agreed that they could rely on corrugated cardboard boxes to get their merchandise shipped and delivered safely. And 60 percent feel that products that come in paper-packaging tend to feel more premium.<br /> <br /> Innovations in box and packaging design allow these boxes to delight well past delivery with extended use and upcycling options.<br /> <br /> Find the perfect gift for your loved one this season with one of these favorites:<br /> <br /> * KiwiCo (Kiwico.com):<br /> <br /> For the Kid Who Is Going to Run the World.<br /> <br /> KiwiCo develops monthly STEAM educational hands-on projects and activities to spark curiosity and creativity in kids aged 0-16+.<br /> <br /> Each eco-friendly corrugated box is filled with interactive projects to fit a child's respective age group. As your child or loved one grows, so do the boxes!<br /> <br /> * Loot Crate (LootCrate.com): For the Pop-Culture Obsessed.<br /> <br /> Loot Crate is a pop culture- themed subscription box featuring a changing monthly theme that covers all fandoms.<br /> <br /> These corrugated boxes hit every interest from video games to television and movies. Loot Crate offers an additional perk - the box is part of the monthly theme itself, which is to say, the box transforms into a "bonus" gift with some simple cuts and folds. You have to see it to believe it.<br /> <br /> * Graze (Graze.com) - For the Foodie.<br /> <br /> Graze is a subscription box that uses high-quality, nutritionist- approved ingredients to provide wholesome snacks. Graze uses responsibly resourced paper-based packaging to ensure that its products are safe and fresh for consumption.<br /> <br /> Foodies can subscribe for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly deliveries of personalized Graze boxes based on their custom-snack profile.<br /> <br /> *KitNipBox (KitNipBox.com): For the Cat Lover.<br /> <br /> KitNipBox is uniquely themed so cats (and their humans!) have something fresh, fun and new to look forward to each month. The design of the box, which can be recycled, is specifically made to fit 95 percent of cats, so they can play with the box and fit inside of it.<br /> <br /> Additionally, KitNipBox uses specially designed crinkling tissue paper in the boxes, so that the unwrapping experience is even more special for cats and their owners.<br /> <br /> * Cratejoy (Cratejoy.com):<br /> <br /> For Everyone.<br /> <br /> Cratejoy is the world's premier subscription box website, providing a global marketplace of products.<br /> <br /> Cratejoy offers a vast selection of uniquely crafted corrugated boxes suited to virtually any hobby, interest or taste.<br /> <br /> Gifting a subscription box service is an easy yet thoughtful option for anyone on your shopping list! Unbox an experience that will last long past this holiday season. Find out more by visiting HowLifeUnfolds.com<br /> <br /> Click here to view video.<br /> <br /> Ref: Giveaways - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Later this month, the nation's largest-ever celebration of educational opportunity will kick off. During National School Choice Week (Jan 26-Feb 1), 50,000 events and activities around the nation will raise awareness about K-12 education choices.<br /> <br /> The real impact of school choice is what gives the Week such energy. A learning environment can change a life, sometimes unexpectedly. Remember the Dr. Seuss story featuring a character who, until he actually tries it, insists a dish of green eggs and ham is not for him? As President of National School Choice Week, I have the joy each month of hearing students, parents, and educators around the country share their own "green eggs and ham" moments.<br /> <br /> A teacher who was ready to leave the education field - until she overcame her skepticism about teaching in a virtual school. A mom who never dreamed she'd homeschool - until her son's medical needs led her to discover its benefits. A student who felt out of place in his previous school, but is now happy and thriving in a different traditional public school.<br /> <br /> That's the power of school choice. All children learn differently and families' needs vary. In the midst of healthy differences and human change, choice empowers families to access the learning environments that work for them now.<br /> <br /> School choice recognizes that parents are best positioned to know their child's passion for botany, reading struggles, or penchant for drawing quirky cartoons. And those same parents are best qualified to choose their children's learning environments.<br /> <br /> National School Choice Week celebrates traditional public, public charter, magnet, private, online, and home education. We celebrate and support families, too, whichever type of school they choose. That's because when families and schools bring their gifts together, students succeed.<br /> <br /> All children deserve to close their school books at the end of each week inspired and equipped to give back. So, if you love your school, celebrate it during School Choice Week! If you're searching for a school, be willing to try something new to find the right fit. You might have a green-eggs- and-ham moment, when your child's frustration with learning turns into an excited "I do love it!"<br /> <br /> For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cultures - in Blogs

1.Nihari,<br /> <br /> Nihari is a delicious meat stew loved by people all over the world, <br /> <br /> for its radiant beautiful aroma, rich savory flavor and tender fall of the bone meat which completely dissolves into your mouth giving you an experience of a lifetime. <br /> <br /> It was originally invented in the 1800s to be consumed as a high energy, rich in nutrition and heavy on stomach dish <br /> <br /> to keep the working-class citizens full all day long and to provide required energy. <br /> <br /> However, in today's era it is eaten for its magical flavor which gives your tongue the flavor it craves! <br /> <br /> The word Nihari comes from an Arabic word “Nahar” which means “Morning” as it was usually enjoyed in the daytime/early morning Its mouthwatering flavor attracted the Mughal Emperors (Nawabs) of that time who ate this delicacy to break their morning fasts. <br /> <br /> It is traditionally served with naan (a fermented bread baked in a clay oven) <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 2. Namkeen rosh, <br /> <br /> The word “Namkeen” in Urdu means “salty” As the name suggests it is this simple salty tender piece of meat which may not sound delicious to ‘ocean haters’ but, those who have tasted all confirm that it is indeed Delightful. <br /> <br /> The ingredients only include; <br /> <br /> . Diced Ginger & Garlic <br /> <br /> . Meat (small pieces preferably fatty cuts) <br /> <br /> . And most important Salt which gives this dish its signature taste. <br /> <br /> Now begins the time to wait, to make the meat tender and melt in your mouth. After the meat is done garnish it with some green chilies and ginger (preferably; lengthwise). It is traditionally served with its own broth (yakhnee) and naan. It is quite popular and mostly enjoyed in the northern mountainous regions of the country as it helps the locals stay warm and meet body’s salt requirement. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 3. Chicken tikka, <br /> <br /> Tikka (BBQ chicken generally well charred, spicy and tangy in flavor) is the dream of every meat loving person. <br /> <br /> It is enjoyed all over the sub-continent and the name of United Kingdom is also included in this list. Traditionally small boneless chicken pieces are marinated with traditional species and yoghurt (dahi) to tenderize and break down the meat fibers with vertical cuts all over the chicken to let it completely absorb the flavor. the meat is cooked over open fire (angheeti) OR they are grilled over charcoals. <br /> <br /> The word “Tikka” is a Persian word meaning “bits / pieces” but if we listen to the people who have tried it, we can all agree that it should mean “outstanding flavor” because that's all this dish offers. <br /> <br />

(NewsUSA) - A non-surgical technique for lifting double chins, reducing puffiness around the eyes, and improving the appearance of wrinkles is now available in the form of an easy-to-use home kit called The Face Wrap. (www.facewrap.com).<br /> <br /> Previously available as a salon-only treatment, The Face Wrap lifts and tightens drooping areas on the forehead, face, and under the chin by firmly wrapping them up in a mineral-soaked, non-allergenic "face wrap" constructed of non-latex elasticized cotton fabric.<br /> <br /> "The liquid minerals are the secret to the Face Wrap," says Sarah Bolger, The Face Wrap's spokesperson. "The minerals, which are all-natural, draw out impurities from the complexion while giving the skin a firmed and tighter look on the outside and a rejuvenated feel to the underlying tissues."<br /> <br /> Bolger says the all-natural, one-hour facial beautification procedure is safe and painless.<br /> <br /> "Our Face Wrap kits have wrapped many thousands of faces, and we've learned how to produce wonderful changes," says Bolger. "For those looking for an alternative to cosmetic surgery, wrapping your face is an easier way to reduce double chins and puffiness, lift and tighten the skin and enhance your own natural beauty."<br /> <br /> Bolger also recommends exfoliating before using to allow the minerals to absorb better, and exercising the face daily with a few simple exercises.<br /> <br /> Working women want to look their best - especially after 50. But let's face it, most working women find it difficult to carve out an hour or two a week for visits to the day spa. That's the appeal of the home kit. The one-hour treatment can be done at home while reading or on the computer or while resting.<br /> <br /> Women generally look five- to ten years younger after a series of three to six treatments. Most people are surprised to see their cheekbones and jaw bones again!<br /> <br /> Visit www.facewrap.com for more information. The kit costs $139 and contains enough minerals for at least 20 treatments, or about $7 per treatment. A lot less than $80-plus for various salon treatments.<br /> <br /> Ref: Famous - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sometimes we're so caught up in all the pro sports stars whose lives have been wrecked by misusing prescription painkillers that we forget the problem extends down to the amateur level.<br /> <br /> And, yes, that does mean college and even high-school sports.<br /> <br /> At least one study put the number of college student athletes who've used prescription medications to enhance their performance at as high as 53.3 percent. And another recent study on high school athletes, published online in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, reported that 12 percent of male seniors and 8 percent of female seniors admitted to abusing painkillers.<br /> <br /> To former ESPN.com columnist Gregg Easterbrook -- who wrote about painkillers in his book "The King of Sports: Football's Impact on America -- it's no surprise that the largest percentage of those young abusers play football.<br /> <br /> "Youth and high-school players see an example that appears to be of men so tough, they laugh at pain," he wrote. "The message sent is that young players should use their own bodies recklessly."<br /> <br /> So what's a concerned parent to do?<br /> <br /> Well, if your child is experiencing neuro-musculoskeletal-related pain from playing sports-- spinal pain, say, from too many tackles or strained soccer kicks --first know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last March began urging physicians to avoid prescribing opioids for chronic pain in response to a record high 28,647 deaths involving the highly addictive drugs in 2014.<br /> <br /> Know, too, that the most popular non-pharmacologic alternative to routine care is drug-free chiropractic care.<br /> <br /> "Doctors of chiropractic play a key role in sports health care by providing hands-on care that help improve range of motion, flexibility, muscle strength, and other key performance factors," notes the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Sherry McAllister.<br /> <br /> Ref: Exercise - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Independent films are the heart and soul of the movie industry. These original works of art have the potential to push the boundaries of film; engage new, underserved audiences and, just maybe, develop into blockbuster hits seen by millions of viewers worldwide.<br /> <br /> This journey of growth, however, is no easy task. For an independent filmmaker, distribution can be the difference between a flop and a million-dollar success.<br /> <br /> How can filmmakers trump this trend? The Movie Studio (TMS) evolved with an answer to this ever-important industry problem.<br /> <br /> The TMS model is two-fold. The company both creates its own movies and simultaneously distributes other independent films. The combination provides TMS with a full library of diverse work that appeals to a broad network of buyers worldwide.<br /> <br /> Currently, TMS is focused on English-speaking films. Plans are in the works, however, to enter the foreign films language market in the near future.<br /> <br /> Gordon Scott Ventures, CEO, stated, "We are very excited to assist many independent producers, with their collective team in their quest for having their efforts rewarded by reaching audiences around the globe."<br /> <br /> TMS' growth comes through enrolling indie producers from the top film schools and film festivals. If recruited, producers have the opportunity to share their work with audiences in more than 60 countries. These moviemakers can also become a member of TMS' growing family of followers, shareholders and supporters, ultimately working together for a mutual profit.<br /> <br /> In addition, TMS continues to prove its value through its finesse and speed, period. The organization prides itself on giving viewers the power to decide for themselves if a film is successful.<br /> <br /> As a pledge to its commitment to the industry, the TMS team has solidified a powerful, well-coordinated media platform through NewsUSA and FilmFestival.com. This platform will boast a strong social media program intended to reach new independent producers and savvy film watchers alike.<br /> <br /> With the indie industry begging for more options to grow, TMS could be in the right position at the right time to swiftly become a leader in the entertainment industry at large.<br /> <br /> To learn more, please visit www.TheMovieStudio.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Entertainment - in Blogs

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