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trulyhblue · 9 months

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Home Away From Home

Lauren Hemp x Aussie! Reader

Warnings: fluff, but awkward.

A/N — I know Caroline Weir scored the two goals in the Man City game that I talk about, but I've changed it a bit :)

Masterlist

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Growing up in Australia was among the greatest privileges you had as a child.

Even in the midst of your career — a job you've dreamed of since you were little — your home soil was indescribable; nothing could beat the familiarity of home.

When the 2023 World Cup was announced to take place in Australia, you were feeling the effects of homesickness after six long months in Europe. You were signed by Manchester City at Nineteen, playing a critical midfield position after being a regular sub for your old club back in Australia. Your parents were sceptical of you leaving so early to such a big club. In no way were you prepared to face the challenges of adulthood as a whole other country, on the opposite side of the Earth.

You had only been playing for the Matildas for a couple of months when you were first signed to City, and it wasn't until the following year when your fellow Aussie teammates Alanna, and eventually Hayley and Mary, that you had the comfort of home to nurture you during rough patches.

Your family was your biggest supporter. Growing up, they sacrificed everything to meet the needs of their football journey. Your parents would leave early from work early to take you to training and surrender endless personal endeavours so that you could prosper in your dreams of going pro. You were very grateful for all that they had done, and as a result, their sacrifices became your motivation to be the best you could possibly be. You lived and breathed football. Everything revolved around football.

But when you moved to City, you found yourself stuck in a trance by a certain English Blonde.

For the most part, you kept to yourself at training. You didn't want to cause any trouble, and it seemed that most of the girls knew each other from youth squads, prior teams, or roommates at National Camps. You struggled to find your place in the squad at first. Being a relatively young team, you had lots of girls around your age, willing to be your friend, but the absence of home and lack of connection to the United Kingdom combined to make your personality shrink under a dismissive persona.

When Alanna joined City, you offered your apartment to her, having come from North London beforehand. Over the next months, you found comfort in the familiar Aussie accent, finding solace in the sliver of home you felt so distant to.

You still remained shy at training, trying hard and pushing out of your comfort zone every time someone had a conversation with you. Alanna found it hard to believe how introverted you were, having seen your confidence shine at Matilda’s Camps, and the Manchester Girls couldn't believe their ears when Alanna told them about how you were at home.

When Hayley came, you were smiling more. It wasn't that you weren't happy at City before the Australian girls arrived. You were thriving. In the 2020/21 season, you were dubbed as Young Player of The Year and had four ‘Player Of The Match’ awards under your belt. You worked extremely hard to make the starting eleven regularly, and people would often compliment your subtle but impressionable skills on the field. You weren't fast, but you were technical. You thought of the play that hadn't happened yet, shaping the game with unexpected yet calculated crosses. For two years, you had the second most assists in the WSL, merely missing Beth Mead.

In all honesty, the effects of having the reminder of home did help to boost your performance not only on the pitch but behind the scenes as well.

You can remember tapping your hands against the rim of your cubby, your home kit baggy on your figure. It was a very important game today — the final of the FA Women’s League Cup — against reigning champions Chelsea. You were starting, and your family had flown over to watch.

Your nerves upon walking out were tremendous. This was your first time starting in a final in the WSL. You don't remember a time you felt your hands shake this much. Alanna and Hayley were preparing for the match on either side of you, their faces impassive when both teams lined up in the tunnel of Cherry Rose Records Stadium.

Your heart was thumping out of your chest, palms sweating as you took your spot on the field.

When the whistle blew, you tuned everything out.

A powerful shot from Sam Kerr left Chelsea in the lead halfway through the first half. You tried hard to maneuver your way through the likes of Charles and Ingle, passing to Georgia and Keira as you struggled to pass Chelsea’s defence. Lucy was given a yellow which heightened the tension reeling in the stands. You buried the apprehensive bile rising in your stomach when the halftime whistle blew, signalling everyone to rush back to the changing rooms.

You placed your head in your hands, taking slow, desperate sips of your water bottle as you listened to the pep talks from all the players. Gareth Taylor, your manager, was shouting encouragement from across the room, staring into each and every one of your eyes, assuring the team that they could make a comeback.

“I want you to want this.” He said, circling the room with so much fervour that the room felt warmer. “I want to see the determination in your eyes. I want to see it in the tackles, the plays, the kicks, everything. The opportunities you making are good, they just need more precision.”

It was almost the start of the second half when Gareth asked for you, leading you over to the other side of the changing rooms, towards the shorter figure of one of your teammates.

Lauren looked just as nervous as you, but you hoped that you his your nerves a little better than her. Her blonde hair was held up in a pony, and small wisps of baby hairs framed her face after being exempted from the wind. She was a year older than you but has been in Manchester since 2018. Other than the odd, unusual sentence or two, neither of you had properly interacted.

Lauren looked up at you, her beady eyes locking with yours as she licked her lips, exchanging glances with the floor and you, awaiting the purpose of the conversation.

“I want you two to work together this half.” Your Manager urged. Both you and Lauren looked at him in surprise. He must've caught on since he held his hands up. “I know we haven't practised much between the two of you, I know. But Y/N, your crosses over the head of Chelsea defenders will inevitably shape up some opportunities for Hempo. Lauren, you know what to do when something comes up. I believe that truly, alright? Do you understand?”

You were still mulling over Gareth’s words when the whistle blew for the second half, but you felt an uncertain pair of eyes look out for where you kicked the ball. The surveillance of the English forward did not irk you. In fact, it pushed you to do as you were told.

It was two minutes in when an opportunity arose. You were given the ball by Alanna, who had pelted it away after a scary interaction with her and Kerr.

Gareth’s words played in your head, taunting you as the blonde’s eyes watched your actions intently. You were hesitant to do as he said. This was the one game your parents were here to see. Never once had they been to Europe, having not had the money to be able to fund both your football and fancy holidays overseas. You wanted to make them proud. You didn't want to risk such an important opportunity for it to go out or concede and let your team down.

You found Georgia and kicked it by her. She followed it up the middle of the field, passing it to one of your forwards, hand up in celebration when it went past the Goalie.

But for some reason, you couldn't find it in you to celebrate. You refused to meet the eyes of Lauren, who was no doubt throwing you a disappointed glance. You could feel the betrayal radiating in violent waves. You ran back to your starting position without a peep, determined to shake the guilt with another chance. You needed to win this game. You’d do whatever it took to do so.

Another goal from Ellen White led your team one in front, but it gave no comfort whatsoever in a game like this. If anything, it put the stakes higher. You hated penalties, the feeling of dread and anxiety filling you everything you watched each player attempt to concede. Even more so, you hated taking penalties. The possibility of that happening was enough to motivate you even more.

Guro Reiten was subbed off for Lauren James. A fresh pair of legs was dangerous coming up to the seventieth minute.

Chelsea was drawing closer and closer to equalizing with your second goal, causing an uprise in the tension between both the teams and the people watching. You grew more angsty when one of their attempts hit the crossbar, but when it landed near Keira’s feet, being shot past to where you stood, you knew this was now or never.

You sprinted down the wing with Georgia by your side, but you were only focused on the blonde in front of you.

“Here! Here!” Georgia screamed, holding out her hand to signal to you that she was ready. You contemplated it. There had been many times when Georgia had done that, and you had crossed the ball to her, and she had easily swished it past the goalie. You never doubted Georgia for a second, and you definitely knew she would've been able to shoot from where she was — she was clearly onside. But the Chelsea defenders had studied your gameplay back to front, and the same old cross to Georgia was something they had trained for — something you had trained for.

Something clicked in your mind when you met Lauren’s eyes. Something ignited inside of you. She must've felt it too, because she didn't even reach her hand up to signal towards you.

You both just knew what was happening. And that it would work. It had to work.

Without much thought, you kicked the ball to your right, watching as Chelsea gaped in alarm at the unsuspected pass and turn to and from Lauren.

You held your breath, stationery at the sight of Lauren’s risky attempts. She found a steady pace along the sideline stepping past Jess Carter, keeping her back turned to the goal. She used the back of her heel to trick both Carter and Berger. She had scored. Manchester City were winning 3-1.

You were the first to scream, a massive smile on your face as you ran towards Lauren, who spun to find you amidst the swarm of Chelsea players.

The two of you ran into each other with so much force that you both toppled to the ground, rolling around as the rest of your team piled on top of you.

The girls were screaming, you could hear the distant cheers of people in the stands. You heard Lauren’s exhausted huffs as you shovelled your head into her neck. Neither of you said anything. You both just had the silent agreement that what you did was game-changing, and that the non-existent relationship between you was no longer.

Despite the desperate attempts from the London team, the final whistle blew with the score maintaining a healthy lead. Your legs gave out as soon as the game ended, tears threatening to spill from your eyes and onto your cheeks as the weight of the season lifted from your shoulders. You felt a pair of arms lift you up, turning you around. The hug was only recently familiar, but tangible nonetheless.

Lauren held her arms around your waist, leaving you to collapse your arms over her shoulders. You watched her chest rise and fall, however, so slowly, a few choked sobs rang out from the older girl.

“I thought you weren't ‘gonna pass to me.” She said. You don't remember her ever speaking to you directly, but the attention made you blush.

“You could've gotten a double if I did.” You uttered, pulling her out of the hug. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She replied, her cheeks also dusted pink. “I'm just glad it was your assist.”

You wondered if she was trying to make you flustered because you noticed how fidgety she got when you eyed her nervously.

“I mean like— I like you— wait, no, well— I like your assist-”

“Same. I mean— I'm glad you scored from my assist. Like— okay wait that doesn't make sense.”

“I get what you’re saying. That's what I meant.” Lauren muttered back, rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment. “I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to assist me… in goals.”

“Yeah, same… in goals, yeah.”

Little did you know, your Aussie teammates Hayley and Alanna were standing next to Keira and Georgia, all overlooking the inept exchange between the two of you.

“God, you call that flirting.” Georgia laughed, the other three chuckling along. “Wouldn't want to see what their dates would look like.”

“Bloody painful, that's what.” Alanna sounded, taking a picture of the two of you.

“Wouldnt of expected anything different, to be honest. Both as awkward as each other.” Keira spoke.

And you were as awkward as each other, but that made for the perfect pair. A home away from home.

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#arsenal wfc #arsenal #caitlin foord #chelsea #beth mead #jessie fleming #chelsea women #katie mccabe #kyra cooney cross #lauren hemp x reader #lauren hemp #machester city #championsleague #esme morgan #alanna kennedy #keira walsh #sam kerr #georgia stanway #lucy bronze

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lvnleah · 5 months

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୨⎯ Masterlist ⎯୧

AWFC x Reader ✧˚ · .

• Rough Flights

whilst on a flight to Australia, you become travel sick and experience the worst flight you've ever been on. (Leah, Steph and Caitlin x reader)

Alessia Russo ✧˚ · .

• Moving Day

it’s moving day and your wife, Alessia, gets protective over you due to you being pregnant.

• Sunrise Mornings

your three year old twins decided to wake you up at 5am so you spend the morning at the beach watching the sunrise.

Beth Mead ✧˚ · .

• Valentine’s Day

it’s valentine day and your wife, Beth, surprises you throughout the day and makes you feel like the luckiest girl ever.

Leah Williamson ✧˚ · .

• Thunderstorm Cuddles

Leah comforts her you and your four year old daughter when a thunderstorm happens during the night as both of you have a fear of thunderstorms.

• Passing Shadows

You're a nurse and your job gets a little too much so your fiance, Leah, helps you do a different career.

• Drunken Kisses 18+

after years of you and Leah being best friends you drunkenly sleep together after the last game of the season. you agree to stay just friends but things change between the pair of you, leading to awkwardness and you both avoiding each other.

• Matilda series

a teen reader struggles with endometriosis and doesn't have the best relationship with her parents meaning three of her teammates become mother like figures towards her.

• Lazy Mornings

You and Leah have a slow and lazy morning together during her day off.

• The Last Time

you and Leah breakup.

• Euros Glory

you and your daughter watch on from the stands as your wife, Leah, wins the euros.

Lia Wälti ✧˚ · .

• Protective Love

You get injured and Lia Wälti becomes a protective girlfriend.

• Healing Whispers

you get a concussion and Lia becomes your very own nurse.

• Secret Transfers

You and Lia have been dating for five years and Arsenal put in an offer for you. You accept it but keep it all a secret from Lia.

• Movie Nights

a team bonding movie night makes you and Lia realise you have feelings for each other.

Lotte Wubben-Moy ✧˚ · .

• Auntie Duties

You and Lotte babysit your niece and nephew for the evening.

My Series ✧˚ · .

• Matilda series

a teen reader struggles with endometriosis and doesn't have the best relationship with her parents meaning three of her teammates become mother like figures towards her.

• The Williamson’s

follow the journey of Leah and her wife as they become parents for the very first time.

• Double The Love

Leah Williamson x Lia Wälti and their daughter Sage 💗

—

update days are usually Sunday and Wednesday or Thursday. I take my time writing my fics so update days may vary depending on how much time I’ve had that week. Requests usually take 2-3 weeks.

#leah williamson fluff #leah williamson x reader #awfc x reader #leah williamson imagine #lia walti x reader #woso x reader #awfc imagine #lia walti #woso imagine #leah williamson smut

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sixfoottwo0119 · 2 years

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Column Vivianne Miedema | That full playing calendar is just a shame

Columnist Vivianne Miedema thinks the full playing calendar is a disgrace. She sees many top players drop out due to injuries. “We are in a world that goes on and on and there are few players who say anything about it. I do.”

Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante. All top players that we now have to miss at the World Cup due to injuries. Injuries are also common in women's football. My partner Beth Mead has been out for months and will miss next summer's World Cup. My teammate Leah Williamson at Arsenal has also been out for a long time with an injury.

It's all no coincidence. Sure, injuries are sometimes unstoppable, but I see a worrying pattern. The playing calendar for both the women and the men is simply too full. Actually, it's just a shame. We are in a world that goes on and on and there are few players who say anything about it. I do. We go completely crazy with the tax on football players. I can already draw out some of the reactions to this column, you know. We have the best profession in the world, we earn a lot of money and we don't have to complain. Just play football.

“For the past six, seven years, I've been going practically non-stop. That will pay off.”

But it doesn't work that way for me. I really enjoy football and I feel privileged. But that doesn't mean we should ignore our health. At the beginning of this month I deliberately took a step back. I felt that my body and mind were ready for a rest. For people who do not work in top sport, that will sound strange. People who do work in our world will understand it better. But many players don't feel that freedom to stand up for themselves or just want to continue in their tunnel.

The schedule in which we train, play and have obligations from the club is killer. Last year, with the Olympic Games, I had two weeks off. That's pretty extreme. For the past six, seven years, I've been going practically non-stop. That will pay off. If you don’t have a mental rest, the risk of injury is also greater.

National coach Andries Jonker has had an eye for this important subject during the last period with international practice matches. He deliberately did not call me and other internationals. I have also started the item at my club Arsenal. My coach Jonas Eidevall was initially surprised by my request, but soon found that I was right. I spent a large part of the European Championship last summer in my hotel room with corona. After that, the preparation for the season started almost immediately. I went through in one go and I paid the price for that. I had to get out and went to Australia in those two weeks. Away from football. In that period I missed one game, against Leicester City.

Football players need much better protection. Many coaches and agents look out for their own interests. I do understand that trainers have to win matches and therefore want to line up their best players. But to what extent does result take precedence over the safety of a player? And a good agent also looks at the long term, but unfortunately the practice is different. We now have only thirteen fit players at Arsenal. I hope one day we'll realize that it's all way too crazy right now.

#viv miedema #vivianne miedema #arsenal ladies #arsenal women #arsenal wfc #arsenal #awfc #dutch #nedwnt #ons oranje #oranjeleeuwinnen #karim benzema #meadema #beth mead #woso soccer #woso community #wosoedit #woso

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meademalove · 10 months

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https://archive.md/aKqxQ

This is a Google translate, but you get the gist of it. Love them so much! 🥹❤️

'Beth gets the poop, I get a paw and the cuddles'

Puppy Myle Meadema causes division in the Vivianne Miedema house

Well, what to do if both you and your girlfriend really want to participate in the Olympic Games, but only one of the two can qualify? This tricky issue means that the lovers Vivianne Miedema, striker of the Orange Lionesses, and Beth Mead, attack leader of the English Lionesses, are diametrically opposed to each other these days.

With a wink of course, but still. For example, Miedema (27) made it clear on Monday morning that love with Mead (28) will immediately be on hold in north-west London for an hour and a half. What Miedema said to Mead when she closed the door of their London home behind her? “That I hope she will be very disappointed the next time we meet again.”

Puppy Myle

Recently the couple, affectionately renamed 'Meadema', was delighted with the arrival of puppy Myle. Both Miedema and Mead had a tough time after suffering a serious knee injury one year ago and one after the other.

The top strikers, Mead was the best player at the European Championship won by England in the summer of 2022, were out for ten months and missed the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The goalgetters have now recovered from their cruciate ligament injuries. The English striker made her comeback on October 15, and Miedema's return followed a week later.

Mead continues in recovery

Mead is further along in her recovery than her Dutch friend. “Beth scored twice again last weekend. Then you could really see for the first time that she felt completely free again," says the attacker from Hoogeveen proudly. “That is why she deserves to be selected for the national team again.”

Waiting for a hit after comeback

Miedema herself is still waiting for her first goal since her comeback. She yearns for a starting place. It has to happen on December 13, in a League Cup match with Tottenham Hotspur. “Look: we are still in the same situation: neither of us can play two ninety minutes in a few days. But in the timeline she is further along than I am. We trained a lot together during the rehabilitation. Things didn't look good at first, but it's good to see things are improving. I am happy for her that she is back with the English team, but for the Dutch team that is less good news.”

Beth Mead can hardly keep her form. “Who knows, she might shoot us a few shots. But you can't really expect that from her in such a top competition. I especially hope that no pressure is put on her from the English side. They have plenty of choices up front, Fran Kirby from Chelsea is also back," says Miedema, who was training on the KNVB Campus on Monday evening in the pouring rain, but with a big smile. She is happy that she feels like a footballer again.

"Myle is Dutch on Friday and only barks when the Dutch team scores. She has no interest in England at all"

A laugh that is partly caused by puppy Myle, who, according to Miedema, has more than a slight preference for the winner on Friday evening. “Myle is Dutch on Friday and only barks when the Dutch team scores. She has no interest in England at all,” her owner firmly claims. With a victory at a packed Wembley, with more than 80,000 fans expected, the Lionesses will take a giant step towards 'Paris 2024'. In the event of a defeat by just one goal, a win over Belgium three days later in Tilburg will most likely suffice.

"Beth gets the poop, I get a paw and the cuddles"

Why Myle is for the Dutch team, leader in Group 1?

Miedema: “Because I am her favorite mom,” says the striker, who hopes for a substitute against Sarina Wiegman's team. “Look: I think everything Myle does is absolutely fine, but Beth is strict. She keeps saying, 'You can't pee here, you can't poop there.' So every time I see something lying around, I call Beth. She gets the poop, I get a paw and the cuddles.”

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alexbkrieger13 · 1 year

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*click link to watch video*

The Women’s World Cup is just over three weeks away and there’s been plenty of media coverage about the bespoke items that players will be wearing in Australia and New Zealand – including the Phantom Luna, Nike’s first boot designed for female players.

Unfortunately, there has also been much written about the players who will be missing this tournament because of ACL injuries, such as England’s Leah Williamson and Beth Mead.

The worry for many players I know is that a connection exists between the boots they’ve been wearing – which are designed for a male foot – and the greater risk of serious knee injuries faced by women footballers.

For this reason, I sat down in a cafe in Kingston with Dr Katrine Okholm Kryger, an associate professor in sports rehabilitation at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, who I first met when she came to Chelsea for a study into women footballers’ feet.

She sits on the Uefa Women’s Health Panel and the findings of her study, commissioned by the European Club Association (ECA), involved nearly 350 players.

Here she tells me about the scale and findings of a study never before done on footballers, male or female – and explains why boot manufacturers now have no excuse when it comes to producing better boots for women players at all levels.

Magda Eriksson [ME]: Kat, can you tell me about the research you were doing and your findings?

Katrine Kryger [KK]: We scanned players from top clubs from Europe, travelling around with a scanner and speaking to some of the best players in the world.

We know men and women have different foot shapes so we scanned these to quantify exactly what a woman’s foot shape is like, so we can pass that on to the manufacturers so they have a model to base a women’s boot design on.

I’ve done groupings of different ethnicities, different playing positions, different foot types and all of that is going to be in a database that manufacturers will be offered access to.

ME: What are the potential problems for women from wearing boots designed for a man’s foot?

KK: There are three main areas of concern. The first is the fit. Football boots are really tightly fitted – or should be because you need to be able to move and change direction without sliding inside the shoe – but that means you’re wearing something that’s fitted around a man’s foot, and a white man’s foot to be more specific. And with a female foot being differently shaped, that’s going to cause squeezing and aching and blisters.

When I asked if they had pain or discomfort with football boots, just 18 per cent left it blank. So 82 per cent had an issue somewhere with boots and one in three women highlighted the heel. They’re so stiff and if the shape isn’t perfect, they’re going to rub on the heel.

ME: I had a team-mate who had to cut a hole in her boot just so her heel can stick out. I’ve also had that problem when the bone starts to grow because of constant rubbing and had to have my Nike Tiempo boots custom-made. My heel cap is really soft and they’ve had to stretch it bigger as well just to get more space.

KK: The second big concern is that a football boot will only bend in between the stud lines. It cannot just bend anywhere and if it bends over bone, bones don’t like to be bent and you are going to end up irritating both the bones and the tissues. We’ve been measuring exactly where that is for women and we’ll offer that to the manufacturers.

ME: On studs, before games I always hear players asking: ‘Should we wear the studs or the moulds?’ I know certain girls who’ve done ACL injuries when wearing studs and are afraid to wear them again. On a slippery pitch they’ll sacrifice playing well and risk slipping because they’re afraid of getting injured. They might slip but at least they’ll stay injury-free.

KK: This is tied in with the third thing we want to highlight – that the outsoles to the studs should be designed for women.

We see women have three times the risk of ACL injuries and the common feature for getting injured is planting the foot, getting stuck, and not being able to rotate the foot but instead rotating the knee.

Currently for men and women the length of studs and number of studs is the same yet when you go into the physics of it, the traction – the grip on the surface and how much you get stuck – is much higher in a women’s football boot.

Women need less than men because they weigh less and don’t have the same muscle mass so don’t generate the same power. When pushing off, they need less and so there’s an increased risk of ACL injury.

The survey we did showed that while women often change studs depending on the surface and the weather conditions, a large group actually don’t, which is quite interesting.

ME: As well as men and women, you mentioned ethnicities before. What variations have you found there?

KK: We tried to select clubs with a high level of diversity, especially in France, and we saw there’s a tendency for African or African-descended players to have a wider foot.

To give you an example from men’s football, one Premier League player signed a sponsorship agreement with a boot company and when they asked him what size he was, he said a size 14. Yet they measured his foot and he was a size 8.

So basically, there was a big gap between the end of the toe and the end of the boot. I went to one club where three black players told me the same. It’s players wearing one or two sizes too big.

Women tend to have two types of feet: a wide foot with quite flat arches and a wide Achilles tendon, and also a narrower foot with a high arch and slimmer Achilles tendon.

The big conclusion is we should be able to cover people from different ethnicities, whatever playing position, within these two types of footwear. That’s going to be our suggestion to the manufacturers – that you don’t just have one football boot but you have two that align with those two options.

ME: This is my biggest take – that you are actually doing research on women that’s not yet been done in men’s football because it’s so conservative. It’s what I love about women’s football, that maybe we can start different conversations. What good do you hope will come from this?

KK: Having an optimal football boot designed for women from a holistic perspective is the dream.

We’re going to pass on the information that we have to the manufacturers and then it’s their job to design football boots for women.

#very good read #magdalena eriksson #woso #fc bayern frauen #chelsea fcw #swewnt #magda article #swewnt article

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calacuspr · 1 year

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Calacus Monthly Hit & Miss – The FA & Amir Khan

Every month we look at the best and worst communicators in the sports world from the last few weeks.

HIT - THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION & THE ALZHEINMER’S SOCIETY

So much has been written in recent years about the risks of brain injury caused by head impacts in rugby and latterly by football.

A number of high profile deaths has prompted concerns about the long-term health of footballers who head the ball regularly.

Former England and West Bromwich Albion and England striker, Jeff Astle, died of dementia in 2002, aged just 59 with a coroner ruling that he was killed by his work as a footballer having scored a large number of headed goals.

Since then, a number of former footballers have been diagnosed with, or died of, dementia, and many of them have had that diagnosis linked to their careers.

Former Leeds and England defender Jack Charlton died in 2020 while Nobby Stiles died in 2020 and Ray Wilson in 2018 – all suffering from dementia. Jack’s brother, Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, is also a sufferer.

No wonder a group of former football, rugby league and rugby union players have been taking legal action claiming they suffered brain injuries playing their respective sports including relatives of Stiles.

Some research undertaken by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, published in the Lancet Public Health journal, found that footballers are 50% more likely to develop dementia than the rest of the population.

Its research found that 8.3 per cent of outfield footballers were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, compared to 5.1 per cent of the control group.

The study compared the health records of 6,000 elite footballers and more than 56,000 non-footballers between 1924 and 2019 and suggested that outfield footballers were 50 per cent more likely to develop dementia than the rest of the population.

The data shows concerning trends, so it is no surprise that in England, the Football Association is trialling banning children under 12 from heading the ball in certain grassroots competitions and leagues. If successful, it will apply to the International Football Association Board for a law change to remove heading for under-12s altogether.

Brain injury charity Headway criticised UEFA for not allowing concussion substitutes in the Women's Champions League after Arsenal and England's Beth Mead suffered a head injury against Ajax.

Luke Griggs, Headway’s chief executive, said: “It is important that football is willing to evolve as our understanding of the long-term implications of repeated sub-concussive impacts increases.

“We know enough now to make balanced, sensible adjustments to limit exposure to head impacts.” This includes “limiting of heading practice drills for adults, and complete bans on children heading the ball as they move through key stages in their physical and neurological development,” he added.

Perhaps, then, the official charity partnership between England’s Football Association and dementia charity The Alzheimer’s Society is a natural fit.

Recent activity around the England Lionesses’ match against Australia, to raise awareness and funds for dementia research and support by encouraging fans to donate, share their memories, and wear blue in support of the cause was executed brilliantly.

An estimated 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK (the writer also lost his Mum to dementia a few years ago), which is likely to increase to above 1 million by 2025.

By using the power of sport to drive positive social change, the campaign was able to create a sense of shared purpose and belonging among fans and players alike.

Most notably, players on both the England and Australia teams played without names on a third of their shirts to highlight the fact that one in three people could forget the name of their favourite player or treasured football memory.

Different players wore the nameless shirts after half-time, to further draw attention to the confusion and memory loss often experienced by those living with dementia, before being auctioned.

Fans were encouraged to engage with the stunt using the hashtag #TheForgottenThird.

Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, said: “Right now, there are too many people facing dementia alone and without the right support. With The FA’s backing and support, we can reach more people than ever before, and we can reach them sooner.

“The sport has an unrivalled ability to bring people and communities together, which is why we’re asking fans up and down the country to get behind this important cause and donate whatever they can, so no-one must face dementia alone.

“We hope by making this simple alternation with this gesture and getting both teams to show a sign of solidarity, we can put an important spotlight on just how much dementia can devastate lives.

“I hope it makes a massive impact from the stands to screens, inspiring people to donate so we can reach even more people with our life-changing support, which helps people through some of the hardest and most frightening times.”

Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Eve interviewed the Lionesses to discuss what football means to them and their experiences with dementia.

The international fixture was hosted at Brentford FC’s Gtech Community Stadium and saw the unveiling of a striking mural by sports correspondent Carrie Brown.

The large-scale art installation, designed and created by MurWalls, captured key moments of England Women’s football – with fans being encouraged to add their most unforgettable memories to the mural.

England coach Sarina Wiegman said: “Tonight was a chance for both sets of players to come together in recognition of the many people living with dementia and their families and friends who help them.

“I’m very proud to see our players again continue to use their platform to show support for important causes – I hope it inspires fans to donate and support Alzheimer’s Society’s important work.”

The social impact of the campaign, however, was significant. Over the past two seasons, the partnership has raised over £400,000, with thousands more fans, players and staff now knowing where to go to access vital dementia support.

The Alzheimer Society has created a sense of community and purpose around the cause, inspiring thousands of football fans to donate, share their stories, and engage with the issue of dementia in a meaningful way.

MISS – AMIR KHAN

Calacus had the pleasure of working with Amir Khan, who was supporting one of our clients, a few years ago.

Polite, helpful and professional, he was great with the attending media and helpful at every turn.

His boxing career speaks for itself. Khan unified world titles at super-lightweight and faced pound-for-pound stars Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford during a 40-fight career featuring 34 wins and six defeats.

He has also undertaken a great deal of charity work, launching his own Foundation supporting local business in his hometown of Bolton and disasters in the Philippines and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

But Khan’s life has also been shrouded in controversy – with his private life being a popular topic for the tabloid newspapers as well as accusations regarding possible homophobic language and an armed robbery that saw Khan lose his expensive watch in East London last year.

In what proved to be his last fight, Khan lost to Kell Brook in the sixth round of their hotly anticipated bout in Manchester in February 2023.

Soon afterwards, he announced his retirement. "It's time to hang up my gloves," Khan, who turned professional in 2005, said on Twitter.

However, with the court case ongoing after the armed robbers were caught, Khan suffered a huge blow to his reputation when the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) banned him from all sport for two years.

The statement from UKAD Chief Executive Jane Rumble read: “This case serves as a reminder that UKAD will diligently pursue Anti-Doping Rule Violations in order to protect clean sport.

“Strict liability means Athletes are ultimately responsible for what they ingest and for the presence of any Prohibited Substances in a Sample. It is important that all Athletes and their support personnel, whatever level they are competing at, take their anti-doping responsibilities seriously. Not doing so risks damaging not only an Athlete’s career, but also undermining public confidence in clean sport.”

Khan had been informed that after his fight with Brook, samples had produced an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for ostarine and after a hearing and an independent tribunal, despite proving that his usage was unintentional, Khan was suspended retrospectively.

In reality, while it has an impact on his sporting integrity – albeit minimal because of the small trace of ostarine in his system – his reputation has taken an unexpected knock.

UKAD’s statement indicated that Khan was aware of the verdict in late February this year, although they waited until early April to make the news public.

Armed with that information, Khan should have had a statement prepared explaining his version of events up to and including the ban – and kept in closer contact with UKAD to ascertain when the news was being released.

His failure to do that meant that a scheduled interview on Sky News with Kay Burley was hastily cancelled – while he was already getting ready in the studio.

Without the support of PR advisers, it gave the impression that Khan was blindsided by the timing of the announcement and unprepared when it came out.

Khan had the opportunity at Sky News to calmly give his side of the story – which he could and should have mentally prepared for in the weeks after discovering the UKAD verdict, let alone in the months since his adverse sample had been discovered.

There are occasionally times when “no comment” is the best approach, although those are increasingly rare given the media’s ability to either find alternative experts or use the ‘empty chair’ tactic to add further humiliation to a story.

But if Khan had been advised and supported properly, he could have addressed the situation head-on, with confidence and a clear message which both explained what had happened and what he planned to do about it.

As it was, he was ambushed by another Sky camera crew outside the Sky studios at Millbank, appearing to want to get away and then giving a confused and half-baked explanation which did more harm than good.

There was no manager, nor a PR adviser to support him and the fact that he said that he would write a statement shows how little thought had gone into dealing with this.

During his interview, Khan said: “I never cheated. I’m a retired fighter. At the same time you can see by my performance, my performance against Kell Brook wasn’t the best, I lost the fight. If I went in and knocked Kell Brook out it’s different.

“I’ve never cheated in my life. I’m the one who wanted the testing on the fight and also the amount that was in my system could have been by shaking people’s hand.

“I don’t know what drug was in my system. I’m a retired fighter so I’ve got a two-year ban now it’s quite strange and funny that they’ve rang me, I’m already retired anyway. No comeback plans at all but I’ve never cheated and I never will, that’s not something I would do.”

Promoter Ben Shalom, whose company Boxxer was representing Khan at the time of the Brook fight, admitted that he had no idea about the doping offence or subsequent tribunal.

“I called the board [British Boxing Board of Control] today when I saw it on social media and said, ‘Do you know about this?’ and they said, ‘I only found out yesterday,'” Shalom said.

“We didn’t even know there was a process. We didn’t even know [Khan] failed a test. It’s completely insane. And it’s dangerous.

“There should be no getting out of failing a drug test. It doesn’t matter whether it’s intentional, doesn’t matter what it was. That’s it. A strict liability ban. And it needs to be governed by a world governing body not multiple different people having different opinions with different rules. It is just communication and it’s bullshit. I’m shocked.”

Khan may have had no plans to return to the ring, but he could have minimised the damage to his reputation caused by this doping offence simply by having the foresight to prepare for the inevitable media interest when the story broke.

His initial response further underlines the importance of preparation for every scenario rather than wait until bad news comes out.

Notably, later that week, Khan did a sit-down interview with Sky Sports, having clearly taken the time to do the preparatory work which should have happened way earlier.

During the interview he said: “I don't know how it got into my system, maybe shaking hands, maybe sharing a drink with somebody. It was a big shock to me.

"It's such a tiny amount that was never of any benefit at all. I don't know how it got in there but I should've maybe taken a little bit more precaution. I'm very sorry about it.

“I can honestly say that I've always been a clean fighter. I've always been the type of person who's always asked to be drug tested.

“I don't want to be remembered for something like this, that'll hurt me a lot. If people remember me for just this incident that's happened then I think it'll always upset me because I know it was never done on purpose.

“Hopefully people believe me and maybe take more precaution, especially the young and upcoming fighters can learn from me how mistakes can happen.”

Time will tell whether the label of ‘drug cheat’ is used in reference to Khan, undoing so much of the good he has done for society and the sport of boxing.

His initial shambolic response to the drugs verdict revelations underlines further the need for crisis communications preparation.

Being reactive instead of proactive sets the narrative tone which is often tough to recover from.

#Murwalls #England women #Women in Football #women's football #Brentford #Leah Williamson #Alzheimer's disease #Alzheimer's Society #Matildas #Amir Khan #UKAD #Doping Scandal #Sky News #Kell Brook #WBO #Beth Mead #Arsenal

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beekeepingsuppliesmelbourne · 6 months

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Start Personal Beekeeping in Australia: Get Kits & Tools at Doorstep!

If you are an apiculture enthusiast, then start personal beekeeping in Australia, and buy beekeeping kits and tools online. Anyone can buy top-quality beekeeping tools such as beehives, beehive kits, small tools for cleaning and rearing, beehive frames, beeswax foundation sheets, small hive beetle treatments, protective clothing, honey extraction tools and more.

These sellers also provide calm, healthy, and productive queens and bees for sale in QLD and other parts of Australia. Usually, bee farming is one of the best practices of sustainability aid in the environment. People can have pure quality raw honey, beeswax, propolis, bee venom, mead, and many other useful products from apiculture in their personal space.

Additionally, people who are planning to start a beekeeping business part-time or full-time also can have everything they need according to their business needs related to beekeeping from these stores.

Advantages of Buying Beekeeping Tools and Kits from These Sellers:

These suppliers offer high-quality, cutting-edge beekeeping products to help businesses maintain hygiene and safety for both beekeepers and bees. These instruments are useful for promoting sustainable apiculture in both urban and rural areas.

These trusted suppliers provide a wide selection of necessary kits and supplies, including native bees, allowing locals to start honey beekeeping businesses.

These companies offer cutting-edge tools and accessories designed to promote bee health and product productivity.

Their cutting-edge components improve durability and insulation, shielding bee colonies from inclement weather.

These kits are designed and constructed to eliminate bugs and beetles while encouraging colony growth without the use of unsafe pesticides.

Advanced bee feeders are one of the most effective kits for giving nutrition during bloom shortages and ensuring healthy hive growth.

Meanwhile, farmers and personal seeking enthusiasts must visit a renowned seller to buy trusted tools, kits, and accessories to keep their bees and beehives safe and healthy.

Visit a Google-certified seller online, check, select, and contact a customer support executive to ask for the appropriate tools and buy them confidently.

Source

#beekeeping Australia #bees for sale QLD

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babycaremarket · 8 months

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The Highchairs of Hunger: Analyzing Major Players in the Baby Food Market

From purees to pouches, the baby food market caters to the tiniest taste buds with a multi-billion-dollar appetite. But which brands reign supreme in this competitive arena? Buckle up, parents and industry enthusiasts, as we delve into the world of major baby food market players, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to rule the highchairs.

Market Overview: A Smorgasbord of Growth

The global baby food market is expected to reach a staggering US$155.32 billion by 2032, fueled by rising birth rates, urbanization, and working mothers seeking convenient solutions. But within this vast market, different players carve out their niches. Let’s meet the bigwigs:

Global Giants:

Nestlé (Gerber Products Company): The undisputed heavyweight, holding over 20% market share.

Strengths: Brand heritage, diverse product range, global reach.

Weaknesses: Potential consumer concerns about large corporation.

Danone S.A.: Strong European presence, known for organic and premium products.

Strengths: Focus on sustainability, innovation.

Weaknesses: Lower penetration in emerging markets.

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (Mead Johnson Nutrition): Specializes in formula and medical nutrition.

Strengths: Expertise in specialized dietary needs.

Weaknesses: Limited presence in mainstream baby food category.

Regional Powerhouses:

Feihe International Inc.: Dominates the Chinese market, focusing on local preferences.

Strengths: Deep understanding of Chinese consumers, strong distribution network.

Weaknesses: Limited presence outside China.

FrieslandCampina: Major player in Europe and Southeast Asia, known for dairy expertise.

Strengths: Strong brand recognition, focus on natural ingredients.

Weaknesses: Limited presence in North America.

Bellamy’s Organic: Championing organic and clean label products in Australia and China.

Strengths: Strong brand equity in organic segment.

Weaknesses: Higher price point compared to conventional brands.

Niche Contenders:

Happy Family Organics: Caters to the health-conscious consumer with organic and non-GMO products.

Strengths: Strong online presence, millennial appeal.

Weaknesses: Limited distribution compared to bigger players.

Earth’s Best Organic: Another organic player known for its commitment to sustainability.

Strengths: Strong brand values, loyal customer base.

Weaknesses: Limited product range compared to larger competitors.

Plum Organics: Offers premium, freshly-prepared baby food through subscription services.

Strengths: Convenience, high-quality ingredients.

Weaknesses: Limited availability outside major cities.

Competitive Landscape: A Spoonful of Strategy

Nestlé: Leverages brand heritage, invests in R&D, and offers a wide range of products for all price points.

Danone: Focuses on organic and premium offerings, catering to health-conscious parents.

Reckitt Benckiser: Targets specific dietary needs with specialized formula and medical nutrition products.

Feihe: Tailors products to Chinese preferences and leverages local partnerships.

FrieslandCampina: Utilizes its dairy expertise and emphasizes natural ingredients.

Bellamy’s Organic: Builds brand loyalty through organic certifications and clean label messaging.

Happy Family Organics: Leverages strong online presence and influencer marketing to connect with millennial parents.

Earth’s Best Organic: Focuses on brand values and sustainability initiatives to attract conscious consumers.

Plum Organics: Offers unique subscription model and fresh ingredients for convenience-seeking parents.

Future Outlook: Highchairs Aplenty

The baby food market is predicted to witness continued growth, driven by factors like:

Rising health and wellness awareness: Organic and clean label options will gain traction.

Evolving consumer preferences: Convenience and personalization will be key.

Expansion into emerging markets: Players will target new geographies with high birth rates.

The Final Bite: More Than Just Purees

The baby food market offers a diverse landscape of players, each vying for a share of hungry highchairs. By understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies, we gain valuable insights into this dynamic industry. Whether you’re a parent seeking the perfect blend for your little one or an industry observer, keep an eye on these major players as they compete and innovate to nourish the next generation.

#Baby Food Market #Baby Food Market Major Players #Top Players of baby Food Market

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eazy-group · 1 year

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40 Best Gym Clothing Brands For Smashing Workouts [2023]

New Post has been published on https://eazyfitness.net/40-best-gym-clothing-brands-for-smashing-workouts-2023/

40 Best Gym Clothing Brands For Smashing Workouts [2023]

Written by Finlay Mead

Gym clothes – If you’re going to hit the gym, then you need to make sure you have a dedicated selection of gym clothes to help maximise your workouts. Just about every man and his dog head to their chosen place of iron-clad worship to lift an array of heavy objects in the name of aesthetics. And probably health and strength too. But admit it…it’s mainly aesthetics.

This brings us nicely to this carefully curated list of the world’s cool gym clothing brands. Because, not only do you want to look a million dollars when in the gym, but you need your clothing to help you perform at your very best, whether it be in terms of durability for the sheer number of squats you perform, or breathability to keep you cool during intense HIIT workouts.

Unlike many other sports, gym workouts cannot be enhanced by some special ultra-tight pants or grippy socks. Instead, the focus is on technical fabrics, moisture-wicking, breathability and weight which allows individuals to push themselves to the limits. Think gym clothing that complements your best workouts rather than restricting them!

Short for time? Here are our top picks for the most popular gym brands.

Gymshark

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This UK-based sportswear brand has seen stratospheric growth since its founding in 2012.

Started by a now famous teenager (Ben Francis) and some of his school friends, Gymshark is now the clothing brand of choice for myriad social media and fitness influencers. But don’t for one-second think that means the products are all about show and style with no substance; on the contrary, Gymshark clothing, naturally, now has a reputation to uphold and uphold it does.

Gymshark has all the major clothing categories you could want from a gym apparel brand – shorts, tops, singlets, hoodies – and all are crafted with various high-quality fabrics and fits depending on their intended use. Best of all, Gymshark clothing is incredibly well-priced.

Products We Recommend: Arrival T-Shirt, Vital 1/4 Zip Top, Crest Joggers

Price: From $20 Sizes: XS-XXXL Origin: England

Reigning Champ

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Canadian brand Reigning Champ certainly sits towards the more luxurious end of men’s gym clothing. All pieces are designed and made at the Canadian factory, and the brand even goes so far as to develop its own products. The results are insanely high-quality materials, impeccable fits and timeless designs that sure as hell stand out from the crowd.

Much of Reigning Champ’s clothing is targeted at the athletic industry, but because of their more common ‘non-active’ look, can easily be worn as everyday pieces.

Best Selling Products: 2-in-1 Straight-Leg Dot Air Mesh Shorts, Solotex® Mesh Half-Zip Top, Solotex® Mesh Half-Zip Top

Price: From $55 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: Canada Customer Reviews: “RC has been my go to brand for basic tees. Their fit and cut is excellent.”

Echt

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Echt clothing is “engineered for the modern-day athlete”, and is the brainchild of Jeremy Lay.

Whilst this Australian company intends for its clothing to be used in the gym, thanks to its athletic credentials, such as tops that are incredibly lightweight and quick-drying, Echt clothing can also be worn every day, with shorts, for example, made from fleece material that is perfect for both warm-ups and lazy Sundays.

Best Selling Products: Echt Ultimate Shorts, Vertex Joggers, Vertex T-Shirt

Price: From $46 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: Australia Customer Reviews: “The fabric and design is so professional and good, I love it!”

Ryderwear

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Ryderwear is an Australian fitness apparel brand that specializes in gym wear and activewear. Founded in 2009 by David Lukic, Ryderwear has gained popularity for its stylish and functional clothing designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The brand has since expanded its reach and become recognized globally.

Ryderwear offers a wide range of products, including gym leggings, shorts, sports bras, tank tops, hoodies, and accessories such as weightlifting belts, lifting straps, and gym bags. Their clothing is known for its high-quality materials, comfortable fit, and durability, catering to various training styles and workouts.

Best Selling Products: Emerg Training Short, Emerg Fleece T-Shirt, Emerg Tank

Price: From $15 Sizes: S-XXXL Origin: Australia Customer Reviews: “Very breathable material great for a gym session! Fits nice and doesn’t feel like a compression shirt!”

Matador

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Matador Meggings is the small but awesome brainchild of Valentine Aseyo, who, as a fully-qualified yoga instructor, realised that he was the only member in his class who was essentially banned from wearing leggings, lest he run the risk of showing off what he calls the male VPL (visible penis line).

With a desire to fill a huge gap in the market and encourage guys to get in on the leggings movement, Valentine created these leggings specifically designed for the male body, and Matador Meggings was born.

Price: From $92 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “I’ve now done a week of workouts in these, including a peak week leg workout and they are fantastic. As well as looking amazing they are super comfortable, robust, supportive and a joy to wear. Absolutely love them.”

Use code DMARGE for 10% OFF at checkout.

Rhone

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Rhone is committed to those who are committed to bettering themselves. The premium brand makes clothing that prioritises fit, form and function, and pieces that allow the wearer to perform at their very best.

Rhone clothing is made specifically for men from a range of high-quality materials that will not only stand the test of time but will effectively wick sweat away from your body and remain odour-free for at least a couple of wears.

Similarly, their simplistic designs not only lend themselves to use in the gym, but if you fancy, you can use them as everyday pieces too, dressing them up under a suit jacket, or down at the weekend with a pair of jeans or chinos.

Best Selling Products: Mako Shorts, Reign Short Sleeve

Price: From $68 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Comfortable, fitted, and always looks clean cut on an athletic build.”

Boohoo Man

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Price: From $24 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: England Customer Reviews: “I don’t buy clothes from anywhere else. The prices are unbeatable and the clothes are quality.”

British Instagram favourite Boohoo Man combines on-trend styles with affordable price points to deliver a huge range of clothing to cover every aspect of a man’s wardrobe. The brand’s activewear range is equally vast and comprises hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, vests, compression wear and much, much more.

Leorêver

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Price: From $69 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “This is now my favorite tank top. The fit and the fabric are unbeatable.”

American gym & sportswear label Leorêver positions itself at the more premium end of activewear. All pieces are designed and made at the company’s showroom in Huntingdon Beach, California, and all are designed to be used not only for exercising but for travel, business meetings and plenty of others besides.

The brand uses innovative fabrics such as Micro Modal, made from the cellulose of Beech trees, which allows clothing to be breathable, comfortable and durable. You may need to pay a little bit extra for the Leorêver name, but they will be completely versatile and last you a lifetime.

Ten Thousand

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Price: From $58 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Excellent material fit and feel. Great workout out shirt.”

American sportswear manufacturer Ten Thousand produces its complete range of tops, shorts and accessories on the basis of extensive research and development. The result is a comprehensive range of minimalist, yet stylish gym wear that offers great fits and features, with many pieces developed for specific purposes.

Think separate tops for running and for HIIT classes, for example. Incredibly well-priced and offering great value for money, you need to check out Ten Thousand.

Everlane

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Price: From $30 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Comfortable t-shirt and fits good. I might order more soon.”

Everlane prides itself on exclusively partnering with ethical factories and using only the finest materials for their products; they call it “Radical Transparency”. Therefore, you get quality clothes that will last for years to come, with an added bonus of feeling good about supporting a company that strongly advocates for fair wages and working conditions.

Uniform Sport, Everlane’s Activewear Line, is “made for any – and every – sport” with all items made from 4-way stretch fabric for ultimate comfort and movement. Plus, with moisture-wicking and quick-drying technology, you won’t have to worry about how you look (or smell!) post-gym session.

Myprotein

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Price: From $28 Sizes: XXS-XXXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Really happy with this T-shirt. Good quality, good fit, excellent price.”

British sports nutrition and clothing brand Myprotein was founded in 2004 and has since become a global brand, delivering protein powders, supplements and other accessories to fitness fanatics the world over.

The company also has an extensive range of clothing, comprising tops, shorts, sweat pants, hoodies, jackets and more, with both workout days and rest days catered for. Prices are affordable and quality is up there with the very best.

On Running

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Price: From $70 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: Switzerland Customer Reviews: “The fabrics that are used by On in their apparel are super soft and wicking.”

Swiss brand On Running initially set out to transform the way we run forever when it was founded in 2010, with some innovative shoes that make it feel as though you’re quite literally running on clouds. Since then, On has been embraced by millions of runners worldwide, all of whom now remain loyal to the brand for the higher levels of performance the company’s shoes allow them achieve.

It’s not all about shoes though, as On Running also has a comprehensive selection of gym clothing, which likes the shoes, is designed to get the very best out of you. Much of the clothing is remarkably lightweight and highly breathable, so you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all (cue Ned Flanders thoughts).

Lululemon

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Price: From $58 Sizes: XS-4XL Origin: Canada Customer Reviews: “Perfect size and not loose at all. Always worried about a loose collar especially with white t’s but this one is perfect. Definitely an essential.”

Originally designed for Yoga, Lululemon are a perfect option for gym wear as they are highly flexible, allowing movement in any direction. Unlike most gym clothing they look great, even when they’re drenched in sweat. Lululemon also has a selection of more casual clothing that will help you look stylish when transiting to and from the gym.

Barbell Apparel

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Price: From $34 Sizes: XS-XXXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Shirt looks great! It comfortly fits and makes my arms pop a bit. And I’ve washed it about 3 times and it does not shrink.”

Named after the piece of gym equipment favoured by most gym bros, Barbell was founded on the belief that “clothing should be better.” But, rather than just produce clothing intended for the gym, Barbell also has pieces that complement your gains out of it. Thinks jeans, chinos and even dress shirts in athletic fits (the result of years of research) that provide comfort and stretch where you need it.

Gym wear is still on the menu, however, with shorts, t-shirts and singlets all being available in breathable fabrics.

Quince

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Price: From $20 Sizes: S-XL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Shirt is on the long side, size is very similar to that of a Costco undershirt. The material is nice and feels like quality stitching.”

You may not have heard of Quince before, and that’s because it was only founded a few years ago. But it’s definitely a brand you should include on your radar as it produces some exceptionally fine clothing for prices you probably won’t believe.

Understanding that activewear is all the rage right now, Quince has got in on the action to offer guys a collection of performance tops, bottoms and sweaters that are made from sustainable and recycled materials, are lightweight, will dry quickly and effectively move moisture and sweat away from your body. And once you see the price, you’ll be stocking up in no time.

Outdoor Voices

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Price: From $48 Sizes: XS-XL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Super breathable! Husband loves them! There are little holes all over them because it’s a mesh tank, but it’s the perfect size that it allows air.”

You won’t find outlandish branding or patterns in the Outdoor Voices collections. Instead, the American company offers more traditionally-styled gym clothing with universally flattering fits. Outdoor Voices develops some of its own fabrics, such as Sweatee, a performance cotton that takes sweat from your body and moves it to the fabric’s surface where it quickly dries.

This lends Outdoor Voices clothing to being worn away from the gym too, and if you’re somehow stuck for inspiration of what top and bottom to pair, OV Kits is on hand to help out, and can even save you some money in the process.

Vuori

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Price: From $58 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Incredibly comfortable and high quality shirt in a beautiful color!”

Californian brand Vuori takes gym clothing and gives it a decidedly laid-back, hippie vibe. Definitely a brand for anyone who practices yoga, Vuori can also easily be used in the gym when you really want to get your sweat on. Clothing is made from sustainably sourced materials and produced in ethical means, and designs are simple enough that they can be worn even on your off-days.

BOXRAW

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Price: From $93 Sizes: XS-XXXL Origin: England Customer Reviews: “Fits very well and perfect for working out.”

BOXRAW was founded a few short years ago in 2017. Whilst they might not have been around for as long as some of the other brands we’ve featured, their unique ethos and boxing specific gear make them stand out from the crowd. They were built on the belief that boxing isn’t merely a sport or practice, instead, they see it as a lifestyle.

Their ultimate aim is to be the reason why someone gets into boxing, by providing them with the equipment and clothing that need to thrive. Whether you spend your time in the ring or simply just jogging and shadow boxing in the bathroom, BOXRAW’s gear will help you get the edge you need.

Fourlaps

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Price: From $48 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “The fit is great, material holds up well to use for workouts, and the color holds decently well over time.”

Unashamedly premium in its approach to activewear, Fourlaps takes traditional pieces and gives them an upgrade using advanced fabrics that help to regulate your body temperature, top-quality craftsmanship that will last for years and minimalist designs that look just as good away from the gym as they do in it, this American brand could well be your new favourite.

Alo

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Price: From $82 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “It’s so nice to have god quality fashionable men’s stuff finally.”

It may have yoga in its brand name, and that is certainly the discipline best suited to the clothing on offer, but because of that, Alo Yoga’s collections are made from performance fabrics and offer plenty of stretch. This means they’re perfectly suited to the gym floor, allowing you to squat, lift, run and row to your heart’s content. The brand’s clothing looks great too, serving up minimalist design, and all pieces can be had in a multitude of colours.

Elite Eleven

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Price: From $40 Sizes: S-XXXL Origin: Australia Customer Reviews: “I purchased this for my son who just started gym, very flattering true to size and sits great. Definitely recommend for a basic everyday gym too.”

Melbourne-based Elite Eleven targets itself at the real muscleheads in the gym, however, the brand’s clothing is designed to be just as suitable for lifestyle applications as they are in the gym. Expect singlets and t-shirts in tight fits – although still with enough stretch to allow for free movement – alongside shorts and joggers that you’ll happily be seen wearing around town.

Olivers Apparel

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Price: From $82 Sizes: S-XL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Love the fit, design and quality.”

Olivers Apparel makes subtle, premium workout clothing for men, along with a collection of everyday wear (although the two can almost be worn for either situation). With a focus on taking the menswear essentials and using higher quality materials to produce them – including those that offer enough stretch for full movement when curling some iron – Olivers Apparel is a brand for active guys who take their style seriously, whether it be pounding the pavement running or benching 140 at the gym.

Under Armour

23/37

Price: From $65 Sizes: S-XXXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “This is a cool shirt! I love the new seamless design paired with RUSH technology. Fits so well.”

Under Armour was one of the first companies to introduce moisture-wicking fabrics to the world, beating out the likes of Nike, Reebok and Adidas. The American sportswear giant, founded in 1996, saw immediate success for its designs and today is the official sponsor of several major sports teams around the world.

Being a more traditional activewear brand, Under Armour’s clothing is constantly evolving, with new fabric technologies being introduced to help you perform at your very best, from tops and shorts to shoes, Under Armour has something for all gym users.

Iffley Road

24/37

Price: From $115 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “The design of the brand is beautiful, something that’s often missing in running gear. It’s a clean and classic look.”

Named after the running track where British runner Roger Bannister completed a sub-4-minute mile, Iffley Road offers men a premium collection of athletic gear that can be worn not just for running, but for gym workouts too.

Being British, Iffley Road also knows all about inclement weather, so you’ll find numerous pieces that help regulate body temperature and keep you dry when running outside.

Reebok

25/37

Price: From $35 Sizes: XS-XXXL Origin: England Customer Reviews: “Fantastic value. Light weight and very good quality.”

Founded in Bolton, England but now under the ownership of Adidas and operating as an American company, Reebok has become one of the biggest names in sports. The company is the main sponsor of the UFC and CrossFit, and has several sponsorship deals with sports teams and athletes around the world.

Reebok continues to innovate today, and puts a strong focus on making sure every single piece of clothing or pair of shoes it makes lives up to its heritage and reputation for quality. Forget the draw of some of the bigger sports brands out there, Reebok is one that is hard to beat.

GymPro Apparel

26/37

Price: From $35 Sizes: S-XL Origin: England Customer Reviews: “Comfortable, lightweight training top. Quality is good, fit is very good, and delivery was quick.”

British sportswear label GymPro Apparel was founded by two former firefighters, who realised that our health was determined by more than just our fitness level. Wanting to give consumers premium clothing without the price tag, GymPro Apparel was born. The company also offers fitness events and retreats to assist people with their mental health, as well as their physical.

You’ll find gilets, shorts, hoodies, joggers and more, all made from lightweight performance fabrics.

Nike

27/37

Price: From $60 Sizes: S-4XL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “These tanks are very nice. I wear with Nike invalid tights and it’s great combo for reformer or yoga. The length is good to provide some coverage and also prevents the tank from riding up in inversions.”

Nike is a name synonymous with high performance, elite athletes and cutting edge technology. Their gym gear is no different and employs the brands newest technology to allow the wearer to move freely whilst having every bead of sweat wicked from their skin. There is a reason why Nike is so successful and if you haven’t already, test out their clothing as it definitely stands up to their reputation.

Adidas

28/37

Price: From $25 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: Germany Customer Reviews: “I love how comfy and relaxed I feel wearing this tank top.”

Adidas is the clothing of choice for teams and athletes all over the globe including top tier football teams on both sides of the pond. Adidas’ access to the best athletes on the planet has allowed them to create clothing that performs to the highest standards. Their gym gear is typically German and is clean and efficient is all aspects.

Asics

29/37

Price: From $60 Sizes: S-XXXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “They’re comfortable, breathable and super stylish!”

While Asics is an athletic brand more closely associated with running, the Japanese label can equally call the gym home. Asics has a dedicated range of training clothing, which includes t-shirts, long sleeves, shorts, socks and compression tights. Shoes in this dedicated range have been designed to offer cushioning and lateral support, features you won’t find in running shoes, for example.

Clothing is slightly different too, with gym wear not necessarily needing to be ultra-lightweight, but instead, made from premium and durable materials that will survive several trips to the squat rack.

Icebreaker

30/37

Price: From $90 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: New Zealand Customer Reviews: “This is stunning, could wear it every day. Great colour combination.”

Icebreaker was founded in 1994 as a clothing brand for those seeking outdoor adventure, and its primary material of choice was – and still is – merino wool. Forming long-lasting partnerships with some of the best growers in the business, Icebreaker has been able to manipulate the material to work across multiple disciplines.

And while it started life as an outdoor adventure brand, Icebreaker now has a comprehensive range of training gear. From tank tops to long sleeves, training jackets to tights and a number of accessories in between, Icebreaker uses merino throughout, for its breathability and sweat-wicking properties.

Macron

31/37

Price: From $65 Sizes: S-XXXL Origin: Italy Customer Reviews: “Made from jersey cotton, stands out with its clean design.”

Founded in Italy in 1971, Macron is the European leader in sportwear. They’ve been known to provide the likes of UEFA referees, the Italian and Scottish national rugby teams as well as many other national and professional clubs with kits demonstrating their ability to make high quality, durable and high tech sportswear. Their consumer products are no different and their product base is immense. No matter what you’re looking for, Macron will no doubt have a product to suit.

MPG Sport

32/37

Price: From $34 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: Canada Customer Reviews: “Great shirt. Perfect to size. Super comfortable.”

MPG – or Mondetta Performance Gear – is a sportswear brand committed to using sustainable materials wherever possible, in fact, 80% of the brand’s latest collection is sustainable certified. Moreover, many of the fabrics the company uses are more advanced than others you’ll find elsewhere, meaning guys can benefit from lightweight, stretchy and moisture-wicking clothing, without the price tag.

New Balance

33/37

Price: From $30 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: Unites States Customer Reviews: “The shirt is nice for when you sweat…it’s almost nonexistent. Love it.”

New Balance is one of the older gym brands out there, having been founded in 1906. It hasn’t always been associated with athletics, as it initially started life producing arch supports for people who wanted to improve the fit of their current shoes. This eventually segued into New Balance making its own shoes and then becoming associated with sports.

New Balance makes all its products in the USA and the UK and offers its shoes in a more varied range of sizes and widths compared to some rivals. Clothing too benefits from innovative technologies designed to help you eek out the very last drop of effort you can muster.

The Gym King

34/37

Price: From $45 Sizes: XS-XXL Origin: England Customer Reviews: “Really nice clothing at a reasonable price, wash well and are a good fit, website easy to use, checkout fast and posted out quickly….will buy again as both my son’s wear this brand now….thank you!”

Another athleisure wear brand founded in the UK, Gym King has very quickly cemented itself as one of the must-have sportswear brands. Part of its success is due to its clothing being suitable not only for the gym, but for casual settings too, making it incredibly versatile.

Certainly a brand for the guy who likes to look at himself in the mirror throughout the day, you’ll find gym wear, tracksuits, shorts, shirts and more.

WOLACO

35/37

Price: From $58 Sizes: S-XXL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Very good quality. Well made. Will be buying more from this brand. Worth the money. You can tell a lot of detail and thought goes into their product. And that’s the kind of company I want to buy from. People that care.”

WOLACO – Way Of Life Athletic Company – was founded by Terry White after he realised he couldn’t find a pair of shorts that allowed him to workout quickly and stress-free. He designed and developed a pair that included sweat proof pockets that doubled up as a compression layer. More compression wear has been added since then, along with a complete range of other gym apparel, which includes pants, joggers, singlets, t-shirts and hoodies.

Better Bodies

36/37

Price: From $44 Sizes: S-4XL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Love the light material and great fit on the shirt.”

Better Bodies has been around since the eighties and has been supplying clothing to gym-junkies ever since. The website certainly implies the tops and bottoms are for the more adonis-like bodies out there, but a range of fits including oversized, cater for any wannabe weightlifter.

RVCA

37/37

Price: From $28 Sizes: XS-XL Origin: United States Customer Reviews: “Love the sport shirts from rvca and this one is my favorite one! Super comfortable and well made.”

American lifestyle brand, RVCA is transcending the boundaries of traditional action sports apparel with its design-driven approach. All of RVCA’s sports apparel is made to last with high-performing fabrics that’ll take your workouts to the next level.

With everything from shorts and tops to pants, hoodies, and compression gear, RVCA has you sorted when it comes to gym clothing.

0 notes

lstubbsinternshipeportfolio · 2 years

Text

1. Preparedness Commencing Internship

My level of preparedness going into the internship at Disability Sports Australia was uncertain. I had some doubts after my previous experience at SEN did not go well, so I was preparing for various scenarios. I felt my resume was adequate, but it had not been updated in a few years. That's where the inclusion of LinkedIn came in handy, as our lecturer Sharyn Meade taught us how to use the platform professionally. She brought in guest speakers to give us advice on how to effectively run the app and make ourselves presentable, which I found helpful.

I felt more confident in my abilities after receiving positive feedback on my practice interview and my vision for a fictional brand. I made sure to put my preferences for positions and was optimistic that one of my top choices would see my level of interest. My strategy for the organisation was to think ahead and imagine what social media would look like in the next five to ten years and how the brand could stay ahead by utilising different types of engagement. I planned on creating sample graphic designs for SEN and AusCycling, as I believed simple things like overlays would make the content stand out. I wasn’t overly certain on which environment would best suit me and I was more focused on producing quality work. I initially set my top preferences to SEN, Rainmaker and AFL Outer East as they were the brands I loved the most or covered the sport of my preference. I had set my other preferences to brands like AusCycling and Tennis Victoria because I had heard good things about their environment and the tasks they offered aligned with my interests.

When I first started at Disability Sports Australia, I was a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect. However, the team there was incredibly welcoming and supportive. They took the time to introduce me to everyone in the office and made sure I had everything I needed to get started. They also provided me with a detailed orientation of the organisation's culture, values, and goals which helped me understand the company's vision and how I could contribute to it.

Throughout the internship, I was given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and tasks. I was able to apply my skills in graphic design, social media management, and event coordination. I was also given the opportunity to attend events and meetings, which allowed me to gain a better understanding of the industry and the organisation's mission. One of the most challenging parts of the internship was learning how to work in a team. I had to learn how to communicate effectively with my colleagues and understand how to work together to achieve a common goal. However, with the help of my supervisor and the team, I was able to overcome this challenge and learn valuable teamwork skills. Diacin et. al (2016) conducted a study showing the influence of internship satisfaction and found that “development or pertinent skills, opportunities to engage in signicant tasks, and opportunities to build professional networks were factors present in an occupational setting that could contribute to satisfaction.”

Overall, my experience at Disability Sports Australia was incredibly valuable. I gained practical experience and skills in my field, and I was able to make valuable connections within the industry. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm excited to continue to use what I've learned in my future career.

Diacin, J.M. Dixon, A.W. Khojasteh, J. Koo, G.Y. (2016). Effects of Internship Satisfaction on the Pursuit of Employment in Sport Management. Sport Management Education Journal, 10(1), 29-42. DOI:10.1123/SMEJ.2014-0008

0 notes

mostlywoso · 2 years

Note

Mead had 11 goals in the WSL, Sam had 20. Sam won the league and the FA cup. Mead as a logical consequence did not win any of those. Basically everything that Mead did domestically this year, Sam did better. Sorry if that’s harsh.

But England are in the spotlight, they won the Euros. It’s becoming very clear the France Football journos don’t follow women’s football extensively. They watch the Champions League and the big international tournaments. So even if it should be enough, league performance is not gonna be enough for Sam to get recognized for these awards, she’s gonna have to have an amazing Champions League for that.

it’s not harsh at all, you stated all facts. sam outperformed mead in all ways possible.

and i agree, if we’re being honest, she isn’t gonna win anything with australia in the near future so club performance is her best bet.

another hot take but honestly, winning the champions league might not even guarantee her a win for ballon d’or. look at the lyon players ranked this year who also did well for country.

chelsea, matilda’s & sam’s PR needs to be better

#ask

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midnightsslut · 3 years

Text

Taylor Swift Tours Masterpost

Hey everyone! For absolutely no reason at all, I’ve decided to compile a masterpost of all the regular setlists, surprise songs, covers, and guests on Taylor’s tours with links to YouTube videos when available (I’m only including videos that weren’t featured in official tour movies). I’ve noticed that, although there are posts like this for specific tours, like Red or reputation, some of this information is pretty hard to find, and it might be useful to some to have it all in one place. Also, I’m something of a Taylor Swift live performance ~connoisseur (💀), so I thought I might share. :) Here we go

Note: This is only part one. I don’t know when the posts for Red, 1989, and reputation will be up.

Part One: Fearless & Speak Now

Fearless Tour (April 23, 2009-July 10, 2010)

This tour did not feature a ‘surprise song slot,’ but she did sometimes change the setlist up a bit. She also brought out a couple of surprise guests (most notably John Mayer and Katy Perry), but not nearly as many as she did on her later tours.

Regular setlist: Fearless Tour

1. ‘You Belong with Me’

2. ‘Our Song’

3. ‘Tell Me Why’

4. ‘Teardrops on My Guitar’

5. ‘Fearless’

6. ‘Forever & Always’

7. ‘Hey Stephen’

8. ‘Fifteen’

9. ‘Tim McGraw’

10. ‘White Horse’ (x)

11. ‘Love Story’

12. ‘The Way I Loved You’ (x)

13. ‘You’re Not Sorry’ / ‘What Goes Around… Comes Around’ (x)

14. ‘Picture to Burn’

15. ‘Change’ (x)

16. ‘I’m Only Me When I’m with You’ (2009) (x) OR ‘Today Was a Fairytale’ (2010)

17. ‘Should’ve Said No’ (extended version)

Footnotes:

*Starting from the show in Uncasville, Connecticut on August 28, 2009, ‘Change’ was removed from the setlist. It was added back in Greensville, South Carolina on September 4, 2009. Starting from the show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 1, 2009, it was removed again.

*European shows on the 2009 leg often removed ‘I’m Only Me When I’m with You’ as well as ‘Change.’

*Starting from the show in Brisbane, Australia on February 4, 2010, ‘Today Was a Fairytale’ replaced ‘I’m Only Me When I’m with You’ in the encore.

Surprise songs:

1. ‘The Best Day’ - Evansville, Indiana (April 23, 2009) Note: This was actually the first show of the tour. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a video of this performance.

2. ‘Two Is Better Than One’ - Brisbane, Australia (February 4, 2010) (x)

3. ‘The Best Day’ - Moline, Illinois (May 8, 2010) (x)

4. ‘Jump Then Fall’ - Foxborough, Massachusetts (June 5, 2010) (x)

Surprise guest performances:

1. ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’ and ‘White Horse’ (already part of the regular acoustic set but performed as a duet here) with John Mayer - Los Angeles, CA (May 22, 2009) (x)

2. ‘The Way You Love Me’ with Faith Hill - Nashville, TN (September 12, 2009) (x)

3. ‘Hot N Cold’ with Katy Perry - Los Angeles, CA (April 15, 2010)

Speak Now World Tour (February 9, 2011-March 18, 2012)

Regular setlists:

Eurasia (February 9, 2011-March 30, 2011)

Note: All of the performances linked below are from the Eurasian leg. Therefore, their quality is questionable. I’m only including these because this leg had a slightly different wardrobe than the North American leg which was recorded for the tour movie. I’m not including videos from performances where the costume is the same.

1. ‘Sparks Fly’

2. ‘Mine’

3. ‘The Story of Us’

4. ‘Back to December’ / ‘Apologize’ / ‘You’re Not Sorry’ (x)

5. ‘Better Than Revenge’ (x)

6. ‘Speak Now’

7. ‘Fearless’ / ‘I’m Yours’ / ‘Hey, Soul Sister’

8. ‘Fifteen’ (x)

9. ‘You Belong with Me’

10. ‘Dear John’ (x) - I’m only including this video because she wore her hair loose lol

11. ‘Enchanted’ (x)

12. ‘Long Live’ (x)

13. ‘Love Story’ (x)

North America & Oceania (May 21, 2011-March 18, 2012)

This is based solely on the first North American show

1. ‘Sparks Fly’

2. ‘Mine’

3. ‘The Story of Us’

4. ‘Our Song’

5. ‘Mean’

6. ‘Back to December’ / ‘Apologize’ / ‘You’re Not Sorry’

7. ‘Better Than Revenge’

8. ‘Speak Now’

9. ‘Fearless’ / ‘I’m Yours’ / ‘Hey, Soul Sister’

10. ‘Last Kiss’

11. ‘You Belong with Me’

12. ‘Dear John’

13. ‘Enchanted’

14. ‘Haunted’

15. ‘Long Live’

16. ‘Fifteen’

17. ‘Love Story’

Notes:

Starting from the show in Toronto, Canada on July 15, 2011, Taylor started playing acoustic covers right after her performance of ‘Last Kiss.’

Starting from the show in Denver, CO, on September 27, 2011, ‘Ours’ was added to the encore, right before the performance of ‘Fifteen’. This marked the live debut of the song. If Taylor had a surprise guest, this was the song she would usually cut from the setlist.

Starting from the show in Perth, Australia on March 2, 2012, ‘Safe & Sound’ (x) was added to the encore. ‘Ours’ (x) was shifted to the acoustic set and was played right before ‘Last Kiss.’ It was only skipped at the show in Auckland on March 17. I’m including a video because, although the performance from the encore was featured in the tour movie, this version takes place on the B-stage and has a different costume (the purple Susan Hilferty dress she wore for half the show lol).

At the shows in Melbourne, Australia on March 12, 2012 and Auckland, New Zealand on March 16, 2012, ‘Fearless’ was skipped.

Surprise covers:

1. ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi - Newark, NJ (July 19, 2011) (x)

2. ‘Dancing in the Dark’ by Bruce Springsteen / ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi - Newark, NJ (July 20 & 24, 2011) (x), (x)

3. ‘Cowboy Take Me Away’ by the Dixie Chicks - Newark, NJ (July 23, 2011) (x)

4. ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem and ‘Smile’ by Uncle Kracker’ - Grand Rapids, MI (July 28, 2011) (x)

5. ‘Jack & Diane’ by John Mallencamp and ‘I Want You Back’ by the Jackson 5 - Indianapolis, IN (July 29, 2011) (x), (x)

Note: ‘I Want You Back’ was featured on the Speak Now World Tour Live CD. The second link will direct you to the audio.

6. ‘I Try’ by Macy Gray and ‘My Wish’ by the Rascal Flatts - Cleveland, OH (July 30, 2011) (x)

7. ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ by Gladys Knight & the Pips and ‘Ghetto Superstar’ by Mya - Washington, DC (August 2, 2011) (x)

8. ‘Stay (I Missed You)’ by Lisa Loeb and ‘A Sorta Fairytale’ by Tori Amos - Washington, DC (August 3, 2011) (x)

9. ‘Who Knew’ by P!nk and ‘Unpretty’ by TLC - Philadelphia, PA (August 6, 2011) (x)

10. ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’ by Fall Out Boy - Rosemont, IL (August 9-10, 2011) (x)

11. ‘Just a Dream’ by Nelly - St Louis, MO (August 13-14, 2011) (x)

12. ‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys and ‘Sweet Escape’ by Gwen Stefani - Los Angeles, CA (August 23-24, 2011) (x), (x)

Note: ‘Sweet Escape’ was featured as a bonus track on the Target deluxe version of the Speak Now World Tour Live CD. The second link will direct you to the audio.

13. ‘This Love’ by Maroon 5 and Bette Davis Eyes’ by Jackie DeShannon - Los Angeles, CA (August 27, 2011) (x), (x)

Note: ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ was featured on the Speak Now World Tour Live CD. The second link will direct you to the audio.

14. ‘Realize’ by Colbie Caillat’ - Los Angeles, CA (August 28, 2011) (x)

15. ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train - San Jose, CA (September 1, 2011) (x)

Note: ‘Drops of Jupiter’ was included in the Speak Now World Tour concert movie. An audio was also featured on the standard CD.

16. ‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’ by Green Day - San Jose, CA (September 2, 2011) (x)

17. ‘Untouchable’ by Luna Halo - Sacramento, CA (September 3, 2011) (x)

18. ‘Closer to Love’ by Matt Kearney - Portland, OR (September 6, 2011) (x)

19. ‘You & Me’ by Dave Matthews Band - Tacoma, WA (September 7, 2011) (x)

20. ‘Nashville’ by David Mead - Nashville, TN (September 16-17, 2011) (x), (x)

Note: ‘Nashville’ was featured as a bonus track on the Target deluxe version of the Speak Now World Tour Live CD. The second link will direct you to the audio. PS: This is one of my favorite covers she’s ever done.

21. ‘Lucky’ by Britney Spears - Bossier City, LA (September 20, 2011) (x)

22. ‘Swing, Swing’ by The All-American Rejects - Tulsa, OK (September 21, 2011) (x)

23. ‘How to Save a Life’ by The Fray - Denver, CO (September 27, 2011) (x)

24. ‘Animal’ by The Neon Trees - Salt Lake City, UT (September 28, 2011) (x)

25. ‘Baby Girl’ by Sugarland - Atlanta, GA (October 1-2, 2011) (x)

26. ‘Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You’ by Brooks & Dunn - North Little Rock, AR (October 4, 2011) (x)

27. ‘Breathless’ by Better Than Ezra - New Orleans, LA (October 5, 2011) (x)

28. ‘Boys of Summer’ by Don Henley - Dallas, TX (October 8, 2011) (x)

29. ‘The Back of Your Hand’ by Dwight Yoakam - Louisville, KY (October 11, 2011) (x)

30. ‘Wide Open Spaces’ by The Dixie Chicks - Lubbock, TX (October 14, 2011) (x)

31. ‘What Hurts the Most’ by Jeffrey Steele - Oklahoma City, OK (October 15, 2011) (x)

32. ‘Dare You to Move’ by Switchfoot - San Diego, CA (October 20, 2011) (x)

33. ‘No Parade’ by Jordin Sparks - Glendale, AZ (October 21, 2011) (x)

34. ‘You Learn’ by Alanis Morissette, ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber, and ‘She’s So High by Tal Bachman (all played in succession along with ‘You Belong with Me’) - Toronto, Canada (July 15, 2011) (x)

35. ‘Complicated’ by Avril Lavigne, ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber, and ‘I’m Like a Bird’ by Nelly Furtado - Toronto, Canada (July 16, 2011) (x), (x), (x)

Note: She only played excerpts from each song. A full video isn’t available.

36. ‘Complicated’ by Carolyn Dawn Johnson - Edmonton, Canada (August 18, 2011) (x)

37. ‘Summer of 69’ by Bryan Adams - Vancouver, Canada (September 10, 2011) (x)

38. ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)’ by Alan Jackson - Vancouver, Canada (September 11, 2011) (x)

39. ‘All You Wanted’ by Michelle Branch - Glendale AZ, (October 22, 2011) & San Antonio, TX (October 25, 2011) (x)

40. ‘Run’ by George Strait - San Antonio, TX (October 26, 2011) (x)

41. ‘Hold On’ by Jack Ingram - Memphis, TN (October 30, 2011) (x) (skip to 21:46; this video includes all the Speak Now Tour covers)

42. ‘Cry Me a River’ by Justin Timberlake - New York, NY (November 21, 2011) (x)

Surprise guests:

1. ‘Baby’ with Justin Bieber - Los Angeles, CA (August 23, 2011) (x)

2. ‘I’m Yours’ with Jason Mraz - Los Angeles, CA (August 24, 2011) (x)

3. ‘Tonight, Tonight’ with Hot Chelle Rae - Los Angeles, CA (August 27, 2011), (x)

4. ‘Super Bass’ with Nicki Minaj - Los Angeles, CA (August 28, 2011) (x)

5. ‘That’s What You Get’ with Hayley Williams - Nashville, TN (September 16, 2011) (x)

6. ‘Bleed Red’ with Ronnie Dunn - Nashville, TN (September 16, 2011) (x)

7. ‘Big Star’ with Kenny Chesney - Nashville, TN (September 17, 2011) (x)

8. ‘Keep Your Head Up’ with Andy Grammer - Nashville, TN (September 17, 2011) (x)

9. ‘Just to See You Smile’ with Tim McGraw - Nashville, TN (September 17, 2011) (x)

10. ‘Yeah!’ with Usher - Atlanta, GA (October 1, 2011) (x)

11. ‘Live Your Life’ with T.I. - Atlanta, GA (October 2, 2011) (x)

12. ‘Meant to Live’ with Jon Foreman - Glendale, AZ (October 21, 2011) (x)

13. ‘She’s So High’ with Tal Bachman - Vancouver, Canada (September 10, 2011) (x)

14. ‘The Middle’ with Jim Adkins - Glendale, AZ (October 22, 2011) (x)

15. ‘Just a Dream’ with Nelly - Houston, TX (November 5, 2011) (x)

16. ‘Right Round’ with Flo Rida - Miami, FL (November 13, 2011) (x)

17. ‘Alright’ with Darius Rucker - Columbia, SC (November 18, 2011) (x)

18. ‘Who Says’ with Selena Gomez - New York, NY (November 22, 2011) (x)

19. ‘Fire and Rain’ and ‘Fifteen’ (part of the regular setlist but performed as a duet here) with James Taylor - New York, NY (November 22, 2011) (x)

Surprise songs.

1. ‘Superman’ - Kansas City, MO (September 24, 2011) (x)

Note: This is the only live performance of ‘Superman’ to date. The video begins with an excerpt of her ‘Last Kiss’ performance, so you’ll have to skip to circa 1:30, but unlike other recordings, it’s complete. This is six minutes of pure joy.

2. ‘Never Grow Up’ - Lexington, KY (October 29, 2011), Houston, TX (November 5, 2011), Raleigh, NC (November 17, 2011) (x)

3. ‘Eyes Open’ - Auckland, New Zealand (March 17, 2012) (x)

Note: This marked the live debut of the song, as it had not even been released at the time of the performance.

#live #speak now #speak now tour #masterpost #fearless tour #audio #video #speak now world tour #fearless #Taylor Swift #covers #surprise songs #Taylor Swift live

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meademalove · 7 months

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I honestly think such a prime example of "because its beth" is when you look at Kerr.

Now let me start by saying I dont dislike Kerr, I dont like her, Im completely indifferent to her. But when I think of some of the things Ive seen from Kerr, I think you can look at how people react that says so much.

Obviously without the ins and outs of the latest racism stuff, Im talking about how she had used hashtags and stuff on old posts that she has now deleted and yet no one makes a fuss on them (and lets be honest, not that much fuss was made on the current racism thing even before we knew what was actually said), yet you have people bringing up those thatcher tweets with Beth that are as old if not older than the hashtags and stuff on Kerrs posts but yet no one really brings them up. And then you add in that Beth gets called racist just because she was asked a leading question and came out with an ignorant at best response but by no means was it "Racism" itself.

I also think that Kerr has shown just as much support for some "questionable" athletes in the past as Beth has but again, no fuss made on that. But not just Kerr in this case, SO many players have shown support/that they are fans of questionable athletes but again, I dont see people making a big deal about that.

Its just SO clear that its a Beth agenda because its so clear that there are plenty of other athletes that have done similar (and some even worse) and yet they dont get half as much shit and if it was years ago then they get the same people bringing up old shit for Beth that say those people clearly arent the same people they were then and theyve grown up. Its just constant contradictions with these people that show its an agenda

Okay, let me get this clear I'm a massive fan of Kerr for Australia, not at all for Chelsea. Having said that, here's my opinion.

I don't like some stuff she says and does. Sometimes, for instance, when she spoke up about someone telling her goals weren't valid, I found that inspiring. She was brilliant.

But some other times, she says and does stuff that would be genuinely questioned if it was anyone else. That's exactly the reason she went ahead and said what she said to that police officer. I don't think I mentioned this, but I stand by the opinion that she should not have said that. He may be an asshole she may not have meant anything and was very drunk, but still, she shouldn't have said it. I know there are sensible people in Australia who think the same way but won't say that publicly because we all love her. This time, she just said her usual arrogant thing, but to the wrong person. She may or may not be punished for it, who knows.

Another thing is, imagine if anyone else did this, the conversation around it would be so different. Now, imagine if Beth said something remotely similar, we'd all be crucified along with her. There is a bias in how fans perceive situations like that and their preconceived notions about players come in to play when they decide how to react to them.

Only a very few can objectively say yeah Kerr is wrong in the policeman incident, and Mead is wrong in the Krygios incident. But one is bigger than the other and let me tell you it's NOT the one that's been discussed on social media every time they want to drag the player, it's the one which has made the player a cult hero.

(I do find it hilarious that both EH and SK don't seem to think one bit before they speak. They're made for each other, no wonder they get along so well).

#meademalove #ask meademalove

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danimosher24-blog · 5 years

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Health Benefits from the Sun

Is Sunlight Good for one’s Health?

Sunlight and Health

Sunlight is one of the worlds gifts that if used properly can better ones physical and emotional health. Putting sunscreen on is a pain and is not something most people enjoy, but would you do it to spend more time outdoors and reduce your risks of cancers, bone diseases and depression? The sun has a reputation to be damaging to someone’s health and while this is true, there are also great benefits that come from sunlight and UV (ultra violet) rays that can outweigh the damage done. Illnesses proven to be caused by sunlight and sun exposure are less severe compared to those that have evidence proving that sunlight reduces their risks. Over the years, science has greatly evolved and one thing that seems to be continuously changing is people’s perspective on the sun and how it affects people’s health or wellbeing. There has been a constant of skin cancer, the inevitable sun induced disease, yet there is a strong influx of new information that sunlight contributes in preventing risks of other cancers as well as the production of vitamin D, an essential vitamin in bone health. The sun is a blessing, but don’t take too much or you will get burned.

Risks Associated with Sunlight

When thinking about the sun and health it is natural for people in this day and age to think about some of the well-known negatives such as skin cancer or simply the damage that UV rays can cause. There is no hiding the fact that the UV rays of the sun are harmful to skin; they penetrate the skin and “can contribute to skin cancer indirectly via generation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-damaging molecules.” (Mead, 2008) There is a chemical reaction that occurs when the ultra violet rays from the sun hit your skin and there is potential that it creates what is called hydroxyl and oxygen radicals which are both known causes for skin cancer. Skin cancer, or Melanoma, is a type of cancer most commonly seen as a growth on areas of the skin that are typically not exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, “1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.” (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019) When it is detected early it can be treated by removing the growth on the skin and being proactive about looking for other abnormalities seen on the skin. If melanoma is left to develop over time it can easily spread to other areas of the body internally; becoming much more serious and potentially leading to death. Similarly, the simple sunburn is also caused by unprotected exposure to the sun rays over a period of time yet is less severe than skin cancer. This being said, too many sunburns and UV ray damage leads to higher chances of developing skin cancer, “having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.” (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019) While skin is the main concern when it comes to sunlight there are also some other factors that have been studied where UV rays “damage collagen fibers, destroy vitamin A in skin, accelerate aging of the skin”; “An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun.”(Mead, 2008) (Skin Cancer Foundation) Luckily there are ways to protect from UV rays through the simple act of putting on sunscreen. A“sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF (sun protective factor) of 15 or higher” will be sufficient in preventing sun damage. It is important to seek shade and wear clothing over your skin to protect inevitable damage that will come from UVA and UVB rays. While I will not discount this information there is also an abundance of benefits that come from sunlight.

Physical Benefits of Sunlight

There are many very important advantages that sunlight provides to people’s health not only physically but emotionally as well. Many people are aware of the positive correlation between sunlight and vitamin D. The “exposure to the ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun’s rays causes a person’s skin to create vitamin D. Vitamin D has multiple different health benefits, “low vitamin D levels have been linked to rickets in children and bone wasting diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia.” (Nall, 2018) Additionally, “without sufficient vitamin D, bones will not form properly” limiting the lifestyle of an individual immensely. (Mead, 2008) This being said, recent studies have informed us that vitamin D and sunlight are not just good for bones but aid in preventing some cancers that include “colorectal-, prostate-, breast cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.” (European Journal of Cancer, 2013) “The evidence that chronic (not intermittent) sun exposure decreases the risk of colorectal-, breast-, prostate cancer and NHL (non-Hodgkins lymphoma) is accumulating and gradually getting stronger.” (European Journal of Cancer, 2013) The prevention from sunlight with colorectal cancer and breast cancer have been particularly positive. The European Journal of Cancer explains that a “lower risk for colorectal cancer was found in women that spent at least one week per year on sunbathing vacations.” In terms of breast cancer, “women who reported less than 30 min outside had significantly higher risks than women who spent more than 2 h outside in daylight.” (European Cancer Journal, 2013)

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Another benefit of sunlight less known by most is the positive ways it affects depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder in particular. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression onset by the change of seasons and more specifically the amount of daylight in a 24hour period. Sunlight regulates what is called the circadian rhythm which is essentially a person’s internal alarm clock and tells people when to sleep and when to wake up; a regular circadian rhythm is attributed to keeping people out of depression. When the sun enters your eyes, it sends signals to your brain to stop producing melatonin, a chemical in your brain that tells you to sleep. On the other hand, when indoors for a long period of time your body will begin to produce melatonin without the interaction of sunlight signaling your brain to go to sleep. Along with this is the production of the chemical called serotonin, a mood boosting chemical in your body. Similarly, when UV rays enter your eyes there is a signal sent to your brain to produce serotonin. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder, therefore the more sunlight and serotonin the happier one will be. Sunlight and time in the sun has various benefits that keep someone healthy.

Sunlight is Positive

It is rare to find things in life that are solely positive. There is no discounting the science that proves the damage spending too much time in the sun can have on a person but I believe the benefits of sunlight are substantially larger than the alternative of a lack of sunlight. One may disagree because of the risks skin cancer poses, but this type of cancer is without doubt more preventable than most; “regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent” and “as a result of increased use of hats, sunscreen, and shade, the incidence of malignant melanoma has begun to plateau in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Northern Europe.” (Mead, 2008) (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019) In addition to this, skin cancers in comparison to the other cancers mentioned, such as colorectal cancer and breast cancer, have a significantly higher survival rate, “the estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 98 percent.” (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019) On the other hand, colorectal is ranked third when it comes to how many people will die from it in a year; severity and chances of survival have to be taken in to consideration. In the United States alone over one year, approximately 15,000 people will die from skin cancer, 42,260 from breast cancer and 50,260 from colorectal cancer. Three times the amount of people die from breast cancer or colorectal cancer than do from skin cancer.

Mental Health Benefits of Sunlight

Something else to consider when weighing pros and cons of sun exposure would be the benefits seen in mental health and the impact sunlight provides in that area. As mentioned before, sunlight is proven to boost moods and aid people with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Mental illnesses may not be as noticeable on a daily basis but that is not to say depression is not a serious and threatening illness. Every day there are Americans suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression that commit suicide. Society should be aware that by effortlessly laying in the sun for a reasonable amount of time they can become happier and absorb all the sun has to offer. It is not hard to just put sunscreen on but it is hard to overcome depression or breast cancer.

Conclusion

Initially when thinking about the sun and health affects it could be responsible for, I only saw the negative side of the argument and was unaware of the positive impacts available from sunshine. Spending time outside in the sun no longer has to be only worrying about the negative correlations with the sun and ultraviolet rays; put some sunscreen and a hat on and just be smart! Spending time in the sun is good for your health, vitamin D, cancer prevention, happiness, and the enjoyment of being outdoors. The negatives involving the sun and one’s health cannot be ignored but UVA and UVB rays are not all bad, everything in moderation. The best thing about the sun’s benefits are that they do not require any work, whether sitting in your back yard or on a sunny tropical vacation, the sun will do its job. The sun has a wide spread range of benefits for people’s health preventing deadly diseases every day without people even knowing it.

Reflection

1. The purpose of this project is to convince readers that a stance you have on a particular argument is the right one. More specifically in my paper the purpose is to convince my readers that the sun is good for people’s health. This project achieves its purpose by acknowledging the other side of the argument but supporting my side more strongly and giving evidence to prove the points I make.

2. The audience for this project is people whom don’t often read physical prints such as newspapers or magazines but resort primarily to online sources and would rather look at videos, blogs, websites, ect… This being said they are also an educated audience so information in the project has to be verified and backed up by reliable sources. This being said, the medium I used obviously had to be accessible online so that viewers could access it easily and I wanted it to be viewed by many people for the purpose so that is why I chose to do a blog.

3. I have used this technology prior to this project so I didn’t have many impressions when it came to how I thought about the medium. I did have a few different options I was looking at using but I decided to use this one because it was easy to navigate given the fact that I had already used it and it did not cost me any money.

4. The challenges I faced with technology were much smaller than the first time I used this medium because I am now more familiar with it. This being said, putting the pictures in the project with the layout I want still proves to be difficult and it take a while to get them where I want. I overcame this by asking my friend if she knew how to put the pictures in and she showed me how to do it. The easiest part of this technology was putting my actual writing in because I just copy pasted my whole text from Word and then was able to put it in.

5. One thing that I would like the instructor to know about my project is that before this project I ultimately thought that the sunlight was more deteriorating to someone’s health than it was advantageous. I did not know all of the advantages the sun provided for someone’s health and changed my point of view when I learnt about all of the other factors besides skin cancer.

References

“Account Login.” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://www.theovernight.org/?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1034.

House, Lisa A., and Barry Walton. “The Effectiveness of Light Therapy for College Student Depression.” Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, vol. 32, no. 1, Jan. 2018, pp. 42-52. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AN=EJ116943&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Isguven, Selin. “How Does Sunscreen Protect You?” Yale Scientific Magazine, Yale Scientific Magazine - Http://Www.yalescientific.org, 9 May 2012, http://www.yalescientific.org/2012/05/how-does-sunscreen-protect-you/.

Liew, Michelle, et al. “The Role of Melatonin and Serotonin in Sleep and How to Increase Them Naturally.” Life Advancer, 4 May 2019, https://www.lifeadvancer.com/melatonin-and-serotonin-sleep/.

McIntosh, James. “Serotonin: Facts, Uses, SSRIs, and Sources.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2 Feb. 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248.

Melrose, Sherri. “Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches.” Depression Research and Treatment, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673349/.

Mead, M Nathaniel. “Benefits of Sunlight: a Bright Spot for Human Health.” Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Apr. 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2290997/.

Miller, Michael Craig. “Seasonal Affective Disorder: Bring on the Light.” Harvard Health Blog, 30 Oct. 2015, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/seasonal-affective-disorder-bring-on-the-light-201212215663

Peters, Brandon. “Using a Light Box for Phototherapy to Treat Sleep and Depression.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 27 July 2019, https://www.verywellhealth.com/light-box-use-for-phototherapy-3015210.

Rhee, Han van der, et al. “Is Prevention of Cancer by Sun Exposure More than Just the Effect of Vitamin D? A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies.” European Journal of Cancer, Pergamon, 10 Dec. 2012, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959804912008854?via=ihub.

“Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Norman Rosenthal, MD - Author of Super Mind I Transcendental Meditation, https://www.normanrosenthal.com/about/research/seasonal-affective-disorder/.

“Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, https://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/.

Taylor, Julie. “Does Weather Affect Your Mood?” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/can-rainy-days-really-get-you-down#1.

“Unraveling the Sun's Role in Depression.” WebMD, WebMD, 5 Dec. 2002, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20021205/unraveling-suns-role-in-depression.

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