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danieldavidwriter · 6 years ago

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Gateway

Nisha Drake stood on her balcony overlooking the city and took several deep breaths of air. It had been a long night and she really needed to straighten her head. There was always a good breeze up here, cool and clean, so she turned her face into it and flopped her head backwards to stare up into the brightening sky. She would leave today, she knew it.

The feeling had been growing inside her all week, unplanned and unexpected really, but she knew that today was the day she would go. A smile crossed her face, followed by a little laugh in her nose and a shrug of her shoulders that looked like a quiet sneeze, but was in fact a delicious burst of joy, relief, love and contentment. She spun on her heels and headed back inside, immediately kneeling down at the coffee table to scratch out another line as thick as a boot lace.

Nisha lent forwards over the drug smeared and cup strewn plastic table with a short black straw to snarl it up her nose. It stung as it clawed it’s way towards her brain in brambly clots, whilst the familiar acrid slime slid and gagged down the back of her throat, making her reach out to gulp down more warm champagne. Not the best gear in the world, more MDMA and aspirin than coke, but she liked the trashy, trippy hit it was giving and at this time in the morning anything would do. The sound of birds singing from the shadows drifted in through the balcony door, counterpointing her shame with their delicate trills and chirrups, as the first light of the day added a faint wash of colour to the greyscale streets outside.

As she massaged her nostrils to hurry the drug along on it’s journey into her blood, she felt her body prickle with anticipation and her spine judder and spasm a little deep inside the flesh of her neck. She glanced up at the guy chewing his lip expectantly opposite her. The magic was melting off him as the dawn light took hold, but she’d hoped he would stick around and here he was, looking jaded and day old like a party sandwich that was still essentially the same, but giving off clues that it should’ve been enjoyed 12 hours ago.

He was young and keen though. Full of the bravado every twenty-something first job guy had, and he had great tits. Great sirloin steak tits and broad, action-figure arms. Arms that she’d fantasised about more than once since she’d hired him and that undoubtedly made him more memorable than he should be. She obsessed endlessly over the pale and solid curve that burst out from his cotton sleeve, that fattened and stretched the fabric each time he picked up his drink or self-consciously cupped his chest. Her fingers could sense the tautness of his skin, daydream the weight of him as her hands cupped his chest and pushed up against him.

He’d worked for Nisha for two weeks already, but she still couldn’t remember his name. Nick? Ned? Nevin? It began with an N, she was sure of that, and it was his first job since graduating. A decent job as well. She was paying him way over the odds just for the sake of it. He probably had serious money in his account for the first time ever, a job that you almost couldn’t fuck up, and the effortless under-thirties looks that you don’t know you have until they’re gone. Not that that would ever happen to him, of course.

She carved out another line and gestured the straw towards him. She’d been here before, tediously role playing the crazy night crawler to build a temporary sense of camaraderie with some guy who most likely cared about her as little as she did. For the briefest moment she would feel less alone, before the daylight came back and a brutal despair rampaged into her mind with the vicious deprecation only a hard-earned comedown can generate.

He leant forwards to snort the gear and she took the moment to play with a curl of hair that fell from his fringe and danced like a seahorse in front of her. From there, she ran her hand across his cheekbone and down his neckline, over the broad, bulging muscle in his shoulder and down the vein in his arm, before jumping left to brush under the heavy curve of his chest. The music had stopped, although she hadn’t noticed at the time, and she heard his breath quicken a little and his nylon t-shirt crackle under her fingers.

I feel like fucking - she said.

Since the Gates of Heaven had opened, every night went by like this.

Nobody that was still here really cared anymore. Nobody had anything to lose, so the ritual of determined debauchery and oblivion had become the afterwork activity of choice, whilst afterwork was getting earlier and earlier every day. For Nisha, sometimes just sending an email over breakfast meant the after work fun could begin all over again.

Of the people who remained, some were squeezing the last few drops from their physicality before going upstairs, others were exploring ever darker corners of their imagination, whilst some - like Nisha - were exploiting the situation and making huge amounts of money. She didn’t need it anymore of course, she could leave whenever she wanted to, but this was the first time in her life that she’d had an idea that actually made money. Real money. More money than she’d ever imagined. After years of mediocre businesses that seemed cool enough, but in reality just about scraped along - working 70 hour weeks but earning half as much as her friends; travelling on business trips but only ever economy; pitching at investment events that felt like begging but with slides and artisan coffee - this business was next level. She only had to do about one hours work a day, and even that was really just checking that the server was switched on. After that, the money kept rolling in.

Nisha had created an app called Gateway. Gateway monitored local weather stations for the changes in air pressure that always preceded the Gates opening. The geolocation in your phone would tell you if you could get there in time, and through a few links to transport services it would even tell you the best route to take. Simple really, but she’d made twenty million in the first two weeks, and every single day since then her bank account had filled back up as fast as she could empty it.

She’d never felt the energy of a good idea working well before. A winner! An indisputable, surefire, class A hit. Gateway was the sort of thing that people wrote about in Forbes magazine, or shared motivational stories about on LinkedIn. In any other time she would’ve had investors crawling all over her, offering crazy sums for a piece of the action. She’d have been featured in one of those nauseating ‘top females under thirty’ lists, giving talks on women in tech and proclaiming how ‘anyone can do it if they believe in themselves’. But not in this time.

This time no one cared about her future plans or market share, her growth curve or exit strategy. They all used Gateway just once, to get out and never look back. The irony rubbed, but she forced it out of her mind, focused on the here and now and each night drank, snorted and fucked the tragedy of her hopeless success out of her mind.

Besides, she had told herself she wouldn’t leave until she was ready. Things were getting more fucked up the longer she stayed, and she had kind of like it. It was messy, exciting and very cinematic.

Nick or Ned or whoever it was, looked up at her as he inhaled his line and tried to look shocked by Nisha’s bluntness, but as he straightened back up his face confessed that he gave as little of a shit as she did, and he smiled a wasted and disinterested smile as he brushed a few crumbs from the stubble on his top lip.

Sure, why not - his voice croaked as the coke brought him to the edge of a sneeze.

He squeezed his nostrils and held his breath before moving up to kiss her, the stale smell of champagne advancing towards her in hot blows. His lips felt surprisingly soft and warm and in the brief moment that she was lost in their tenderness, Nisha felt a lump appear unexpectedly in her throat as a great wave of sorrow and loss, swelled and broke in her chest. Was she going to cry? In a panic, she flipped it. Flipped it to anger and pushed him backwards with her mouth, rising up from her knees and biting on his lip until he recoiled, sliding awkwardly off his chair. His body twisted underneath her onto the floor and his legs buckled up behind him like a corpse.

She stopped for a moment and raised herself up to look at him, her back arched and her arms locked solid.

Want some viagra?

No - he sounded shy all of a sudden, so young - I’m ok, thank you.

In heaven, Marlon was watching. He watched her often because he still loved her despite everything. He loved her even though he had to keep reminding himself that this person, this stranger who drank and snorted and fucked away every day and all of their memories, was not the same Nisha that he knew. This was another Nisha, born out of this extremely fucked up situation. She was confused, surely. Frightened, maybe. Lost? Stressed? Traumatised? Maybe a little bit of all of these things, but it didn’t matter. He knew who she really was, and that she could still be saved.

***

For Marlon, everything was wrong. Every day and every moment.

This wasn’t how it was meant to be. They’d walked to the Gates together hand in hand. They’d thrown a party the night before, to celebrate going up. She’d told him that she was giving Gateway away, making it open source so anybody could use it. She’d told him that they would be in heaven together, with no more work and no more stress. No more problems and no more stupid mistakes. But it was all a lie.

He often day-dreamed back to their leaving party, when their remaining friends had piled into their new apartment and drunk shots and jumped around wildly to Rage Against the Machine and Sum41. Lampshades were broken and drinks were spilled on their beautiful carpet, but this new life of theirs was so fresh and unmade that there was precious little else to break. No pictures, no furniture, no best glasses, no sentimental objects. Somebody broke the arm on the Technics turntable, but since they weren’t using it nobody cared. It was still revolving silently the next morning when they left.

Most of their guests that night were much like their expensive new apartment. Picked up in the last few weeks they were still strange and unknown, a little empty perhaps, gorgeous but generic, and only theirs as a result of the money they now had. The money that came in so fast they didn’t know what to do with it all, apart from rent expensive flats, cheap friends and meaningless good times. Marlon could see the fakery now, he sort of knew it then, but it had still felt amazing.

They were a strange bunch, those still here.

The most moral and virtuous people had gone within the first week of the Gates opening, racing eagerly to get to the afterlife that their childhood had promised them. Whether raised on old testament brutality or glossy Sunday school pamphlets, whether they wore a cross or a hijab, carried a knife or rosary beads, now was their moment of truth and excited validation and there was no reason to delay.

Your average person went up a few weeks later, reassured by endless 24 hour news items and social media discussions that the Gates weren’t an alien trap or some kind of government conspiracy, and deciding that the chaos that was rapidly taking over the non-celestial world was now by far the worst option. A quick re-read of the bible, a few Wikipedia searches in case there was a quiz and they were gone. Delivered from evil, for ever and ever.

Others stayed back to do some good amongst the orphans and lost souls of the growing bloodshed, the refugees caught in the rising tide of revenge attacks and lustful tourism, but eventually even they left, electing to save themselves and leave the rest of the population to whatever personal fate they had chosen.

Those left behind now were fanatical non-believers, the guilty and guilt ridden, hoarders and mercenaries, those who cowered in the face of change and those for whom pain and pleasure and death were far more attractive than infinite paradise. How strange it was, that with the promise of unqualified salvation, the cruelty and deviance within even the gentlest soul had been awakened in a counter-reaction, that quickly spilled beyond even the most extreme moral boundaries.

Marlon could still feel the butterflies that danced in his belly for that whole night and into the morning when they left. On that day, the morning was fresh and clear. The crisp night air lingered in the shade, whilst the rising sun beat down on their bare skin as they began their purposeful but apprehensive walk to the Gates.

They were both in T-shirt’s and shorts, hand in hand, enjoying what might be their last touch. Perhaps this was the last warm breeze to ruffle through the soft hairs on their arms, or the last rays of sunlight to warm their heads and shoulders.

Nisha had her phone out with Gateway open, calling out directions every once in a while as the app wound them through alleyways and parks. They passed a supermarket with every one of it’s windows broken. Apples and wine bottles lay amongst the broken glass, a burnt out SUV with a ‘Jesus loves you’ sticker sent thin trails of black smoke into the calm air as it smouldered, and bodies lay crumpled on the ground in the shadow of a tower block - an increasingly common sight. A couple holding hands over here, a child lying alone over there.

At one point they startled a dog that was scratching through rubbish, piled ten feet high against a wall in a school playground. It looked up with a start, blood dripping from the tin-can cuts on it’s jowls, before skittling off with it’s tail between it’s legs when Marlon stamped his feet.

Crossing a deserted junction, the faraway bass of the Neverending Rave, a 24 hour party that had been running non-stop since the first few appearances of the Gates, thudded gently to a lost melody before being cut off again the moment they turned the next corner.

Eventually, the familiar halo in the sky came in to view, first behind the skyline a few streets away and then rising high overhead. Nisha put her phone away and they both gazed up at the wonder that swirled overhead.

It was an awe inspiring sight. Gentle waves of colour danced about in the air and across every surface like mother of pearl, whilst a warm and constant breeze spun around and around in a huge circle of leaves and dust directly under the Gates. There was hardly any sound, a few hushed voices from the handful of other people standing around, but nothing more.

The strange calm reminded Marlon of his one and only sailing adventure. As a boy he and his father had set sail for France together, but in the dead off night the wind had failed and they spent hours bobbing vulnerable and hopeless in the dark. Hanging over the stern with his head resting on his arm and his finger tips trailing in the water, the cold black sea had slowly warmed into peach and rose ripples and eddies as the day brightened and the wind finally returned to them.

In the centre of the Gates, a bright white beam shone down like a search light and every now and then the softened silhouette of a new leaver raced up and away into the sky.

Marlon and Nisha walked in together, hearts pounding and their fingers digging tightly into each others palms. Marlon led the way and as he entered the light, he felt a roar of energy and incredible weightlessness that lifted his feet gently from the ground. He began to laugh and turned around to smile at Nisha next to him, but she wasn’t there. Her hand was stretched out as far as it would go whilst her feet remained firmly planted on grey pavement. He could barely see her face through the blinding light and had to twist his neck as far as it would go to keep her in view, as it slowly but inescapably turned him upside down. His hand gripped hers tightly now and his feet flapped wildly in the air. He held onto her as hard as he could, but he could feel her fingers wriggling and he was so stressed that his palms were sweating and he could feel her sliding out from his grip.

What’s wrong? - he yelled at her through the roaring.

Nisha! What’s wrong?

He couldn’t see her now. His eyes were streaming from the intensity of light and his inverted state made focussing almost impossible.

Sorry! - he heard her shout out through the wind, just once, before her hand finally slipped out from his and he flew up and away from her, tumbling like street litter in a storm.

And so, that was how this came to be. Another day of longing and anger and sadness, in this place that was meant to give the opposite of all those things.

Marlon felt uneasy about this contradiction. Had he done something wrong? There had been no pep talk when he arrived, no one to greet him or induct him into this new world. Had he missed it somehow? He’d gone back to where he arrived to check, but there didn’t seem to be anything special about the place. No door or desk, no greeters or receptionists or whatever you might expect to find on the other side of the Gates. It was much like every other place up here, a meadow on a warm day with a few people hanging around.

He felt guilty, disappointed even, that he seemed to have messed this up somehow. He spent his days with as good an impression of bliss on his face as he could conjure, whilst constantly thinking about Nisha, When he was sure he was alone, he would relax his face and guiltily watch her through the clouds, yawning his mouth to relieve the cramp of endless smirking.

He had no idea how he was meant to behave or feel. He slept on the ground, as that’s what everyone else seemed to do. He ate fruit from the trees and drank water from the pools that seemed to be everywhere. Too many, he had thought. All around him people strolled peacefully about or lay around in a state of bliss. They exchanged smiles but never spoke, they embraced but never kissed. They ate and drank and slept and he wondered enviously how they knew what they were supposed to be doing.

Every now and then he would hear the unmistakable sound of an angel flying overhead and hurriedly begin admiring a branch, or dreamily wafting his fingers in a nearby pool of water. He hadn’t met an angel yet, but their dark silhouettes soared overhead regularly, casting long shadows which cooled the ground and flattened the ripples on the water. Once, one had hovered overhead, it’s wing feathers twitching rapidly as it hung in the air almost motionless, before diving down with terrifying speed on the other side of an orchard. Marlon couldn’t see what happened, but he heard the most terrible shrieks and decided that it might be better if he never met one.

Nisha was sleeping now. He liked to watch her as she slept. He ignored the fact that she was partially clothed, that she was surrounded by empty bottles and detritus, that her phone had rung about a dozen times and she still hadn’t heard it. Instead he watched her face. It made small twitches and ticks as she slept, sometimes with the hint of a smile. Sometimes her lips moved almost imperceptibly as if she was whispering a secret. She had always done this and it told Marlon that, no matter what was happening now, the old Nisha was still there and she would come to him eventually.

A noise behind him made him start from his daydream and turn around abruptly. It was so instinctive that for a moment he forgot entirely where he was, or to imprint the bliss back onto his face.

There was a girl standing just a few feet from him. A young girl, maybe late teens or early twenties, in a blue pinafore dress with a buttercup hem that fluttered about her knees in the breeze. She had mud on her shoes and her hands picked at each other nervously.

He had no idea how long she’d been there. She stared expressionless directly at him, not in bliss, not in horror, just staring into his eyes, frozen in the moment. A moment which seemed to stretch on forever and made Marlon blink inexplicably several times. He kept expecting her to speak, but she never did and several moments passed when he wished he’d thought of the right thing to say and said it already.

As he decided that he simply must say something, anything, he noticed a tear had appeared like a pearl in her eye. It dropped out and ran fast down her cheek, etching a pale streak in her blushed skin. It was swiftly followed by another, and another, and before long her face and neck were wet with tears as they stared at each other in silence. Marlon felt sick as an understanding grew from nothing into everything inside of him, and the truth exploded out of both of them and crawled it’s way across the wilting grass and putrifying water.

***

Nisha woke to the sound of her phone buzzing on the coffee table next to her. Her eyelids peeled apart and the sunlight burst in to sting the surface of her eyes and cause a sharp pain in the nerves that tied them to her head. She was sweating. As she sat up her head pounded even more and she cradled it in her hands to soothe the pain and resist the sudden urge to throw up.

She swiped her phone awake and saw she had dozens of missed calls, all from Nick. She called him back.

Hey - she said, her voice still asleep.

Why are you calling, aren’t you here?

No, I left hours ago - he said - Have you just woken up?

No - she lied - why, what’s up?

Have you not seen Gateway? - he sounded freaked out.

Why, what’s up? - she said again, holding the phone at arms length and refocusing her eyes.

She swiped up and clicked on the Gateway icon as she searched around for a nearby glass of water. She found champagne.

When Gateway opened the map was going crazy. Little blue markers were all over the screen, so many that the route finder clearly wasn’t sure what to do and was conspicuously empty.

Wow - she said more quietly than she expected - We’ll have to fix that route finder bug later. How many are there?

Too many to count, - said Nick - but that’s not it.

Oh?

There was a pause.

They go down Nisha. Down.

Another pause.

What do we do?

#shortstories #shortstory #fiction #technology #tech #religion #speculative fiction

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visionnepal3-blog · 6 years ago

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LA's Best Korean Spas Are Waiting To Make Your Dry, Chapped Skin As Dewy As A Baby's Butt

One of the pools at Beverly Hot Springs in Koreatown, Los Angeles. (Beverly Hot Springs/Facebook)

What's the perfect way to disconnect from the world and ponder what life would be like in a mirror universe where facts are indisputable and basic decency is the norm? A Korean spa. And Los Angeles has a lot of them.

What's The Protocol? Your entrance fee, usually $15 to $40, gets you access to hot pools, cold pools and saunas along with areas where you can nap, slurp bowls of spicy soup and do some light reading. If you want to go VIP, add a facial, a mani-pedi or a full-body scrub, known as a seshin.

At most spas, you can just show up. When you check in at the front desk, you'll receive your uniform (usually a robe or shorts and a T-shirt), towels and some sort of wristband with a key or electronic device that lets you access your locker. Now's the time to book additional services, if you haven't already called to book them in advance.

Two patrons wear the uniform of a t-shirt and shorts at Wi Spa in Koreatown, Los Angeles. (Wi Spa/Facebook)

At spas that serve both men and women, the facilities are divided by gender, with areas for women and men located in different wings or on different floors. Head to the appropriate locker room and use your wristband to find your locker.

Get undressed and feel free to slip on your uniform, although you'll notice the spa area is fully nude. The discomfort quickly fades away. Everyone else is nude too. Always shower before entering the pools. Shower again after sweating in any of the steam rooms or saunas, especially if you plan to take another soak. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it up.

Most spas provide basic amenities like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. If you want to bring your own products — face masks, body scrubs and scrubbing mitts are popular items — feel free to take them with you into the spa area. You may also want to bring skin care and makeup products to gussy yourself up when you're all done. At most spas, people go barefoot but you're welcome to bring a pair of flip-flops.

A customer gets a massage at Wi Spa in Koreatown, Los Angeles. (Wi Spa/Facebook)

If you are getting a body scrub, make sure to spend about a half hour in a steam room or hot tub prior to your appointment so you can soften your skin. When the time comes, your specialist, known as a ddemiri, will emerge and call your name or number. Laying down fully nude on a table, you'll be splashed with warm water and vigorously scrubbed over your entire body until your dead skin flakes off in shriveled, gray bits. At the end, your skin will be unfathomably soft and as smooth as it's been since you emerged from the womb. The buff shine lasts for three to four days for most people.

Never bring your phone into a nude area. Some spas offer WiFi in common areas. Unless you're in one of these spaces, don't play music or watch videos or talk on your cell phone. The spa is supposed to be a place to relax. This is a good time to whip out that book or magazine you've been meaning to read.

Signs should guide you through the rules, and it's fine to mention you've never been before and would like a quick tour when you pay your entrance fee.

Wi Spa Wi Spa is the best known Korean spa in Los Angeles, offering a robust list of amenities 24 hours a day. Some people even use the multi-story facility — complete with showers, WiFi and sleeping areas — in lieu of a hotel.

The men's and women's spa areas are on separate floors. In the spa, you'll enjoy two hot tubs, a cold pool, a steam room and a dry sauna. Basic hygiene products, including disposable toothbrushes, are provided. If you want to splash out, they offer scrubs, massages, facials, mani/pedis and other treatments.

On the second floor, the family-friendly, all-gender jimjilbang contains several saunas with the temperatures displayed outside each one. The jade, salt and clay saunas are kept at a toasty 130 °F, while the Bulgama is a blistering 213 °F. To cool down, visit the ice sauna.

In the center of this area you'll find a heated floor where you can throw down a pad and take a nap, read a book (your own, or one from their library), or quietly use your phone. The restaurant, which serves coffee, juice and Korean dishes is also located on this floor. Use your wristband to order, then pay when you leave the spa.

Guests can also work out in the fitness center or lounge on the rooftop terrace, which contains a secluded smoking section. Other amenities include a kid's area and computer stations.

WHERE: 2700 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake PHONE: (213) 487-2700 HOURS: Open 24 hours COST: $25 entrance fee or $35 between midnight at 3:59 a.m. Guests who come before midnight but choose to stay will be charged an additional $10 fee. Entrance fee is waived with treatments of $120 or more. PARKING: Free parking lot on site. TREATMENTS: Scrubs, massages, facials, manicures, pedicures.

Beverly Hot Springs Beverly Hot Springs doesn't have as many amenities as some other Korean spas, but it's the site of the only natural hot spring in Los Angeles. The well was discovered by Richard S. Grant, who bought the land to build a housing development in 1910. According to the Los Angeles Times, it didn't become a spa until the mid-1980s, when Olympic weightlifter Chang Bum Huh and his wife, Dr. Yang Cha Kim, bought it.

The spa is divided by genders and the whole place feels like a peaceful oasis. The large, hot mineral bath — the water emanates from 2,200 feet underground — and cold plunge are in a dimly lit grotto decorated with plants and statues. A waterfall provides a tranquil sonic backdrop but all other noise is discouraged. Other amenities include a steam room and a sauna as well as padded lounge chairs for napping, reading and meditating.

Basic bath products can be found in the showers and dressing room areas. There is no restaurant on this property.

WHERE: 308 N Oxford Ave., Koreatown PHONE: (323) 734 7000 HOURS: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. COST: $30 Monday-Thursday, $40 Friday-Sunday. PARKING: Free Parking in lot behind spa. TREATMENTS: Facials, scrubs, massages, hair removal.

Olympic Spa Only for women, Olympic Spa operates much like Wi. You get your wristband and a pale green robe then shuffle into the locker room and spa area. Here, you can change and enjoy a hot cup of barley tea or coffee. A heated jade floor is perfect for napping, reading or lounging while you apply a sheet mask to your face. Pads, pillows and blankets are provided. You can also sweat out impurities in the infrared or salt saunas.

In the wet spa area, a hot and cold pool are complimented by a small tub of hot mugwort tea, which is believed to have a variety of healing properties. This area also contains showers, a steam room and a dry sauna.

Pad barefoot down the hall, past the restroom and find the cafe, which serves juices and Korean fare. A piping hot, spicy tofu soup is perfect after a long soak or scrub. (Use your device to order.) Wi-Fi is available but this is the only area of the spa where you're allowed to use your phone or computer. If you want to do that, there's another heated floor where you're free to chat with friends or check email.

WHERE: 3915 W. Olympic Blvd., Koreatown. Free parking available behind spa, off Norton. PHONE: (323) 857 0666 HOURS: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. COST: $25. Admission is waived for treatments priced at $80 or more. PARKING: Free valet parking. TREATMENTS: Massages, scrubs, nail care, waxing, threading.

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SPA DAY!!!

A post shared by Wes Dupee (@gymbear79) on May 6, 2018 at 4:48pm PDT

Century Day & Night Spa As you enter Century Day & Night Spa, just down the street from Olympic Spa, you'll be able to scope out the two-story, outdoor driving range. Yes, you can also practice your golf swing here.

Inside, you'll find spas for men and women. In the latter, two hot pools are backed by trickling water features while muzak is piped in. Perhaps you'll enjoy the saxophone cover of "Bad Romance." This area also contains a cold plunge pool, a dry sauna and a steam room. For a supremely relaxing experience, head into the mist sauna and sit on a stone bench while a warm mist gently sprinkles over you.

In the mixed gender jimjilbang, you'll be able to nap on the floor or sweat in the mineral salt room. This is also where you'll find the restaurant, which serves Korean food daily from 9:30 a.m. to midnight. In the basement, you'll find both an indoor swimming pool and a spacious fitness center. It has free weights, weight machines and a yoga room where classes are offered free with admission, Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m. and on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: 4120 W. Olympic Blvd. PHONE: (323) 954-1020 HOURS: Women's Spa, daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Men's spa, 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays and Thursdays, otherwise 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. COST: $25, or $10 with services $70 to $100. Free spa entrance with services over $100. PARKING: Free parking behind the spa, off Bronson. TREATMENTS: Scrubs, massages, facials. An adjacent beauty salon is next to the main entrance.

Crystal Spa Crystal Spa, on the third floor of the City Center Mall, is on the small side but has most of the amenities you'd expect. It's an Aveda concept spa, meaning all the products here will be Aveda as opposed to the fruity-smelling, unlabeled body washes and shampoos in most other spas.

The spa areas feature a hot tub, cold pool, steam room and sauna. The mixed gender jimjilbang offers Himalayan salt, charcoal and yellow sand rooms, all of which are lovely. After your soak and steam, cool down in the ice room and fill up on spicy rice cakes and seaweed soup in the cafe.

WHERE: 3500 W. 6th St., Ste. 321. PHONE: (213) 475-5600 HOURS: Daily, 6 a.m. to midnight. COST: $25 entrance fee, waived with treatments totaling $90 or more. $15 on Wednesdays. PARKING: Free for six hours with validation; entrance off Mariposa. TREATMENTS: Scrubs, facials, acupressure and foot massages, nail care, waxing.

Spa Palace Spa Palace is vast and, like WiSpa, open 24 hours. Visitors receive a uniform and an electronic locker key, which can also be used to order food and drinks.

Amenities include the usual pools, resting and sleeping rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a mixed gender jimjilbang and an on-site restaurant, juice bar and regular bar. Yes, this is a spa where you can drink beer! Not all amenities are available 24 hours a day, so plan accordingly.

Spa Palace also has a variety of heated rooms, including a Himalayan salt room, a gold room, a Loess soil room, which supposedly reduces stress and promotes blood circulation, and an Elvan stone room that is believed to help reduce blotchy skin. A "forest room" allows guests to lounge in chairs and breathe deep as it is pumped full of oxygen. An ice room offers a place to cool down. Slip outside to visit the garden, where tables and chairs can be found near a soothing waterfall.

WHERE: 620 Union Ave. PHONE: (213) 637-0000 HOURS: 24 Hours COST: $25 day pass; $35 if staying overnight. PARKING: Free parking. TREATMENTS: Facials, scrubs, body wraps, massages.

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Source: http://www.laist.com/2018/11/02/where_to_find_the_best_korean_spas_in_la.php

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onestowatch · 6 years ago

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If You Love Erykah Badu, These Are 8 Ones to Know

Photo: Paul R. Giunta

Erykah Badu, the undisputed queen of neo-soul, has been blessing our undeserving ears with blissful vocals and soaring harmonies for quite some time, so it is only right that we celebrate her birthday with a Ones To Know in honor of the distinctive artist. Born under the name Erica Abl Wright and raised in Dallas, Texas by a single mother, the singer-songwriter eventually adopted the name Erykah Badu-“kah” signifying her inner self and “badu” being her favorite jazz scat sound. As an unknown artist, Badu worked countless minimum-wage jobs to support herself until an opening slot for D’Angelo drastically changed the course of the captivating singer’s entire future. Immediately after her stunning performance in 1994, Badu was signed to Kedar Entertainment, where she released her first album, Baduizm, three years later.

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Influenced by R&B, ‘70s soul, and ‘80s hip-hop, Badu’s rejuvenating sound is generously paired with her idiosyncratic personality, as one may recall from the sizable and vibrant headwraps she sported in the early days of her career. The first lady of neo-soul believes in embracing purity and authenticity in not just her music, but all aspects of life, practicing veganism since 2006. With ten headlining tours, five studio albums, and four GRAMMYs to her name, Badu has truly reinvented the soul genre for plenty of generations to come. And in honor of her special day, we’ve hand-picked eight rising artists you need to know if you similarly love Badu.

Mahalia

A 20-year-old beauty from England, Mahalia has appropriately credited the one and only Erykah Badu as one of her biggest inspirations as she experiments with her own daring style of R&B. Having served as an opener for Ed Sheeran and Emeli Sande, Mahalia saw major success with her 2017 single, “Sober,” which has racked up over 15-million streams to date on Spotify alone. During our interview with Mahalia last year, she shared, “Now I’m in that season where I am feeling like most of my emotion goes into love and heartbreak. I guess with this [Season] EP, it’s five tracks and five different moments in a relationship.” Her latest honest single, “Do Not Disturb” showcases Mahalia’s evident maturity as she refuses to sulk over an ended relationship and instead chooses to focus on her exponentially growing musical career.

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Mereba

A powerful R&B singer-songwriter who did not discover her undeniable passion for music until she found herself filled with teenage angst and loneliness upon beginning high school, Mereba is widely known for her notable collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated 6LACK, J.I.D, and EARTHGANG. Mereba’s most popular track, “Black Truck” glimmers with an otherworldly energy, serving as a testament to her ingenuity, and her latest track, “Sandstorm,” is a delicate piano-driven ballad that showcases Mereba’s incredibly luscious vocals. As a follow up to Kotton House, Vol. 1, Mereba is finally ready to unveil her enticing new album, The Jungle Is the Only Way Out. Revisit Mereba’s stellar performance at Ones To Watch’s Baño Flaco last year with our recap video.

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Ama Lou

Although her current discography may be limited, Ama Lou is most definitely a worthy name you need to familiarize yourself with before her career explodes. Born and raised in London as a classically trained singer, Lou took on songwriting at the young age of 11 before eventually releasing her dynamic debut single, “TBC,” which supported the Black Lives Matter movement and rises against police brutality. With an endorsement from Drake, 2018 was a phenomenal year for Lou as she released her pleasing debut EP, DDD, and embarked on her very first tour with Jorja Smith.

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Ray BLK

Born Rita Ekwere, Ray BLK adds her own personal touch to the R&B scene as her eclectic sounds encompass versatility and tenacity. An acronym for “Building Living Knowing,” BLK is the realization of the values she holds most important to her, a fact she shared with us in a 2016 interview. Her outstanding debut EP, Havisham was inspired by Miss Havisham’s story in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, which only seems appropriate considering her college degree in English. Honing in on feminism, racism, and violence, her latest album Empress grants the underrepresented a platform for change and progress as she calls for empowerment.

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Jamila Woods

A Chicago-based soul artist, Jamila Woods is widely known for her spirited collaborations with Chance the Rapper on “Sunday Candy” and “Blessings.” With a degree in Africana Studies and Theater & Performance Studies, Woods focuses on Black ancestry and identity in her staggering work, which includes songwriting and poetry. Signed to Chicago’s independent hip-hop label, Closed Sessions, Woods eventually released her debut album HEAVN, which features Chance the Rapper, Noname, Saba, Lorine Chia, Kweku Collins, and Donnie Trumpet. With her forthcoming record, Legacy! Legacy! due out in 2019, Woods plans to stun us with even more soulful tunes that are bound to keep you craving more.

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Kadhja Bonet

Growing up in Richmond, California, Kadhja Bonet is the daughter of two accomplished musicians so it is no surprise that her family of seven siblings sparked her interest in music. Her most popular track, “Remember the Rain” features a breathtaking, orchestral aura that lets Bonet’s astounding crooning shimmer throughout the emotive ballad. Bonet’s enchanting sound has been described as psychedelic soul with subtle hints of jazz. It is a striking sound that you can we can hear throughout her impressive studio albums, Childqueen and The Visitor.

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Raveena

An Indian-American singer based in New York, Raveena uses her moving music to empower women of color by promoting self-love and self-acceptance. Although she only has one EP to her name, there is no doubt in our minds that Raveena has mastered the art of crafting silky smooth tracks that slide beautifully into the realm of R&B. Her latest intimate single, “Temptation” explores themes relating to femininity, personal growth, and empowering women of color. Well-versed in natural meditation methods such as hypnotherapy and reiki, Raveena channels these serene practices into her music to create a similarly soothing atmosphere for her listeners.

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Poppy Ajudha

One of South East London’s finest, Poppy Ajudha continues to make heads turn as she embodies the purity of a brilliantly crafted artist. Influenced by soul, reggae, jazz, funk, and blues, Ajudha released two EPs, Patience and FEMME, last year in preparation for her debut full-length album. Whether it be chords, guitars, or lyrics, Ajudha believes in fully immersing herself in the creative process, so she always puts herself at the forefront of every decision pertaining to her profound music. Because of her indisputable drive and natural talents, Ajudha will continue to shape herself into the polished musician she is destined to be.

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#ones to know #erykah badu #soul #R&B #neo soul #mahalia #mereba #ama lou #ray blk #jamila woods #kadja bonet #raveena #poppy ajudha

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egalehussein-blog · 6 years ago

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Final Report

My country report was done on the beautiful land of Kenya in East Africa bordering Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia and Ethiopia. In the region Kenya is the largest economic giant surpassing all the other countries in GDP and steady economic growth. Culturally, Uganda and Tanzania are very similar to Kenya which are all Swahili speaking countries. They each have their own accents and jargon words specifically to their regions, but overall the cultures are very similar with many overlapping traditions and cuisine. The capital of Kenya is the great city of Nairobi popularly known as the “Green city in the Sun” boasting an amazing cultures ,which is unparalleled and its sheer natural beauty that will take your breath away. Arguably the most beautiful city in Kenya is Mombasa, a raving tourist attraction for its clean beaches and world class hotels. Mombasa is very important economically as well hosting one of the largest ports in East africa and an International Airport.

Kenya as a country has not had a very long history only gaining independence from the British Rule in December of 1963. Jomo Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister and once they became a republic he was the first President of Kenya. In 2004 another remarkable moment in Kenyan History Happened when Wangari Maathai became the first and only Kenya to win a Nobel Prize Award. She was awarded for her endless fight to preserve Kenya’s rich environment and wildlife even after being beaten and jailed in her efforts. One of the nine wonders of the world takes place every year during the wildebeest migration attracting more tourist than any other attraction. On the 27th of august 2010 Kenya was reborn. This day saw the promulgation of their new constitution.

Kenya has two main languages which is English and Swahili, although not all locals can speak English only the ones who were educated. According statistics, 16% of Kenyans are literate in English and about 70% of Kenyans speak Swahili. If you are going to a rural areas in Kenya you may not be able to communicate with the locals in English.

In 2010, when Kenya created a new constitution they became a democratic republic with a legislative, executive and judiciary branch. Even though they are a democracy now they still have problems with corruption and greed within the branches of government that is very evident. The political system they use now is contemporary, but it still leaves room for corrupt officials to roam free without consequence. Even the police are corrupt if you are able to bribe them enough money they will accept it. On the other hand, a lot of these police officers are underpaid and this is how they make a living.

Christianity is the most prominent religion in Kenya making 85% of the entire population. The most prominent denomination is protestants making up 47% of all Christians in the region. Muslims make up another 10% of the population mostly residing on the coast, the other 5% percent are traditional religions. The relationship between politics and religion is very minimal, the pastors have no tangible power or influence over government officials.

Social class is very evident in Kenya but, unlike America there are only two classes the haves and the have-nots. Nairobi is a good example to observe this huge class difference and growing gap between them. A lot of visitors will not be able to fully immerse themselves in the Kenyan culture because these lower income areas are no go zones for expats. The difference in the social classes are so evident you can figure it out by simply going into any store and comparing prices. Lower income areas have significantly lower prices which could be convenient for visitors if they are able to overcome their fears. The class system is very closed whereas, some of lower social status people have never been to other side of town where the rich folks live. The two worlds do not collide very much and are kept separate unlike in America where you can have section 8 housing fairly close to single family homes.

The Daily nation is the most authoritative of all Kenya’s newspapers, providing comprehensive and balanced coverage of Kenyan news. The newspaper is also arguable the most objective, independent, and unbiased in its news coverage. Citizen TV is Kenya’s indisputably most popular TV station. Citizen TV focuses on local programs targeting audience ranges from affluent urban elite to the lower class Kenyan Citizens. Citizen TV is powered by the Royal Media Services which was the first media company to run a licensed private radio station called Radio Citizen in 1998. Now Radio Citizen is the most listened to radio station in all of Kenya.

Kenya does not have a viable film industry most of the movies airing on their televisions are from Nigeria. The famous Nollywood provides them with most of their cinematics because of their lack of presence in the film industry. Although, the haven’t had much success in films Nairobi Half Life a movie made in 2012 was the biggest film Kenya ever witnessed. The movie is about a young, aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming a success in the big city of Nairobi. In his pursuit of this and to the dismay of his family, he makes his way to Nairobi the city of opportunity.

The most dominant cuisine in Kenya is Ugali which is known all over Africa as Kenya’s creation. It is essentially corn fufu, very easy to prepare, soft and a very filling side dish to a meal. It is considered a body building food and a good source of iron usually eaten with some sort of stew. Nyama choma is a roasted meat, and one of Kenya’s most beloved dishes. It is commonly served with salad and ugali. Traditionally it is to be eaten with your hands just like ugali and seasoned with only salt and pepper. Locals say its a dish that should be bought from a Kenyan street vendor in order to fully enjoy it. People eat meals at the same times as they do in America, the standard breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are usually eaten alone or with a few others, but dinner is a special event for Kenyans. Traditionally dinner is to be eaten as a family similar to the American culture.

Etiquette when greeting people is very important in the Kenyan culture and you must act accordingly to the kind of relationship you have with that person. Close female friends may hug and kiss once on each cheek instead of shaking hands. When greeting an elder or someone with a high status, its proper to grasp their right wrist with your left hand while shaking to show respect. Muslim men/woman usually do not shake hands with other women/men instead they exchange a common greeting “Jambo?” translating to how are you.

The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling to put in perspective one American dollar is one hundred and one Kenyan shillings. The spending power of one hundred shillings is about three meals from a local street vendor. This shows how strong the American dollar is compared the Kenyan Shilling. The currency is fairly new and they use notes as well as coins just like in the U.S.

Nonverbal communication in Kenya is something you must understand before visiting. Naturally, Kenyans are louder people who speak at a higher volume normally and use a lot of emotions in their words which can be very entertaining. Personal space is a lot different in Kenya many locals and residents there are fairly comfortable being close to you and do not have the same limits on personal space as Americans do. Do not be offended by this because that is just how they are traditionally

Before traveling to Kenya there are a some important things to note and beware of beforehand. First and foremost, lock your luggage up before flying to Kenya. Question food before eating it because some of the meat cooked locally will not agree with you foreign stomach. Before you make your trip make sure all your vaccinations are up to date because there's a very high risk of catching malaria. Make sure to use a mosquitoes net at night when they are most active. Bring medicine from home in case local pharmacies do not have what your looking for. Make sure to be street smart because Kenya is not one of the best places to roam around alone as a foreigner. Avoid getting scammed or up charged by being familiar with prices and who you are dealing with. Do not carry a lot of cash on you, do not walk around alone at night, Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage. Do not wear flashy jewelry and beware of thieves posing as police officers trying to take bribes

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mikemortgage · 6 years ago

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Bill, Melinda Gates unfazed by criticism of wealthy giving

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Bill and Melinda Gates are pushing back against a new wave of criticism about whether billionaire philanthropy is a force for good.

The couple, whose foundation has the largest endowment in the world, say they are not fazed by recent blowback against wealthy giving. It’s come in high-profile moments at the World Economic Forum, the shifting political conversation about taxes and socialism in the U.S., and bestselling book “Winners Take All,” which calls the influence of high-dollar giving an “elite charade.”

“I’m not sure that the attack has been on philanthropy. I think the attack has been on wealth,” Melinda Gates said in an interview with The Associated Press last month.

Some critics have long challenged the couple’s non-profit work, which relies on the tax-exempt fortune they hand to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and involves directing how grant money is spent on issues ranging from global health and development to U.S. education and poverty issues.

Though the foundation’s worldwide contributions to combatting diseases like polio and malaria are indisputable, some see the couple’s influence as unchecked and resulting in mixed success .

The latest criticisms are more existential, challenging whether their level of wealth is good for society and whether it’s functional to rely on the generosity of the very rich to fix its problems.

People are more aware of how much the world’s wealth belongs to the uber-rich. As a result, philanthropists’ role in social change is facing a more scholarly review, said Stacy Palmer, editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a trade publication covering nonprofits.

“It’s good that we all question it,” Palmer said. “It makes philanthropists think harder about: ‘Am I doing the right thing?”‘

The latest criticism comes as Bill and Melinda Gates on Tuesday released their annual letter reviewing their work and vision, which this year focused on surprises in their priority areas.

The couple called the record number of women who ran for elected office a major highlight of 2018. Melinda Gates lauded U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for “opening our government up” on social media, though the couple say they don’t agree with all her policy proposals.

The Democratic socialist from New York has pushed a 70 per cent tax rate on the richest people, which Bill Gates called “extreme” and a “misfocus” in an interview Tuesday with The Verge.

Ocasio-Cortez has said it’s immoral for billionaires to amass wealth amid extreme poverty but doesn’t villainize Bill Gates. The Microsoft co-founder has long pushed for more taxes and created the Giving Pledge, which has 187 wealthy members committed to giving away most of their money.

This division over wealth and philanthropy spilled into the World Economic Forum last month in Davos, Switzerland, where the Gates Foundation was a sponsor and Bill Gates discussed global health.

On one panel, historian Rutger Bregman berated “all these stupid philanthropy schemes” and suggested such billionaire-funded giving amounted to tax avoidance that exacerbates the problems it seeks to tackle.

“It feels like I’m at a firefighters conference and no one’s allowed to speak about water,” Bregman said. “Just stop talking about philanthropy and start talking about taxes.”

Melinda Gates said the couple see a responsibility to support other philanthropists who want to do good with their riches.

“We take the converse side of that, which is we say: ‘What can we do personally with our wealth? What can we role model for others, and how do we get other people of great wealth to give their money away?”‘ she said.

The Gateses said they enjoy being a resource and host philanthropists every week at their sprawling Seattle-based foundation to share lessons from their successes and failures. They have offered guidance to a range of organizations, from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative funded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to the Stand Together non-profit backed by conservative industrialist Charles Koch.

That role has allowed the Gateses to position themselves to influence wealthy peers.

The foundation said it’s spent nearly $7 million over the last three years building up a non-profit system to support both donors and grantees. They also have given money to other high-profile philanthropic organizations, including Bloomberg, Rockefeller and Carnegie.

For philanthropists who work outside their agenda, they usually offer advice about overall organizational strategy and how to measure impact.

“The beauty of philanthropy is its diversity,” Bill Gates said.

——

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twilaandrew2756-blog · 6 years ago

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Ideal Make WORLD You Will Certainly Read This Year (in 2015).

Discover Currently, Just what Should You Provide For Rapid GLOBE?

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brandyfields66-blog · 7 years ago

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Should You Really Be Eating These 8 'Superfoods'?

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Certain so-called superfoods seem to be everywhere. They're said to ward off cancer, help with weight loss, extend your life, even whiten your teeth. But do these "miracle" foods really live up to all the hype? To find out, we interviewed experts and pored over research. Here's what we learned about apple cider vinegar, avocados, red wine, and more.

Coconut oil

The hype: Almost three-quarters of people in a recent survey said they thought coconut oil was healthy. No doubt that's because of claims that it protects against heart disease (because it boosts HDL or “good” cholesterol), arthritis, Alzheimer's, and diabetes; while also helping you lose weight, thanks to a particular kind of fat that your body may metabolize differently than others.

The reality: The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a recent statement that flat out recommended against using coconut oil. Why? A high level (82%) of really-bad-for-you saturated fat. Multiple studies confirm that coconut oil actually raises “bad” LDL cholesterol.

The bottom line: The AHA statement pretty much said it all. If you do go for coconut oil (we know it tastes good), practice extreme moderation. “One tablespoon a day provides nearly the recommended limit of saturated fat for the entire day for most adults,” cautions Malina Malkani, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

RELATED: 10 Surprising Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil

Chocolate

The hype: Chocolate supposedly staves off heart disease thanks to copious amounts of flavonoid antioxidants. It may also cut the odds of a stroke and improve memory and attention as we age.

The reality: Chocolate may protect against heart disease, stroke, and diabetes-but only dark, purer forms of chocolate. Once it's been processed into prettily packaged treats beckoning from store shelves, it's basically just sugar and fat.

The bottom line: A little of the right kind of chocolate may help reduce blood pressure, but a lot of any kind of chocolate will backfire. “The darker the chocolate the better,” says Malkani. Look for a cocoa content of 70% or more. And stick to one or two squares a day at most.

Butter

The hype: Butter is back! Unjustly vilified for so many years, the stuff is actually good for you.

The reality: A lot of the hype stemmed from one 2014 study which found that eating less saturated fat may not cut your risk for heart disease. But that's a whole lot different than saying eating saturated fat is good for your health.

The bottom line: Don't become a daily disciple of Julia Child's high-fat recipes just yet. The current science still tells us to replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats (think olive oil). If butter has a role, it may be to up your intake of indisputably healthy foods: “If used mindfully and sparingly, it can enhance the flavor of vegetables you might otherwise not enjoy,” says Malkani.

Avocado

The hype: Avocado, the poster child for “good” fats for decades, is rumored to reduce the risk of a host of health ills-obesity, diabetes, heart disease and others-and help you live longer too.

The reality: The fruit's long-standing reputation may be well-deserved. “There is a large body of evidence that an avocado-rich diet high in monounsaturated fats helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol and raise HDL,” says Malkani. It may also ease pain from osteoarthritis.

The bottom line: Avocado every day may help keep the doctor away. But f you're trying to lose weight, remember that one serving is actually only one-third of one fruit, says Malkani. Now-trending avocado oil is another matter, warns dietician Sandra Arevalo, director of nutrition services and community outreach at Montefiore Health System's Community Pediatrics in New York City. "The put a lot of additives in [avocado oil] so we have to be careful."

To get more nutrition tips, sign up for the HEALTH newsletter

Red wine

The hype: Red wine may be the one thing standing between you and heart disease and diabetes.

The reality: This may not be just wishful thinking. Studies going back decades have found a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes among people who drank moderate amounts of red wine compared to those who didn't drink at all. But overdo it on the vino and you could end up with heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. A 2017 report found that even very small amounts of alcohol may increase the risk for breast cancer.

The bottom line: There's a fine balance. “[Red wine] is good in moderation,” says Arevalo. The AHA recommends women consume just one alcoholic drink a day (that's 4 ounces of red wine), and that men stick to two.

Apple cider vinegar

The hype: The grapevine claims apple cider vinegar can whiten your teeth, lower blood sugar, fight infection, keep heart disease and cancer at bay, and oh so much more

The reality: Apple cider vinegar may lower blood sugar and help you feel full, but so do other kinds of vinegar. The same with losing weight. It's not clear if apple cider vinegar has any use against cancer and heart disease. And it looks like it doesn't help heal wounds. As for your teeth, not only will vinegar not lead to pearly whites, it can also erode enamel.

The bottom line: Apple cider vinegar is a good addition to salads, but don't consider it a potential panacea for health woes.

Coffee

The hype: Where do we even start? The supposed health benefits of coffee include lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease while generally helping you live longer. It may treat Parkinson's and keep your memory sharp.

The reality: Many of these benefits may be real. Caffeine has been shown to improve movement in Parkinson's patients, while both caffeinated and decaf coffee may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Java is also linked with a reduced risk of several types of cancer including colon and prostate (but an increased risk of lung cancer).

The bottom line: The evidence applies to black coffee, not coffee laden with cream, sugar and syrup. Most studies show the benefits of caffeine come from about 400 milligrams-the amount on three to five 8-ounce cups of home-brewed coffee, say Malkani. If you are hypertensive, talk to your doctor, as caffeine can cause short-term blood pressure spikes. But if you don't drink coffee now, experts says it's not worth starting the habit. (Same goes for wine.)

RELATED: 18 Superfoods for Your Heart

Lemon water

The hype: Water garnished with a little lemon is reputed to help digestion, speed weight loss, keep you hydrated, and prevent kidney stones.

The reality: The benefit of lemon water probably stems from the water part, not the lemon part, even though lemon has vitamin C. Water is good for you, and most of us don't get enough.

The bottom line: Drink lots of water every day, with or without lemon. “I don't think it's a superfood. It's just a wonderful way to vary the flavor of water,” says dietician Sharon Zarabi, director of the bariatric program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “For those who have trouble taking in 6 to 8 cups a day, lemon might make it a little bit more refreshing.”

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reynoldslevi10-blog · 7 years ago

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Should You Really Be Eating These 8 'Superfoods'?

[brightcove:5632201744001 default]

Coconut oil

RELATED: 10 Surprising Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil

Chocolate

The hype: Chocolate supposedly staves off heart disease thanks to copious amounts of flavonoid antioxidants. It may also cut the odds of a stroke and improve memory and attention as we age.

Butter

The hype: Butter is back! Unjustly vilified for so many years, the stuff is actually good for you.

Avocado

The hype: Avocado, the poster child for “good” fats for decades, is rumored to reduce the risk of a host of health ills-obesity, diabetes, heart disease and others-and help you live longer too.

To get more nutrition tips, sign up for the HEALTH newsletter

Red wine

The hype: Red wine may be the one thing standing between you and heart disease and diabetes.

Apple cider vinegar

The hype: The grapevine claims apple cider vinegar can whiten your teeth, lower blood sugar, fight infection, keep heart disease and cancer at bay, and oh so much more

The bottom line: Apple cider vinegar is a good addition to salads, but don't consider it a potential panacea for health woes.

Coffee

RELATED: 18 Superfoods for Your Heart

Lemon water

The hype: Water garnished with a little lemon is reputed to help digestion, speed weight loss, keep you hydrated, and prevent kidney stones.

The reality: The benefit of lemon water probably stems from the water part, not the lemon part, even though lemon has vitamin C. Water is good for you, and most of us don't get enough.

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cs4160-blog · 8 years ago

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The Pony Effect

In perusing the landscape of Korean influencer culture, one finds that there are few who can claim to be more celebrated than the makeup beauty vlogger Pony.

Park Hye-Min, who goes by the username Pony, is one of the most prominent Korean YouTube makeup artists on the internet now. With over 2 million subscribers on her personal YouTube channel alone, Pony is popularly known for her makeup tutorials both in Korea as well as internationally. But the YouTuber’s influence extends far beyond just her 6 minute YouTube videos; the vlogger has had the opportunity to play a number of coveted roles, including that of spokesperson for Korean makeup boutique Etude House, makeup giant shu uemura, and even luxury name Dior. She has also written a number of books about makeup, and is also very well-known for being 2NE1’s CL’s makeup artist and personal stylist.

Additionally, she has also released her own makeup line in collaboration with Seoul-based ecommerce cosmetic start-up Memebox, under the label Pony x Memebox, as well as her own line of makeup products, called Pony Effect.

And one finds that the extent of Pony’s popularity is definitely unprecedented when placed against the history of Korean beauty vloggers. Not only does the YouTuber have an additional reach of 3.3 million followers on Instagram and almost 13 million views on her most popular video, which depicted her transformation into pop-culture icon Taylor Swift using makeup (and had looked so uncannily like the star that the video had immediately gone viral), but the vlogger has also managed to catch the attention of popular American social media and entertainment website BuzzFeed, British tabloid The Daily Mail, and even Filipino-based online news site Rappler, all of whom snapped up her amazing transformation into American celebrity Kylie Jenner and featured the Korean makeup artist on their websites. With such widespread global attention, one finds that there are evidently many reasons for Pony’s ability to so vividly capture her audience and rise to prominence.

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1. Personable Professionalism

In considering the influencer culture that the new century is currently enraptured with, one finds that there are a variety of factors that have contributed to Pony’s indisputable dominance in her field, and the first of these are her ability to harness a calculated balance of relatability and sophistication online.

Our new media culture has bred new standards of attainability. The nature of social media is such that barriers to content creation are inextricably removed; no longer are our celebrities inaccessible and far away – they are people just like us, who put things on the internet in the same way we do, only they are a few thousand times more popular on cyberspace. To audiences, the appeal of social media influencers is thus: that they are ‘Like Me But Better’. Online personalities like Pony are the new faces of home remedies; affordable makeup products and videos filmed in bedrooms are coupled with easy-to-follow instructions and fool-proof tips and tricks, making for a fan-base that can say, “That looks easy, I could do that at home too.”

Additionally, social media has blurred the lines that used to exist between producers and consumers (Humphreys & Greyson, 2008). Content creation is no longer restricted to that of large companies with big budgets — home videos can just as easily go viral and garner millions of viewers and fans. And it is this phenomenon that has managed to narrow the gap between the content producer and their audiences. Influencers like Pony use sites like YouTube and Instagram that allow for and encourage fans to reach out directly to their content producers, making for a much greater level of engagement. In this way, Pony not only has a massive fan-base that is intensely supportive of all her endeavours, but she has also managed to reach out seamlessly to fans from all over the world, and gained an immense international following.

Pony with fans at the opening of an Etude House in Bugis, Singapore

One will also find that all of Pony’s videos have been carefully curated to look effortless yet perfect, and this, in essence, is reflexive of Korean culture itself. The vlogger mentions that she rehearses all her looks 5 times before demonstrating it for the camera, which is a commitment that is reminiscent of a community that celebrates perfection, diligence, and hard work. This pursuit of perfection similarly manifests itself in the country’s K-pop idols, wherein everything is practiced and professional. These seamless performances appeal to ocularly stimulated audiences, and are one of the factors that make the many aspects of Korean culture so appealing to so many.

2. Cultural Currency & International Engagement

And yet, Pony’s international acclaim cannot be solely attributed to the advent of new media. The vlogger responds with cultural sensitivity to her international audiences, and constantly looks to create inclusivity for both domestic and foreign viewers.

Undeniably, language is a major barrier that often prevents content from largely non-English speaking, monolingual countries like Korea, Japan, and even China, from moving to other parts of the world. One factor that has aided Pony in making her content known internationally are the English subtitles that she includes in her videos. Additionally, the vlogger is also constantly looking for ways to incorporate elements from other cultures and religions to allow her videos to have an even wider appeal.

For instance, many were amazed when Pony donned a hijab to show her Muslim viewers how they could use makeup to enhance their facial features while wearing a hijab. Many Muslim fans left their admiration and thanks to the makeup artist for her initiative, as well as praised her for being respectful in her portrayal of the dress style of the Muslim religion. In this regard, one finds that Pony’s international appeal is not merely the product of prolific media content production or makeup expertise, but it is also the result of a careful, perceptive and discerning response to the evolving global landscape.

Another notable thing about the beauty guru is that she makes an effort to use a variety of products from both Korean and international makeup brands, so that viewers who are not from Korea or do not have access to purchasing Korean makeup can still try out some of her looks and relate to her videos. The YouTuber also creates looks from non-Korean pop culture to increase engagement with her non-Korean audiences. For instance, besides her viral Taylor Swift transformation video, Pony has also replicated the look of American beauty icon Kylie Jenner, as well as that of the Marvel character Black Widow from the blockbuster movie The Avengers. In referencing pop culture icons outside of the Korean sphere, Pony displays an awareness of the sociocultural environments and interests of her international fans, and by making an effort to engage them in their own space, has established for herself a reputation of openness and currency.

3. Beauty Without Borders

“Beauty transgresses language. You can watch an amazing tutorial in Korean and, you may not be able to understand the language, but you can get the general gist of the application and the content is still transformative for you,” says Moj Mahdara, chief executive officer of fashion company Beautycon.

With the advent of globalisation, the world has become very flat. Makeup products from across the world can be made available at the department store two blocks down from you within weeks of being released, and social media is lending influencers a reach that was unprecedented just a decade ago.

Additionally, Korea’s domestic cosmetics market is quickly becoming oversaturated. Currently, there are about 1,800 to 2,000 beauty brands in South Korea, which is a staggering figure for a city so small. This means that influencers like Pony are looking toward international markets to gain even more traction in the global arena. Social media is becoming a driving force that is propelling digital talents to a fame that is not limited to their geographical boundaries or time zones. It is no longer unusual for online personalities to have a large international following, regardless of limitations like language, culture, or socioeconomic status.

And with influencer culture quickly becoming normative, young people are now looking more and more toward influencers than they are to beauticians or salespeople for beauty advice. 66% of young people surveyed say they are more likely to buy a product if it is recommended by an online personality, simply because if it goes through an influencer first, it’s tried-and-tested by a trustworthy secondary source.

In this regard, one finds that the scene is increasingly changing to accommodate the fluidity of information transfer nowadays, and multiple factors will mould and shape the way that influencers are received on cyberspace. However, one finds that there is no doubt that Pony is definitely one cyber-personality who has made it big.

References

McAulay, Krista. "Survey: how millennials purchase makeup in the digital age: the power of influencers, the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar shopping and the importance of tutorials." Global Cosmetic Industry, 2017., 38, Business Insights: Essentials, EBSCOhost (accessed March 8, 2017).

Woo-young, Lee. "Hallyu power: Meet Pony, the trendsetter of K-beauty." AsiaOne Women. N.p., 28 Mar. 2016. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.

Humphreys, Ashlee, and Kent Grayson. "The Intersecting Roles of Consumer and Producer: A Critical Perspective on Co-production, Co-creation and Prosumption." Sociology Compass 2.3 (2008): 963-80. Web.

Jung, Sun. "K-Pop Idol Boy Bands and Manufactured Versatile Masculinity: Making Chogukjeok Boys." Korean Masculinities and Transcultural Consumption (2010): 163-70. Web.

Brown, Rachel. "Social Media Stars See Global Influence in Beauty." WWD. N.p., 18 Oct. 2016. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.

SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty. "What You Don't Know About the Rise of Korean Beauty." The Cut. N.p., 9 Sept. 2015. Web.

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