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purplesurveys · 8 months

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Who gives the best advice? Trina. She's been through everything I've been through which helps make her advice a little bit more rooted in reality when she gives it to me. She's also always been a great listener and just very empathetic.

Is there any band out there that you like every song by them? Paramore.

What’s the best song a friend has ever introduced to you? She's not in my life anymore and I hardly listen to this artist anymore, but Athenna introducing me to Banks shook up my little 17 year old world and it made me go down an indie frenzy for a while.

Have you ever smoked? I have, but haven't done so since college. I'm glad it didn't turn out to be something I'd seek out.

Does your favorite uncle have any children? I have three favorites – only one of them has kids. The other two is a pair of brothers and don't have kids of their own.

Have you ever been in a lighthouse? Yes, local ones.

Do you still talk to your first crush? I can't remember the last time I spoke with Andi...we added each other on Facebook years after she migrated to New Zealand, but I don't think we even said anything to each other then.

Where would you like to travel? I'd love to go back to Korea, but in Seoul this time.

Are you shy about singing in front of people? Yes, both because I'm intrinsically shy when it comes to performing, and because I know I can't sing and like what is the point of doing that for people if I know they won't enjoy it anyway lol.

Do you know anyone who always makes themselves out to be the victim? Knew, but yes.

Have you ever been insulted or called names by a significant other? I don't think so.

What’s your favorite movie battle scene? I don't like action/war movies.

Have you ever been to a same-sex wedding? That wouldn't even be legal here, so no.

What’s the population of your hometown? Close to a million.

What’s the most difficult experience you and a significant other have gone through together? Just the whole idea of having to navigate the world in silence in front of our families. Otherwise that relationship was for the most part riddled with shitty petty drama.

What’s something you have zero tolerance for? Animal abuse and racial discrimination.

When's the last time you said you were sorry? Yesterday.

Would you like living on the coast? It'd be nice, but honestly I prefer going to the beach/sea as an occasional vacation. It wouldn't make me tired of the view.

Honestly, do you enjoy arguing? It stresses me out and I try to be as non-confrontational as possible.

Which theory do you wish but perhaps not believe was true about afterlife? I wish I can be reunited with the pets I lost in my lifetime.

Are you scared of losing the person you like to someone else?

Do you have a hard time making decisions? I struggle with making major decisions because I hate change and I hate breaking up routines I'm already used to. That's why I've been stuck in this job for over three years.

If there was a large spider in your room, would you stay in the room? No, and I'd call over my mom to help get rid of it.

What’s your favorite kind of meat? (vegan/vegetarian options count!) Can't ever go wrong with pork belly and raw seafood.

Have you ever been mistaken for staff at a store you were just visiting? It's maybe happened once or twice, but nothing to warrant an anecdote.

What’s the coolest or most memorable animal you’ve ever seen at a zoo? The idea of zoos just makes me sad and I've largely just felt bad when I'd see animals that I used to only see in textbooks.

Do you share a bedroom with anybody? Nope.

What video game have you played the most hours of? If you don’t know, just make a rough guess. Mario Kart Wii or Warioware Smooth Moves. Wii was my childhood console 100%.

Who will you see within the next week? Just people related to work afaik. I don't have any upcoming plans with friends so far.

Do your parents live in their hometown(s)? Nope.

Have you ever modeled before? I have not.

If offered $1 million, would you do a reality show of your life? I could but there'd be nothing to show. I work all day and only rest when I'm not chasing after a deadline lol.

Who owns the computer you are on? I do.

What’s your best friend’s favorite color? I'm not sure actually, but I'm going to guess white even though I could be completely wrong.

What color was your senior prom dress? Our prom was in junior year, but anyway mine was beige.

How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have in 2014? One.

Northernmost state you’ve been to: We don't have states but the northernmost spot in the country I've been to is the actual northernmost province we have, which is Batanes.

Think you’ll live to be 100? No. My family doesn't really have a history of centenarians and given my carefree lifestyle I don't think I'll end up living very long haha.

Which YouTuber do you feel like you could be friends with easily? Vien! Easily the most relatable and seems to be the most approachable in their whole group.

Who do you know personally that has a nice singing voice? My cousin Maggie.

If you met your favorite musician, what would you ask him/her? The next time I go to Korea what's the best place I could possibly go to for meat?

What's something you used to believe in that you don't anymore? One Direction getting back together.

What's something you believe everyone should have? Access to food, clean water, and an efficient public transport system.

What's the first thing you do once you get home from a trip? Greet and pat the pets.

Do you listen to podcasts? Which ones? I don't. I lose attention way too quickly with podcasts because I find I need to be watching something in order to process whatever it is I'm listening to. Otherwise I'd forget soundbites within seconds.

What was the last heavy thing you lifted? I was at a gym yesterday for a workout-themed photoshoot and I was playing around with all the dumbbells and kettlebells lying around haha. I could hardly believe those tiny things could hold weights of up to like 45 kg lol.

Do you have an anchor tattoo? Nope.

Are your hands unsteady? No, but they're also not surgeon levels of steady.

Do you think you’re pretty? I think I look fine, but I know others who are much prettier.

Who do you know that wears the most makeup? A couple of coworkers.

Are you anyone’s first love? Possibly? Idk.

Has anyone ever told you they were in love with you? Yeah.

How much does your mother know about your sex life (or lack thereof)? Nothing.

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littleapocalypsekitten · 9 months

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So, a post came across my dash / to my attention about diet and of course it's the meat-eaters vs. the vegans as usual. And it's got me to thinking about my place in it and how I'm just... a non-starter in the argument. In terms of vegetarianism and strict veganism, those who are "evangelistic" about it run into a full-stop with me and there are reasons why that have little to do with me trying to justify "carnism" in the greater whole and whatever. It has everything to do with "press me and I'll just self-identify as evil and call it a day." From a personal standpoint: Here is how I grew up. My father was a butcher. He worked as a retail butcher. Furthermore, I grew up in the country (specifically in the desert) - but in a neighborhood where it was quite common for people to raise their own meat and some of my earliest memories involve this. We had a pig that my parents let me name "Charlotte." She became bacon and while I don't remember it entirely, my father said that I came out to "help" (at 4 years old) when most little girls would have run away from that. I *do* have memories of helping him with our chickens (not that "helping" at that age was anything more than watching or maybe doing a little plucking). Later on, when my dad decided that he was tired of doing double-duty at work and at home and we just bought our meat, we continued to raise chickens for eggs. Sometimes one would get out of the pen and be mauled by our dogs or get into the neighbor's yard and get mauled by the neighbors' dogs and would be lingering away, running and hiding and slowly dying from infection. I was older then and was happy to help Dad catch the chickens and to hold a dying chicken still while he took the mercy-hatchet to its neck. (These were not eaten, of course). I had uncles and aunts who hunted. I never took it up (and kind of regret it, as venison and wild turkey are delicious). I DID take up fishing. I've looked my food in the face as I've put it into an ice-bath or taken the tip of a knife to ike jime... I tend to say a little prayer, but, you know, fish-blood is on my hands... And I always feel a part of nature when I'm catching my own food. Get some nice beef sometimes from a friend whose family has raised their own cattle... And, yeah, there was a time in my youth when I considered becoming a vegetarian. My sister drew me back with how good roasted turkey is. In other words, when answering the question of "If you had to kill your own meat, would you eat like you do now or would you become a vegetarian?" and how most people would choose the latter option? I'm one of those rare, one in a million people who *might* choose the former option. Although, I expect I'd eat meat more rarely if I had to go through all the steps of dealing with it myself, because raising / butchering is very difficult and annyoying - even my pro butcher-dad just gave it up after a while because he got sick of taking his work home with him.

All in all, while I do want livestock as a whole to be treated better, when it comes to the ethics of eating it at all? I was raised in a way that makes me chill with death and life-cycles. If I get my way with a natural burial, the worms will eat me one day.

#food #food ethics #meat eating vs. veganism #I'm an omnivore and expect I will always be #I respect other people's choices #but I will readily self-identify as evil #when you're raised a rural kid back in the 1980s #just thinking of how weird I am #I really do think with ethical questions most people would be inclined to vegetarianism #if their financial and nutritional and flavor-needs were met #now if given the choice of an all-meat diet and a vegan diet...#I'd go for vegan because there is more variety in veggies and fruits than in just meat #I've heard of red meat and salt diet by manosphere right-wing manlings #I do like some vegetarian and vegan dishes and want to eat more of them #but you know if I could get my own rural land again...#one of my dreams is raising egg-chickens #and possibly meat-chickens

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teeresearch · 2 years

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U.S. Soup Market Forecast 2022 - 2027

U.S. Soup Market Overview

The U.S. Soup Market size is forecasted to reach $7,320 million by 2027 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2% during the forecast period 2022-2027. Soups are primarily liquid food, generally served warm or hot or even cold, as per the rising trends in the market. Additionally, soups are made by combining ingredients of various classes such as poultry or vegetables with stock, milk or even water. The preferred variants of soups such as canned and dried are condensed in the case of the former, while the dry soup is available in a form of a dry mix requiring the addition of water or another thinning agent. Moreover, ready-to-drink Soups and Soups in the form of bouillon cubes have been gaining immense market traction in the U.S. owing to the recent pandemic which has resulted in an increased inclination of consumers toward healthy foods. Soups have been linked with better health by adding useful herbs or ingredients such as meat extracts while keeping them free from artificial additives. However, soups have faced considerable heat from market participants owing to high-sodium content in pre-packaged soups leading to critical cardiovascular diseases in the long run. The movement of turning diets to “vegan” based or the alternative “plant-based meat” has allowed the vegetarian soup market to positively benefit. According to Plant Protein Sources, nearly 6% of U.S. consumers are vegan. Interestingly, nearly 39% of consumers claim that they wish to eliminate animal-related food products from their daily diet and tend to follow a flexitarian food model, highly skewed towards vegan options.

U.S. Soup Market Report Coverage

The report: “U.S. Soup Market - Forecast (2022-2027)” by Industry ARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the U.S. Soup Market.

by Type: Canned/Preserved, Chilled, Dehydrated, Frozen, Instant, UHT.

by Nature: Organic, Inorganic.

by Ingredient: Vegetarian Soups (Tomato, Mushroom, Potato, Onion, Broccoli, Others) Non-Vegetarian Soups (Chicken, Beef, Seafood and Others).

by Packing: Bottles, Cans, Packets, Others.

by Distribution Channel: B2B sales, B2C Sales (Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Channels and Others).

by User: Residential, Commercial.

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Key Takeaways

The growing trend of various consumers in the United States evaluating and fulfilling their daily dietary requirements has created a positive outlook for the entire soup industry in the country. Before the pandemic, the soup industry's generous leaders were struggling to maintain profitability and generate revenue. To increase consumer interest in health-food items such as soups, marketers have adopted changing trends such as label claims, health claims and sustainable sourcing methods. Furthermore, prior to the pandemic, soups were ideally targeted at the adult and senior population; however, companies have re-evaluated their strategies to address the ever-demanding Gen-Z and millennials as their primary targets, by scrutinizing their primitive marketing techniques to follow current demand scenarios.

Consumer buying behaviors have evolved ever since the pandemic came to light. As per a survey from Food Manufacturing, 64% of consumers do not plan to return to their pre-pandemic habits of dining in restaurants, thereby around 61% of those surveyed expressed their interest in ordering from a retail outlet and cooking at home or take-food delivery home.

U.S. Soup Market Detailed Analysis on the Strength, Weaknesses and Opportunities of the prominent players operating in the market will be provided in the U.S. Soup Market report.

U.S Soup Market Segment Analysis – by Type

The U.S. Soup Market based on type can be segmented into Canned/Preserved, Chilled, Dehydrated, Frozen, Instant and UHT. The instant segment held the largest U.S. Soup Market share in 2021 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2022-2027, as freeze-drying and pre-drying, are opening up a slew of new opportunities in the instant and ready to drink soup market. There has been a significant demand for instant liquid foods over the last few months. Instant soup products have been gaining a lot of traction amongst the millennials and the growing urban population. With their immune-boosting properties, the various instant and delicious spice-rich soup mixes and broths promise abundant market growth.

However, Canned/Preserved is expected to be the fastest growing segment and will witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2027. Because of the increased availability of canned soups in numerous varieties in online retail outlets, the number of purchasers in the business is increasing. Furthermore, the cheaper alternative offered to customers to cook dinner at home rather than traveling to restaurants has helped the rise of this sector. Over the next eight years, these factors are likely to boost U.S. Soup Industry expansion.

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U.S. Soup Market Segment Analysis – by Ingredient

The U.S. Soup Market based on ingredients can be segmented into Vegetarian Soups (Tomato, Mushroom, Potato, Onion, Broccoli, Others) Non-Vegetarian Soups (Chicken, Beef, Seafood and Others). The non-vegetarian soup segment held the largest U.S. Soup Market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.2% during the forecast period 2022-2027. According to the Food Industry Association in Arlington, Virginia and the American Frozen Food Institute in McLean, Virginia, frozen food sales in the United States climbed by 21% in 2020 as the COVID-19 epidemic drove more people to the frozen food aisle. Despite some increases in online meat sales, supermarkets remain meat powerhouses. Supermarkets are the primary source of meat products for more than half of customers.

However, the vegetarian soup segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment and will witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2027. Vegetarian and vegan liquid food has become increasingly popular in recent years. In 2027, the global market for meat replacements is estimated to reach $35.5 billion. The growing interest in a healthy lifestyle, government initiatives and big food companies providing plant-based menu alternatives to the public, among other factors, are expected to drive the U.S. Soup industry for vegetarian food products.

U.S. Soup Market Segment Analysis – by End-user

The U.S. Soup Market based on end-user can be segmented into residential and commercial. The residential segment held the largest U.S. Soup Market share in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The advent of urbanization and globalization has brought about significant changes in the world. People now have greater access to high-quality products and services that help them keep up with the fast-paced changes. Consumer demands have shifted as the working population has grown and lifestyles have changed. Manufacturers are increasing their efforts to provide consumers with high nutrition without jeopardizing their health and well-being. They're also introducing products with labels and claims like 'low cholesterol,' 'no trans-fat,' 'no artificial colors,' or 'no added monosodium glutamate (No MSG).' As a result of these efforts, the consumption of these products for residential use has steadily increased fueling the U.S. soup market size.

However commercial segment is forecasted to be the fastest growing segment and will witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2027. With the rise of nourishing and useful foods, healthy soups made with vegetables, legumes, grains and mushrooms are becoming popular. They have been successful in garnering a lot of customer interest due to their nutritious value and inexpensive prices. Soups have become popular as quick, delectable dinners as well as pleasant, light snacks.

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U.S. Soup Market Drivers

Medicinal Benefits of Consuming Soups to Drive Market Growth:

People are now putting greater emphasis on their diet and nutrition in an effort to correct nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle disorders. New dietary trends have exploded as a result of rapid technological improvements. As a result, there is a growing need for high-quality, economically viable alternative food items. These foods satisfy both the nutritional requirements and the wide range of consumer desires. Vegetable soups and creams have also gained popularity among U.S. consumers. As per NIH, Vegetable soup sales grew by 5% from 2014, driven by the growing demand for healthy ready-to-drink products and the rise of Veganism. Broccoli's popularity in the United States has grown significantly in recent decades, owing to its versatility as a versatile vegetable that can be quickly used in a variety of dishes. According to the green giant survey, it has stated that broccoli is America's favorite vegetable in the year 2021, Consumers who chose broccoli as their favorite vegetable cited 'taste' as the most important reason for their decision. This is further propelling the market for already popular flavors such as The Broccoli Cheddar instead of meat extract and broth-based soups, across the U.S.

Growth in Demand for Convenience Foods to Fuel Product Demand:

Soup manufacturing is a continuously evolving and innovative industry around the world, with a large and growing range of value-added soup products that have a homemade flavor and are ready to eat. Because consumers' eating habits are drastically changing, there is a growing demand for dinnertime solutions from modern consumers. Despite the fact that more and more people lack the time and expertise to cook food at home, many customers are nevertheless eager to spend money on convenience foods. This is evident from the survey conducted by Food Navigator, which reveals that almost 20% of U.S. consumers are ordering Convenience food kits online. The figure has increased by almost 50% within 5 years, therefore enhancing the U.S. soup market size.

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U.S. Soup Market Challenges

Disruption in Supply Chain may adversely Affect the U.S. Soup Industry:

Supply Chain worries often impede the growth of beverages markets such as soups on a broader level. Critical disruption in the supply chain can impede manufacturing capabilities, disrupt warehousing abilities and impede the distribution capacities- which would impact supplier or consumer relationships, thereby posing a significant threat to the ever-changing market. Increasing initiatives by animal protection organizations are further limiting the usage of meat extract and broth for the production of soups is impeding the market growth. Furthermore, several issues are impacting a major ingredient for U.S. soups, the supply chain’s weak links and California’s fickle winter weather are clouding the forecast for the state’s processing-tomato growers. For instance, according to the USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) 2021 Report, the volume of sales for the 2020-2021 mushroom harvest totaled 758 million pounds, down 7% from the previous season.

U.S. Soup Industry Outlook

Product Launch and Acquisitions were the key strategies adopted by players in the U.S. Soup Market. In 2022, the U.S. Soup Market share is consolidated by the top ten players present in the market.

The top 10 companies in the Portable Medical Electronic Products market are;

1. Campbell Soup Company

2. General Mills, Inc.

3. The Kraft Heinz Company

4. Unilever plc

5. Conagra Brands, Inc.

6. Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd.

7. B&G Foods, Inc.

8. Hain Celestial

9. Blount Fine Foods

10. Amy’s Kitchen

Recent Developments

In January 2022, Amy’s Kitchen announced the launch of two new varieties of canned soup, on January 2022. The Butternut Squash variant is made of organic coconut milk, while the Mushroom Bisque contains organic mushrooms along with creamy organic coconut milk. The products have been released for the U.S. Market.

In October 2021, Campbell Soup partnered up with Universal Music Group, to launch a range of specially marked soup cans that are capable of unlocking socks and additional content, with the help of QR codes. The Soups with built-in QR codes in their cans will be available in select retailers across the U.S.

In September 2020, General Mills announced the launch of its new line of soup and topping pairing, called the Progresso Toppers. The new launch will cater to the constantly increasing consumer base of at-home-cooked foods and will launch in the U.S. and other markets. The Progresso Toppers range of soups comes in various flavors and ingredients which include chicken, potato, tomato and Broccoli Cheese.

For more Food and Beverage Market reports, please click here

#U.S. Soup Market Share #U.S. Soup Market Size #U.S. Soup Market Forecast #U.S. Soup Market Price

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thotsforvillainrights · 4 years

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~Perfect Birthday~

Au: Kaishi

Part: twelve

Theme: Fluff? Comedy? Who knows lol

(These 2 are going on an adventure)

"Buttercream? No that wont do. Vanilla with a touch of banana or Strawberry? Shoot! What about...hmmm...." You focused on the ingredients so hard that you were developing a light headache. Meanwhile, your husband sat across from you at the kitchen table, scrolling through his laptop for themes and present ideas. "Y/N, just settle on chocolate and call it a day." Kai announced while his eyes hovered on a Circus theme. He shuddered lightly at the thought of animals being involved. 'Absolutely not' he thought to himself. You sighed and put the ingredients list down. "I cant settle on Chocolate. I'm worried that someone might have an allergy to it. I'm also so worried about the vegan adults that might be here. What about the picky eaters too? Kai, I feel like I'm going insane right now." You gripped the sides of the chair you sat on. He peeked up at you and notices your incoming distress. He sighed and stood up to move behind you. He softly gripped each of your shoulders and began to give you an impromptu massage. "Stop worrying so much about it so much, Angel. Just do chocolate cake since its the brat's favorite flavor. We can go with a vegan cupcake option that should be safe for the people with chocolate allergies as well. As for the others, there will be other food and even beverage options. You're working so hard for people I dont even care about. This is all for my son and no one else but him. His happiness is my only concern."

You sighed and reached up to place a hand on your husband before turning to smile sweetly at him. "Kai, you're being sweet today." You teased him and he scoffed. "Anyway, I know you only want to focus on Kaishi but having other kids here for the first time, other than Ishida, is like his dream come true. It took me a lot of time to get on the parents good sides. It took a lot of time for them to want to bring other kids around Kaishi because if the yakuza affiliations. Had it not been for the fact that you've began working into charity for the city, I dont think anyone would've given us a chance. Bow we have parent friends, and now Kaishi has a chance for an amazing birthday this year. Let's not mess this up, okay? That means NO EXCESSIVE GERMAPHOBIA, and NO ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR okay?" You drilled it home at the end. He sighed in annoyance. "Ugh fine. I'll try to conversate with the other scum as if they never insulted the yakuza before. You had better be lucky I appreciate you and Kaishi at this point or this wouldn't be happening." Kai complained before pulling his medical mask down and kissing you lightly on your lips. "You two are being icky again. I'm going to tell Grandpa on you guys." Kaishi's voice brought you two back to reality. "Oh hush, and mind your business." Kai said as he ruffled his son's short hair playfully. Kaishi giggled and swatted the gloved hand away. He took a seat at the kitchen table next to Kai's laptop and peeked over to see what was on the screen. While you went to fix him some oatmeal, his father bolted to the seat and slapped the laptop closed. "No peeking. Havent you any manners?" Kai fussed lightly while Kaishi smiled. "Its okay daddy, I already know you two are planning my birthday for tomorrow." The boy said proudly. "That may be so, but it doesnt mean we cant at least surprise you with the decorations and food." Kai explained. You placed breakfast in front of Kaishi and sat down with your boys. Pops had just entered the kitchen at this point. "Family breakfast? Dont mind if I do." He smiled and took a seat next to you. "Grandpa, what will you give me for my birthday?" Kaishi asked excitedly. Kai flicked his cheek. "Dont be rude brat, respect your elders." He scolded him as Pops laughed. "Oh calm down, Chisaki my boy. My grandson is very calm at this age compared to how you used to act." Pops said with a smirk as you laughed and Kai blushed lightly with embarrassment. "Anyway, my Grandchild your gift will have to remain a surprise until tomorrow." Pops winked and Kaishi groaned. "Aw man. Well, mom/dad? What will you get me?" He turned to look at you in anticipation. You put a finger to your chin to think for a second. Then you snapped and made an 'Ah-Ha' expression. "I'm going to get you a fancy suit! Maybe I'll get some toys too. Just maybe, you'll have to wait and see." You teased him and he smiled. "Daddy, what about you?" He looked at Kai for an answer. "Just like Pops said, it will be a surprise. However, I'll take the time now to ask you what you want as a gift from all of us. It'll serve separately from the gifts we'll get you so dont worry." Kai watched his son expectantly as Kaishi searched his little mind. Seconds later he piped up excitedly:

"SMOOGLY!!!" He shouted happily and raised his arms dramatically in the air. You and Pops laughed while Kai tilted his head in confusion. "Smoo-what? Are you well? Are you speaking in tongues???" Kaishi giggled at his father's confusion. You turned towards Kai to explain. "Kai, Smoogly is a character from Kaishi's favorite show. He's this giant lollipop that dances and sings. Yknow, kids love that stuff." Kai stared at you for a second before nodding. Then he turned his attention back to Kaishi eating breakfast finally. "Alright then, you want Smoogly then that's what you'll get." After breakfast, Kaishi went to call Ishida on the phone. You monitored in awe, gushing as your baby talked to his little crush over the phone. The two were fast friends, and she was the first/only child in the class to accept and support Kaishi to the fullest degree. Meanwhile, Pops went to the backyard to water the flowers and feed the Koi in the pond. Kai headed out to the car to call Kurono/pick him up. "Chrono, I know I've given you the off day but I need a favor." Kai spoke on the car wireless phone while he drove. "Yeah man, what's up?" Hari answered from the other side. He was currently face deep in a 3rd bag of chips as he reclined on his sofa. "The brat's birthday is tomorrow and it's his first big one with other parents and children expected to be there. He wants some actor there to perform or something. Some thing called Smogie or Smothly or something like that."

"OHHHHH!!!! You're talking about Smoogly!" Hari shouted excitedly, his voice boomed over the car speakers. "Yeah whatever that mess is. Anyway, help me track him down and I'll give you tomorrow off to repay you from today. You can also have some leftover cake." Kai offered him. "Bet!" Kurono answered shortly before hanging up and getting ready. In moments Kai was at his door to retrieve him. The two men drove around for a bit while Kurono did some searching online. Lucky for him, it wasn't that hard to find Smoogly's booking information. "Found it, Kai. It says here that we can email and make a down payment, or call the home offices for a response in about...14 days." Kai almost slammed on the breaks. "14 days??? No that's not possible for a booking that could be denied. My Kaishi's birthday is tomorrow. We need to get this Smoogly there as soon as possible." He felt a bit of panic set in. Kai would never forgive himself if he couldn't get his son's biggest wish for his birthday. "Hey man chill. We'll just go to his office and speak to him directly. I mean, we've got a little pull when it comes to money. Also, we're yakuza so..."

"I know what you're thinking Chrono, and the answer is no. We cant push too many buttons or we'll end up leaving the gray area in which we operate in. I cant afford to get arrested on Kaishi's birthday." Hari rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Whatever man. Just take a left onto the main freeway and we should reach the exit in like 30 minutes. After that, we just follow the main road for 4 more minutes, take a right at the stop light, and turn off the Broadway drive. Smoogly's office should be right between a steak restaurant and a car dealership." Hari explained the directions. Kai nodded and the two were on their way. Once they made it to the offices, they took a number and sat in the waiting room. The wait wasnt uncomfortable to Kai...it was the old man across from them that kept coughing that made him uncomfortable. He felt hives pop up on his arms. Luckily the two were called before he went insane! Only minutes later they were standing before a chubby man smoking a cigarette behind a desk. He had dark hair, and was balding right in the middle of his head. His skin was just a step away from being super pale (no doubt because he had the costume on a lot) His noticable feature was the large mole on his cheek. He was clearly a foreigner from some city somewhere, thanks to his accent.

(!!!Reader, think about Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force!!!)

"Alright, what can I do for you two men? Wait a minute, you two are the tax guys right?"

"Uhhh, no. No we're here to inquire about an opening to hire you? The pay will of course be-"

"Yeah yeah yeah. Pay doubled blah blah. I've heard this a million times before. I get bastards like you that come in here every single day asking to pay extra just so I can come to your event. The moms are even worse since they also think they're entitled to my services." The chubby man interrupted Kai. "Please. It's my son's birthday. You see, this birthday is special because he's never had-"

"Pshhh...yeah buster, you're kid is special. Just like everyone else that's come in here before you to say the same thing. Bottom line is that I ain't doing it. If you want my services than file through email or take it up with the front desk. Deposits non-refundable if you get denied. Have a nice day." He put out the cigarette and picked up a rather inappropriate nude magazine. Kai looked at Chrono and sighed as if to say Hari can take over. Hari smiled darkly and went to approach the desk. The chubby man hadn't looked up from the magazine as he spoke. "Look man, I said piss off. What, you didnt get the picture the first time or-" he immediately froze and turned his attention to Hari when he heard the click of the gun. When he turned, he was staring down the glock.

Hari spoke up darkly. "Hey buddy, I'm a changed man but that doesn't mean shit is sweet. I've killed a dozen people before and I'm not afraid to go to prison. Either you do my nephews birthday party tomorrow, or we wear your face on a memorial T-Shirt. Fuck is it gonna be? Eh???" The man gulped and shakily reached his finger out to the voice machine on his desk. "Deborah cancel all my appointments tomorrow, I've got a birthday to go do." Hari and Kai smiled when they heard the voice reply 'Right away, sir.' They bid the man goodbye and left the office. The next day, Kaishi rushed to the backyard after taking a quick shower and getting ready. It was decorated beautifully with bounce houses, a splash area, party games, an extensive food/present table, swings, slides, etc. Most importantly, the parents actually showed up with their kids. Kaishi almost cried tears of happiness when he finally had friends to play with. Meanwhile, you and Pops chatted with the other parents until Smoogly arrived to perform. The kids absolutely loved every bit! Every once in a while, the Lollipop turned to look at Kurono standing in the corner, smirking menacingly and daring him to slip up just once. Smoogly quickly turned around and kept performing. At the end of his shift, he was paid extra just as Kai promised, and Kaishi got to take a picture with him. Finally it came time for presents. Kaishi was happy to receive so many gifts, but he was more eager to get his gifts from you, Kai, and Pops (even Hari got him a secret gift at the last minute). Kaishi smiled at the wooden box Pops had given him. When he opened it, it revealed a small pin on a soft cushion. It was shiny and brand new. It was the symbol of the Hassaikai, the infamous flower design. "My grandson, when your father was younger I had given him this very same gift. Please be sure to take good care of it." He gently placed a hand on Kaishi's head. The boy nodded excitedly and passed the box for you to hold while he opened up the remaining gifts. It was a surprise jacket from you to him. It was just a smaller version of Kai's jacket! Plus that suit you promised, and a few other Smoogly themed toys as well. From Hari, he recieved a new helmet for his new bike. Finally from Kai he received a matching mask. With the suit and the jacket, he was the matching embodiment of his very on father (aside from inheriting some of your skin tone depending on your color, my dear reader).

This was truly the perfect birthday.

»—————————–———————————————————–✄

TIp Jar: https://cash.app/$YuTakeyama

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eldritchsurveys · 4 years

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935.

Do you think vegans/vegetarians look down on people who choose to eat animal products? >> I think the whole schism between vegans and non-vegans is utterly fucked. At this point I’m terribly annoyed at both camps and I want everyone to shut up about their feelings of self-righteousness regarding what sorts of vittles they put into their bodies, and their feelings of contempt towards everyone who doesn’t put the same arrangement of vittles into their bodies. Because we live in a capitalist hellscape, most of us (I’d say all, but of course I can’t be entirely sure about that, although I suspect it) are consuming things that someone -- animal or human -- had to suffer to put onto our table. Some of us are trying our best to minimise that suffering in whatever ways we can (although, let’s be real here -- until corporations and the government start taking real responsibility for their actions, our efforts are gonna be like trying to sweep a porch during a dust storm). Ultimately, that’s what fucking matters -- the effort, the will to change, to consider one’s actions as part of a greater whole. But arguing with each other about exactly what nature of effort is most virtuous, or whatever, is pointless and damaging. Learn to find the common ground in your efforts, learn who the real enemies are, and fucking get it together before the world fucking implodes.

Do your friendships tend to last a long time or are they short-lived? >> My what?

Create an acrostic poem that describes you using your first name. >> ---

Are you a fan of plug in air fresheners? >> I’m not. I don’t like the smell of air fresheners, I’d rather just burn incense or open a window.

Name the best and worst things about your current or most recent relationship. >> ---

What, if anything, do survey takers seem to have in common? >> The fact that we all take surveys. Otherwise, the way I see it, we’re all pretty varied in our demographics and experiences. (Sure wish some survey makers would see it that way.)

Do you like mad libs? >> I haven’t done a Mad Lib since I was a child, I don’t know if I like them now.

How are you? >> Oh, you know. If someone broke into your house while you were sleeping, what would your course of action be? >> I don’t know. I’ve considered the options and none of them seem particularly viable for me. I guess I’d just wing it. Do you think websites like Tumblr romanticize sadness? >> Let’s break this question down. You say “websites like Tumblr”, but what does that mean? There are millions of people who use this website, and if you poke around for a while you start to notice that many of them stick to a certain kind of loose network -- fandoms, “aesthetic” bloggers, academic bloggers (studyblr, langblr, etc), activism and social justice, survey takers, and so on. Many others kind of just float around posting and reblogging whatever strikes their fancy, or whatever expresses who they are at the time. So, out of all these varied people, who, exactly, is supposed to be romanticising sadness? Now, next bit -- what does “romanticising sadness” even mean? There are a lot of people who post sad things -- because they’re sad. Because they’re looking for solidarity. Because they can’t express those feelings to the people they know in person, but they don’t want to suppress those feelings either. There are probably people who kind of glom onto that and encourage more “negative” sort of content, but frankly, I haven’t met any so I can’t say anything about that. And even if those are the people you’re talking about, that’s still only a minority of people and is easily drowned out by, oh, the entire rest of the userbase. In conclusion, no, “websites like tumblr” do not “romanticise sadness”, because that question doesn’t even make sense. Do you think athletes and celebrities deserve to be paid as much as they are? >> It’s not that they don’t “deserve” it, that doesn’t mean anything. The fact of the matter is that wealth inequality is egregious in this country, and no one should be paid such exorbitant sums (just like no one should be paid such low wages as just about everyone I know).

What part of your body are you most insecure about? >> I don’t want to talk about this. What’s one food you would be surprised to hear that someone doesn’t like? >> None. It doesn’t surprise me when people don’t like things. Do you think your voice is higher or lower than average? >> What average? Are you comfortable discussing bodily functions with your friends? >> I just don’t see why I would want to discuss bodily functions with anyone, unless there’s a specific reason for it like I’m trying to figure out if a certain thing is normal or not, or if someone else has had an experience with a certain thing and can advise me about it. Even then, like... I can (and usually do) Google it.

#surveys #survey #random survey

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erotiqueb · 5 years

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Can you afford being healthy?

So let’s say my goal is to have optimal health, both physical and mental, what should I do? Off the top of my head I’m thinking gym, organic food, green smoothies, psychotherapy, social life, maybe supplements. All of which sound very expensive compared to staying at home watching TV and eating corndogs. So for a long time, I thought I couldn’t afford taking care of my health. But then I had to, so I got creative.

Health is an investment

The first thing to keep in mind is that taking care of your health now will save you money (and trouble) in the future. Being sick is expensive: medication, hospital bills, missing work, etc. I try to remember that every time time I want to go for McDonalds instead of.. anything else really.. to save a buck.

Time to hang out with friends

Taking care of your mental health also means having a social life and leisure. What do you need for that? Time. Why don’t you have enough time? Mostly because of work. Why do you have to work so much? Because life is so fucking expensive. So my logic is: if I need less things, and if I spend less on things I have to buy, that means more time for me. I’ll summarize this in two words: thrift stores and simplicity.

First, go for simplicity

Try to buy less stuff and when you want to buy, ask yourself if you really need it, that’s basic. To avoid feeling in a place of scarcity and lack, think of something you really do want, and make it your goal, your reward. So instead of thinking “I shouldn’t buy this, I don’t absolutely need it. That sucks, I can’t have anything nice

” You could shift that to: “If I don’t buy this dress that I probably wouldn’t wear much, it means I’m $45 closer my trip to Bali :D”. Consistently doing this keep you exited about your goal because, how often do we want to buy things we don’t really need? That’s right, you’ll have your reward in mind very often.

Simplicity in your products

I think that a good first step to take towards health is eliminate toxicity. To do that, what often makes sense is to simplify: go for foods that have the less ingredients, or that are totally unprocessed. Same goes for cosmetics. Look for products that only contain a few ingredients that you can recognize, or if you’re so inclined, you can even make them yourself, thus, saving more money. So, weather it goes on your body or in your body, a healthy and cost effective solution is to buy ingredients in bulk and start cooking.

Save on food and reduce food waste with apps

Get this: you install an app on your phone (Flashfood is one but I’m sure there are a couple others), and it shows you products that are close to expiration date that groceries near you are selling at a discounted price. I can’t stand seeing food go to waste, and my cheap ass just loves save 50%, so this concept really is pure gold for me. These apps allow me to have access to meat that I couldn’t normally afford, which allows me to pursue my quest for the best diet for my body (I used to be a vegan, I’m now on an API diet, what’s next?!). You can find vegetables, bakery, seafood, anything. I’d say I buy 80% of my groceries through these apps now. Buying in bulk and cooking? Well that is possible with the apps. Having a truck load of bell peppers will sure spark your creativity, as you have to use them before they go bad.

Freeze food

That brings us to the freezer. If you can get a second-hand freezer (I suppose some models consume less electricity, you might want to look for these), that might be the best investment you make this year. Because if you’re half as obsessed as I am about health and simplicity, there’s just not enough room in your standard freezer for all that healthy food you’ll buy at a 50% discount. See where this is going? Buy basic ingredients in bulk, cook huge batches, freeze portions. You saved time and money and you get to eat as healthy as you want to.

DIY your skin and hair products

You’re lucky there is a big trend on DIY products right now, so recipes are easy to find for pretty much everything you want to make. There are some ingredients that have multiple uses, like castille soap or baking soda for instance, so these are a good choice for a starter kit. I tried making solid shampoo and I must say it’s very satisfying to successfully wash your hair with a shampoo you made with your own two hands! And to know you’re not sending chemicals in the water, and in your scalp. And not buying another plastic bottle. And throwing it away when empty. The shampoo bar cost approximately $7 and will last for.. I dunno like ten million showers. I also make my own face serum with two ingredients: jojoba oil and tea tree. Speaking of oil (sweet almond in this case), it’s the best and cheapest makeup remover, period. I used to buy very expensive natural face care products but I was frustrated that there was no visible improvement of my skin. I wanted to test them on half my face for a couple months to demonstrate how ineffective they actually were but I never had the required discipline. If you don’t see noticeable improvement in your face after using a product for a while, stop buying that shit and just rub your face with oil. Because the one you’re buying probably contains mostly oil anyway and the rest of the fancy ingredients are probably in traces amount and completely useless. And don’t even get me started on the non-natural products. Ew.

Get rid of plastic

They say (the same “they” I always talk about when I don’t have sources) that if you store food in plastic containers of drink out of plastic bottles, plastic gets in your body and can cause health problems, hormone imbalance and whatnot. A good alternative are glass containers. The tupperware style with lids can be pricey if you buy them new, so the strategy here is: no stress, buy just a couple at a time when you find them at the salvation army and gradually eliminate the plastic ones. When I say eliminate I mean re-purpose or give to good will. As good hippies, let’s try to produce less waste! There’s also the very trendy mason jar, so practical to store food and – Pinterest shows us every day – anything you can think of.

Drink the best possible water

I’ve heard that tap water contains traces of birth control pills, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc. I don’t have the expertise to know if it’s true but it did scare me. I’m the kind of hippie that will avoid taking a small innocent ibuprofen if I can. I don’t want drugs in my body, unless it’s going to be fun and psychedelic. I certainly have a lack of scientific evidence about traces of drugs in the city’s water supply but my nose and taste buds tell me that chlorine isn’t something I should drink. There’s also fluoride in the water, that is arguably bad for you. These are the reasons I decided to stop drinking tap water. What are the alternatives? I had a Brita but it doesn’t eliminate much of the bad stuff. Plus, it’s made of plastic. The high quality water filters are just ridiculously expensive so my only option was to buy bottled water. Not small bottles, the big ones that are reused when you bring them back to the store. It felt weird to buy water when there’s plenty in the tap but, my god, does it taste better. And I’ve read it hydrates you better too. Hydration is a key component of health, that’s for sure, so if you can’t afford to buy water, still, drink a liter a day, you’ll be healthier than if you let yourself dry like a raisin. I hesitated to make that water bottle move for a bit because I thought I needed to buy a water dispenser, but it turns out I don’t need it at all. I just leave the bottle on the counter and I got used really quickly to flip that giant heavy thing. Now I can pour myself a shot glass of water without spilling a drop. No need to buy a machine. Also, it’s best to drink it at room temperature, and it’s empty within a week of two so I figure it doesn’t have time to grow bacteria, or algae or whatever happens to water when you let it sit.

Sleeping is free

We underestimate the role that sleep has to play in our health so we often neglect it, but a good sleep hygiene can make a huge difference in your energy level, I’ve experienced it. I was always tired, couldn’t get through the day without a nap, couldn’t concentrate, I was unable to get up in the morning. Then a doctor prescribed that I take melatonin every night at 6 pm for two weeks, go to bed at 10, wake up at 7 and blast a light therapy lamp in my face for half an hour every morning. I did that and guess what? It. Worked. I didn’t follow the exact hours he prescribed and I’m not sure the melatonin had a good effect on me so I only took it for a couple days. So I think what does the trick is consistently waking up at the same time each morning, regardless of what time you go to bed. Occasionally I get only four hours of sleep and usually the next day I’d be unable to function. Now that I wake up at regular hours, I can go through the day and have so much energy that I even forget I got only 4 hours of sleep. A phrase he said about staying in bed later to catch up on you sleep stuck with me: it’s too hard for the system. It had not occurred to me that it could be difficult for the body to change its sleep schedule. I thought “as long as I get 8 hours I’m fine” or even “the more sleep the better, I’ll sleep 12 hours today”. So if you happen to have sleep problems, irregular sleep pattern or fatigue, set an alarm and get some light in the morning, see what happens. Hopefully your body will adjust to the schedule and you won’t need the alarm after a week, and your mornings will be less painful. Another thing I didn’t take seriously was avoiding blue light in the evening. But it turns out it’s serious, it really does mess with your natural sleep hormones. So I installed f.lux on all my screens. It’s an app that will cut the blue light out of your screen according to the time of day. My screen is yellow right now because I’m too silly to go to bed at a normal time, I prefer to write a blog post. I used to binge watch TV on my computer very late in the night and not feel tired. I realized after installing the app that it was the blue light that was keeping me up. Now I watch an episode and start to yawn, so that’s a good thing, less TV.

Meditation is free

According to every damn article I read or podcast I listen to, meditation is one of the healthiest thing you can do. Good news: all you have to do is sit there and breathe. Now that, you can afford. No time? A minute a day is still better than nothing. If you need a little help to begin, there are tons of free apps you can install. I use Breathe and Calm, which also has some nice sleep stories.

Functional training

Exercising at home requires more discipline, at least in my experience, but if you can pull it off, it means more money in your pocket. You don’t necessarily need those machines to have an effective workout. The weight of your body will do. Remember those good old push ups? Yep. YouTube will help you find some exercises ideas for what part of your body you want to work out. Weights can be found easily at thrift stores. Elastic bands offer multiple possibilities and are not too expensive. Cardio is important too so if running outside isn’t an option, because breathing smog will annihilate any benefits of working out, for instance, maybe look for a stationary bike in the ads.

You can still party

Even if you’ve decided that for health reasons, alcohol, sugar and carbs are to avoid, you can still allow yourself to have them every once in a while. Just don’t binge, and limit the damage. For example, I drink on rare but meaningful occasions and I choose low sugar and gluten free drinks like vodka-soda or gin-soda. That’s the protecting my health part, now for the protecting my wallet. Go to the liquor store and find the best value alcohol. Not the will-make-you-go-blind kind of alcohol, because that’s not healthy. Usually a big-ass bottle of average quality vodka will be a good price to quantity ratio, and will give you an occasion to let go of what the cashier thinks of you as a person. Vodka is pretty much tasteless so that leaves you more drinks possibilities. (plus, you can DIY perfume using vodka: avoiding chemicals on your skin and saving $200, yay)! Sugar in food now. It’s always best to choose natural sugars like honey, instead or refined sugar, or use stevia. Man, stevia is the best: it tastes like sugar, but it’s not. It’ll make your food taste sweet and do zero damage. Buy in a giant bottle to save money. Hell, you could even grow your own stevia plant! Let’s go crazy! You can also pour a drop in your vodka. Now that’s starting to look like a party to me! The use of the word honey and saving money just made me think of a fine browser extension you can use for online shopping. It’s called Honey and it can notify you when a product you watch goes on sale. It can also find and apply coupon codes for you. Here’s the only referral link in this article: my link to Honey. So, where were we. Sugar. When I stopped eating sugar, I bought dark unsweetened chocolat in bulk, thinking it would taste like dark 70% chocolate. Oh, was I wrong. It tastes bitter. That’s the only thing you’ll taste in sugar free dark chocolate. But it’s cheap to buy in bulk and I can control what goes into it, so from time to time I like to melt some in a pan, add stevia and eat that with bananas.

Let’s talk! What are your secrets to stay healthy and how do you afford it?

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wellesleyunderground · 5 years

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Fact Sheet Released from @Wellesley disputing allegations of overcrowding and unsanitary housing conditions, among other topics

Several alumnae received a letter from President Johnson of Wellesley College along with a Fact Sheet of Recent Issues, in response to information circulating in a closed Facebook group that describes, among other issues, housing conditions of current students. We’ve included both the letter and fact sheet below but ask that students who dispute the facts presented by the college contact us and share their stories about current housing conditions as well as any other issues raised by the college in this fact sheet.

The fact sheet also addresses the recent contract negotiation between the College and IMSEUA workers. Wellesley Underground knows first hand from members of the union that the college was initially proposing cuts to current employees pay and cuts to future workers pay. If not for the advocacy and organizing of the union, students, faculty, and alumnae, those terms would have come to fruition. Thus the Fact Sheet does not present all of the facts with respect to the work it took to reach the agreement described therein.

We would love to hear alumnae, student, faculty, and staff responses to this fact sheet. Tweet us @wellesleyunderg or email us at [email protected]

September 18, 2019 Letter to Alumnae

Dear Wellesley alumnae,

As president of Wellesley, I have the joy of celebrating all that is wonderful and special about our community. I also have the responsibility to address what needs to be repaired and improved.

There has been a lot of inaccurate information circulating on social media recently about Wellesley. I believe some of this discussion was precipitated by a regrettable situation that resulted in a group of students needing to be placed into temporary housing at the start of the year. I want to let you know what we have learned about what happened and why, and what we are doing about it. I also want you to know how sorry I am about this situation. I believe that even one student displaced is one too many. We can and will do better.

I feel it is important to share the facts on the broad range of concerns that have been raised so that you, as leaders of this community, feel informed and are comfortable addressing questions you may receive.

We all share the desire to make Wellesley a better and more inclusive place. I hope that responding to these issues in a way that is constructive and transparent will both help inform the broader community and lead to productive engagement.

Sincerely,

Paula A. Johnson President

FACT SHEET ON RECENT ISSUES

HOUSING AND FACILITIES

Fall housing issue This fall, due to a confluence of factors, approximately 20 Wellesley students needed to be either relocated or placed in temporary housing while we addressed technical errors with the online housing system, some manual errors in the housing selection process, and water damage in some rooms.

At no point during this process were students homeless or without a bed. There were no forced triples, quads, or quints. To address the temporary need, however, some spaces were converted to accommodate additional students while longer-term options were secured. For example, one large lounge in Stone Davis was converted to a temporary quad, but there were never more than three students staying in that space at one time. As of this week, the space has been converted back to a lounge.

Student accommodations for medical singles have been on the rise over the past couple of years. The problem we encountered this fall was not that medical singles were double-booked; due to a technological issue with the implementation of StarRez the system did not recognize a number of room assignments that had been made (some of which were medical singles and others not.). The problem with medical singles was the first we resolved when we realized the error.

At this time, all students have a housing placement, but two students have unresolved preferences that the Office of Residential Life is actively addressing so that their placements can be finalized as soon as possible.

Renovations and repairs The College recognizes that addressing deferred maintenance on our buildings and residence halls is a longstanding issue and an enormous undertaking. For the past three years, we have focused on fixing the fundamentals for our residence halls—including replacing 100-year old roofs to address leaks, making necessary structural repairs, upgrading bathrooms and kitchenettes and updating and renovating common spaces. We have invested more than $16 million since 2016 and we will continue to work in the residence halls every summer for the foreseeable future.

Here is a summary of these renovations and repairs:

2017:• McAfee: roof, kitchenettes, and lounges

• Bates: dining room improvements

• Freeman: living room renovation

• Munger: kitchenettes

2018:• Bates: roof, kitchenettes, and lounges

• Cazenove: miscellaneous critical repairs, roof, living room, lighting

• Stone Davis: new flooring and paint throughout entire building (including student rooms)

• Shafer: roof replacement

• Homestead: new roof and exterior upgrades, interior bathroom upgrade, kitchen floor, etc.

2019:• Freeman: roof, kitchenettes, and lounges

• Pomeroy: miscellaneous critical repairs, roof, living room, lighting

• Elevators: upgrade at Beebe, upgrade currently underway construction at Claflin, upgrades will start on McAfee (2), Tower (2), and Stone-Davis (2) and will be completed this year elevator in mid- October.

Future planned work summer 2020 We are developing a scope now for improvements to Tower Court, Claflin, and Severance Halls.

As we continue efforts to address deferred maintenance and to update and refresh our residence halls, we always ensure that student housing meets applicable safety standards.

Fundraising for Residential Halls

We are not aware of turning away any contributions to the College for dorm renovation. Although annual giving does not include gifts to capital, these unrestricted gifts are vital to the well-being of the College and support financial aid, in addition to other critical functions of the College.

Asbestos Removal of asbestos is highly regulated through the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety Health Administration. Wellesley College follows all associated laws, including containment of the work area and monitoring and tracking procedures. Consistent with best practices, we avoid doing any kind of asbestos removal in occupied buildings. Instead such work is generally done in the summer when generally students are not present.

Mold To maintain a mold-free environment, we inspect campus buildings and grounds on a regular basis, and we pay particular attention to areas prone to mold growth, such as bathrooms, gymnasiums, laboratories, and dormitories. If mold is found through regular inspection or is reported by a student, we will remove it immediately and in accordance with environmental and health standards.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Concerns have been raised about the academic success and retention rates of students in our community; particularly African American and first-generation students. The College has been working with our faculty to redouble our commitment to achieving inclusive excellence. Since 2016, our efforts have been aided by major grants from the Posse Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education (TRIO division including Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Service), the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the McNair Scholars, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Wellesley’s retention rate from first-year to sophomore year has remained consistent over time at 95 percent. In addition, neither first-generation students nor students of color are withdrawing from Wellesley at significantly higher rates than other students. Six-year graduation rates are comparable between first-generation students and non-first-generation students 91.1 percent and 91.6 percent, respectively. It is true that the difference in four-year graduation rates is greater—80.9 percent for first- generation students versus 84.4 percent for non-first-generation students—and the College is working energetically to address that difference.

Programs such as Wellesley First and Wellesley Plus, and the efforts of our Student Life leadership and staff support first-generation students at Wellesley with a broader network of resources, access to alumnae networks, and assistance with day-to-day needs. We know there is more work to be done, and staff has been engaging with first-generation students to learn more about how the College can support them in the future.

U.S. News and World Report lists Wellesley among the top 10 liberal arts colleges nationwide in terms of ethnic diversity and economic diversity. Our community’s multitude of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints is one of our greatest strengths. We want all members of our community to thrive here and experience successful academic and personal growth during their time at the College. Within six months of graduation, 96 percent of Wellesley students have an opportunity secured—a full-time job, plans to attend graduate school, a volunteer experience, and others.

DINING SERVICES

Wellesley’s campus has five dining halls—remarkable for a school of its size. One of the dining halls and Lulu are open until 10 p.m. on weeknights to ensure that no student ever goes to bed hungry.

Wellesley has consistently looked for opportunities to expand food offerings and options for our students. The College has dining halls that offer vegan, kosher, and halal options. Significant attention is given to accommodating food allergies, including gluten-free and nut-free dining. Signs indicate ingredients in foods served as well as any potential allergens, and on the Wellesley dining website, students can filter their menu by allergens and preferences.

In 2017, the website The Daily Meal named Wellesley one of the best colleges for food, with particular praise for Wellesley’s dedication to sustainability initiatives (reducing food waste) and dietary needs. “If you have dietary restrictions, this is also the college to attend. An impressive vegan and vegetarian program also exists on campus, and there’s even an entire dining hall for Kosher-compliant vegetarians.” Wellesley was also highly ranked in the same survey in 2018.

Food insecurity is a rampant problem on campuses across the country. The College requires all students to be on the campus food plan. We strongly believe it is critical that all our students have plentiful access to nutritious food as part of their residential experience.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Wellesley College’s counseling center is better staffed than those of most of our peers for whom we have data. There is no limit to the number of counseling sessions students can receive at the Stone Center, which provides an average of 6-8 sessions per semester per student. However, if a student’s diagnosis clearly requires long-term therapy, they are referred to independent outside practitioners. That said, any student can book an appointment online to be seen within a short period of time. We also have online after-hours support and processes to address acute issues.

HEALTH SERVICES

Earlier this fall we announced changes to Health Services and a new collaboration with Newton-Wellesley Medical Group that will start on November 1, 2019.

Wellesley now has expanded hours and appointment times, enhanced sports medicine capabilities, and increased access to a broader range of specialized care through Newton-Wellesley—the top-ranked community hospital in Massachusetts and part of the broader Partners HealthCare network.

As of September 3, Health Services has started offering expanded hours and appointment times to our students, with students able to be seen from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 6 p.m. two days a week). We appreciated that so many students have gone out of their way to report satisfaction with their Health Services experience.

A small group of students has raised concerns about not being able to receive allergy shots at Health Services. However, it is important to place these concerns in their fuller context:

• We estimate that there are 12-14 students affected.

• Immunotherapy is a subspecialty, and the College does not have this expertise in house. Allergy medications often require special formulation, handling, storage, and expiration considerations.

• Health Services will work with students with chronic conditions so that the students can arrange for care; students needing financial assistance for travel for medical appointments can request it.

UNION

Wellesley’s union membership ratified the four-year contract agreed upon by the Independent Maintenance and Service Employees Union of America and the College on September 11.

Key aspects of the new contract include:

• annual wage increases of 2.5 percent

• an increase in the College’s contribution to health insurance for lower-wage workers

• an agreed-upon wage scale progression for newly hired dining employees

• the development of an apprenticeship program designed to create new pathways for advancement in the trades

FINANCIAL AID AND INTERNSHIP FUNDING

As a need-blind institution, the College ensures that if a student is accepted and wants to attend Wellesley, the College will meet 100 percent of calculated need for domestic students.

Nearly 60 percent of our students receive an average of $47,000 in financial aid per year (money that does not need to be repaid). Students with family incomes of less than $60,000 are not expected to assume student loans. The College provides a total of close to $70 million in grant aid each year, much of which is funded through our endowment established by generous alumnae over the decades, along with funds from our operating budget. Affordability of a Wellesley education and access for all students have been bedrock principles of the College for many years, and remain so.

Ensuring that Wellesley students have the opportunity to take advantage of internship experiences is a priority. Approximately 89 percent of students have at least one internship experience before graduation, and the College funds over 300 internship experiences every summer. The average internship grant or funding amount is $4,000 and is determined by a combination of a student’s demonstrated need, the cost of living in the location of their internship is, and transportation and food costs.

STAFF TURNOVER

Staff turnover at Wellesley is consistently below the national average provided by the Society for Human Resources Management, except in 2017 when the College offered a voluntary retirement program.

Year National average Wellesley Administrative Turnover

2018 19.3% 17.72% 2017 18% 18.82% 2016 18% 11.66% 2015 19% 13.68%

#wellesley inclusion series #housing issues #wellesley labor issues #IMSEUA

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bentonpena · 5 years

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How to Start a Cannabis Business On a Budget

How to Start a Cannabis Business On a Budget http://bit.ly/303gpri

So you've got a big idea (genius, of course) but little money to play with. What's the first step? These scrappy entrepreneurs have some advice.

August 13, 2019 10 min read

This story appears in the August 2019 issue of Green Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

From the outside, it looks like the race to get into the cannabis space is available only to people with enough capital to pay cash for a five-bedroom home. But in reality, there are a ton of thriving businesses in all segments of the cannabis market that started with a great idea and just a piggy bank of savings. Here are three companies that bootstrapped their way to success from an initial investment of $5,000 or less -- in fact, way less -- plus advice from the founders on how you can do it, too.

Fruit Slabs

The founders: The creation of Roxanne Dennant and Brian Cona, Fruit Slabs are basically like middle-school-style fruit leathers: chewy, ultrahealthy kosher snacks infused with 100 milligrams of THC and made from 100 percent USDA-certified organic ingredients. The company sells four flavors, including Grape Ape and Mango Maui Wowie; a new collab with drag queen Laganja Estranja, called Pride Passion Fruit, is hitting shelves soon.

How much they started with: Less than $1,000.

What they did with it: Bought equipment and materials.

Their origin story: Dennant was working in the denim world, and her longtime friend Cona was in cultivation; the duo were dabbling with consuming edibles but disappointed that they couldn’t find products that fit their healthy lifestyle. So, after buying cooking equipment, they started experimenting in their kitchens, making concoctions from the organic ingredients they liked to eat. Once they nailed their first batch of Fruit Slabs, they sold them to friends and family, and reinvested the money into their second batch. Since founding the company in 2015, Dennant and Cona have continued the same bootstrapping strategy, without taking any outside investment money. And it has worked. The product is in 65 stores in Cali and will expand to Washington soon.

RELATED: 9 Business Ideas for People Looking to Cash in on the Marijuana Boom

The biggest hurdle: Trying to upsell a new product when they launched. Fruit Slabs’ organic ingredients make it more expensive than most edibles -- and therefore more expensive to sell, even wholesale. “In 2015, it was a very raw industry,” Dennant says. “You could walk in [to a dispensary] with a Rice Krispies treat you made in your own home that was wrapped in cellophane…and get five dollars out the door.” But the price of Fruit Slabs? “People would look at me like I had 10 heads.” Today expectations have really changed, she says. “A lot of shops won’t even take an edible if it doesn’t have some type of vegan, gluten-free, or kosher dietary specification -- because people are shopping in that manner.”

And the best lesson learned: When a business is starting out, says Dennant, “you can’t make that $2,000 packaging and screw up, and be like, ‘Oh, it’s [only] $2,000.’ It’s like: ‘Two thousand dollars -- how are we going to recover from that?’” After facing a few such setbacks due to bad partners, she and Cona realized that vetting whom you work with is critical. That’s true even as the industry becomes more regulated. “Whether you’re working with a license partner, a distribution partner, a packaging partner, or a co-manufacturing partner,” she says, “really learning what that partnership is going to bring you in the beginning, and getting term sheets written, setting deadlines for the people and not just the vendor you’re working with -- that’s been a big [lesson] along the way.”

Image Credit: Brad Wenner | Getty Images

Plant People

The founders: Plant People sells CBD tinctures, capsules, and salves made with cannabinoids and other beneficial herbs. “Our mission is to heal and connect people and the planet through the power of plants,” says Gabe Kennedy, who started the company with Hudson Gaines-Ross.

How much they started with: $5,000.

What they did with it: Developed their product and got it out the door.

Their origin story: Longtime friends Kennedy, a chef, and Gaines-Ross, a CPG entrepreneur, were on a hike when they started talking about something they had in common: back surgeries. They’d both been unhappy with the care they’d gotten from traditional Western medicine. Kennedy knew there were other options. He grew up with parents who are acupuncturists; his mother is also a Chinese herbalist, and his dad, a chiropractor. And he leveraged that knowledge to get Plant People’s initial inventory off the ground. “We began packing herbal capsules in our kitchens, used stickers as packaging labels, and gave product away to our friends and families to get feedback, learn, and iterate,” says Kennedy. “These grassroots efforts really worked out for us, as people responded well and started asking for more Plant People. We were overwhelmed by the demand.”

RELATED: Women Are Disappearing From the Cannabis Industry. Why?

The company launched in 2018. “I had a lot of experience building products from seed to sale, so we hit the ground running,” Kennedy says. “Hudson fortunately had a ton of experience building brands and has the networks that provide a voice for those brands. We tapped our friends at Juice Press, Bumble, Vice, Vogue, etc. [for help getting the word out].”

In addition, they decided that with every sale, they’d plant a tree to support their mission of saving the world through plants. “We hope to someday be responsible for planting more than 10 million trees,” says Kennedy. “We’re not too far off!”

The biggest hurdle: Product sourcing. “We don’t white-label anything,” Kennedy says, so being able to set up a really robust supply chain with partners operating with integrity was a challenge. He dealt with it by continuing to be curious and asking questions about everything from “how people are treating their employees to what their extracting methods look like and how they are capturing solvents,” he says. “We continually did research and didn’t say yes to the first people we came across.”

The other hurdle was payment processing. Like many startups in the industry, they had to get around the banks’ and financial firms’ reluctance to work with cannabis products. “We’ve had five credit card processors to date,” says Kennedy. “We’ve seen the worst -- 6 percent credit card fees, 10 percent rolling reserves, international declines -- and we’ve seen the best. We’re now with a standard processor that treats us as if we’re any other non-cannabis brand. We couldn’t be more grateful. And we’re in talks with one of the largest banks in the world about taking over our credit card processing. We never thought we’d be in such conversations.”

And the best lesson learned: “To make decisions and move forward has been such great learning,” says Kennedy. “You make a decision, and you do your best -- it may not be the most perfect decision, but it’s better than not making one at all. What I really learned about bootstrapping is that it’s just putting one foot in front of the other, and oftentimes it’s two steps forward and one and a half steps back--but I have to keep stepping forward.”

Image Credit: Bloomberg | Getty Images

Gofire

The founders: Peter Calfee and John Woodbine started Gofire with the goal of creating the perfect vaporizer -- one that delivers the exact dosage promised. But eventually, they grew the company to also include the Gofire Suite, a database of medical uses for cannabis broken down by the chemicals ingested, the time of day they should be consumed, and the dosage that’s most beneficial; the data can then be accessed by physicians to give patients.

How much they started with: $200.

What they did with it: Bribed a local college student to gain access to a 3-D printer at Calfee’s school, which they needed to create their prototype -- and then they used that to get a first round of funding.

RELATED: Yes, Medical Cannabis Works. So Why Deny the Anecdotal Evidence?

Their origin story: In 2014, Woodbine, who’d dabbled in the music and food businesses before working at a dispensary, approached Calfee, who was doing IT and alternative medicine consulting work, and tried to talk him into building the perfect vaporizer. Initially, Calfee wasn’t interested. But he eventually changed his mind when he realized that there was a market for a more perfectly attuned vaporizer and that his background in the health field could be a perfect fit.

The biggest hurdle: Right after the company raised its first $25,000 in a friends-and-family round, Calfee nearly died in a car crash when the person driving had a seizure. “That was when John and I came together and said, ‘Listen: Whatever this takes, whatever we have to go through to build this, we will achieve this,’” Calfee says. After that, there was a fire under them to get it done.

The accident effectively put the project on hold. But it also led to Gofire’s second product. While recovering from a broken back, Calfee discovered that the opioids he was being prescribed didn’t help as much as the cannabis he was consuming, which is when the idea for the database took root. As soon as he could, Calfee worked on their next round; it took a year, but they got $750,000 to help them grow the business. This year, they’re finally bringing it to market with a beta launch that has garnered tens of thousands of reviews. “There’s no better reward than a patient telling us how we’ve helped to improve their life,” he says.

And the best lesson learned: “There are always going to be obstacles, but they’re just that,” says Calfee. “You’ve got to find a way around [them] -- if it’s a physical ailment, if you break your back, or the bottom’s falling out in the economy, or whatever the situation you’re up against. I believe being a true entrepreneur is not taking no for an answer, and not being able to give up.”

Also this: Treat your team like your peers. “We have 25 employees,” Calfee says, “and we all own stock in the company.” Unsurprisingly, that gives each of them a drive Calfee couldn’t have necessarily found in salary-only employees. When Calfee calls for a possible meet-up in the office on a Sunday afternoon, often the reply is “‘Oh, I’m already here,’” he says. “You can’t buy that.”

via Entrepreneur.com - Startup Business News and Articles - Starting a Business http://bit.ly/2Z3xKmO August 13, 2019 at 10:48AM

#IFTTT #Feedly

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schmergo · 7 years

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I went to the Museum of the Bible

Okay, buckle in, because this is gonna be kind of a lengthy post. My mom got free tickets to the highly controversial new Museum of the Bible in DC and I, with heavy misgivings, decided to come along and see what was up. I have to say, I thought it was a lot better than I expected, though I am still suspicious and cynical of several aspects of the place. So here is my detailed review! Here's what you need to know about the museum first: 1. It was founded and funded by Steve Green, the President of Hobby Lobby, aka the company that went to the Supreme Court because they didn't want to cover employees' birth control, saying it went against their religious beliefs. 2. He was also fined $3 million for smuggling artifacts from Iraq (which did not appear in the museum's collection). 3. The museum is technically non-sectarian (though with a Protestant bias), and does not address hot-button issues like evolution/creationism, abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, or how the Bible "should" be interpreted. Its galleries include tellings of the stories from the Bible, the history of the compilation and transmission/translation of the Bible, and the impact of the Bible on history and culture. It always hints at a Christian interpretation but does not outright evangelize. Some people may find this claimed non-political and nonsectarian interpretation more insidious than an outright Christian oriented museum. 4. The museum is free, but with a suggested donation. I would personally not suggest donating anything if you're interested in checking it out so as not to put money in the Hobby Lobby Guy's pockets, but that's just me. Now, I have to address my own personal biases. I am a Protestant Christian (United Methodist, to be specific), but I'm also strongly opposed to what constitutes contemporary "American Christian culture." I'm a believer not only in God but in human rights, evidence-based science/evolution, separation of church and state, charity, equality, and empathy. To me, these values are compatible with studying Jesus' teachings, and I'm deeply critical of people who use Christianity to justify selfish and narrowminded decisions. I also am an elementary-age Sunday school teacher who likes to emphasize the importance of Biblical literacy in self-professed Christians, which this museum champions (you'd be amazed how many Christians aren't actually familiar with the Bible), and in studying not only the stories, but the themes and lessons behind them (which this museum does not do. It allows guests the freedom to interpret the material according to their own beliefs- again, some might like this and some might dislike it). This museum is huge. We were there for about five hours and still didn't see everything. It was also absolutely PACKED with guests. The line to get in snaked down the block, and there were some long lines to get into the "hottest ticket" exhibits. We started off our day in the most popular, multi-media exhibit, The Hebrew Bible, which is a mix of videos and walk-through visuals with exciting lighting, animation, and voiceover, telling the narrative of major Old Testament stories. This exhibit is a pure storytelling "experience" and does not display any artifacts or purport to be a factual account, which I actually love because it is not claiming that all of these accounts are literally true or trying to show historical evidence. It's a little cheesy but less cheesy than you might expect- it feels like an elegant Disney World attraction but with a more artistic and slightly more abstract style. I especially liked the burning bush (the voice of God was represented as multiple voices in unison, at least one of them female), the white room full of rainbow light after the ark, the Red Sea made of string and projected waves, or the watercolor style of art of the Judges/Samuel movie. This experience is as non-controversial as possible, though the one issue is that it portrays the entire Old Testament as a consistent story about how God's people moved closer to and farther from God throughout history, fluctuating in loyalty, which I've heard is contrary to how the Tanakh is generally interpreted. This also implies that the New Testament completes "the story," which shows a Christian bias. The next exhibit was a recreation of the village of Nazareth, which WAS cheesy and Disneyesque, but fun. It felt like the museum at Jamestown Settlement, where you can walk in the little houses and see how people lived in another time. There were living interpreters there, and I liked that the people who played the villagers were racially diverse. There was a mikvah, an olive press, a temple, and typical Jewish homes. Less diverse was the short movie about John the Baptist and King Herod, who were both played by white actors- in fact, Herod was John Rhys-Davies (aka Gimli) in all his bellowing rolled-r scenery-chewing glory. He seemed to be having a grand old time. The New Testament movie was poignant but a slightly more cartoonish style of animation than the Old Testament films. Its art style reminded me of the illustrations on Pottermore. There are a lot of contradictory versions of stories in the Gospels, which was not acknowledged in this movie, but they kind of found a way around this by having the movie told from the perspectives of different people who encountered Jesus in first person (John, Saul/Paul, Mary Magdalene, Thomas, a centurion at the crucifixion, etc), showing them as varying accounts rather than one narrative. I know about the differences between the Gospels, but not everyone does, and this could be interpreted as an oversimplification. One thing I loved about this movie was that they never showed Jesus' face. They allow the audience to imagine him as they see fit. My family got lunch after this. There's a big restaurant called Manna on the top floor that serves middle-Eastern inspired foods and it was quite good. (There are vegetarian, vegan, and kosher options.) I had a platter with falafel, salad, and pickled vegetables, as well as some mango juice. This place gets CROWDED and there are long lines, but you can't re-enter the museum once you've exited unless you get back in the big queue around the block, so you can really only eat here or at the coffee shop downstairs. There's also a biblical garden and observation deck up there. Next, we went to the floor that talks about the history of the Bible, and this is where things get complex. I am less knowledgeable about this stuff than the actual text of the Bible itself, so I can't tell you what was of questionable accuracy here and what was legit, but this floor was definitely poised as being more serious and academic, while the one above it was more about narrative and entertainment-- so obviously, I was side-eying it more. This exhibit is definitely slanted toward the concept that the Bible has been transmitted and translated throughout time with remarkable accuracy, but also explores the differences, inaccuracies, and variations between different Bibles. It starts with a collection of ancient tablets and documents. I have read that some of these have questionable provenance and authenticity, especially fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls. Some of the signage alludes to these questions, some does not. Many items are on loan from other institutions, while others are replicas and facsimiles of items in museums like The British Museum (always labeled as such). The articles of the museum I've read are very severe about questions of authenticity/provenance, partially because of the Hobby Lobby scandal, but also because this is such a new museum. Museum practices have changed over time, and many of the artifacts at the British Museum and the Met are unethically acquired, too. Bear that in mind when visiting any museum (I could rant to you about the Parthenon marbles!) Still, a new and expensive museum like this one should be more careful. The most interesting ancient items in this exhibit were accounts from non-Jewish ancient cultures that told a different version of events than the Bible-- a king claiming to have killed a Hebrew King and thanking his own gods for the victory, while the Bible says that God punished that Hebrew King for not being devoted to him. It was cool to see two sides of the same story. But what I REALLY loved here was the collection of Bibles from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, because I love old books. Like, I took a class at the Folger Shakespeare Library about this stuff. There was a Gutenberg Bible, some absolutely gorgeous illuminated manuscripts (including one belonging to Henry V's great-grandmother and in immaculate condition), Tyndale Bibles, one of the very first edition of the full Bible in English... It was sobering to see that Henry VIII commissioned churches to display Bibles in English two years after Tyndale was executed abroad for translating the Bible into English. My favorite thing in the entire museum was a "Wicked Bible"- a reprint of the King James Bible that accidentally left out a crucial word and said, "Thou shalt commit adultery." Needless to say, most of them were destroyed, and the printers got in trouble, but this one survived. I also liked the small exhibits on which books were included in which versions of the Bible and which were left out/ considered apocrypha. The "Drive Thru History." introductory movie here is incredibly annoying and trying too hard to be cool, by the way, so feel free to skip that one if you go. It does a disservice to a serious collection of books. I also popped into the second floor exhibits before I left, but I didn't stick around for long. This has exhibits on the Bible's impact on US history and on culture in the world. The culture one honestly was so overwhelming and sprawling that it hurt my brain (especially since I had already been in the museum for 4.5 hours), but I did get a kick out of seeing Elvis Presley's Bible. This might be the most propaganda-Y part of the museum, but I didn't take much time to find out. There's also a video booth where people can share their own feelings or experiences about the Bible. The American history section was interesting and surprisingly daring, though. It talked about how the Bible was used to back up positions on different sides of issues through history- pro- and anti- slavery, women's rights, whether to be independent from England. It showed that the Bible has been used for good and bad throughout history and has some cool documents on display- a first edition copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin, Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "Women's Bible," the handwritten manuscript of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The displays let the public vote on tricky questions like whether they agree with Thomas Jefferson's decision to cut up the Bible and keep the parts that he felt applied as advice to daily life. (73% say no.) Also, in a section about politicians making reference to their personal faiths, there is a clip of Barack Obama singing "Amazing Grace." Nice to see that this museum explicitly denies the "Obama is a secret Muslim" conspiracy. There were more exhibits that I didn't get to see, including some traveling exhibits on loan from the Vatican, an Israeli museum, and a Bavarian museum. They also have a full-stage production of the Broadway musical "Amazing Grace." I will say, I gave a hard side-eye to the large gift shop, through which visitors exit, with the "Museum of the Bible" logo branded on everything from mugs to t-shirts to sunglasses. I would have preferred a tasteful bookshop with maybe a few knick-knacks like cross necklaces and Noah's Ark toys, but I guess I'm an old party-pooper. Overall, I actually had a lot of fun at this museum and got to see some very cool and rare books, but I also was naturally more critical toward this museum's decisions than I normally would be when visiting a tourist attraction. I was happy to see a crowd diverse in age and ethnicity who were discussing the exhibits rather than just zooming through (I did see one guy in a MAGA hat, though- frankly, I thought there might be more). The employees were all really nice and helpful even though the place was outrageously crowded. Would I recommend visiting this museum? Maybe! I think I would recommend it to Christian people who are already knowledgeable about the Bible and willing to think critically about what they read and see. I think it would be a good place to bring kids (mid-elementary and up) and talk seriously about some of these topics and controversies. The kids in my Sunday school class seem to have a hard time remembering sequence of events in the Bible, thinking Moses was the same time as Jesus, calling King David a 'Christian,' etc. This might clarify some stuff. I saw a lot of little kids there, and they were having fun, but I feel like I wouldn't take kids that young there because they wouldn't be able to understand the more complex topics. I don't want to just give them candy-coated pretty stories! I probably would not recommend this museum to people who come from very different faith traditions or none at all, whatever this museum's attempts at secularity. I will say, I'm unsure what the Museum of the Bible's agenda is, because it certainly doesn't seem built to convert anybody. The more cynical part of the says it's built to spread the message that the Bible is so important to history and culture that it should be taught in schools. The less cynical part says that it's built to encourage Christians to explore and become more knowledgeable about their faiths, because we're from a time when the majority of Americans identify as Christian, but very few have read the Bible or can answer basic questions about it. I think that's dangerous, because lots of people seem to adhere more to "Christian" culture than Christian scripture, and that leads to a mindset completely divorced from what I see as Jesus' teachings. I don't personally have a problem with its location near the Mall and the Capitol, because if anything else, I see it as a sign of the separation of Church and State. The museums on and around the mall explore different cultures and fields of study, so does one-- but I hope people who visit DC for this museum also visit some of the Smithsonian museums. Learn about Natural History, African-American history, Native-American History, not just the museum about your own religious faith. Please feel free to ask me any questions about the museum!

#washington dc #museum of the bible

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easyhairstylesbest · 4 years

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77 Valentine's Day Gifts You Can Get on Amazon Prime

If going to the mall during the holidays drove you nuts before 2020, then Amazon Prime will save your soul now more than ever. Where else can you buy a wool Mackage coat, a sculpted bust of a greek god, a cardboard turntable for cats, and toilet paper? From the comfort of your couch. Naked.

Because there are millions of choices on Amazon and going through the results for even a single inquiry can be exhausting, we went through tens of thousands of items and put together a definitive list of the best gifts you can shop this year with Prime. Our non-negotiable criteria? Items had to be unique, high-quality, practical or chic, because nobody has time for anything else these days. Below, our top picks on Amazon Prime to add to your cart now.

Ocean Mist & Sea Salt Candle

NEST Fragrances amazon.com

$42.00

With notes of sea salt, white tea and coconut, this ocean mist-scented candle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. (Something that can’t be said for most candles out there.)

Gabbi Vegan Leather Handbag

If you follow any fashion accounts, you’ve probably seen JW Pei all over your Instagram feed. What’s less known about the affordable brand is that their bags are made from 50 percent recycled materials and 10 percent of all profits are donated to animal sanctuaries around the world.

Polaroid Pop Instant 3×4 Photo Printer & Digital Camera

Being able to hold photos of special moments hits different. Polaroid’s wireless Pop Instant camera is a game-changer for making it possible to take, preview, edit and print 3.5 x 4.25 photos. The easily transportable device also offers WiFi connectivity, so users can upload their pictures straight to the ‘gram if they please.

Acrylic Sheep-Shaped Containers

Agirlvct amazon.com

$12.99

Whether you’re shopping for the aunt that does her own thing or your friend with the ironic instagram aesthetic, these sheep-shaped cotton swab containers will just hit different.

SLIP Silk Pillowcase

Anti-aging and crease minimizing benefits aside, a silk pillowcase simply just looks and feels luxurious. Because falling asleep these days isn’t easy, this queen size pillowcase makes for a thoughtful gift.

14k Gold Three Diamond Amigos Curve Post Earrings

Adina Reyter amazon.com

$675.00

If these diamond curve post earrings look familiar, it’s because Meghan Markle wears them on repeat. To give you a sense of just how versatile these beauties are, the Duchess wore these to Commonwealth Day 2018, throughout her and Harry’s Royal Tour of Australia, and numerous royal engagements in London.

The Archisutra: The handbook’s Final Chapter

Createspace Independent Publishing Platform amazon.com

$9.99

This creative Kama Sutra from London-based architect Miguel Bolivar is a good gift for cultured significant others. Each sex position is inspired by a famous building or furniture design with detailed data and annotated scale drawings.

Handmade Love Bracelets for Men & Women

Ubuntu Life amazon.com

$19.00

Ubuntu Life, which was included in Oprah’s Favorite Things 2020, provides employment to artisans in Kenya, in addition to running programs that support social inclusion for Kenyan children with educational and physical needs. A handful of colors are still in stock at the time of publication.

Premium Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy

For a fancy-feeling gift that’s actually affordable, look to this bathtub tray caddy. It has a stand that can be propped to read a book or display a tablet, plus a wine glass holder.

Fair Trade-Certified Chocolate Gift Set

Chuao Chocolatier amazon.com

$16.95

This dark and milk chocolate gift set from Whole Foods-carried brand Chuao Chocolatier contains innovative flavors the chocolate lover in your life won’t be expecting. Think: potato chip, honeycomb, salted chocolate crunch and more.

Open Back Lace Teddy Bodysuit Lingerie

Spice things up with this surprisingly affordable lingerie find. Its delicate lace details and open back lend a glamorous touch.

Nonslip Hair Claw Clips (Pack of 4)

Claw clips were already having a moment in fashion before the pandemic. Now that we’re working from home and wearing our hair up every day, they’re all the more useful. These reviewer-obsessed clips boast 3k reviews and counting with an average rating of 4.8k stars.

Flex Wireless Earphones

I obtained a pair of the latest Beats (the brand’s most affordable headphones to date) for testing a few months back and haven’t stopped using them since. Delivering crystal clear sound, 12 hours of battery life, and a rapid fast charge, these bluetooth wireless headphones are overall better than headphones I’ve spent at least 4x more on over the years.

7/8 Jogger Travel Pants

Editor’s note: I own these joggers and am in love with them. What first sold me on these was that reviewers mentioned how similar these are to Lululemon’s On The Fly jogger, which cost about three times more. Fast forward to me owning 4 pairs and recently FaceTiming with my grandma who was rocking her own pair as well. A great gift for any woman who likes comfortable, flattering pants.

Reversible Zebra Bathmat in Grey

Jonathan Adler amazon.com

$63.34

Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side… Not when you’re getting out of the tub though. That’s dangerous in an ER-kind of way. Anyway, here’s a cute, dryer-friendly bathmat.

Le Specs. Air Heart Sunglasses

Le Specs. amazon.com

$67.90

If these glamorous and slightly oversized sunnies look familiar it’s because Meghan Markle sported this exact pair during her 2019 baby shower. Shoppers, note that these fan-favorite shades have a track record for selling out fast.

OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS 2020

‘Tis The Season Huggie Set

Stella & Haas amazon.com

$29.97

This trio of hypoallergenic freshwater pearl huggies is another covetable find from Oprah’s Favorite Things List this year. Considering how versatile these earrings are, I don’t blame you if you opt to keep a pair for yourself.

UGG Fluffita Slipper

Have a shoe lover on your shopping list? Change their life with UGG’s Fluffita slippers. These fuzzy-feeling platform slippers will elevate all of their favorite loungewear ‘fits.

Mayberry Sheepskin Slipper

EMU Australia amazon.com

$59.95

Cozy gifts remain a failsafe move in 2021, so here’s another pair of chic sheepskin slippers certain to delight.

Emmanuelle Initial Necklace

Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry amazon.com

$154.00

A personalized touch goes a long way in making it look like you didn’t wait until the last minute to pick something out and panic while doing so. Here, a gothic initial pendant from Jennifer Zeuner that subtly channels Regina George’s ‘R’ necklace. More letters are available as well.

Dachsie Ring Holder

This dachshund ring holder takes cute jewelry organization to another level. Perfect for the dog lover who’s constantly rotating her stack.

Layla Bamboo Bed Sheets

Layla Sleep amazon.com

$175.00

$125.00 (29% off)

A sheet upgrade is the gift that keeps on giving. Suitable for sensitive skin types and hot sleepers, Layla Sleep’s 300-thread count Bamboo sheets are soft to the touch and eco-friendly. (Bamboo uses 200x less water than cotton and doesn’t require harsh chemicals in the production process.) The set includes a fitted sheet, top sheet and 2 pillowcases.

PhoneSoap Pro UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Universal Charger

PhoneSoap amazon.com

$119.95

File PhoneSoap’s Pro UV smartphone sanitizer under universally practical gift ideas. In just five minutes, this device is able to kill up to 99.99% of germs thanks to its powerful UV-C light.

Plush Slipper Socks Women

Toes Home amazon.com

$14.99

Amazon reviewers are obsessed with this set of fuzzy socks, which happens to be a steal at this price. (Think 2.4k ratings and counting, with an average of 4.6/5 stars.) A handful of designs are available, but the heart motifs here are especially kitschy-chic.

Alix Mini Top Handle Satchel

3.1 Phillip Lim amazon.com

$695.00

They say the best gifts are the ones you’d want for yourself. Phillip Lim’s versatile Alix Mini top handle bag is proof.

Supreme Glamour

Thames & Hudson amazon.com

Anyone who loves The Supremes or retro glamour will swoon over this new coffee table book, which chronicles the fashion history of the beloved 1960s Motown group. Founding member Mary Wilson tells her friend and co-author, Mark Begu, the whole story of the band.

Gisele Long PJ Set

Eberjey amazon.com

$120.00

Eberjey is practically synonymous with great pajamas. Made from modal and spandex jersey (no polyester!), these PJs are breathable, ridiculously soft and hot sleeper-friendly. Unlike cheaper options out there, you can be sure these will last for years to come.

EDITOR’S FAVORITE

Power Workout Leggings in Black

Sweaty Betty amazon.com

$100.00

To give you a sense of how beloved British brand Sweaty Betty’s power leggings are, one pair has sold every 90 seconds this year. (Editor’s note: I own these and don’t stop talking about how I think they’re the most comfortable and flattering leggings of all time.) New to Amazon Prime, these are still in stock in every size at the time of publication.

Women’s Asili Stacking Rings

Women-founded and sustainably sourced, SOKO makes some of the coolest, vintage-feeling costume jewelry around. Their pieces are handcrafted by artisans Kenya who use recycled brass, upcycled horns and traditional techniques.

Leather Touchscreen Texting and Driving Gloves

If you’re bougie on a budget, check out these Italian cashmere-lined leather gloves which boast over 1.7k ratings. As one reviewer put it: “They are great, and actually fit very well. Beautifully packaged. Could be a gift but I am keeping them!”

Women’s Duality Reversible Sherpa Jacket

Alo Yoga amazon.com

$179.89

Not only is Alo Yoga’s best-selling Duality jacket fun and practical in equal measure, it’s reversible and one side is sherpa. Five other colorways are available too.

Drinking Animals Coloring and Cocktail Recipe Book

Each page in this delightful coloring book opens up to a different animal and new cocktail recipe.

Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers

Editor’s note: I’m a lifelong doodler and Tomboy’s dual tip brush pens are unrivaled when it comes to ease of use and vibrancy. Several color palettes are available in case you’re after something louder too. PS: A bunch are on sale right now, which is rare for the brand.

Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case

Few tech gadgets, if any, look as suave as AirPods. Of all the headphones carried on Amazon, these remain the #1 best-selling pair (no exaggeration), and for a limited time only, they’re currently on sale.

No Bounds Wireless Outdoor Speaker

House of Marley amazon.com

$58.78

These aux input speakers from House of Marley (which, fun fact, was founded by Bob Marley’s son, Rohan) boast an impressive ten hours of battery life. Even better? Because they’re dust-proof and waterproof, you and your partner will be able to enjoy these on outdoor adventures and road trips.

Retro Bluetooth Speaker

This ultra-compact speaker is sure to be a crowdpleaser. The indoor/outdoor speaker not only connects with bluetooth, but can be used as an FM radio with AUX connectivity as well, all while delivering impressive sound and 10 hours of battery life. A carrying strap and dust bag are also included, which makes for a sleek presentation.

Bose SoundLink Revolve Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

This sleek indoor/outdoor speaker delivers crystal clear sound quality and long battery life (16 hours!) certain to enhance any user’s listening experience. From true crime podcasts to Netflix to electronic music experiences, these will be a game-changer.

Boy Smells Beeswax & Coconut Wax Kush Candle

Boy Smells amazon.com

$36.00

This Boy Smells best seller doesn’t actually contain any psychoactive hemp-derived extracts, but it’s still lit. Paying homage to the cannabis flower, the scent is warm, fresh and floral.

EDITOR’S FAVORITE

Hand and Skincare Amenity Kit

Grown Alchemist amazon.com

$25.00

Editor’s note: I’m never more than a few feet away from my Grown Alchemist hand creams in the winter. Containing a vanilla and orange peel hand cream, vanilla and geranium day cream and watermelon lip balm, I’d argue this is the most affordable fancy-feeling beauty gift on Amazon. Fun fact, clean Gwyneth Paltrow is a huge fan of this lipgloss.

EltaMD Mineral-Based UV Clear Facial Sunscreen (1.7 oz)

Sunscreen as a gift? Only if it’s from EltaMD’s product line. If you or a loved one who spends a lot of time in the sun hasn’t tried this dermatologist-loved sunscreen line before, ELLE.com highly recommends. (Read Beauty Director Chloe Hall’s full review here.)

Sparkling Water Machine

sodastream amazon.com

$159.95

Kiss wasteful plastic bottles of seltzer from the grocery store goodbye. Set in a sleek monochromatic design, this SodaStream kit includes everything you need to make seltzer at home, including a carbonator.

14k Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings

Tilo Jewelry amazon.com

$69.99

Gold hoops go with everything and somehow always feel cool wearing. Here, a 14k gold pair made in the US that won’t slim down your holiday shopping budget.

Sherpa Trucker Jacket

Levi’s sherpa jackets have been worn by every fashion girl from Gigi Hadid to Zendaya. The denim staple is not only a godsend for complicated transitional temps, but a cozy piece to throw on at home.

Visual Feast: Contemporary Food Photography and Styling

Earning its moniker, Visual Feast is a coffee table fixture that explores food presentation in a myriad of Art forms. From witty jello dishes to painted lobsters, the foodie in your life will find the book’s photography drool-worthy.

Classic Greek Michelangelo David Bust Statue

Beonueni amazon.com

$29.00

Nothing subtly says ‘I’m an Intellectual’ louder than having a decorative bust of a Greek god on display in one’s home. Your loved one won’t see this gift coming, but they’ll love it all the same. (Editor’s note: This is the only item on our list where you have to pay for shipping, but it’s only $2.99.)

Women’s Natural Lace Trim Vest

Iris & Lilly amazon.com

$16.30

White tank tops have defined Tik Tok-era fashion more than any other article of clothing. Gift a set for the culture.

Mentone Half-Zip Sweater

Varley amazon.com

$148.00

This half zip from British athleisure brand Varley is practically dripping in cozy appeal.

Women’s Nori-K Coat

Mackage amazon.com

$790.00

Kindly sidestep the puddle of drool that formed while I gazed at this wool coat. That leather waist belt! The removable bib (!!!). The feminine silhouette that doesn’t sacrifice warmth! She’ll love this because how could anybody not?

Squeaky Parody Plush Dog Toy

Haute Diggity Dog amazon.com

$15.99

A fabulous squeaky toy for a fabulous pup. (Editor’s note: hi, Freddy!!)

Juicy Couture DIY Bracelet Making Kit

Make It Real amazon.com

$19.99

*Puts on Maneater by Nelly Furtado for a quick journey to 2006.* This kitschy DIY bracelet kit will pull at the heart strings of anyone who owned a velour tracksuit in the early oughts. Technically speaking, this set was probably intended for pre-teens, which makes it a good gift youngins who weren’t around for Juicy’s heyday all the same.

14k Gold Linked Diamond Stud Earring

Zoe Chicco amazon.com

$480.00

This 0.13ct diamond stud earring (yes, it’s sold individually and I’m sorry) will be her new favorite earring if she has more than one piercing.

Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker

Stainless steel espresso coffee makers don’t get any chicer than the Bialetti Kitty.

Walkie Talkies

These retro-looking walkie talkies are technically for kids aged 4 through 14; however, these will make a useful gift for any family quarantining together in the suburbs in lieu of a fancy intercom system. These boast a 3 mile range for outside, camping and hiking, as well as a backlit LCD flashlight.

Modern Glass Globe Table Desk Lamp

This sculptural table lamp injects instant modernity and warmth. It includes an LED bulb too, so the design lover you gift this too will be able to set it up and enjoy right away.

Clear Acrylic Bookends (Set of 4)

CY craft amazon.com

$16.97

If you’re after a gift for a book lover that isn’t books, this top-rated set of acrylic bookends works for any decor style.

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Dutch Oven

Le Creuset amazon.com

$349.95

Le Creuset is the gold standard of cookware and their dutch ovens are the lightest on the market. Here, the legendary brand’s signature enameled cast iron Dutch Oven in a gradient motif that brings to mind sunsets and Prada’s fall-winter 2018 collection.

BoostIQ RoboVac 15C MAX

eufy by Anker amazon.com

$279.99

$175.99 (37% off)

It’s hard to come by a list of best robot vacuums online (written by experts who actually tested hundreds of models) where eufy’s RoboVac 15C MAX isn’t included as a budget-friendly mention. The RoboVac 15C MAX has wifi and Alexa voice connectivity, which makes it easy breezy to set up and use. Reviewers love how it delivers an impressive clean with strong suction and self-charges after a clean.

Table Tiles

Areaware amazon.com

$20.98

There’s no such thing as too many coasters, though there is such thing as really tacky coasters. Trust me, I went through over 200 before finding this cool geometric set. These have a cork-lined base which further helps to protect furniture.

Sherpa and Fleece Throw Blanket

Green Orange amazon.com

$20.99

Sherpa on one side and plush on the other, this reviewer-loved throw blanket measures 50×60 inches, which means it’s large enough for two to comfortably snuggle during Netflix nights.

EDITOR’S FAVORITE

Men’s Sherpa-Lined Puffer Jacket

Amazon Essentials amazon.com

$50.10

Editor’s note: I got my dad this jacket for his birthday a few weeks ago because I figured it looked warm and practical. Turns out, this $42 coat is the softest-feeling men’s jacket anyone in my family has ever come across. Besides looking way more expensive than its price tag, this coat is warm and has a sherpa-lined hood which feels cloud-like. (Amazon, if you’re reading this, please make this coat in women’s.)

Men’s Figaro Chain Necklace

Miansai amazon.com

$125.00

In case you’re still thinking about how hot Connell’s chain was in Normal People. Same.

Men’s Memory Foam Slippers

These comfy slippers are machine washable, which means if he’s prone to having sweaty feet… you can gift these without any worry you might later regret it.

Polo Ralph Lauren Outdoor Bear Scarf

Polo Ralph Lauren amazon.com

For a guy in your life who’s a nightmare to shop for, look no further than this ribbed knit scarf featuring Ralph Lauren’s iconic, well-dressed bear.

Essential Crewneck Sweater

State Cashmere amazon.com

$140.00

Editor-loved brand State Cashmere makes 100% pure hypoallergenic cashmere for a fraction of what I see a lot of other brands charging. Here, a failsafe crewneck he’ll have for years to come.

Starter Shaving Kit for Men

Intro him to his new favorite grooming brand with a set that includes everything from a shave brush to priming oil to a safety razor and more. This shaving kit boasts over 400 reviews, with several mentioning how Bevel’s products help prevent razor bumps.

Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks

Runners swear by the support and durability of Balega socks. Take it from the 7k reviews this no-show unisex pair has, these will be a hit.

Grand Court Sneaker

If you’re shopping for a boyfriend who’s an amazing person but just not the best dresser, start with his shoes. Prince Harry has been photographed in a similar pair (Sdidas’s Gazelle trainer) in a similar grey, suede color on countless occasions. This color looks sharp with everything.

DiamondClean Classic Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare amazon.com

$199.99

$166.95 (17% off)

Rumored users of the prestigious DiamondClean toothbrush include Beyoncé and Kim K. Per Philips, this luxe toothbrush removes up to 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush, whitens teeth after 1 week of use, and improves gum health in only 2 weeks.

Pet Cardboard Turntable & DJ Mixer

Suck UK amazon.com

$35.00

For the cat person who loves a good RAC remix. To quote an epic review on Amazon: “By 9pm, DJ Kitty was in beast mode as the rave kicked off in the living room. As the sun came up, DJ Kitty refused to part with the deck… Yes, a bit expensive for [sic]carboard, but we are considering selling tickets to the next show to make up the difference.”

OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS 2020

Footnanny Hemp Extract Spa Treatment Set

Footnanny amazon.com

$69.99

Footnanny has been on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for seven years and counting, though the foot-care brand is loved by many, many more. Here, a trio that will help with exfoliating, soothing and relieving targeted areas of the body that often get neglected.

Foam Roller

Trigger Point Performance amazon.com

To give you a sense of how beloved TriggerPoint’s GRID foam roller is, it has 11.4k global ratings and an average score of 4.7 stars. It comes with free online videos so users can learn the best ways to utilize it for stretching and relieving tension.

Fully Adjustable Desk Folding Exercise Bike

Exerpeutic amazon.com

$299.99

$255.86 (15% off)

If they’re a fitness lover who’s working from home right now, this foldable stationary bike desk will make staying active during the day an easier pursuit. Reviewers agree it’s easy to assemble and sturdy, with one reviewer even saying this has changed their life.

Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Diffuser

Victsing amazon.com

$25.59

Shopping for a dedicated yogi or someone who could use a little serenity right now? Meet VicTsing’s popular essential oil diffuser that boasts 11.3k ratings and counting. The diffuser offers 2 modes, 4 different timers and 7 different color lights, which makes for a personalized zen experience.

Jenga

Jenga is fun whether you’re 6-years-old or 42.

Posh Peanut Pajamas Set (Newborn to Toddler Sizes)

Posh Peanut amazon.com

$30.00

Made from soft viscose bamboo, these pajamas will be super soft for any baby, toddler or eager young mind on your shopping list. A variety of prints are available in sizes spanning 0-3 months to 6 years.

Grippy Non-Slip Socks for Kids

Resilience Gives amazon.com

$10.00

The story behind this cheerful sock brand will move you (and the recipient). Resilience Gives was founded by Jake Teitebaum, a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor who was frustrated with poorly-made socks during his stem cell transplant, and is co-owned by Andee Wallace, whose father survived non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For each pair of socks purchased, the brand donates a pair to a child with cancer who’s undergoing treatment in a hospital. (Women’s and men’s sizes are also available in case you also want to get yourself a pair.)

Justine Carreon Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.

Jaimie Potters Commerce Content Manager Jaimie Potters is the Commerce Content Manager at Hearst Magazines Digital Media, where she covers fashion, beauty, tech and more.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

77 Valentine's Day Gifts You Can Get on Amazon Prime

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eloquentdrivil · 6 years

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sqokscreams reblogged your post and added:

so i noticed that when you mentioned me(here v) i noticed you pretty much say the same stuff here so im sort of gonna reply to both @veganfacts said “Meat eaters abuse their pets every day and literally pay for animals to be abused and murdered” which somehow made you feel as if they’re rude and feel morally superior and not all vegans have the same views. but the thing is, that’s not just an opinion or anything. it’s the truth that every vegan knows and agrees with. a vegan stating facts doesn’t mean they think they’re better than you fam, we’re just trying to educate. like for instance, we all know that an animal has to be killed in order to make meat, right? and major industries depend on supply and demand to exist. so if many people demand meat products, more animals will be killed, and the opposite will happen if there is less demand...

@sqokscreams

(I will touch on your major points, but I wanted to condense space by replying like this.)

I don’t need or expect you to go through the other comments and replies I’ve made on and about that post, but if you wanted to confirm what I’m about to say, you will see the evidence of this at every turn; conceptually speaking, I’m pro-vegan.

Veganism can do a lot of good things, and I always make sure I acknowledge that, because, if I’m arguing with someone, my issues never come down to the practice of, or the incentives behind veganism. Besides just animal welfare, veganism could heavily cut back our environmental impact, so even if I didn’t care about rampant animal exploitation in the meat and dairy industry, veganism would still be a quantifiably good choice.

My problem with veganfacts, and the problem I’m addressing with you now in an effort to explain, is the inflammatory language they used.

It was not a fact, it was hyperbole, and right off the bat, the framing they used showed they do not care about context. The act of stripping context and defamiliarizing a nominal task makes their own point superficial, acting as nothing more than a way to flaunt their moral superiority over people who “pay for animals to be abused.”

In that same breath, it could be said that vegans “pay people to enslave and abuse children,” because of the rampant human rights abuses the produce industry is guilty for.

But neither you, nor veganfacts are guilty of endorsing child/forced labor just because the companies that distribute your food to you are guilty of using it.

But if that had been my responding claim to the shot at non-vegans, and then proceeded to push such a claim to undermine everything else you said thereafter, would you think me a good, thoughtful, or kind person?

That framing injects violence and hate into the consumer that just doesn’t exist. It makes a rabid monster out of regular people and twists this entire issue into a moral battle between vegans and non-vegans, and takes the ultimate blame off the companies that commit these atrocities.

And in their effort to do so, it shows just how little care veganfacts has in reaching out to and educating non-vegans. There is no education to be had there. A non-vegan gleans nothing from that statement other than, “Vegans hate non-vegans. Rabidly so.”

Because that’s what you would understand in that statement if the roles were reversed. That is a hateful statement. It’s divisive and stands only to show how little regard that person has for anyone not already living a vegan lifestyle, and they do not represent a majority of vegans.

To claim that that sentiment is universal is a bastardization of what the vegan movement is trying to accomplish.

Vegans want stricter regulations and higher sanctions against those who break them. In all sectors. They do not ostracize potential future vegans by furthering a rhetoric that sees people in a grocery store as the same level of evil and complicit as dog-fighters.

On top of that, it’s ignorant and shows just how little that person cares about understanding or overcoming the roadblocks currently standing in the way of amassing more people to the movement.

You said this in your last reply:

i’m kind of confused about the links you posted, because most of them don’t affect the accessibility of plant foods. for example, hunger doesn’t affect what kinds of foods stores carry. of course the cost of the food effects what poor people would be able to buy, but you can easily buy cheap plant foods. unless you mean hunger caused by food deserts or something? but anyway, i agree that veganism would be extremely difficult in food deserts, though there are many cheap junk foods that are “accidentally vegan” such as oreos and potato chips. i of course don’t blame anyone in that situation for depending on takeout and mcdonalds and stuff, though. however, i doubt someone in that kind of situation would have time to complain about veganism when they’re in a stressful environment and need to constantly worry about getting food on the table. if you could spare enough time writing that long post, i’m pretty sure you also have time to think about making different food choices. . .

Now, I don’t know your situation, I’m not going to claim I understand what you have and haven’t faced in your lifetime, but this (and the rest of that section thereafter), does shed light on what seems to be a disjointed understanding of what poverty and restricted food choice actually looks like.

First, while looking through food statistics in the US for those links, there is no statistical data on produce availability, outside of the data they have on food deserts. And not just that I couldn’t find it; there is an actual acknowledged lack of quantifiable data. People have tried, and there’s just no way to account for or normalize any sort of hard figure on these problems from an availability standpoint.

Second, “cheap” is subjective. Your idea of cheap may not be the same as mine if we have different amounts of disposable income after bills. But when it comes to cost vs. calories, non-vegan is always less expensive. Healthy foods are up-sold at a higher price because there’s a internalized notion in capitalistic culture that says “quality” justifies a higher price. It’s worth more, so it costs more, with worth describing a physical necessity, in this case.

To someone without financial security, the question becomes, “what can I buy that will stretch the length of time until my next paycheck?”

That kind of financial insecurity isn’t so stark when you look at who it’s affecting. Imagine a scenario like a family of four in a white suburban neighborhood who can feed all four of them for a days on a boneless ham at a dollar per pound, which is a whole hell of a lot less expensive that a nutritionally comparable plant-based substitute.

Veganism isn’t cost effective, and even if someone can afford the vegan options one week, they are not guaranteed that same outcome the next, so it’s not sustainable.

For you, yeah, maybe it is, but for a majority of Americans, veganism is money and food lost. It’s getting your paycheck and attempting to cut even more room out for the added expense, without even the benefit of gaining you more food per dollar spent, and while also gambling that you’ll have the wiggle room every week to do so. What happens when that one bad week comes and the choice comes down to not being able to feed yourself for the whole week, or having to get sick when you force re-acclimation to meat-based products that’ll at least last until your next paycheck?

That’s an irresponsible risk, and that risk exists entirely because corporations stand to profit off an ideology that makes healthier lifestyle choices like veganism more expensive.

Which makes arguments like this ignorant, at best, and elitist worst:

like the entertainment thing. i know that not everyone can go vegan, but a majority of the people in the world can, so if someone chooses to eat meat when there are millions of other options, then they are doing it for their enjoyment, or as you can also say, entertainment. of course you don’t get entertainment out of what happens to the animals in factory farms, but you are still buying the meat because you enjoy how they taste. the treatment of the animals is just a factor that plays into it.

Removing this to a world-wide argument makes it even worse; 1 in 9 people in the world suffers from chronic undernourishment. And that statistic just accounts for people going hungry. 80% of the world’s population lives on less than $10 a day. That’s ten dollars spread across bills and other expenses beyond just food.

The necessity of meat-based products in most people’s lives is just that; a necessity. So long as veganism remains more expensive than the alternative, that necessity remains.

In both of their replies, veganfacts pushed an unrepentant “us vs them, and they kill animals for fun” kind of ideology. They hold themselves so high above the issue, they, again, twisted the purchase of meat products from a store to sit on par with active animal slaughter.

And the original post was just about bunnies being a good alternative for vegans trying to figure out how to find balance between their pets dietary needs and their own ethics!

They stepped into a post completely unrelated to the point they wanted to push - a point not counter-intuitive to their own ideology - with the express purpose of demonizing non-vegans.

They’re condescending and ignorant. They don’t care about facilitating the vegan movement, because if they did, they’d look at the inaccessibility of the lifestyle and fight for that instead of vilifying non-vegans for “paying people to kill animals.”

They believe veganism makes vegans inherently morally righteous in all their pursuits to non-vegans. That’s the only reason their mind would’ve gone to that reply upon reading my original post. And that is not how veganism should be exemplified.

Doing so frames veganism as an elitist movement that cares more about mocking non-vegans than it does about making sure it has the populous support to take on the animal cruelty in the animal food industry that it currently doesn’t have.

More vegans means more power against the people committing these crimes, but the more vegans there are, the less impact that “non-vegans pay people to kill animals for them to enjoy” kind of rhetoric actually has.

That’s a rhetoric veganfacts pushes. That’s why they jump down the throats of people discussing vegans as morally level with non-vegans. They were defending their own moral righteousness, not a movement that seeks to foster education toward better lives for the people they vilify.

Other vegans are doing that though. They educate. They facilitate and they’re tackling the issue of food availability, and they are honestly working their asses off to make a real change in the world.

And you’ll recognize those people when you start looking for the pattern. They’re the ones who acknowledge and understand why the vegan movement stalls the way it does. They’re the ones building community vegetable gardens and making sure people have food on their table before they even begin worrying about making sure that food is cruelty free.

They don’t use divisive or inflammatory language, and the word carnist is the last thing they’d think to call someone because they know that word mocks basic human needs and makes monsters out of people just so they can justify the claim that that’s what’s wrong with the world.

Veganfacts is not how veganism should look. Their rhetoric is not universal, and they do not deserve to be exemplified.

Veganism is good.

That person is not.

#sqokscreams #veganism #vegan

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ladystylestores · 4 years

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Vegan Cheesecake Recipe – NO Cashews!

The easy vegan cheesecake recipe that even non vegans love… with no cashews, and NO tofu!

Vegan Cheesecake With No Cashews

This vegan cheesecake is so out-of-this-world delicious that I have yet to bring it to any party where both vegans and non vegans haven’t raved about it!

Even people with no interest whatsoever in healthy or vegan eating go crazy for this cheesecake every time I serve it.

When creating the recipe, my goal had been to make something that tasted so similar to classic New York cheesecake that—if you didn’t already know it was vegan—you would absolutely NEVER be able to tell.

You Might Also Like: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

I’ve had way more than my fair share of bad vegan cheesecakes in my life, so I know exactly what comes to mind when people picture vegan cheesecake: chalky texture, unpleasant artificial aftertaste, disappointingly non-cheesy flavor, or lack of any flavor at all.

As a huge cheesecake lover, I have exorbitantly high standards for the perfect baked cheesecake, and those high standards were front and center when I set out to make a vegan version that tasted just as good as the original.

This cheesecake is so rich and creamy, no one ever believes it isn’t full of heavy cream and sugar!

Trending Right Now: How To Cook Sweet Potatoes – The Better Way

The Best Vegan Cheesecake

When I finally perfected my cheesecake recipe, it was time to test it out on a group of non vegans.

I brought it to a party and quietly set it down with all of the other desserts, without mentioning to anyone that it was vegan.

While I’d hoped people would like it, I’d never in a million years expected the entire cheesecake to be completely GONE in under an hour!

That’s when I knew the recipe was definitely a keeper.

*If you’re craving chocolate cheesecake, you can easily turn the cake into a Brownie Cheesecake Recipe.

The actual cheesecake recipe is very similar to my Healthy Cheesecake Recipe.

So many people have asked me about the crust recipe in that post, which I’m unable to share because it’s in my book, so I decided to make the cheesecake again—this time with a different crust recipe that I can share.

And the entire cheesecake, from the filling to the crust, is completely vegan!

youtube

Above – watch the video how to make vegan cheesecake!

Also Try These Vegan Brownies

24 oz cream cheese, such as TJ vegan or Tofutti OR vegan cream cheese

2 cups plain yogurt, such as coconutmilk, almond, soy, or cashew yogurt

2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice

4 tsp cornstarch – or here’s a Keto Cheesecake Recipe

1/2 cup sugar or maple syrup, or xylitol for sugar-free

pinch uncut stevia OR 2 additional tbsp sugar

Optional Crust (or use your favorite crust): 1 1/2 cup raw nuts of choice, 1 cup pitted dates, 1/8 tsp salt. If dates are not soft, soak in boiling water until soft. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until fine crumbles form. Add water very slowly (1 tsp at a time) only if needed. Pour into a lined 9-inch springform pan, press down evenly, then set aside while you make the filling.Preheat oven to 350 F. Fill any baking pan about halfway with water and place it on the oven’s lower rack. Bring cream cheese to room temp. Beat all cheesecake ingredients with a blender or food processor just until smooth. (Do not overbeat, which would introduce air bubbles that might burst in the oven and cause cracking.) Smooth on top of the prepared crust. Place on the middle rack, above the rack that has the water pan. Bake 30 minutes, and do not open the oven door during this time. When the time is up, still do not open the oven even a crack, but turn off the heat. Leave in the closed oven for an additional 5 minutes. Then remove the cake—it will still look underdone—and let cool at least 20 minutes before placing the still-underdone cheesecake in the fridge. It’s important to let it cool before refrigerating, because you want it to cool gradually so it doesn’t crack. Chill at least 6 hours or overnight, during which time it firms up. Store leftovers covered in the fridge 3-4 days, or you can also freeze slices if desired.View Nutrition Facts

More Popular Vegan Recipes:

Vegan Mac And Cheese

Veggie Burger Recipe

Coconut Ice Cream

Lentil Soup Recipe

Chia Pudding – 5 Recipes

What I Eat In A Day

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healthylifestylenetworkthings · 4 years

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Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free?

If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works.

Oat milk is quickly becoming one of the more popular plant-based milks for everything from breakfast cereal to baking.

Plant milks made from nuts, seeds, coconut, rice, and soy are largely gluten-free, so you might expect the same from oat milk. However, if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, oat milk may not be the best choice.

This article explains whether oat milk is gluten-free.

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Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley.

While it’s safe for most people to eat, it inflames and damages the lining of the small intestine in people with celiac disease and possibly those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Thus, anyone with these conditions must strictly avoid gluten

Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, because they’re often grown near wheat and processed in facilities that also handle wheat products, they’re frequently cross-contaminated with gluten

Thus, oat milk is likewise susceptible to contamination.

A Canadian study in 133 oat samples discovered that 88% were contaminated with more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten – the general cutoff for a food to be considered gluten-free

That said, one of the varieties was certified gluten-free and tested negative for gluten

When researchers in the United States assessed 78 foods labeled gluten-free, 20.5% had gluten levels over 20 ppm

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t analyze foods for gluten content. Instead, it’s up to manufacturers to test the products themselves

Some manufacturers use third-party testing labs to ensure that their products are under the threshold for gluten. These have a certification – usually shown as a small stamp on the packaging – that ensures the product is indeed gluten-free

If you can’t consume gluten, you should only buy oat milk that’s certified gluten-free.

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Although naturally gluten-free, oats are frequently cross-contaminated with gluten. Therefore, there’s a good chance that your oat milk isn’t gluten-free unless it’s certified as such.

Gluten-free oat milk options

If you don’t have a health reason that requires you to avoid gluten, any kind of oat milk is safe to drink.

However, if you follow a gluten-free diet, you should read labels carefully to find products that are certified gluten-free.

Oatly is one oat milk brand whose U.S. products are certified gluten-free. Planet Oat, Califia Farms, and Elmhurst all state that their oat milk is gluten-free but don’t have third-party certification (5, 6, 7, 8).

Shop for Oatly oat milk products online.

Homemade version

Gluten-free oat milk is also easy to make yourself, using only two ingredients – certified gluten-free oats and water. Here’s a basic recipe:

Soak 1 cup (80 grams) of certified gluten-free oats in water – enough to cover them – for about 15 minutes.

Drain the oats and blend with up to 4 cups (945 mL) of water for about 30 seconds. Use less water if you prefer a thicker beverage.

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.

Chill before serving.

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Several brands offer gluten-free oat milk. Nonetheless, if you can’t find certified products, you can make your own oat milk with certified gluten-free oats and water.

How is oat milk made?

Oat milk is made by soaking whole oats in water, milling the softened mixture, and straining the liquid from the solids. The manufacturer may add other ingredients like sweeteners or vitamins before the drink is homogenized to make it creamy and milk-like

Oats are a particularly good source of beta glucan, a soluble fiber that gives oat milk its thick consistency and may boost heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. Notably, studies suggest that oat beverages have this same effect (10, ).

A 1-cup (240-mL) serving of oat milk provides ():

Calories: 120

Protein: 3 grams

Fat: 5 grams

Carbs: 16 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

summary

Oat milk is made by soaking and milling oats, then separating the liquid. Oat milk’s creamy texture is owed to its beta glucan, a healthy type of soluble fiber.

The bottom line

While oats are a gluten-free grain, many are cross-contaminated with gluten – meaning that not all oat milks are gluten-free.

If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you should only buy oat milk that’s certified gluten-free by a third-party organization.

Otherwise, you can make this thick, creamy plant-based milk at home using certified gluten-free oats and water.

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