By: Factfullguys

At the core of the “Happy Chinese New Year Tour”, led by the Zhejiang delegation in collaboration with the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, orchestrates a nuanced exploration of tradition and innovation. Becky, the spokesperson of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, has shared with the journalist that the essence of this tour is to facilitate cultural exchange and help the young generation in the United States experience the culture from China. However, based on the journalist’s observations, this tour goes beyond the mere presentation of Chinese ancient art but emerges as a dynamic platform fostering a symbiotic relationship between time-honored crafts and the evolving currents of the contemporary world. Rather than a passive presentation of tradition, it seeks to create an immersive environment where past and present converge, offering insights into cultural understanding and inspiring the innovation and creativity of the youth.

Kicking off with the Woodblock Printing Workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, participants were not just spectators but active contributors to the evolution of an ancient art form. Chinese New Year Woodblock Printing, with its rich historical roots, seamlessly integrated with modern aesthetics, exemplifying the harmonious connection between tradition and contemporary expression. A similar theme echoed at the Lunar New Year Celebration in New Jersey, where the Taishun Puppet Show embraced cutting-edge puppetry techniques, infusing ancient narratives with a contemporary vibrancy. The China Institute in America played host to a convergence of tradition and innovation against the backdrop of Southern Song Official Kilns, creating a dynamic canvas for cultural expression where technology and art coexisted.

An in-depth exploration into the symbiotic relationship between tradition and innovation reveals that the “Happy Chinese New Year Tour” serves as more than a homage to the past; it is a catalyst for future creative endeavors. The engagement with Zhejiang’s cultural heritage not only preserves ancient techniques but also sparks imaginative thinking, providing a fertile ground for the youth to boost their innovation and creativity. For instance, the hands-on experience of Rice Dough Sculpture and Sugar Painting at the Lunar New Year Celebration in New Jersey serves as both a preservation of ancient techniques and a source of inspiration for novel ideas.

Furthermore, the interplay of tradition and innovation in events like the Taishun Puppet Show or the Woodblock Printing Workshop becomes a profound lesson for the youth. It demonstrates that understanding one’s roots is not a hindrance to innovation but, rather, a catalyst for it. The intricate techniques passed down through generations become not restrictive boundaries but stepping stones for inventive ideas. This sentiment is underscored by the reflections of Emily Klein, a young college student majoring in art from Brooklyn, who notes after participating in the Lunar New Year Festival Woodblock Printing Workshop at the Met while exploring the museum, “Exploring the ancient art of Chinese woodblock printing made me realize that tradition isn’t an obstacle to creativity but a wellspring of inspiration. It’s a delicate dance between the past and the present, where innovation is nurtured by the deep roots of tradition. By learning the history of Chinese woodblock printing and the works, I can find the origin of modern art and the wisdom of the ancient people from a different country, and get inspiration for my future work.”

The “Happy Chinese New Year Tour” illustrates a very good example of the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, and how tradition could neutralize and inspire innovation. Participants, as they immerse themselves in ancient crafts, discover that these traditions are not static relics of the past but dynamic sources of inspiration that fuel creativity and innovation, embodying a delicate balance between honoring the old and embracing the new.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

The U.S. Department of State has been facing a backlog of applications for quite some time now, leading to ongoing passport processing delays and extended wait times for applicants. The pandemic has caused a fluctuation in passport wait times, with standard applications expected to take six to eight weeks. In comparison, expedited applications will be processed within two to three weeks, according to the State Department.

The challenge of reducing passport processing times is compounded by the increasing number of U.S. citizens seeking passports, a trend that surpasses the post-pandemic travel rebound. With over 160 million valid U.S. passports currently in circulation – almost double the amount in 2007 – the demand for passports continues to grow. Today, 48 percent of U.S. citizens hold valid passports, compared to just 5 percent in 1990.

Despite recent improvements in processing times, the State Department urges travelers to apply for or renew passports well in advance of their planned trips abroad. Renewing a U.S. passport currently requires an in-person or mail application process, as the online renewal option, introduced temporarily in 2022, was paused in February 2023. It’s essential to note that the processing time begins upon receipt of the application at a passport agency or center, potentially adding several weeks to the overall processing period.

In response to the challenges faced by traditional government processes, GovPlus, an online startup, has revolutionized the application process for various government documents. Founded by technology enthusiast Guy Lelouch and business partner Katie D’Amore, GovPlus aims to simplify, expedite, and enhance the experience of dealing with government applications.

Recognizing the inherent complexities of traditional government processes, GovPlus strives to alleviate citizen frustrations by offering a user-friendly solution. Guy Lelouch emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people’s needs in government services, stating, “GovPlus is a technology platform that allows you to securely search, submit, complete, and track all of your government applications in one location. This platform was created to save clients time by eliminating the need to enter information for each form they fill out throughout their lives, as well as any friction anchored with those essential records. As a French immigrant residing in the United States, I know how hard it can be to fill out government documents, and I wanted to do something to assist others have a better experience. GovPlus makes government applications simpler and easier than ever before.” “My co-founder and I intend to positively impact more Americans in the coming months by adding even more services,” Mr. Lelouch adds.

GovPlus positions itself as a transformative force in government interactions, promising to save users time, eliminate repetitive tasks, and provide peace of mind. With over 300,000 applications filed and more than 1.2 million hours saved, GovPlus is committed to making government interactions more efficient for users.

Inspired by personal challenges with government processes, Mr. Lelouch founded GovPlus intending to address inefficiencies through innovation. His experience trying to obtain an Employer Identification Number outside of regular business hours led him to develop a program that could complete the process seamlessly. This experience laid the groundwork for GovPlus, which aims to streamline a variety of government document applications through efficiency and innovation.

GovPlus offers a comprehensive suite of services, including passport applications and renewals, Social Security card processes, birth certificate requests, address changes, and TSA PreCheck applications. By consolidating these services into one platform, GovPlus eliminates the need to navigate multiple websites and forms.

The platform’s user-centric features simplify the application process, with patented autofill technology ensuring that users never have to enter the same information twice. By providing most services online, GovPlus minimizes the need for physical visits to government offices, saving users time and effort.

A significant pain point for applicants is the uncertainty surrounding their application status. GovPlus addresses this by providing live updates and estimated timelines, keeping users informed throughout the process. The platform’s commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in its promise to add more government applications regularly, ensuring a comprehensive solution for users.

In an age where data security is paramount, GovPlus prioritizes the protection of users’ sensitive information. Utilizing advanced encryption and privacy measures, the platform ensures a secure environment for processing and managing applications. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, further safeguarding user data.

As an authorized IRS e-file provider, GovPlus upholds the highest standards of security, accuracy, and privacy for tax-related applications. From personalized questionnaires to automated renewals, GovPlus leverages technology to simplify government transactions and save users valuable time. As Mr. Lelouch aptly summarizes, “GovPlus takes care of your government applications for you – and saves you hours of valuable time.”

 

Published By: Aize Perez

In a defining moment that echoed across the nation, a federal judge ruled the purported connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and the onset of autism and ADHD in children as scientifically unfounded. This verdict, anchored in the meticulous Federal Rules of Evidence, highlights the crucial confluence of legal proceedings, scientific inquiry, and public health concerns.

Unraveling the Legal Battle: Tylenol’s Scientific Scrutiny

The controversy lay in around 500 lawsuits consolidated under a mass tort litigation against Johnson & Johnson and its spin-off, Kenvue. Plaintiffs contended that acetaminophen, Tylenol’s key component, was linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). US District Judge Denise Cote’s comprehensive 148-page decision in Manhattan federal court effectively nullified these allegations, criticizing the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses for their lack of rigorous scientific backing.

This ruling highlights the stringent criteria under which scientific testimony is evaluated in the legal arena and sets a precedent for how similar cases might be adjudicated in the future. The judge’s critique pointed out a “results-driven analysis” and “cherry-picking” of data by the plaintiffs’ experts, practices that obscured the complexities and inconsistencies in the underlying research.

Kenvue has responded to the ruling with a commitment to dismiss all related cases, reinforcing the safety of Tylenol and its endorsement for use by pregnant women experiencing pain or fever. This stance aims to clarify the medication’s safety profile amidst the litigation. Meanwhile, for selling generic versions, major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart have remained silent or non-responsive to the ruling, leaving a gap in the narrative of corporate accountability.

The Crucial Role of Daubert in Evaluating Expert Testimony

The pivotal Daubert standard, which dictates the admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts, played a central role in this case.  “Anytime you have a case that has to be proven by scientific testimony, there is a requirement that the testimony must meet certain minimum standards, that is the Daubert test,” explains Paul H. Cannon, a partner at the Houston-based personal injury law firm. This gatekeeper’s hearing is crucial for ensuring that any expert testimony presented in court is credible and rests on a foundation of reliable scientific methodology.

The Daubert hearing is where the methodologies of expert witnesses are scrutinized, and their conclusions are challenged. In this case, the defense successfully argued that the plaintiffs’ experts did not employ scientifically accepted methods to reach their findings, leading to the exclusion of their testimony. 

“It is not a question of the expert’s credibility, but of the reliability of the underlying process by which the expert reached their conclusions that ‘A’ caused ‘B.’ Suppose the medical community does not accept a theory or test or cannot be tested objectively by others. In that case, it will be deemed too subjective of a method and disallowed by the court,” Cannon adds. This distinction between credibility and reliability is vital, emphasizing that legal arguments must be grounded in objectively verifiable science.

Navigating the Future of Scientific Evidence in Court

This ruling carries profound implications for the legal field, particularly in cases reliant on intricate scientific testimony. It reinforces the judiciary’s duty to maintain legal integrity by permitting only scientifically substantiated evidence. For entities like Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, this verdict affirms their product’s safety, enhancing public trust in one of the most commonly used medicines.

Despite the federal court’s decisive ruling, the dialogue on the admissibility of scientific evidence in legal proceedings continues. As Paul H. Cannon notes, The broader legal and medical communities are poised for a shift in strategy, underscoring the changes in legal battles over medical claims. 

Ultimately, the Tylenol autism case underscores the balance required between legal advocacy and scientific accuracy. It highlights the challenges of navigating legal disputes amid scientific ambiguity and reaffirms the judiciary’s critical role in defining the parameters of acceptable scientific evidence in court.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Every March 17, streets around the world flourish in emerald hues, parades, and good luck charms in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish cultural event enriched with vibrant traditions and mouth-watering delicacies. Leading the St. Patrick’s celebrations in Washington, DC, GreenIsland Bakery stands out with its authentic Irish and European goods. This delectable hub reprises the age-old tradition every day by serving freshly baked goodies brimming with luxury and imported ingredients.

Caroline Johnston laid the foundation for GreenIsland Bakery in 2020, inspired by her longing for authentic Irish and European pastries, bakery goods, and bread. Delivering a gastronomical fusion of Ireland and Europe to Washington, DC, Caroline’s warm bakery exudes the nostalgic aroma of the old continent’s delicacies. An array of enticing offerings extends from Irish-themed cupcakes and shortbread cookies to Soda Bread – everything to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations unforgettable.

The bakery goes the extra mile to cater to every event or family get-together on St. Patrick’s Day. From specialized gift boxes comprising a myriad of St. Patrick’s Day treats to taking online orders for clients who wish to serve authentic Irish goodies at their events, GreenIsland bakery covers all bases. With attention to detail and a passion for quality, GreenIsland bakery remains a go-to choice for those seeking a taste of Ireland during the festive season.

High-value, flavorful ingredients constitute the backbone of GreenIsland Bakery’s product line. Sourced from international regions, these upscale ingredients infuse authenticity into each product, possibly reminding you of your mom’s homemade recipe that you thought could never be recreated. In the pursuit of culinary excellence, GreenIsland Bakery meticulously infuses each morsel with love and nostalgia, ensuring that every bite becomes a delightful journey through cherished flavors. As you indulge in the sumptuous offerings, you’re left to do what you love – relish in good food and savor the moments of pure culinary bliss.

What sets GreenIsland Bakery apart from conventional bakeries is their unique mission. This social enterprise collaborates with myriad organizations to support women recuperating from traumatic experiences. They reach out to marginalized women in society and engage with them through personal development coaching and workforce training. The objective is to raise funds for equipment and facilities, creating employment opportunities that empower these women.

Their mission scales beyond the confines of their bakery, extending towards increasing employment and local food production. Their alliance with organizations like Bread Coin is a testament to their commitment to giving back to the community and promoting sustainable practices. GreenIsland Bakery (GIB) presented first responders, as well as victims of violence, with options to purchase their fresh and wholesome products, thereby contributing to a sense of unity and support within the community.

As succinctly encapsulated by their founder, Caroline Johnston, “GreenIsland Bakery offers freshly baked Irish and European goods made with luxury and imported ingredients.” This US-based patisserie manifests the essence of Irish and European food culture, making every day feel like St. Patrick’s Day. With a menu that celebrates the heritage of Ireland and embraces the diverse flavors of Europe, this patisserie takes pride in curating an experience that tantalizes taste buds and fosters a sense of cultural appreciation.

If you wish to dive into the essence of St. Patrick’s Day with the waft of freshly baked Irish goods, look no further than GreenIsland Bakery. Get a taste of their scrumptious goods by visiting their website at www.greenislandbakery.com/. Be part of their journey in creating employment, boosting local food production, and empowering women by supporting GreenIsland Bakery. It’s not just an enterprise; it’s a movement. Every purchase not only satiates your taste buds but also paves the way for a more inclusive society, thereby keeping the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day alive every day.

https://x.com/nicknewsdc/status/1504651518317932546?s=20

https://www.instagram.com/greenislandbakery/

https://twitter.com/GIBIrishBakery

Published by: Aly Cinco

Faceless Freedom, under the guidance of its founder, Freud Vixamar, stands out as a beacon in the realm of YouTube automation. Delving into the interview with Freud, the focus shifts towards the vital aspect of student relationships and the meticulous approach taken to ensure each individual’s unique needs are met.

Introduction: A Journey into YouTube Automation

Freud’s journey into YouTube automation began at a young age, fueled by the desire to break free from financial constraints. His initial foray into Shopify, influenced by a friend’s success, eventually led him down the rabbit hole of online entrepreneurship. Through trials, failures, and lessons learned, he stumbled upon the concept of YouTube automation at the age of 16. This discovery marked the inception of Faceless Freedom, a venture that would not only bring financial freedom to Freud but also open doors for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Rewarding Journey of Channel Optimization

Beyond financial gains, Freud finds profound satisfaction in optimizing YouTube channels. The process of not just building but fine-tuning channels to maximize growth has become his passion. It’s a journey where he immerses himself in research, exploring content ideas, and ensuring each channel becomes a unique brand. The ability to impact viewers without being in the spotlight is a gratifying experience for Freud, knowing that his work reaches and influences a broad audience.

The Most Fulfilling Aspect Beyond Financial Freedom

While financial freedom is a notable achievement, Freud reflects on a deeper aspect of fulfillment within his work. The stress of entrepreneurship often gives way to a sense of peace when he engages in optimizing channels. The ability to connect with the audience through various brands, even if incognito, adds a layer of fulfillment that goes beyond monetary gains. Freud takes pride in being a silent force behind channels that resonate with viewers globally.

Tailoring Education to Individual Needs

In the realm of online education, especially within YouTube automation, the question of student relationships and fulfillment becomes paramount. Freud sheds light on the challenges associated with online courses, emphasizing the statistic that less than 10% of people find success. Recognizing this, he introduces personal touchpoints to bridge the gap between course material and student success.

Live Interaction and Personal Commitment

To counter the low success rates in online courses, Freud adopts a proactive approach. He conducts two live Zoom calls, encouraging direct interaction between him and the students. This commitment goes beyond the conventional online education model. Students aren’t just recipients of course content; they become active participants in a community where their progress is closely monitored. Freud also introduces the concept of a success manager, adding another layer of personalized support.

Adapting to Changes and Honest Communication

The landscape of YouTube automation is dynamic, with frequent updates and policy changes. Freud acknowledges the need for adaptability and ensures that any alterations or updates to the program are communicated transparently. He recounts an incident where a particular video strategy became obsolete due to a YouTube update. Rather than concealing the change, Freud openly informed the community and expressed commitment to finding alternative solutions. This transparent communication fosters trust among students.

Overcoming Challenges: A Continuous Process

Freud’s journey with Faceless Freedom is not devoid of challenges. From hurdles in getting channels monetized to building and automating teams, each obstacle is met with a solution-driven mindset. He narrates instances of having to step in and build teams for students facing difficulties, showcasing a hands-on approach to problem-solving. The challenges, Freud believes, are essential for growth and pushing oneself to the next level.

Success Stories: Beyond Monetary Achievements

Amidst the challenges, Freud proudly shares the success stories of students like Gina, Jeff, and Kevin. Gina’s transformation from a $1,000 monthly income to over $30,000 stands as a testament to the impact of Faceless Freedom. Jeff’s channel generates $60,000 monthly, and Kevin’s journey from a fast-food manager to a key contributor in updating the program illustrates the diverse paths students can carve with the skills learned through Faceless Freedom.

Beyond Monetary Gains: Acquiring Lifelong Skills

Freud emphasizes that Faceless Freedom isn’t just about making money; it’s about acquiring valuable skills. The program exposes students to the intricacies of YouTube, analytics, and audience psychology. These skills, Freud argues, are timeless and can be applied across various business models. The ability to understand and cater to an audience becomes a powerful tool in the hands of Faceless Freedom’s graduates.

Future Goals: Becoming the Pinnacle in YouTube Automation

Looking ahead, Freud envisions Faceless Freedom as the epitome of YouTube automation education. His goal is audacious yet driven by a deep commitment to providing the best possible education. Freud aspires for Faceless Freedom to be synonymous with YouTube automation, a name that instantly comes to mind when one considers starting a faceless channel.

Conclusion: A Journey of Impact and Empowerment

In essence, Faceless Freedom, under Freud Vixamar’s stewardship, isn’t just an educational platform; it’s a transformative journey. It’s a commitment to nurture relationships, adapt to changes, overcome challenges, and empower individuals with lifelong skills. As Faceless Freedom paves the way for aspiring YouTube automation, it not only achieves financial milestones but leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of online education.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Teachers, no matter their years of experience, face an ever-changing landscape in today’s educational sphere. This is particularly true within the realm of Physical Education, a field that demands continuous instructional modifications and a solid, adaptable plan to cater for the continually diversifying needs of students.

Through the decades, instructional models have witnessed significant evolution. There’s been a shift in focus from core fitness strength to overall wellness, a transition from sport skill development to social and emotional learning, and a subsequent evolution towards adventure education, academic embedding, and inclusive play.

Despite this clear shift in methods and approaches, the unchanging backbone of education lies in effective management of the students, with a focus on safe, engaging, and mindful teaching. Seemingly stuck between the policies of their predecessor and the trial-and-error ‘learn-as-you-go’ approach, today’s educators often find themselves in an isolating role.

This piece seeks to equip P.E. teachers with essential strategies crucial to success in any dynamic educational setting.

Understanding time – that’s the first strategy. Acknowledging how long it truly takes to teach a skill, until students can independently execute the task with minimal guidance, is paramount to effectively teaching a diverse group. All too often, educators overload themselves, attempting to cram too many units or activities within a year. Instead, track the actual ‘on-task’ time exhibited by students to identify how many such minutes, or lessons, are needed for them to attain competency.

Next, learning to modify instruction on-the-go comes hugely beneficial with diverse groups. Consider every execution of skill or movement pattern through the lens of identifiers – what is the critical hindrance preventing achievement? Is it physical, cognitive, or emotional? This constraint identification allows for efficient on-the-spot fine-tuning and adjustments.

Lastly, community matters, perhaps more so when limited Physical Education budgets come into play. Catering to the many diverse needs of students requires a holistic, community-based approach to movement education. A comprehensive needs-assessment of the entire school campus helps to effectively identify active and inactive zones, providing a concrete blueprint for admin and PTA to address.

This community-focused approach proves beneficial in multiple ways. It opens avenues to greater budget resources, allows students more practice time, and alleviates classroom teachers’ burden when Physical Education is not on the schedule, or inclement weather conditions prevail. Incorporating elements like sensory pathways, stencils, and equipment resonating with school branding can elevate the overall health, wellness, and enthusiasm of all students.

Matt Schinelli M.Ed., an experienced Inclusive Movements Services Consultant adds, “What hasn’t changed are the vital constants of effectively managing students under the umbrella of safe, thoughtful, and engaging instruction.” As educators adapt to an evolving playing field, these constants –safe, thoughtful, engaging instruction– remain non-negotiable pillars of successful teaching.

To ensure inclusivity, engagement, and safety within diverse classrooms, consider these strategies a teacher’s toolkit to success. They are sure to assist in the championing of every student, against the backdrop of an ever-changing, ever-diverse educational landscape.

Explore more at Fit & Fun Playscapes, where tools, inspiration and community converge to make any educational setting a more inclusive place.

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Published by: Aly Cinco