Embracing Authenticity: The Power of Unconditional Love

“Go and love someone exactly as they are. Then, watch how they transform into the greatest truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered” – Wes Angelozzi

 

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Hearing the Darkness: Astronomers Translate the Eclipse for Blind and Low-Vision People

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th promises to be a spectacular event. But for people who are blind or have low vision, experiencing the phenomenon can feel out of reach. Enter a group of dedicated astronomers at Harvard who are using their knowledge of the cosmos to create a unique solution: transforming the eclipse into sound.

This innovative project, called LightSound, utilizes the concept of sonification. Imagine taking data and turning it into sound – that’s the essence of LightSound. In this case, the astronomers are taking the light data of the eclipse and converting it into an auditory experience.

Here’s how it works: Through workshops, the LightSound Project helps volunteers build special devices that translate the eclipse’s light changes into sound. As the moon blocks the sun, the device will produce corresponding sounds, allowing blind and low-vision observers to follow the eclipse’s progress.

This project isn’t just about technical ingenuity; it’s about inclusion. Eclipses are awe-inspiring moments, and LightSound ensures everyone has the chance to experience the celestial dance. Imagine hearing the soundscape of the eclipse – the initial brightness translated into a high-pitched tone, gradually giving way to a deeper sound as the moon covers the sun. Then, as totality approaches, an even deeper sound might represent the eerie twilight that descends during a total eclipse.

The LightSound Project is a testament to the power of science to bridge the gap between sight and experience. By translating the invisible into the audible, astronomers are opening up the wonders of the universe to a whole new audience.

Next week, the world will turn its gaze skyward to witness the eclipse. But the wonder won’t be limited to sight. Thanks to advancements in accessibility, the blind and low-vision community will experience this celestial event in a unique way – through the magic of sound.

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Robin Williams: Beyond the Laughter – A Legacy of Compassion and Empowerment

‘’Years ago I learned a very cool thing about Robin Williams, and I couldn’t watch a movie of his afterward without thinking of it. I never actually booked Robin Williams for an event, but I came close enough that his office sent over his rider.

For those outside of the entertainment industry, a rider lists out an artist’s specific personal and technical needs for hosting them for an event- anything from bottled water and their green room to sound and lighting requirements. You can learn a lot about a person from their rider. This is where rocks bands list their requirement for green M&Ms (which is actually a surprisingly smart thing to do).

This is also where a famous environmentalist requires a large gas-guzzling private jet to fly to the event city, but then requires an electric or hybrid car to take said environmentalist to the event venue when in view of the public.

When I got Robin Williams’ rider, I was very surprised by what I found. He actually had a requirement that for every single event or film he did, the company hiring him also had to hire a certain number of homeless people and put them to work.

I never watched a Robin Williams movie the same way after that. I’m sure that on his own time and with his own money, he was working with these people in need, but he’d also decided to use his clout as an entertainer to make sure that production companies and event planners also learned the value of giving people a chance to work their way back.

I wonder how many production companies continued the practice into their next non-Robin Williams project, as well as how many people got a chance at a job and the pride of earning an income, even temporarily, from his actions.

He was a great multiplier of his impact. Let’s hope that impact lives on without him. Thanks, Robin Williams — not just for laughs, but also for a cool example.’’

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Breaking Boundaries: A Love Story of Endurance and Triumph

‘Her dad told her, “If you marry that man you will never set foot in this house again.” Mary soon learned that most people felt the same way. The first years of their marriage living in Birmingham were hell– no one would speak to them, they couldn’t find anywhere to live because no one would rent to a black man, and they had no money. But they didn’t give up.
Gradually life became easier. Mary got teaching jobs, ending up as a deputy head teacher. Jake worked in a factory and then got a job at the Post Office. Slowly they made friends, but it was difficult. Mary used to tell people, “before I invite you to my home…. my husband is black.” Some would never talk to her again.
Last year they celebrated their 70th anniversary and they are still very much in love, and never regretted what they did.’❤️

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Acts of Kindness at 30,000 Feet: A Stranger’s Compassion During Turbulent Times

“My first flights with an infant and a toddler started out with a little panic when we boarded the plane.

My 4-month-old was screaming his head off because, due to a series of unexpected events, I was unable to nurse him before boarding the plane.

My 3-year-old, who was excited before boarding the plane, lost her nerve and began kicking and screaming, ‘I want to get off the plane! I don’t want to go!’ I honestly thought we’d get kicked off the plane.

So with two kids losing their minds, I was desperately trying to calm the situation.

This man reached for the baby and held him while I forced a seatbelt on Caroline, got her tablet, and started her movie. Once she was settled and relatively calm, he distracted her so I could feed Alexander.

Finally, while we were taxiing, the back of the plane was no longer filled with screams. During the flight, he colored and watched a movie with Caroline, he engaged in conversation and showed her all the things outside.

By the end of the flight, he was Caroline’s best friend. I’m not sure if he caught the kiss she landed on his shoulder while they were looking out the window.

Amazingly, we had the same connection in Charlotte to Wilmington, a connection he navigates frequently for work. He helped us get off the plane and led us to the next gate with Caroline in hand.

If that wasn’t enough, he changed his seat on the next flight to sit in our row to help us.

This guy, Todd, showed me kindness and compassion I’ve never known from another person. His wife, he said, had a similar experience when their two boys were young and a stranger showed her the same kindness.

We could have been placed next to anyone, but we were seated next to one of the nicest men I have ever met in my life.”

Via Jessica Rudeen

#payingitforward #KindnessInAction #CompassionateStrangers #ParentingAdventures #AirTravelWithKids #RandomActsOfKindness #ConnectingThroughCompassion #UnexpectedHeroes #InFlightFriendship #ParentingSupport #SpreadLoveAndKindness

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Rebel Wilson Breaks the Mold: Discussing Virginity at 35 and Why You Shouldn’t Feel Pressure

In a refreshing and honest move, actress Rebel Wilson is opening up about her personal life in her upcoming memoir, Rebel Rising. One detail gaining traction is her revelation about losing her virginity at 35.

Wilson’s decision to share this is particularly powerful because it challenges societal expectations. There’s often a pressure, especially on young people, to conform to a specific timeline when it comes to intimacy. Wilson’s story dismantles that notion entirely.

Taking the Pressure Off

In an interview with People, Wilson explains her motivation: “People can wait till they’re ready or wait till they’re a bit more mature. And I think that could be a positive message. You obviously don’t have to wait until you’re in your thirties like me, but you shouldn’t feel pressure as a young person,” she said.

The 44-year-old actress expressed her hope that by sharing her story, she could alleviate pressure on her younger fans.

“People that said, ‘Oh, at 24, it’s so late.’ And then I’m sitting here thinking, ‘Oh my God, my number’s 35. What the h*ll? I’m going to look like the biggest loser.”

A Story of Self-Discovery

Wilson also admits to feeling embarrassed about the topic in the past, often avoiding conversations about it. “There was one vague time, I think I told my best friend, ‘Oh, yeah, I just did it to just get it over with when I was like 23,'” she said.

This highlights the importance of open dialogue and normalizing experiences that fall outside the stereotypical narrative.

Her journey of self-discovery extends beyond just physical intimacy. Wilson also discusses coming to terms with her sexuality later in life.

Celebrating Your Own Timeline

Rebel Wilson’s story is a powerful reminder that life doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all script. Virginity is a personal experience, and there’s no right or wrong age to lose it. What matters most is feeling comfortable, confident, and ready.

So, whether you’re following a traditional path or forging your own, embrace your journey and celebrate your unique timeline.

Related #mewetoo Post: “I feel ashamed to be a virgin at 19.”

If you haven’t watched the 2005 movie “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” with Steve Carell, check out the movie trailer. As the commenter GregOrCreg on YouTube remarks, “Once you get to 41, you’re no longer worried about being a 40-year-old virgin.”

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Touchdown for Teamwork: Big Brothers Big Sisters & The NFL Tackle Youth Mentoring, with Big Assist from Game Changers Initiative

Calling all football fans and changemakers! Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative are joining forces for a powerful touchdown – one that goes way beyond the gridiron. This dynamic partnership tackles a crucial challenge: providing life-changing mentorship opportunities for America’s youth.

Why Mentorship Matters

For many young people, especially those facing adversity, having a positive role model can make all the difference. BBBSA understands this. They connect children (Littles) with caring adults (Bigs) who provide friendship, guidance, and support. Studies show that kids with mentors are more likely to succeed in school, have better relationships with their peers, and avoid risky behaviors.

The NFL Steps Up & Game Changers Enter the Game

The NFL’s Inspire Change initiative recognizes the transformative power of mentorship too. Since 2019, they’ve partnered with BBBSA to raise awareness about the need for more Bigs, particularly men of color. This collaboration goes beyond financial support. NFL players themselves become Bigs, sharing their own stories and experiences with young people.

A Growing Need: Thousands on the Waitlist

With over 30,000 young people currently on BBBSA’s national waitlist, the need for mentors, especially positive male role models, is critical. In fact, statistics show there are three times more Black youth than Black mentors in BBBSA programs.

Addressing this gap is where BBBSA’s innovative Game Changers Initiative, launched in January 2024, comes in. This program unites influential leaders and changemakers from across the nation to address pressing issues impacting America’s youth, with a focus on mental health, equity, and the power of mentorship.

Star Players and Influential Figures: A Winning Team

Some star NFL players who have gotten involved with BBBSA and Inspire Change include quarterback Lamar Jackson, known for his dedication to his community, and defensive end Calais Campbell, a vocal advocate for youth development. Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, a recent Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, is also a Big Brothers Big Sisters ambassador for the Game Changers Initiative. He joins a roster of other prominent Black men in this program who have personally experienced the transformative power of mentorship, including Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., Aloe Blacc, Wayne Brady, Kelvin Buncum, Nate Burleson, Sway Calloway, “GRIFF”, Daymond John, Rachaad White, and Terrance Williams.

These influential figures leverage their platforms to:

  • Shift the mentorship narrative
  • Share their personal journeys
  • Encourage volunteers, particularly Black men, to get involved in mentoring

More Than Just a Game

This partnership is about more than just football. It’s about building a stronger future for our youth. By leveraging the reach of the NFL, the expertise of BBBSA, and the inspiring leadership of the Game Changers, they’re inspiring adults to become Bigs and help young people reach their full potential.

How You Can Get Involved

Want to be part of the winning team? Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Visit the BBBSA website: Learn more about becoming a Big and the positive impact you can make.
  • Spread the word: Share information about BBBSA, the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, and the Game Changers program on social media.
  • Cheer on the Bigs and Littles: Show your support for mentoring and the powerful impact it has on young lives.

Together, we can create a winning season for America’s youth. Let’s tackle the challenge of youth mentoring and score a touchdown for positive change!

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Bias in AI: The Glitches in the Machine

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, from how we shop to how we get diagnosed by a doctor. But with this incredible power comes a hidden danger: bias. Just like any human creation, AI systems can inherit and amplify the biases present in the data they’re trained on.

So, what exactly is bias in AI? It happens when the algorithms powering these systems learn patterns from data that reflects real-world prejudices. Here’s how it can play out:

  • Algorithmic Bias: Imagine an AI system used for loan approvals. If the training data primarily consisted of loans approved for white applicants with high credit scores, the system might unconsciously discriminate against applicants of color or those with lower credit scores.
  • Data Bias: Let’s say an AI facial recognition system is trained on a dataset with mostly Caucasian faces. This could lead to the system having difficulty accurately identifying faces of people with darker skin tones.

The consequences of bias in AI can be far-reaching. It can perpetuate discrimination in areas like hiring, loan approvals, and even criminal justice. For example, AI-powered risk assessment tools used in criminal justice have been shown to disproportionately flag people of color as high-risk.

So, what can be done?

  • Diverse Datasets: Training AI systems on data that reflects the real world’s diversity is crucial. This means including people of different races, genders, and backgrounds.
  • Human Oversight: AI should be a tool to augment human decision-making, not replace it. Humans can identify and correct for potential bias in the system’s outputs.
  • Transparency and Explainability: Developers need to create AI systems that are transparent in how they reach decisions. This allows for identifying and mitigating bias.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts on AI bias in the comments below.

Related: What happened to Google’s Gemini image creation tool?

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Howdy, Queen Bey! Beyoncé Responds to Country Music Debut with “Cowboy Carter”

Beyoncé’s foray into country music with her first single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” back in July 2023, sent shockwaves through the music industry. Fans were divided, with some welcoming a new genre from the Queen Bey, while others expressed skepticism about her sincerity and worried about cultural appropriation. Beyoncé is the first Black female solo artist to top country music charts.

Undeterred, Beyoncé announced a full country album titled “Renaissance: Act II” (later renamed “Cowboy Carter”) as part of a three-act project. The news fueled the debate further, with some country traditionalists feeling she wasn’t “country enough” and others excited about the potential for genre-bending.

Now, with “Cowboy Carter” dropping on March 29, 2024, Beyoncé seems to be directly addressing the controversy. In a recent interview with Essence Magazine, she stated, “‘Cowboy Carter’ is my love letter to country music. It’s a genre that has inspired me for years, and I always wanted to pay homage to its rich history.”

While specific details about collaborations haven’t been revealed, Beyoncé hinted at working with “some incredible country artists” on the album. Fans are speculating about features from established stars like Carrie Underwood or Dolly Parton, or perhaps even rising talents like Mickey Guyton or Orville Peck.

One thing’s for sure: Beyoncé is no stranger to pushing boundaries and challenging expectations. “Cowboy Carter” is poised to be a landmark moment in country music, and whether traditionalists embrace it or not, it’s sure to spark a conversation about genre, authenticity, and artistic evolution.

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Ageing Out or Aging In? Why Ageism Persists Despite a Rising Retirement Age

The Intern movie with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Experience never gets old. 2015 and still relevant in 2024.

While demographics shift and the average lifespan increases, a puzzling trend persists: ageism in the workplace. Despite a rising retirement age and a growing population of older workers, negative stereotypes about age continue to hold them back.

A Disconnect Between Demographics and Attitudes:

The reality is, people are working longer. Financial pressures, a desire for purpose, and overall better health are pushing the traditional retirement age upwards. However, employer mindsets haven’t always kept pace. Many businesses cling to outdated ideas about older workers being less tech-savvy, adaptable, or innovative.

The Cost of Age Discrimination:

Ageism isn’t just unfair, it’s bad for business. Experienced workers bring valuable institutional knowledge, strong work ethic, and proven problem-solving skills. They can mentor younger colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration. Studies show age-diverse teams outperform homogenous ones. By overlooking qualified older candidates, companies miss out on a significant talent pool.

Beyond the Stereotypes:

The truth is, age is just a number. Skills, experience, and drive are what matter most. Older workers often have a wealth of experience across different industries, making them adaptable and resourceful. Their tech skills can be readily updated, and their focus and work ethic are often assets.

Building an Age-Inclusive Workplace:

So, how can we combat ageism in the workplace?

  • Rethink job descriptions: Focus on skills and experience, not age-related qualifiers like “recent graduate” or “digital native.”
  • Blind hiring practices: Consider anonymizing resumes during the initial screening process to focus on qualifications.
  • Invest in training: Offer ongoing training on new technologies and changing workplace practices for all employees.
  • Promote a culture of mentorship: Pair experienced workers with younger colleagues to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration.

By dismantling ageist stereotypes and building inclusive workplaces, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce, regardless of age. In an era of rising retirement ages, this isn’t just good practice, it’s smart business.

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