Posts made in April 2020

ODESZA × GOLDEN FEATURES

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GRAMMY-nominated duo ODESZA and groundbreaking Sydney producer Golden Features have announced their new project BRONSON with the launch of two contrasting singles “HEART ATTACK (feat. lau.ra)” and “VAULTS” out now on Foreign Family Collective and Ninja Tune. The double release serves as the primer to the trio’s forthcoming self-titled debut album, set for July 17. Both tracks offer two distinct looks into BRONSON, embracing an alternate identity for the trio in which they discovered a newfound limitlessness and ability to explore new soundscapes, free from any expectations attached to their respective projects. “HEART ATTACK” finds a weightless dreamy soundscape in lau.ra’s vocals (of Ultraísta), while “VAULTS” explores a gripping intensity by way of distorted basslines and edgier cinematic tones.

Listen to “HEART ATTACK (feat. lau.ra)” and “VAULTS” here.

On “HEART ATTACK,” BRONSON reflects that it “was the first vocal track we worked on for the record. It was one of those ideas that came together really quickly and felt very natural while writing with lau.ra. Ultimately, it was a confluence between the two distinctive sounds of ODESZA and Golden Features. It served as a turning point in the writing process of the album and an inspiration for the other vocal tracks to come.”

Nearly three years in the making, BRONSON originally formed through the personal connection that ODESZA members Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight shared with Golden Features’ Tom Stell. Out of mutual admiration on a creative level, they formed a digital record box of shared sounds sent across time zones and continents through Dropbox files and FaceTime calls. The product of those collective efforts culminated in 2018 when the trio spent a week, in the remote reaches of Berry, Australia, recording what would later become the first BRONSON album.

Furthermore, “VAULTS” became an anchor in the writing process. As BRONSON observes, “it was one of the earlier instrumentals we completed and it acted as a cornerstone to the overall sound design and aesthetic of the album. The track really proved a departure from each artist’s own respective styles and set a definitive change in direction for the BRONSON project. We knew we had something special here and it served as a guiding light for the rest of the record.”

As the debut releases, “HEART ATTACK” and “VAULTS” are indicative of the opposing light versus dark elements that flow throughout the 10-track album. The record strikes a beautiful balance between intense, emotive instrumental-heavy tracks and cathartic, melodic vocal songs, with additional guest features from Gallant and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. An unexpected yet welcome addition includes Harrison and Tom themselves providing the vocals for “CALL OUT,” a song that lulls the listener into tranquility.

The album reflects on their respective needs to challenge personal struggles, both internal and external. Moreover, the trio recognized that their own battles were merely microcosms of the surrounding world. The hope was to craft a body of work that was reflective of that duality of lightness and darkness inherent to the human condition. The result is a project with an extraordinary profundity and universal relatability. One can connect to it on a deeply personal level and find relief, no matter what they may be confronting in their own life.

ODESZA and Golden Features have combined streaming numbers in the billions and hold multiple gold and platinum singles and albums respectively. They’ve remixed and collaborated with an array of impressive artists including Sia, Leon Bridges, Regina Spektor, Katy Perry, Charli XCX and others. Both leaders in the live circuit, they’ve cumulatively reached millions of fans on global headline tours, with ODESZA selling out massive venues including Los Angeles’ Staples Center, New York’s Barclays Center, London’s O2 Academy Brixton, as well as headlining world-famous festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Outside Lands and Lollapalooza.

The album is available now to pre-order and pre-save digitally and pre-order the physical LP at the official BRONSON store.

Stay tuned for more new music from BRONSON off their self-titled debut album, out July 17.

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

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When Festival Napa Valley, California Wine Country’s flagship music festival, made the decision to postpone its 15th Anniversary Season to 2021, its artists refused to be silenced. Led by two alumni of the Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy – conductor Zach Salsburg-Frank and violinist Sienna Peck – 126 past and present Festival Napa Valley musicians joined forces to create an extraordinary virtual performance of the famous “Va, pensiero” chorus from the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi.

“Although we will not have a summer season this year, our pioneering spirit is alive and well and we are creating innovative ways to continue to bring music to our audiences,” said Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley.

The innovations include the Festival Napa Valley Remote Ensemble, made up of: instrumentalists and singers from 26 states, 8 countries, and 5 continents representing two dozen orchestras, ensembles, opera companies and music conservatories such as the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Juilliard School, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, and many more.
“Va, pensiero was a perfect choice of music, a moving hymn that has served as a rallying song of hope and resilience for people around the world,” said Charles Letourneau, the Festival’s Vice President and Director of Artistic Planning.

Each musician recorded their part on a smartphone while following the virtual conductor. The group was synchronized into one glorious collective performance. It was dedicated to the essential workers whose heroic efforts safeguard the health and safety of our communities. The performance can be seen on Festival Napa Valley’s YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/jHV9wLvNYxA

Added Letourneau: “Our technical engineer Wei Wang created a visually and musically stunning virtual performance that proves digital art can be as moving as a live performance in these extraordinary times.”

Festival Napa Valley’s 15th Anniversary Season will take place July 16-25, 2021.

About Festival Napa Valley:

Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley offers programs that enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region and make the arts accessible to all. The Festival presents world-class performances staged in iconic Napa Valley venues and inspiring educational programs offered at Napa County public schools year-round. It is presented by Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs and vintners participate each year.

Road Safety Tips Every Truck Driver Should Know

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Long-distance truck driving can be a great job, but it can also be very dangerous. Every year, there are over 500,000 accidents involving trucks on American roads. More than 10% of all traffic accidents in the US involve a trucking accident. Driving long haul can be very, very physically and mentally and a moment’s lapse in concentration can have fatal consequences. 5,000 trucking accidents each year lead to death so it is so important to take every measure necessary to drive safely.

This article lays out four road safety tips that every truck driver should know.

1. Do Not Drive If You are Tired

Long haul driving is extremely extraneous and tiredness is one of the main contributing factors in traffic accidents. If a driver is tired they may momentarily lose concentration or even fall asleep, both of which can lead to a crash. Being overly exhausted and staring for hours at the road can even lead to hallucinations which can cause a driver to make a mistake. Over 70,000 accidents a year come as a result of drowsy driving and these lead to more than 800 deaths. The expert attorneys at http://www.kraftlaw.com/, who represent drivers in all kinds of accidents, told us that it is vital for long-distance truck drivers to ensure that they have plenty of sleep before doing a long drive or an accident can easily occur for which they may be culpable. Whether you are a long-distance truck driver or a parent on the way home for a school run, your legal case will be significantly weakened if you were found to be overly tired when involved in a crash. Many truck drivers consume large quantities of caffeine or other stimulants to stay awake and alert, but these can distort judgment and affect reaction times so being well rested before the trip is a much safer method.

2. Make Sure Your Truck is Fully Operational

A huge number of traffic accidents are caused by a mechanical failure and so it is vital to make sure that your truck is fully operational and that the brakes, lights, and other important safety features are all working perfectly. It is far better to check your truck before the trip rather than having to stop and find somewhere to make repairs. Not only may you not be able to find a place that can do the necessary repairs, but even if you do, the delay will put you behind schedule. This may cause you to speed which will increase your chance of an accident. Not only should you personally check your truck each time, but all commercial trucks should be regularly serviced by professional mechanics to make sure that they are up to road standards.

3. Rest Every Few Hours

As well as getting lots of sleep before the journey, take regular rest stops along the way. This gives you a chance to recharge your batteries and to switch off mentally for a little while. Maintaining the concentration levels necessary to do a long drive is incredibly taxing so regular rests are very important to make sure that you don’t lose focus. Plan these stops on your route before you head off to break the journey up into manageable chunks. Budget the stops into your predicted driving time and make the most of each one. Whether you are stopping for a bite to eat, for a cigarette, or a nap, make sure that you are fully refreshed before you set off again. Meal times are a great time for rest stops and if you are driving a route you know well, you probably already have your favorite eateries to stop off at on the journey. Take your time and you will be well-rested and ready to continue.

4. Don’t Exceed the Speed Limit

Make sure you plan the journey well and give yourself enough time so that you can take those important rest stops and don’t have to speed. More than 50% of crashes are caused by speeding or careless driving and it can be so tempting to exceed the speed limit when you are falling behind schedule. When you are planning your route, assume there will be heavy traffic, roadblocks, or other obstacles and take them into account when estimating your journey time.

Long-distance truck driving can be a fantastic way to see the country and to spend some time with your thoughts. To make sure that you finish your journey safely, it is vitally important to follow all appropriate safety measures. Being well-rested, making sure your truck is working properly, and planning your route and time carefully are all key to safe long-distance truck driving. Take these tips into account next time you are planning a long haul journey.

Korean Skin Care Beauty Products Availability During COVID-19

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Due to the alarming situation of COVID-19, almost everything has been stopper in the world. Every sector of human life has greatly infected with this disease. The fashion industry is also infected but still, there are numerous online shopping stores and fashion brand websites which are helping the people to make sure about the availability of their products and enabling the interested people to deliver their interests relevant products at their doorsteps with fell precautions and following the basic principles of products delivery. Many fashion shops are encouraging the people to place online orders to book their requiring products so that they can deliver the chosen products with full safety by acting upon the safe product deliveries.

Products Selection Criteria Which Can be Bought Online

Range of fashion products are many and it depends upon the interests fashion lovers to which they want to purchase and how to proceed online orders to get fast and safe order deliveries. Korean Skin care Routine, Facial Masks, Body lotions, Scrubs, beauty glowing creams, skin tones, body massage, Moisturizing creams and lotions, beauty enhancements products and so many skin improvement and skincare products which can be bought at any time after visiting the reliable shopping store. Removing all traces of makeup and other signs from your body especially face by best-recommended skincare products. Makeup and clearing away other impurities, require personal interests and deep analysis to meet with the challenges to solve the skincare issues and then to proceed further to select the best-recommended items from the authentic and reliable shopping web store.

Online Order Placement with Safe and Secure Delivery Service Guarantee

Don’t feel hesitation to choose the offering products from the famous stores because they are making sure the interested communities are interested to place online orders to get the fast and secure shipping services for their valued client’s safety. If still need to know anything before preceding any order to buy your favorite shipping items and then feel free to ask them to inquire about anything for which you need to clarify your confusion. Show your interests to decide where to buy your best demanding fashion beauties and accessories then proceed further to pass online orders to get fast and secure fashion products with 24/7 service. Show your interests and chose the best-recommended beauty and fashion accessories and products to glow your beauties by paying your proper concentration and focus on your health.

Varieties in Fashion Products on Online Stores

In best-recommended skincare products, there are Makeup remover and oil cleanser, branded toners, Korean skincare, Face scrubs and peels, Water-based cleanser, Serum, booster, ampoule, Essence, Face Cream, Sheet Mask, Moisturizer and numerous other famous beauty products which can be bought anytime from authentic reliable resource store. Make sure which type of products do you need and how to get influence to make sure about the best demanding products on behalf of the best reliable resources. There is a huge collection of beauty and cosmetics products with simple and easy order guidelines to book their favorite products on behalf of the best reliable resources. Find a massive range of ideas and plans and discount offers to show your interest levels and to take immediate decisions to buy from online instead to go personally. Find the latest updates and new product arrivals news, as well as great discounts, offers to save your money and travel distance.

Safety Measurements by Delivery Services During COVID-19 Situation

Massive range of products is formulated with skin-supporting ingredients to satisfy the interested communities and then to resolve almost all types of issues to place online orders to get the fast and secure service deliveries by following all the basic principles for consumer protection. There is no chance to ignore the values and beliefs for which people are frustrated to get safe products by delivery services. Everybody knows the situation and current atmosphere to book online fashion products and then to proceed further by reducing the risks of COVID-19. Show your interests and find your products with safe and secure deliveries and improve your lifestyle by shopping your favorite fashion and beauty products which you need to improve your personalities and health as well.

GOLFPASS PREMIERE

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A demanding public has turned cooks into culinary artists – and not just at the world’s finest restaurants. No longer are country clubs places “where chefs go to die,” but creative incubators for some of the best in the business.

Fairway to Table presented by ClubBuy, a new series premiering today exclusively as part of the GOLFPASS digital membership program, will be a culinary adventure exploring some of the nation’s finest country clubs, while introducing the artists behind the apron who are creating local flavors and fantastic feasts for their members.

Hosted by chef and author Michael Ponzio, each episode of Fairway to Table will showcase the culinary program at the best country clubs across the U.S. Ponzio currently serves as the executive chef for the Union League Club of Chicago, following six years in the same role for the world-ranked Platinum golf club, Medinah Country Club. He also is the author of the cookbook, Cibo: Anybody’s Guide to Italian Cooking.

The premiere episode of Fairway to Table will feature Austin Country Club, one of the oldest existing clubs in Texas and home to one of the greatest golf instructors who ever lived, Harvey Penick. Executive Chef Bob Burns, a self-professed “hunter-gatherer,” has dedicated 42 years of his life to the private club industry and his passion for food to Austin C.C.’s menu, which features prime beef, direct-sourced seafood, wild game and premium vegetables. The episode follows Chef Burns, as he flexes his culinary creativity with a dish featuring Asian-inspired Texas Brisket with Korean Quinoa, Fried Brown Rice, Gochujang and duck egg. Later, Chef Ponzio rolls up his sleeves and takes to the streets of Austin to visit one of the city’s landmarks, Louie Mueller Barbecue and third-generation pit master Wayne Mueller. The two build one of the restaurant’s iconic platters: dinosaur bone-in short rib, beef brisket and pork sausage.

Future episodes of Fairway to Table will visit Hazeltine National (May 12) in Chaska, Minn., and Olympia Fields Country Club (June 2), located just outside Chicago – both steeped in golf lore and hosts to some of golf’s biggest events and major championships throughout the years.

GOLFPASS IS DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S GOLFER:

Fairway to Table is included in a vast library of video content available exclusively as part of a GOLFPASS membership, including originals like The Conor Moore Show, My Daily Routine, Lessons with a Champion Golfer, My Roots, and more. GOLFPASS is the only comprehensive digital golf membership that delivers exclusive content and comprehensive benefits tailored to the modern golfer’s lifestyle across five pillars – Play, Learn, Shop, Travel, Watch – which are the most frequent ways golfers engage with the sport. Developed in partnership between global golf superstar Rory McIlroy and NBC Sports Group, GOLFPASS is a first-of-its-kind, direct-to-consumer subscription program, which offers opportunities to play more golf, comprehensive tools to improve any golfer’s game, high-quality video content, and enhanced shopping and travel experiences.

A GOLFPASS membership is available in North America at GOLFPASS.com, in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland at GOLFPASS.co.uk, and in Australia at www.golfpass.com.au. The GOLFPASS membership also is available via connected TV, iOS and Android apps.

Challenging Behaviors

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By Rachel Schwartz, Watson Institute

Challenging behaviors represent one of the most difficult and frustrating attributes of autism. While not every individual with autism displays challenging behaviors, those who do often struggle to gain access to opportunities and independence in their communities of choice. In the face of challenging behaviors, many parents, caregivers, and practitioners sometimes feel powerless in how to best respond. This article is intended to serve as a resource by providing practical tips.

Tip #1

Behavior is communication. An individual’s behavior communicates to the environment his or her wants and needs. Listening to those needs will allow us as practitioners, parents, and caregivers to better understand and respond appropriately. Furthermore, understanding what an individual communicates will allow for teaching new, appropriate ways to communicate the same thing. For example, a child throws items when he or she needs help. Rather than providing help after a child throws, teaching the child to appropriately request help will build a new skill and reduce throwing.

Tip #2

Isolate challenging behaviors as actions. What movement does the child make when he engages in the challenging behaviors? What actions do I see? Using actions words becomes a starting point for planning. Using action words keeps the focus on what the behavior communicates to the environment and how stakeholders can help change that behavior. Changing the lexicon of challenging behaviors from meltdown to movement may allow for more reflection, collaboration, and positive programming.

Tip #3

Consider yourself a co-conspirator. Changing behavior involves reflecting on how the environment sets the stage for challenging behaviors and how we as stakeholders, caregivers, and parents, respond to those behaviors. Behavior doesn’t occur in isolation; behavior happens as a response to the people and activities in an environment. Consider recording what occurs after an individual engages in a challenging behavior. Whatever occurs immediately following a challenging behavior serves to reinforce it and allow it to continue to occur. Learning how to adapt the environment can prevent challenging behaviors from occurring and promote more appropriate, positive behaviors. Changing challenging behaviors and ensuring that challenging behaviors do not stymie equal opportunities involves taking equal responsibility for the behaviors occurring.

Final Thoughts

My work in the field of special education continues to push my perception of challenging behaviors and presumed competence. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that challenging behaviors do not change overnight. Behavior change occurs gradually over time, typically in fits and bursts. It takes persistence to work with and change challenging behaviors. However even more than that, it takes compassion and empathy. Incorporating both will build an environment of kindness, mutual respect, and trust for all involved.

Bio: Rachel Schwartz, PhD, BCBA-D has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Rachel currently works as an education consultant and trainer with the Watson Institute in Pittsburgh, PA.

2020 POLARIS SLINGSHOT

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By Anthony Sovinsky × Vaughn Lowery

Our first encounter with the ostentatious 3-wheeled Polaris Slingshot in 2018 was nothing short of sensational. We swept the Los Angeles landscape from the top of Culver City to Downtown. We instantly became famous as trails of head turns, bystanders taking secret photos and the occasional stranger asking for a ride as if they knew us became all too normal. The Minnesota native was breaking all the rules with its prototype, leaving those in its presence dazed and confused, but wanting in on a piece of the action.

Fast forward to 2020 and all the electric appeal remains the same, but with some favorable enhancements; most of which have been geared toward performance, drivability and ergonomics.

Design

As of late, the Slingshot remains nearly identical to its previous models except with upgraded premium paint jobs and graphics for added flare. It has a superhero like demeanor that resembles the updated Batmobile as seen in “The Dark Knight,” 2008. The front of the vehicle posses a race car like stance with a ground clearance of 5.4 inches and a wheelbase of 105 inches. This helps keep the roadster confidently planted no matter your driving style. Next, we are met with large aggressive fender flares that allow for the updated cast aluminum 18 inch wheels to fit flawlessly. It has three updated LED headlights; two traditionally placed in front of each tire and one dead center for enhanced illumination of the road. Moving to the rear, we are made aware of the motorcycle inspired design. One 20 inch cast aluminum wheel encased in a 255 / 35R20 Kenda SS-799 tire is attached to a swing arm that delivers its power similar to a motorcycle while also making up most of the rear end appearance (tire sizes are slightly beefier for the R).

Performance

The performance upgrades and drivability make the 2020 a must have. First, the new engine has been engineered in-house and boasts up to 203 horsepower, up from 173 in the R version and up to 178 horsepower in the SL version. Torque figures are a bit lower coming down from 166 lb-ft to 144 lb-ft in the R and 120 lb-ft in the SL. However, the new engine a.k.a Prostar is much more lively generating peak horsepower in the red zone at 8250rpm in the R model and a whomping peak horsepower at 8500rpm in the SL. Moreover, the delivery of power is much more performance oriented than the previous GM Ecotech engine used in years prior. Equally important, the suspension and steering have been retuned to quickly translate driver input accurately and confidently on to the road. The tripod is now well suited for curvy mountain cruises or a round about on the track.

The most notable evolution to the 2020 Slingshot is the AutoDrive transmission. The earlier models were only available in a manual transmission. This inherently excluded those interested in the unruly auto cycle who didn’t possess that particular skill set. So, Polaris leveled the playing field by equipping the SL version with a single clutch, five-speed Magneti Marelli-sourced automated manual transmission as a standard option; and a $1700 option for the R. What’s exceptional about this particular automatic transmission is that you get the best of both worlds – it maintains the performance like shifting of a manual transmission minus all of the extra foot and hand work to go with it. And, it doesn’t stop there, turn on Slingshot mode with a touch of the red button located on the steering wheel and throttle maps and gear ratios adjust for increased responsiveness to the drivers demands. Not to mention, you can enjoy all this performance at 28 miles a gallon with a range of 200 miles per tank.

Ergonomics/Tech

Very little has changed in configuration of the interior except for added comfort and utility. First, the bucket seats and steering wheel are now wrapped in all weather leather finish for a more luxurious feel. The cup holders have been positioned for easy grab and go placement of beverages while En route to wherever your destination. The center console now has an updated place holder that can accommodate today’s larger cell phones and is intuitively placed below the infotainment system. For storage, there is a glove compartment that can hold small items up to the size of a hand bag and two larger storage spaces located behind each seat. All storage spaces have security locks if the vehicle is left unattended.

Several technological enhancements have been addressed to make the Slingshot a viable option for everyday use in todays modern market. The infotainment system is now a 7-inch touch screen and features navigation, rear view back up camera with parking guidance, Bluetooth audio, phone connectivity and displays key logistics of the vehicles condition. In addition, keyless ignition makes it incredibly easy to get in and go or park and leave with the key fob never leaving your pocket or fanny pack. Additionally, auditory pleasure not only comes from the press of the throttle but is now powered by a 100w Rockford-Fosgate sound system. It projects loud enough to easily hear through a helmet and more than enough for your new fans to enjoy your taste in music as you pass by. Furthermore, the steering wheel comes complete with multifunction switchgear to safely control the infotainment system while in motion and a cruise control option for longer highway commutes.

In short, the 2020 Slingshot is the perfect iteration of half sport bike-half sports car and now more user friendly then ever before. Several custom options are available to hook up your rowdy roadster but the base model SL starts at $26,499 and the juiced up R comes in at $30,399.

Pre-order NOW.

(Photos By Jeff Langlois)

Everything you need to know about DNA ancestry tests

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A DNA ancestry test is essentially the way you can learn every single detail about your family genealogy through the genes, a process that has become quite popular over the last few years as people’s interest in their history has grown exponentially.

Believe it or not, the genetic ancestry testing allows to examine the DNA to the point where you can find the most unbelievable variations that offer the clues you want to know in order to determine where your ancestors came from, and even the connection between the families.

This relationship is usually one of the most revealing details when making a DNA ancestry, given the fact that the more related two families or individuals are, the more variation patterns these groups will share.

Getting to this point, it is important to know there are different types of ancestry DNA tests that exist right now. In case you don’t know any of these, here are the most famous.

Mitochondrial DNA testing

This one essentially identifies the vast number of genetic variations that take place in the so-called mitochondrial DNA. This is probably the most complex testing considering there’s an incredible number of DNA and cell structures that are checked in order to provide the results.

One of the most curious aspects of this type of test is the fact that while both females and males can use the Mitochondrial DNA testing, its main purpose is essentially to provide information about the direct ancestral line of the woman. Also, it preserves the data about her ancestors, which is quite useful since this information usually get lost from the historical records.

Y chromosome testing

As it name suggest, this type of testing is the opposite of the previous one, meaning that only males can take it and its main purpose is to check the whole ancestry line in the man’s direct line.

On the other hand, this type of genetic testing is sometimes used to determine different questions such as whether two different groups or families are related even when they have the same surname.

Nucleotide polymorphism testing

This type of test evaluates the widest variations across someone’s entire genome. Once this part is done, the results are then compared with those of other people who have also taken this specific test in order to give an estimate of the ethnic background.

This is the most famous type of testing of all, considering this is the one that people use to determine the percentage of all ethnicities they have in their genes. For example, someone could be 25 percent African, 50 percent Asian, 20 European, etc.

X-DNA testing

This one really comes in handy for inheritance patterns and it is known for being part of the autosomal test, which is the procedure that only focuses on the 22 different chromosomes’ pairs that don’t have any sort of association with someone’s sex.

As it name suggests, the X-DNA testing looks exclusively at the X-chromosome, which is present not only males but also in females. After all, while men always get the X-chromosome only from their mothers, women receive it from each of her parents.

People usually get this test in order to examining every single detail of the chromosome in question. The reason? Experts concluded this will spot inheritance patterns not only for traits but also for different types of illnesses that the person can suffer in the future depending on their ancestry.

Ethnic Makeup test

The main goal of this type of DNA test is to determine the population clusters of people’s ancestry and the so-called biographical makeup.

In order to understand the purpose of this test, it is crucial to know that the Homo Sapiens were nomadic species that traveled every single continent and nation. Throughout the years, this specimen created tribes that eventually migrated to other parts of the world, being the reason why every single person is made up of numerous percentages of ethnicities.

This information is easily determined by this test, which gives the person who goes through it the most accurate prediction of the biographical makeup. What’s quite outstanding about this type of DNA ancestry test is the fact that it shows a map with the different ancestral locations.

Stay Home. Save Lives. GET FIT!

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By Kathleen Trotter

You don’t need a gym or expensive equipment to stay fit and active throughout isolation! You can get a killer full-body workout with your own body and a resistance band ($10) combined with a clear plan of attack! (Not to mention a healthy dose of positive self-talk, something like “I CAN make it through this …. I AM a survivor …. I WILL make the best of this …. This too shall pass.”)

Make a schedule. Be intentional. Have a PLAN!

“Hoping” that one will be active is never a viable fitness strategy, but it is especially useless during a global pandemic. Isolation has unequivocally shifted our life rhythms, our realty — and thus our habits. Your health habits are shifting whether you are conscious of it or not. The question is, are you creating new habits by default or design?

If you don’t consciously create a plan of action and schedule in your workouts, chances are, you will take the path of least resistance — a path likely filled with Netflix and wine!

So, schedule in your workouts! Make moving a priority. You will be a more emotionally resilient, focused, compassionate version of you if you do — not to mention your immune system will thank you!

Full-body workout — all you need is a band

Resistance bands are fantastic. They are light and inexpensive — roughly $10 — and you can do everything with them, from squats and biceps curls, to lunges and lateral raises, to overhead triceps extensions.

If you want to go wild, invest in a door frame attachment (also under $10,) that lets you hook the band into any door to create a make-shift cable machine. Then you can replicate any exercise traditionally performed on a cable machine, including wood chops, triceps press-downs, etc.

Warm up

Dance around for five minutes, or do five cardio moves — high knees, bum kicks, etc. — for one minute each.

Main set

Next, do the following, repeating it two to three times.

Push-ups, 10 to 20 reps. On knees or toes, bend your elbows and lower your chest down toward the ground. Exhale as you push yourself back up. For an extra challenge, after each push-up, try jumping your feet toward your hands and standing up. Lower down again. Repeat.

Seated V hold and rows, 12 to 15 reps. Sit on your bum with the band hooked around your feet. Hold one end of the band in each hand. Lean back 10 degrees and hold the lean throughout the motion. Engage your core to stay stable. Use your upper back to row your elbows backward. Imagine cracking a walnut between your shoulder blades. Slowly release.

Lunge and lateral raises, lunge and front raises, 12 to15 reps per leg. Start standing. With your right leg forward and the band under your foot, hold either end of the band in each hand. Start with your arms straight at your sides. As you lunge, raise your arms to shoulder height — keep them straight (lateral raise.) Lower your arms as you stand up. Use the bum muscle of the front leg to power you up. When you do the exercise with your left leg forward, straighten your arms forward to chest height (front raise.)

Plank scapula retractions, 10 to 20 reps. In a plank position, balancing on your hands and toes, bring your shoulders blades together, then apart. Keep your arms straight and your lower back neutral. Activate the muscles between your shoulder blades.

Squat and biceps curls, 12 to 15 reps. Stand on the band with your feet hip-distance apart. Hold one end of the band in each hand. Bend at your hips, knees, and ankles, and sit backward like you’re sitting in a chair. Do a biceps curl as you squat. As you stand up, straighten your arms.

Overhead triceps extension, 12 to 15 reps per arm. Stand holding one end of the band in your right hand. Reach your left hand behind your body and anchor the band. The closer your hands are together, the harder the exercise will be. Keep your right upper arm into your right ear as you straighten the arm. Slowly release.

Band balance, 20 reps. Tie the band around your thighs. Balance on you right leg with the left leg bent. Engage your core and the bum muscles of your right leg to stay stable. Use your left bum muscles to pulse leg to the side. Repeat 20 reps before switching sides.

Do one to three minutes of any cardio (burpees, high knees, jumping jacks, etc.)

Rest for a minute. Have water. Repeat.

To amp it up …

Do a Tabata before repeating the main set. Tabata is a form of interval training. One set of Tabata consists of eight sets of 20 seconds of all-out work followed by 10 seconds of recovery. Try running your household or condo stairs, or doing burpees, squat jumps, or jumping jacks. Trust me, you will be sweating in no time — no gym required!

Börni QxA

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By Armon Hayes × Abigail Baldwin

What was your key inspiration behind the new single “New Heights”?

“New Heights” was inspired by the struggles that I or anyone else who has a dream goes through. Those struggles either make you or break you, and “New Heights” is about what is possible when you don’t give up.

How would you describe the evolution of your sound?

The evolution of my sound, I think, could be described as curious. I’ve always been curious about all types of music and was never afraid to try them. Anything from Rock to Pop to Alt to Urban, I’d find what I loved about it and use that in my own development. That curiosity led me to the sound I have today, which is a fusion of all my favorite inspirations.

What can your fans look forward to hearing? Are there any live instruments on the track such as violin and piano?

I think they can look forward to hearing really cool music they can absolutely relate to and can be inspired by. On the creative side, the great thing about making music today is, as a producer, you have access to huge sound libraries to combine with live instruments. “New Heights” includes both elements. Synematik, the producer, definitely used the Moog keyboard on “New Heights.” Some guitar elements are live in this beat, but most of these futuristic cool sounds come from plugin libraries. All of which makes an awesome unique sound I think people will enjoy hearing.

The inspiration behind the video for “New Heights?”

When the director, Jasmin Sidler, and I planned out this video, we both agreed that the lyrics of this cool fun song should be reflected in the visuals. You’ll see how that unfolds when the video is released. The video shoot was so exciting and just so much fun. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m positive that you will feel this in the captured footage.

How did your opportunity to sing backup for Celine Dion come to be?

I started singing in the children’s choir of the prestigious Zürich Opera House when I was 7 years old. Being on stage every week, I was discovered by the leaders and recommended when the management of Celine Dion was looking for 6 children to sing with her. I was honored and super nervous back then. It was such a course-setting highlight in my life.

What was your experience with the legendary songwriter Linda Perry? And Your biggest take away from her?

The experience was mind-blowing! Linda Perry was a hero for me already before the two songs she provided to my second album, with her unique style and nature. It was unbelievable to have her be a part of any project of mine. She’s iconic! As a woman who worked with some of my favorite singers like Pink, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, I think my biggest take away was yet another confirmation that women can do anything and everything!

What inspires you about American culture?

As a girl coming from a small country like Switzerland with a population of 8 million people, America not only represents unlimited possibilities, it also inspires me to dream bigger and believe in the impossible. The American dream really is a lifestyle and once you catch that fire your mind takes you new places. And look at the music history that the country provides, and now I am maneuvering in the midst of it. This is the most exciting journey and I am enjoying every minute of it.

What inspires you about Swiss culture?

As a girl coming from a small country like Switzerland, with a population of 8 million people, America not only represents unlimited possibilities, it also inspires me to dream bigger and believe in the impossible. The American dream really is a lifestyle, and once you catch that fire, your mind takes you new places. And look at the music history that the country provides, and now I am maneuvering in the midst of it. This is the most exciting journey, and I am enjoying every minute of it.

What’s the name of your alter ego?

My alter ego’s name is Vava Voom. Growing up as the cool friend that hangs around with the boys and influenced by three brothers, I also developed a girly side that most of the time didn’t shine through so much. Vava Voom explores that side more. Finding my true self in both sides makes me Börni, and it illustrates my true character.

How would you describe Vava Voom?

Vava Voom is definitely more feminine and would probably wear more heels than Börni 🙂 A nice skirt or glamorous dress, for example. I’d love to combine with sneakers and a skateboard, just because it’s fun.

What was your favorite song to sing in Gospel Choir and why?

Probably one of the most famous ones called, “Oh Happy Day.” I still love this song. What a message. “He taught me how to watch, fight, pray, and live rejoicing every day.” This is my daily goal, and I see a lot of it in my journey as an artist. Believe in something greater to get to new levels and New Heights.

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(Photo by Joe Sciacca)