Monday, Feb. 3

Kripalu Yoga:9 to 10 a.m. (gentle/moderate). MaMA, Marbletown Multi-Arts, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Settled and Serving in Place (Kingston Chapter):Meets 9:30 a.m. at the Olympic Diner, Washington Ave., Kingston. Settled and Serving in Place is a social self-help group for seniors who want to remain in their homes and community. Call Jane at (845) 339-5339 for more information.

Mother Goose Storytime for Babies:9:30 a.m. Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park. (845) 229-7791.

Toddler Romp & Stomp:10 a.m. every Monday. The folks at Little Pickles have been generous enough to lend the library their playroom for this music and movement program. Little Pickles is located at 7505 North Broadway, Red Hook. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Red Hook Public Library at (845) 758-3241. The library is located at 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook.

What a Way to Start Your Day:10 a.m. Arlington Reformed Church, Raymond and Haight avenues, Poughkeepsie.

Happy Apple Thrift Shop:10 a.m., 24 E. OReilly St., Kingston. To 3 p.m. (845) 338-0833.

Mahjongg:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Will teach if necessary. All welcome. Temple Emmanuel, Albany Ave., Kingston. Call Estelle Nadler, (845) 657-8476 for more information.

Co-Working Hours:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays Feb. 3, 10 and 24. Working from home and looking for a change of scene (with Wifi)? Bring your laptop, check out the third-floor Community Room and have a cup of free Keurig coffee. Call the library for more information. Red Hook Public Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook, (845) 758-3241, redhooklibrary.org.

Community Resource Navigator:10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays Feb. 3, 10 and 24. Meet with a representative from Community Partnership for Dutchess County to discuss your needs. They can help you find financial assistance, apply for benefits or obtain ongoing support. Call (845) 452-5104, ext. 102, for an appointment or stop by. Every Monday. Red Hook Public Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook, (845) 758-3241, redhooklibrary.org.

Yoga:10:15 to 11:45 a.m. Mountainview Studio, 20 Mountainview Ave., Woodstock. Mixed level class. Yang Yin Yoga. Classes are $15 with the first class free. (845) 679-0901.

Toddler Romp & Stomp:10:30 a.m. and Toddler FUNdamentals at 11 a.m. Red Hook Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook. Free and open to the public.

Storytime:10:30 a.m. Bilingual storytime/Hora de Cuentos en Dos Idiomas. Ages infant to pre-school. Well read books and sing songs in both Spanish and English. Red Hook Public Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook. (845) 758-3241, redhooklibrary.org. Program on Feb. 10 and 24 also.

Program:11:30 a.m. Sound-guided meditation at Starr Library, 68 W. Market St., Rhinebeck. First and third Mondays of the month. (845) 876-4030, starrlibary.org.

Math Help:3 to 5 p.m. Phyllis Rosato welcomes all ages welcome. From kindergarten to calculus. Phoenicia Library, 48 Main St., Phoenicia. (845) 688-7811.

Stump Me!:3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Get help with elementary school homework. Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Ave. (845) 246-4317, http://saugertiespubliclibrary.org/

Movement Monday:4 to 5 p.m. This program is designed to help children find release from the normal stress and anxiety resulting from their daily lives. Pre-registration is encouraged. Call the Rosendale Youth Program at (845) 658-8982 or email rosyouth@hvc.rr.com for more information or to sign up. Walk-ins are welcome. A weekly commitment is not required.

Fitness Hour:4 to 5 p.m. Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Ave. (845) 246-4317, http://saugertiespubliclibrary.org/

Healthy Back Exercise Program:4 to 5:15 p.m. Exercises to strengthen back and abdominal muscles and increase flexibility and range of movement. 28 West Fitness Gym, Route 28 and Maverick Road, Glenford. Fee: $12 per class ($10 for gym members). Anne Olin, (845) 679-6250.

Cards:6 to 8 p.m. Play Pinochle. Ellenville Library, 40 Center St., Ellenville. (845) 657-5530.

Community Yoga:6:30 to 7:30 p.m. New LGBTQ + Allies. This is weekly beginners class taught by Michele Muller. $5 suggested donation. Hudson Valley LGBTQ, 300 Wall St.,Kingston.

Mens Choir:7 to 9:15 p.m. Men of all ages, who would enjoy singing in a mens choir, are welcomed to join the Catskill Glee Club. Community Life Church, 20 W. Main St., Catskill. For questions, contact CatskillGleeClub@gmail.com or call Bob at (845) 389-1503.

Gentle Yoga:7 p.m. Olive Free Library, 4033 Route 28A, West Shokan. (845) 657-2482. Fee $6 drop-in.

Meeting:7 p.m. American Legion Post No. 1298 will hold its regular meeting at the Esopus Town Hall, 284 Broadway (U.S. Route 9W), Port Ewen. Membership is now open to all veterans from all periods of service. All new members will have a complimentary one-year membership. Vincent Adinolfi at (845) 658-3643 or George Post at (845) 331-8829.

Pickleball:9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Kingston YMCA. For experienced players. Free to Y members. $10 non-member day pass.Starting at 16 years old for all play.Call (845) 338-3810 or pballkingson@gmail.com for more information.

Aquoga class:9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Kingston YMCA. Free to YMCA members; $10 non-member day pass available. (845) 338-3810 or amy@aquoga.com.

Settled and Serving in Place (SSIP 209):9:30 a.m. meets on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 a.m. at Lydias Country Deli, Route 209, south of Stone Ridge. SSIPs are local self-help, social groups which help seniors to stay in their own homes and remain active in their communities. For more information, call ViVi at (845) 331-0155.

Settled and Serving in Place meeting:9:30 a.m.Saugerties seniors meet at The Village Diner on Main Street. Settled and Serving in Place (SSIP) is a social self-help group for seniors who want to remain in their homes and community. (845) 246-3285.

Bridge Games:10 a.m. Church of the Messiah hall, Chestnut St. Rhinebeck. $10. For more information, call Pat at (845) 331-1743.

Computer Learning Center:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teaching computer-related and digital photography classes, Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster, 94 Marys Ave., Kingston. (845) 339-0046.

Preschool Story Hour:10 a.m. Olive Free Library, 4033 Route 28A, West Shokan. (845) 657-2482.

Toddler Time:10 to 11 a.m. Stone Ridge Library, Main Street, Stone Ridge. (845) 687-2044.

Happy Apple Thrift Shop:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 24 E. OReilly St., Kingston. (845) 338-0833.

Mall Walking with OFA:10 a.m. Join a staff member from Ulster County Office for the Aging each week for a walk and talk. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. sharp. Meet in the Food Court at 9:45 a.m. with a place for your coats. Hudson Valley Mall, 1300 Ulster Ave., town of Ulster.

Community Playspace:10 to 10:45 a.m. Gardiner Library, 133 Farmers Turnpike, Gardiner. Led by childrens librarian Amy Laber, a singer-songwriter, early childhood music.

Terrific two/three storytime:10 a.m. Gardiner Library, 133 Farmers Turnpike, Gardiner. (845) 255-1255.

Yoga:10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Energy Medicine Yoga will be taught by Maryanne. Mountain View Studio, 20 Mountainview Ave., Woodstock (845) 679-0901. Classes are $10 cash or check.mtnviewstudio.com.

Tots n Tales Story Time, For 2- and 3-Year-Olds:10:30 a.m. Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park.

Preschool Storytime:10:30 a.m. For 3-to-5-years-old, Ellenville Public Library, 40 Center St., Ellenville. (845) 647-5530.

Story Craft and Play:10:30 to 11:30 a.m. together Tuesdays with Janice for children birth through preschool. Come to join the gang of local parents. Phoenicia Library, 48 Main St., Phoenicia. (845) 688-7811.

Toddlertime story hour and crafts:10:30 a.m. For children ages 18 months to 3 years, Kingston Library, 55 Franklin St., Kingston.

Tuesday Tales:11 a.m. For preschoolers ages 3-to-6-years-old, Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Ave., Saugerties. (845) 246-4317.

Classes:11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 8 Immortals internal Chinese straight sword (Jian) adapted to Tai Chi principles, Hawksbrother. (You may take both classes, or either Sword or Tai Chi Chuan). Marbletown Multi-Arts, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge. (845) 687-6090

Free Caregiver Support Group:11:30 a.m. Community Center, 3 Veterans Drive, New Paltz. Join Miss Penny for a fun-filled storytime for the very young. Appropriate for ages 1-3.

Classes:Noon to 1 p.m. Second-generation Yang Tai Chi Chuan, with related Tai Chi Chuan chi gung, Hawksbrother. (You may take both classes, of either Sword or Tai Chi Chuan). Marbletown Multi-Arts, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge. (845) 687-6090.

Thrift Store:12 to 4 p.m. Margaretville Hospital Auxilary Thrift Shop, 850 Main St., Margaretville.

Story Time:1 p.m. Preschool story time. Early literacy activities and stories for children ages 3-5. Ellenville Public Library & Museum, 40 Center St., Ellenville. (845) 647-5530.

Story Hours Grades 2 and 3:3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. (845) 687-7023.

Pokemon Club:3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Ave., Saugerties. (845) 246-4317.

Art After School:3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25. For ages 9 years and older. At Art After School, students get creative with a variety of tools and supplies. Registration is required. Red Hook Public Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook. (845) 758-3241, redhooklibrary.org.

Scrabble:4 p.m. Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Ave., Saugerties. (845) 246-4317.

Aroma Yoga Flow:4 to 5:15 p.m. (moderate) with young living essential oils. MaMA, Marbletown Multi-Arts, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Spinning Yarns Knitters:4 to 6 p.m. Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery or other hand work to the stitching group every Tuesday. Red Hook Public Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook. (845) 758-3241, redhooklibrary.org. Program also takes place Feb. 11, 18, 25.

Terrific Tuesdays:4:15 p.m. For grades K-6, Ellenville Public Library and Museum, 40 Center St., Ellenville. (845) 647-5530.

Boxing Conditioning:4:15 to 5 p.m., children ages 7-12; 5 to 5:45 p.m., teens; 6 to 7 p.m., adults. Mountainview Studio, 20 Mountainview Ave., Woodstock. mtviewstudio@gmail.com.

Prostate Cancer 101:4:30 p.m. Education and support group meets the First Tuesday of every month. Be educated, encouraged, learn your options from our long-term survivors and leave with a bit of a smile. Hurley Reformed Church, Dutch Room, 11 Main St., Hurley. (845) 331-7241 or (845) 419-5128 for more information.

LGBTQ Community Acupuncture Clinic:5 to 7 p.m., 300 Wall Street, Kingston. RSVPs highly suggested, though walk-ins will be welcomed when space is available; book your appointment at lgbtqcenter.org/acupuncture or call (845) 331-5300. The LGBTQ Community Acupuncture Clinic takes place in a relaxed and low-lit group setting using points on the ears, hands and feet. Intake takes approximately 10 minutes and resting time (after the needles are inserted) will vary, based on your preference, but is typically 20-45 minutes. $5 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.

Meditative Movement:5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meditative movement (a blend of Yin/Gentle/Restorative). MaMA, Marbletown Multi-Arts, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Scrabble:6 to 8 p.m. Serious (and fun!). Wordplay at Ellenville Public Library, 40 Center St., Ellenville. (845) 647-5530.

Discussion:6 to 8 p.m. Bard College to host a public discussion with leading filmmakers Charles Burnett, Julie Dash, and Bradford Young in the Olin Auditorium (Olin Hall), 35 Henderson Circle Drive, Red Hook. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. (845) 758-7649.

Craft Night:6:30 p.m. Highland Public Library, 30 Church St., Highland. Sara creates a new project with tweens and teens ages 8-13. (845) 691-2275 or http://www.highlandlibrary.org.

Scrabble and Other Games:6:30 p.m. Pine Hill Community Center, 287 Main St., Pine Hill.

Open Mic:7 p.m. With Cameron & Ryder. Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia St., Hudson. (518) 828-4800, liveatthefalcon.com.

Weekly Meditation:7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free weekly community meditation at Education Annex Of Wellness Embodied: A Center for Psychotherapy and Healing, 126 Main St., New Paltz. For optional beginner instruction, please arrive at 7:20 p.m. Donations accepted. http://www.wellnessembodiedcenter.com/community-meditation.

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Mid-Hudson Calendar of Events: Feb. 3 and 4, 2020 | Life and Entertainment - The Daily Freeman

Transformative RCM Platform Features Robust Automation, Including Denials and Appeals Management, Enhanced Self-Service, and Advanced Analytics and AI Options

Todays diagnostic laboratory leaders face more challenges than ever before from increasing volumes to more rigorous payor requirements and changing PAMA reporting deadlines. To help lab leaders meet these demands, XIFIN today introduced XIFIN RPM 11, a transformative revenue cycle management (RCM) platform that features a new level of robust automation, enhanced portals, and advanced analytic and artificial intelligence (AI) options that diagnostic providers can use to respond to increasing market demands, patient expectations and reimbursement challenges. The latest version of XIFINs flagship RCM platform optimizes cash collections, enables real-time connectivity and error correction, and provides enhanced self-service for patients and physicians.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200203005197/en/

The latest version of XIFINs flagship RCM platform optimizes cash collections, enables real-time connectivity and error correction, and provides enhanced self-service for patients and physicians. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Based on XIFIN analysis, approximately 35% of all diagnostic procedures have errors that need correction before they can be reimbursed (dirty claims), which translates to upwards of $20 billion per year in either delayed or permanently lost reimbursement in the U.S. alone. XIFIN RPM 11s robust automation combats these losses by automatically identifying errors and cleaning without human intervention a significant percentage of dirty claims, resulting in reduced denials, and faster and higher reimbursement rates.

Superior Automation and Artificial Intelligence Optimize Revenue

Capitalizing on XIFINs unmatched industry intelligence and more than 20 years experience with claims data, XIFIN RPM 11 is an AI-enabled RCM platform with workflow automation and advanced analytics. Artificial intelligence applied to revenue cycle data uncovers actionable insight that can influence workflow configuration decisions based on real-world payor behavior. AI also supports more timely discovery of changes in payor behavior and facilitates faster operational adjustments to mitigate impact. Historically, claim processing has been focused on productivity, but evidence indicates workflow configuration based on task effectiveness is more impactful.

XIFIN RPM 11 features more robust workflow configuration at multiple levels, including facility, client, payor or payor plan. XIFIN RPM 11 enables greater efficiency for both individual and batch claims. Unlike other RCM systems that require manual efforts once the claims are denied, XIFIN RPM 11 reduces costs and delivers denials and appeals process automation, including automatic generation of payor-specific appeal forms and appeal letters.

"Improving clean claim rates has proven to be a real struggle for the industry, and continuing to use manual processes isnt going to fix it. Technology, including AI, is the only way were going to solve the issue," said Lle White, CEO, XIFIN. "But these advanced techniques need high quality, clean data and enough of it to learn and improve. Its critical that lab leaders capitalize on available technology and data science to gain better visibility into their business, understand what they need to respond to and optimize their process, and ultimately increase cash flow and reduce costs."

Story continues

Enhanced Patient & Physician Self-Service Improves Payment Collections

Increasing patient responsibility and evolving expectations are driving the need for diagnostic providers to offer expanded consumer-facing services and information. The new XIFIN RPM 11 features a patient portal that allows consumers to determine insurance eligibility and estimate out-of-pocket costs for greater cost transparency. XIFIN RPM 11 also allows labs to leverage expanded billing and payment collection options, including paper invoice suppression, patient notification letters and interactive statements. Additionally, it includes a physician portal to enable supporting documentation submission and enhanced information exchange.

Advanced Analytics and Visualization Provide Deeper Business Insights

XIFIN RPM 11 users can choose to extend the enterprise-grade business intelligence that comes standard with XIFIN RPM with new Advanced Analytics options that offer additional scalability, flexibility and speed. The AI capabilities paired with XIFIN Business Intelligence provide financial insights faster, greater long-term trend analysis and can pinpoint revenue cycle workflow efficacy opportunities.

"We are a highly focused data solutions company, so having a partner who understands the importance of strong, empirical data like XIFIN is a key to our success," said Christopher Watts, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management at Cordant Health Solutions. "XIFINs new business intelligence options provide us with more insight into the key drivers of our business, and the advanced analytic visualizations allows users to quickly and easily understand those insights with very little training or reporting experience. Its clear that this is the next generation of analytics for revenue cycle management in the laboratory industry."

Offering innovative tools for monitoring behavioral health, chronic pain and criminal justice cases, Cordant Health Solutions is one of the only healthcare companies that offers monitoring and risk assessment tools through its drug testing options and full-service, high-touch pharmacies, which specialize in the complex management and dispensing of controlled substances. The company selected XIFIN due to its many years of RCM experience, deep domain expertise and technological innovation.

For more information about how XIFIN RPM 11 can transform your lab, visit http://www.XIFIN.com/RPM11. Additional information about how labs can optimize billing and gain a better understanding of the health of their business can be found by downloading the following white papers:

About XIFIN, Inc.

XIFIN is a health information technology company that leverages diagnostic information to improve the quality and economics of healthcare across its portfolio of solutions, including revenue cycle management, laboratory information systems, precision medicine informatics and digital pathology consultation services. Its cloud-based platform offers real-time connectivity, workflow automation, data exchange and actionable insights, linking healthcare stakeholders in the delivery and reimbursement of care. To learn more, visit http://www.XIFIN.com, follow XIFIN on Twitter and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the XIFIN blog.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200203005197/en/

Contacts

Julie Sculley 617-986-5730 xifin@fleishman.com

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XIFIN RPM 11 Provides Diagnostic Labs with Unmatched Insights and Automation to Improve Claim Accuracy and Reimbursement - Yahoo Finance

TheDepartment for International Trade (DIT) has appointed leading digital health specialist Sam Shah as global clinical and digital advisor,Healthcare UK.

Shah has been a key player in the team responsible for the development of the rapidly emerging NHS digital ecosystem. He was previously with NHS England for six years, where he was director of digital development from 2017-2019, before serving seven months in the same role at NHSX.

Alongside his role in digital innovation he helmed the flagship 111 online programme and the migration of the NHS directory of service to the cloud, as well as pioneering natural language processing initiatives and a number of AI pilot projects.

He has also been a passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusivity in tech recruitment across the UK healthcare sector.In November 2019, he was ranked fourth in the #IB100, the Financial Times list of the top 100 most influential black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) leaders in the tech sector.

Shah says he is excited to arrive at the DIT at such a key moment. Post-Brexit, with the focus on trade and international relations intensifying, health, healthcare and digital health technology are likely to be some of the most interesting areas for global collaboration, creating a great opportunity for the UK to share skills and innovations from every part of the NHS.

These are sectors where the UK does particularly well, he says. We have an established health system and progressive ideas about how to improve services for patients. The technology that follows is exciting. For example, the work we have done around record sharing attracts great interest globally not least for the range of different ways of working that have been achieved between the NHS, EMR and EHR systems and integration engines.

Digital leadership

Shah says the NHS has also taken the lead on the development of virtual and online consultation models, patient-facing portals and the drive to self-management and self-care, consistently attracting global attention.

It is still early days for many of these innovations, but look at the inroads we have made with trust frameworks that use technology to validate staff, and the development of AI, specifically in imaging, he says. These are things we have done well and made early gains in. Genomics is another example. The 100,000 Genomes Project has become a case study of international importance.

He points to the NHS strong track record in developing good practice for establishing clinical audits and registries. These are very technicalbut as we build and organise services, modelling and modifying care delivery, exciting digital technologies always follow and thats what makes this such an great time to be in health tech, with the opportunity for collaboration and working internationally.

Shah remains committed to ensuring that equality and diversity remain high on the digital health agenda. In October 2019, he was among several commentators who took to social media to question an NHSX advertisement for the role of chief nursing information officer (CNIO) role, which appeared to exclude BAME applicants. The ad was taken down.

Having been at NHSX during its inception, I saw the challenges facing a new organisation in a state of evolution, with lots of ground to prepare as it learns to deal with these issues, he says. I have always flagged up the issue of diversity and inclusivity. This has been a period of massive change, for NHSX as a start-up and for the NHS as a whole but when a job description goes so wrong, its clear that a lot of work still needs to be done in terms of equality.

Shah says he will also continue to practise clinically.

Its not all about the technology its what the technology is there to help, he says. If the long-term goal is to improve citizens wellbeing, I have to be close to them when they are receiving healthcare to understand what will help them.

Its important to be involved, and remain in touch with users and other clinicians. I will continue to work in the NHS in addition to my work at the DIT. Its unlikely Ill be stopping that any time soon!

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Former NHSX director goes global in new DIT post - Healthcare IT News

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Marine veteran Michael Pais brought his entire family to the ice rink: wife, daughters, grandson, and Gator the dog. Being able to connect with other families is one of the things that keeps Michael engaged with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This time, his family got to ice skate together and meet other veterans and families.

Veteran Michael Pais brought his entire family to the ice rink: wife, daughters, grandson, and Gator the dog. Being able to connect with other families is one of the things that keeps Michael engaged with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This time, his family got to ice skate together and meet other veterans and families.

"It helps with your mental health when you talk to other warriors," Michael said. "It's difficult to talk to family even though they support you every time but they might not understand what you're going through. It's more comfortable talking with other veterans because they've been there."

Michael served during Desert Storm, then served again in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea as a member of the Army National Guard Reserves.

He makes time to attend WWP events weekly and also participates in WWP peer support meetings. At the ice rink, a fellow warrior volunteered to teach other veterans.

Odetha Hill left active duty in 2006 and now teaches competitive figure skating and hockey at the Albuquerque facility the veterans visited. She became involved with WWP through her husband, who is also a veteran.

"I offered my services to make the day special," Odetha said. "I believe that any type of normalcy that we can bring into warriors' lives and into the lives of their family members can make a world of difference. Wounded Warrior Projecthas helped me as a caregiver to learn more about self-care."

WWP helps veterans connect with other warriors and stay engaged with their families and communities. Activities like ice skating, playing hockey, and socializing with other veterans help warriors connect with the support network they need to overcome the challenges they face. In a WWP survey of the wounded warriors it serves, more than two in five (41%) expressed they talk with fellow veterans to address their mental health concerns, and 30% indicatedphysical activity helps.

Learn more about how WWP provides services in both physical and mental health to help warriors thrive in their communities.

About Wounded Warrior ProjectSince 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

Wounded Warrior Project(R)

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterans-break-the-ice-and-make-new-connections-with-wounded-warrior-project-300997187.html

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project

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Veterans Break the Ice and Make New Connections with Wounded Warrior Project - Yahoo Finance

Contemporary astrology has all the spiritual content of a feel-good Lizzo anthem. Photograph: Panther Media GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Stock Photo

If I have to hear one more astrologer telling me I am doing my best, I am going to lose it.

We are living through an astrological boom, people keep telling us. There are many new books out on the subject; there are celebrity astrologers; there are half a dozen astrology apps with major VC investment; every womens media outlet from fashion magazines to Vice subsidiary Broadly has regular horoscope columns; Prada, Versace and Gucci have released astrology-inspired fashion.

And if youre on social media, youve probably been attacked by astrology memes, where whole careers have been made from a persons ability to tell you which character from the Netflix show You you are, based on your astrological sign. Oh my God, Im such a Dottie! (Who the hell is Dottie, by the way?) Astrology is entering the mainstream.

As someone who has studied astrology and the esoteric arts, I am here to give you my expert opinion on this trend: this has absolutely nothing to do with astrology. Its just a new wave of self-help.

Throughout history, astrology has been deeply intertwined with religion and spirituality because its concerns were often religious and spiritual. How do I live a good life? Why am I suffering? What do the gods want from me? And yes, a lot of people just wanted to know when they were going to fall in love, and leaders like Elizabeth I and Ronald Reagan just wanted to know when it was the best time to go harass the poor people again, but every major religion has at one time or another used astrology to ease communication between earth and the heavens and show its followers where their free will collides with the vagaries of fate.

Contemporary astrology has all the spiritual content of a feelgood Lizzo anthem you know, the one where Lizzo allegedly stole a tweet from fellow female musician Mina Lioness and turned it into a lyric without attributing it, made a fortune off it, and then only after a year of hounding and some legal proceedings finally admitted she didnt write her most famous hook.

Divorced from its religious framework, then, astrology just becomes a form of self-help. How should I dress as an Aries rising? What music does my Scorpio sun want to listen to? And, as in self-help, everything bad that happens is just a lesson or an opportunity for growth. Its the same line of thinking that gets you to Cancer is a gift. If youre struggling financially, maybe you have some money karma to resolve. If youre lonely, maybe youre just not showing up for yourself romantically.

The implication is that everything in your life is ultimately within your control; its just a matter of working it the right way. Take, for example, the hottest new astrology book, Chani Nicholass You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance (sigh).

Nicholas is often credited with creating a new woke astrology. She runs workshops with names like Self-Care Strategies for Crushing the Patriarchy (sigh). She uses words like capitalism and colonialism in her horoscopes, yet her focus remains almost entirely on helping the individual thrive under such conditions through changes of behavior.

Pluto, god of the underworld, often represents the darker experiences, and a square is seen as a difficult aspect. Of my Pluto square sun, Nicholas writes: You are someone who, if you chose to heal from your more harrowing Pluto experiences, is comfortable plumbing the depths of the psyche and soul. The kind of personal power this creates in you is undeniable. Oh, well, if only I chose to heal sooner, maybe I would be rewarded with the riches and the blessings she speaks of throughout her book.

This way of thinking, which was popularized by the New Age and Oprah industries, is pernicious in contemporary astrology. If youre having a hard time, it is probably your fault. (Its also a total misunderstanding of what Pluto actually does in a chart, which is more of a representation of the shadow side of society and cultural shifts controlled by the powerful, but sure, OK, whatever.)

Ive had an astrologer tell me that the reason I lost a job was because it wasnt helping me live out my higher purpose. Well, it was helping me pay for groceries, so who cares about a higher purpose? This kind of thinking might be useful to the type of person who can pay hundreds of dollars for a private consultation with an astrologer. For those who are scraping by, however, its condescending and insulting.

Nicholas might use terminology borrowed from astrology like moon signs and sextiles and whatever but ultimately she could be talking about Myers-Briggs or blood types or any other attempts to divide people into cohesive little groups. With so much of contemporary astrology focused on how each sign just is, perhaps its no wonder were starting to see discussion of whether or not its legal to discriminate against a specific astrological sign. (And anyway, a sun in Taurus is about understanding yourself through your good and painful experiences with Venusian values like beauty and money, but sure, OK, whatever.)

A true astrological revival seems like it might be useful, because what astrology is really good at is bestowing and creating meaning. Its not about truth, its not about destiny, its about finding meaning in your life through story and metaphor and reflection. It can help a person understand where the intersection lies between the individual and the family, community and society exists and whether how that influence changes from positive to restrictive. It helps to bring a long-term perspective to changes, rather than keeping them in a sometimes terrifying present.

Meaning, however, is not easily distilled into a 200-page book, and a search for meaning often leads us into the arms of predatory con artists, gurus and those trying to capitalize on a moment. When the astrology boom is over, something else that will tell people what they want to hear will replace it, but the millennia-old practice of real astrology will remain. The bust will come when Neptune gets out of Pisces, despite all the astrologers who promised that transit would bring us a renewed spirituality. (Pisces is also about insanity and fraud, but sure, OK, whatever.)

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I love astrology. But the current craze has it all wrong - The Guardian

Its a new decade, so naturally, a fewOutsidestaffers dove into books and showsabout self-optimization. The rest of us stuck with witty outdoorpoems,foraged dinners in rural New Mexico, and a seriously dark John Cusack film about skiing.

When I was home for the holidays, my mom lent me The Art of Work, by Jeff Goins, which was the perfect read to kick off the new year. Its message is that anyone canfindmeaningful work if you try. One idea that especially encouraged me was that you should engage with new ideasrather than constantly fretting over making the correct decision. If youre looking for a step-by-step book about the same subject, check out Pivot, by Jenny Blake.(Id definitely file The Art of Work under inspiring literature instead of practical self-help.)

Jenny Earnest, audience development director

Ive been spending my afternoon coffee breaks flipping through Sydney Zesters Run Wild and Be, a joyful collection of poems and short stories that celebrate wild places, trail life, and endurance running. I am not a runner, but Zesters wit and humor transcend the sport. She beautifully speaks to the ways that women draw strength from putting their muscles to work in the outdoors. One line I keep coming back to is from the poem Mt. St. Helens: My favorite love / is made on the summit / in snow-capped stillness.

Aleta Burchyski, associate managing editor

Hot tip: whenever assistant editor Abbie Barronian tells you to read something,read it. This month I have been fully absorbed with her latest recommendation, The Neapolitan Novels, by Elena Ferrante, a four-book series following the lifelong friendship of two women born in Naples, Italy, in the 1940s. The writing is sparse and beautiful, but whatkept me reading way past my bedtime are Ferrantes delicate portrayals of relationships between friends, family, spouses, lovers, and more. Each book is highly addicting in the best possible way.

Kelsey Lindsey, associate editor

I tore through Anna Wieners debut memoir Uncanny Valley, which recounts her unlikely experience as a literary twentysomething working in the tech world. (If you want a taste of what the book is like, this excerpt was published in The New Yorker a few months ago.) In 2013, she left her job in book publishing for one at a startup, which eventually led to a series of other startup jobs. Wiener isan outsider in Silicon Valley, and her observations of celebrated companies and the (mostly) men who run them are incisive. Throughout the book, she rarelyrefers to companies and other major players by their proper names: Facebook is the social network that everyone hated,and Amazon is the online superstore.Wiener describes the moment were all experiencing, as technology colonizes more and more of our lives, with a perspective and specificity Ive never read elsewhere. And while it may cause you existential angst, her writing is a pleasure to read.

Molly Mirhashem, digital deputy editor

Jungle Princeis a three-part series produced by TheNew York Times The Daily podcast. Its based onEllen Barrys blockbuster newspaper featureabout a long-lost, purportedly royal family in India, and itsone of the most beautiful audio stories Iveever heard. Barry hosts the episodes, and she has a perfect, soothing voiceplus, the story is epic. Someone is definitely going to make a movie out of this.

Katie Cruickshank, senior digital marketing manager

Ive been told this is the least on-brand thing about me, but I love cruising around to singer-songwritery pop albums. (You all just havent listened to Golden Hour enough.) For long drives this winter, Ive been cuing up Maggie RogerssHeard It in aPast Life; itlayersdeft song lyrics with samples from the natural world and catchy beats.

Xian Chiang-Waren, associate editor

I hate to admit it, but Ive been deeply absorbed in Gweneth Paltrows The Goop Lab on Netflix. As someone whos read endless studies on the supposed therapeutic uses of psilocybin, the first episode about a guided mushroom trip in Jamaica was especially engrossing.

Emily Reed, video producer

Ive been a John Cusack stan since my tweens. My love was rekindled when I rediscovered the best aprs-ski movie of all time (fight me): the cult dark-comedy gem Better Off Dead. PostSixteen Candles but preSay Anything, J.C. stars as the heartbroken Lane Meyer, a teenager set on killing himself after his girlfriend leaves him for the ski-team captain. The biggest draw here isnt the plot, or even the over-the-top ski scenes, its the drug-inspired, peak-eightiesjokes. Plus, one characters expertadvice will get you through any gripping run: Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.

Maren Larsen, Buyers Guide deputy editor

I am, on average, a year late watching new films. But after noticing the buzz about the Netflix documentary Cheer, I binged-watched the six-episode series. It follows the cheerleading team at Navarro College, in Texas, as ittravels to a national competition in Florida. The documentariansfocused on the obstacles that cheerleaders must overcome in addition to competition (injuries, gender bias, broken family structures) with visual finesse. The film makes a strong case for the rigors of this disciplineit might be in the Olympics in 2028andis a perfect gateway to get to know and fall in love with a sportthat has been on the sidelines for a long time. I seldom cry, but when the Navarro team executed an impeccable pyramid on thetournament circuitsbiggest stage, I was on the verge of tears.

Wufei Yu, editorial fellow

I went to a foraged dinner in northern New Mexico called Shed: A Dinner Project. Its run by chef Jonny Ortiz and his partner, Afton Love. Ortiz, who is 29, grows, forages, or hunts for every ingredient possible in the meal, from river mint and mountain nettle to wild elk and local trout. He serves things like Anasazi beans cooked in a micaceous clay pot with winter squash and Chimayo red chile, or raw wild elk with cactus fruit. One dessert he served the night I was there was a delicate dark-chocolate shell filled with apple cider that explodes with flavor once in your mouthour table sat in awe afterward. Ortiz serves local wines and mezcals with the mealand makes the ceramics you eat off of, too. Shed hosts about tenguests at a time, usually only on weekends (tickets sell out super fast for each dinner). We dined in an old barnlike spaceand could see Ortiz and Love cooking and preparing the food. It was like watching and experiencing food art.

Mary Turner, deputy editor

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Everything Our Editors Loved in January - Outside Magazine

More News 03 Feb 2020 | 11:00 PM

Nashik, Feb 3 (UNI) Well-known director, producer and playwriter Sai Paranjape will get this years Godavari Gaurav' award in a function to be held in March.

Sangli, Feb 3 (UNI) Three people, including a junior clerk in the Secondary Education Department of the Sangli Zilla Parishad, were on Monday arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1,000 from a complainant.

Nadiad, Feb 3 (UNI) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Gujarat police on Monday nabbed two people, including the business analyst of a private company, which had got the work order to appoint Adhaar operators in various Panchayats of Kheda district in central Gujarat, for taking bribe for such an appointment.

Kolhapur, Feb 3 (UNI) NCP president and former Union minister Sharad Pawar will grace 100th three- day Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad (ABMNP), which will be held from March 26 to 28 in Sangli.

Ahmedabad, Feb 3 (UNI) The cool weather continued to trouble the people of Gujarat on Monday, even as the weatherman forecast a dip in the mercury, in the next 72 hours. Feeling of coldness persisted at several places across Gujarat despite absence of cold-wave and some rise in minimum temperature, due to lower than normal maximum temperatures, even as the Met has predicted drop in minimum temperatures again after next 24 hours.

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Govt will continue to engage self help groups for supplying food to primary schools: CM - United News of India

Burnout linked to potentially lethal heart condition

The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found that burnout can lead to atrial fibrillation. The 25 year-long study comes after the world health organization recognized burnout syndrome as an official medical diagnosis.

Scale it back for your hearts sake.

Burnout is not just an inconvenience. It can lead to a critical, possibly deadly heart condition, a new study has found.

Researchers surveyed over 11,000 individuals for burnout, or vital exhaustion, and then tracked their development of the heart conditionatrial fibrillationover the course of 25 years.

MILWAUKEE WOMAN DIES AFTER LEAVING ER DUE TO LONG WAIT, FAMILY SAYS

Those with the highest rate of burnout also had the highest rate of developing AFib, which causes an irregular, faster heartbeat and can lead to strokes, blood clots and other complications that may result in death, according to the findings published recently in theEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Vital exhaustion, commonly referred to as burnout syndrome, is typically caused by prolonged and profound stress at work or home, study author Parveen K. Garg, of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, defines in apress release. It differs from depression, which is characterized by low mood, guilt and poor self-esteem.

While the concept and discomfort of burnout is well known, it received added validation last May when the World Health Organization recognized burnout syndrome as an official medical diagnosis for the first time.

FIT MOM SUFFERS 3 HEART ATTACKS IN A WEEK: A MASSIVE SHOCK

The research brings more evidence that burnout is not just amentally debilitatingstate, but a physically crippling one, too.

The results of our study further establish the harm that can be caused in people who suffer from exhaustion that goes unchecked, says Garg.

The large study found that those with the highest vital exhaustion levels were at a 20 percenthigher risk for developing AFib.

The most common form of heart arrhythmia, AFib is estimated to currently impact up to about 6 million Americans, a number expected to rise as the population ages,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2017, 166,793 death certificates mentioned the condition, which can be permanent or occur in brief episodes.

Although the study did find a link between burnout and AFib, it failed to find a connection between the heart condition and anger, anti-depressant use or poor social support.

Garg concludes his commentary on the study with a recommendation that people invest in some self-care as a preventative measure.

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The importance of avoiding exhaustion through careful attention to and management of personal stress levels as a way to help preserve overall cardiovascular health cannot be overstated, he says.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The global tabletop kitchen products marketsize is anticipated to reach USD 61.3 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 3.7%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing economic development coupled with luxury lifestyle is driving demand for tabletop kitchen products on account of increasing prominence towards buffet and self-service concept in the culinary world. It becomes an essential part of the table dcor and widely used in various applications such as weddings, family reunions, house parties, and home dinners.

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Read 80 page research report with ToC on "Tabletop Kitchen Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Dinnerware, Flatware, White Goods, Drinkware), By Application (Residential, Commercial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025'' at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/tabletop-kitchen-products-market

Increasing demand for fancy serving ware owing to increasing influence of western culture is increasing traction in the market for different tabletop kitchen products for domestic use. In addition, developments in the food service and hospitality business particularly hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other service providers is expected to fuel demand for tabletop kitchen products over the forecast period.

The growth of travel industry across the globe is driving the hospitality sector, which is certainly boosting the sales of tabletop kitchen products in the market. Increasing growth in the hotel industry is generating a lucrative market for the commercial application of tabletop kitchen products. For instance, U.S. hotel gross bookings have increased from USD 116 billion in 2009 to USD 185 billion in 2017. Thus, indicating growth prospective for tableware and buffet products in the sector.

Additionally, China witnessed 1,062 projects of new hotel construction under operation. This, in turn, has significantly driven the hospitality sector in the country in 2019. Furthermore, travel and tourism also paves the way for innovative products in the tabletop category such as fancy drinkware and flatware. Increasing culture of wine drinking provides growth opportunity for drinkware segments owing to greater need for wine glasses. Boosting beer sales in Asian countries also drives the market for tabletop kitchen products.

Innovative developments in terms of compactness, portability, and convenience of using small kitchen appliances is attracting various consumers towards tabletop kitchen products including white goods. For instance, in 2017, Xiaomi Corporation introduced new extra light weight Mi electric kettle made of matte plastic and stainless steel, which can also be used while travelling. Additionally, Griffin Technology introduced new connected toaster, which is a smart toaster and can get connected to a smartphone as well.

In terms of product, the market is anticipated to witness fastest growth of drinkware category, registering a CAGR of 4.8% from 2019 to 2025. Shifting preference towards drinking wine in the developed countries owing to health benefits of the drink has surged the need for fancy drinkware particularly wine glasses among consumers. Also, increasing consumption of beer and alcohol in the Asian countries, particularly in India and China, is also helping in the growth of other drinkware products.

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In terms of application, the commercial sector dominated the market with a revenue based share of 64.6% in 2018. As increasing startups such as Oyo Rooms and FabHotels, the number of hotels has increased to a great extent in the last few years leading to upgrade in services to gain competitive edge. Moreover, increasing construction of commercial spaces such as clubs, marriage halls, and group centers also showcase growth opportunity for buffet and self-service concept, which is expected to boost the market in the forecast period.

Asia Pacific witnessed growth in the market with a revenue based market share of 4.7% in 2018. Presence of large number of manufacturers of tabletop kitchen products in the region is also one of the major driving factors for the market.

Grand View Research has segmented the global tabletop kitchen products market by type, application, and region:

Find more research reports on Homecare & Decor Industry, by Grand View Research:

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About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn| Twitter

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SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.

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Tabletop Kitchen Products Market Size Worth $61.3 Billion by 2025: Grand View Research, Inc. - Yahoo Finance

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Brecht: Call and Respond from New Light Theater Project opens with almost excruciating tension. This trio of related one-act plays commences with Bertholt Brechts The Jewish Wife, a character study of a Jewish woman married to a gentile in Nazi Germany on the eve of the Holocaust. Contemporary playwrights Arlene Hutton and Kristin Idaszak respond to Brechts evocation of quiet despair with their own short plays sharing the themes of exile and belonging.

The three pieces make a neat temporal progression, from Europes not-so-distant fascist past, through the present-day America of Huttons Sunset Point, and into a climate-dystopian near future with Idaszaks Self Help in the Anthropocene. The sequence begins with the triptychs ur-figure, Brechts Judith (Susan Lynskey), packing a suitcase with exaggerated calm and laborious slowness. What should go into the bag? Which clothes? What about this framed photo of a man, presumably her husband? Time stretches by, painfully tautly, until she picks up the telephone and begins making arrangements for her absence. Then things start to become clear.

Under Jerry Heymanns silken direction, Judiths steady, dignified demeanor begins bit by bit to crack. We learn shell be gone for a few weeks. But no its a few months. Yet no again can she ever return? Does she really have friends in Amsterdam? Or is this trip a desperate flight to anywhere that seems safe? Will she ever again see her husband (Michael Aguirre), whose career (along with her own life) she hopes to save by absenting herself from his life?

Modern-day antisemitism emerges in Sunset Point, less violent (so far, anyway) but, like other prejudices and racisms, still terribly troublesome. Celebrated old novelist Henson (Gerry Bamman) returns from a conference greeted by his much younger fiance Rachel (Lindsay Brill), herself just back from a trip to help her mother after surgery. Judiths suitcase from The Jewish Wife has doubled both Henson and Rachel are on the move, and in more ways than one.

The main plot point takes too long to arrive I was wondering impatiently why I should care about these characters but when it comes its a surprise to us as much as to Rachel. Without consulting her, Henson has purchased a summer home for them in the titular club-like community. The house used to be in his family, hes sentimentally attached to it, but hes buying it back mainly because it comes with a cabin in the woods ideal for his attempt to break a years-long bout of writers block.

Hes all but indifferent when Rachel points out the clubs traditional and enduring antisemitism and asserts that it wont accept his new Jewish wife.

The key point isnt Rachels awareness, but Hensons selfish cluelessness. Bamman makes this randy old goat effectively self-absorbed, while Brills Rachel is a good contemporary analogue of the assimilated German Jews of Brechts milieu. Though not subject to state-sponsored murder or ghettoization, she feels the full weight of prejudice even from a distance. (This rang true for me, who grew up in a town with a large Jewish population but also a golf-course country club well known for its unspoken no-Jews policy.)

The two suitcases on the kitchen floor drive home the parallel between past and present, as the couple talks around each other, using the same words in entirely different senses.

The pace ratchets up with a knockout turn by Lucy Lavely in Idaszaks Self Help in the Anthropocene. Like Brechts play its mostly a monologue. But Joy (Lavely) is facing a different kind of danger and exile, in a near-future totalitarian state spawned by the chaos of climate crisis. Worrying over her wifes lateness in returning home, Joy is doing something consummately personal: de-cluttering her life according to the precepts of a Marie Kondo-like self-help guru.

Sorting through her possessions, she discards those that dont bring her joy which turns out to be nearly everything. Will her unnamed wife never get home? Will they be herded into a refugee camp? Is Joy even all there?

As she picks through avocado slicers and empty prescription bottles, the answers are less important than the trenchant writing and Lavelys monster performance. Idaszak isnt afraid to give Joy a self-conscious rather than a strictly internal monologue, one in which the character explains things for our benefit. This layer of artificiality works because the script, character, and situation are all larger than life to just the right degree, perfectly tuned to resonate with the real world we all know and the real darker and better sides of human nature. Credit must also go to Heymann for drawing from Lavely this marvelous embodiment of despair kept just at bay.

It isnt a flawless production. Sunset Point takes too long to get to its meat; its characters arent interesting enough in themselves to make for compelling theater over the length of time that elapses before we know why we should care about them. For that matter, the productions interpretation of The Jewish Wife itself is such a slow build that some may lack patience for it.

But the three plays accumulated weight and smartly realized parallels, wrapping up with a bang with Joys glacier-melting monologue, add up to an evening of firm substance and screeching contemporary relevance. Brecht: Call and Respond runs through 15 February at the Paradise Factory in NYC. Purchase tickets online or call 630-632-1459.

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Theater Review (NYC): Brecht: Call and Respond - Blogcritics