fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Sharing the Skies Safely
By: Faa Safety Briefing
Tags: Faasteam, General Aviation, Drones, Air Traffic Control, Airspace

The Future That’s Here Now

UTM is one of the crucial ingredients for enabling these types of missions. Think of everything you do as a pilot on a typical VFR flight: preflight briefings and walk-arounds, reviewing your charts and NOTAMs, checking the weather — and that’s before you even start the ignition. You perform a runup, maybe activate your flight plan. Even if you’re just flying to pick up a hamburger, you’ve got a route in mind that avoids terrain that’s too high and gives you a view of your favorite landmarks. Of course you’re always scanning for traffic, and as you approach your destination, air traffic controllers give you a landing sequence.

How many times have you flown into a non-towered airport, trying to discern from the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) who else is flying nearby, and making your own sequence? You can think of that as pilot-to-pilot negotiation, and it keeps everyone safe in the traffic pattern. UTM relies on continuous information sharing and data exchange to keep UAS safely apart from each other and from manned traffic.

NASA image

Because with UTM, there are no air traffic controllers like today. Instead, advanced software services, powered by dynamic algorithms, handle many of the functions that you perform as pilot-in-command today.

UTM isn’t a monolithic tool run by the FAA. It’s federated, meaning that many companies provide a suite of services that UAS operators can sign up for based on their needs. The FAA will oversee those services, provide certain types of data (like airspace information), and ensure overall airspace safety. UAS operators will rely on UTM services to help them plan routes, avoid weather, and find safe landing sites during emergencies. Services communicate with each other to safely avoid other UAS through a process called strategic deconfliction. Those services also use vast amounts of surveillance information to avoid manned traffic, making real-time course changes driven by detect-and-avoid systems.

Maybe at this point you’re wondering why such a complex system is even necessary. After all, today’s UAS pilots can safely access controlled airspace through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization Notification Capability (LAANC). Most of these UAS are just a few pounds, and they are intended to be flown by recreational flyers or commercial operators that fly close to where they’re standing with the controls. This is called visual line of sight, or VLOS.

Aside from making eye-catching aerial videos for real estate listings and weddings (remember those?), small UAS operating VLOS can also help first responders. Equipped with infrared sensors, fire departments use them to see through the smoke above active conflagrations, and search crews rely on them to help find lost and stranded hikers. Even small UAS have advanced autopilot functions and cameras that automatically navigate around obstacles, so it can be much easier — and less expensive — to deploy a UAS from its case in the trunk of a car, compared with calling in a helicopter.
SwiftUI and Core Data: The MVVM Way
By: Mattia Righetti
Tags: Programming, iOS, Swiftui, Apple, Swift

A Clean Alternative

I tend to have a single ViewModel per View so that I can test each component individually and use just what I need in each one of them instead of having a big giant ViewModel to pass around in views.

With SwiftUI 2.0, you will find out that the initial project passes a managedObjectContext as an environmentObject property. We do not want that. It is not clean to take that context every time in each View that needs to fetch data from the database, and I don’t want my views to know about that either.

What I came up with is a more MVVM way of doing this that involves our easy-to-use publishers and subscribers.

Basically, you are going to create a singleton instance that watches over a single entity in the database (in this case, the Course entity) and sends all the courses to each subscriber that subscribes to it. This way, you can easily instantiate multiple ViewModels that subscribe to the storage publisher and operate some logic on those entities in a more dedicated and testable space. Let’s see an example of what CourseStorage would look like:

As you can see in the code, I am creating a singleton ObservableObject that exposes a course publisher. It is going to emit a new value when the managedObjectContext entities change. You might have also noticed that I placed the PersistenceController in the class itself. This way, we can forget about passing it around to views, as I’ve explained before. In this class, I am also handling everything that concerns the Core Data operations, such as saving, adding, and deleting entities from the store. As such, I am separating database logic from the app’s business logic.

Here is an example of how the ViewModel can be structured with these changes:

The ViewModel now encapsulates all the data and logic that it is supposed to handle. The code is pretty much self-explanatory: The CourseViewModel subscribes to the CourseStorage publisher and receives up-to-date course values from it.
Spokestack Framework and RSS Sample App
By: Cory D. Wiles
Tags: Speech Recognition, iOS, Swiftui, Combine, Open Source

Good Clients are Hard to Find

As someone how has been in a position to hire people, the old saying “Good people are hard to find” is more than a truth, but an axiom. What is harder to find when doing consulting are good clients with interesting problems to solve. The meeting with the CEO of Spokestack (formerly Pylon) at the end of 2018 would lead to a year of interesting / challenging problems to solve and I got to work with some of the smartest people I’ve encountered in my career.

2019 A Year of Open Source and Tech Challenges

Spokestack for iOS

Spokestack provides an extensible speech recognition pipeline for the iOS platform. It includes a variety of built-in speech processors for Voice Activity Detection (VAD), wakeword activation, and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR).

Source: https://github.com/spokestack/spokestack-ios

My first assignment was to port their existing wakeword / pipleline Android framework to iOS. This was no small endeveaour. Dealing with custom machine learning models, Mel Frequency Cepstral Co-efficients, FFT, custom audio processing, as well as, Google’s speech-to-text service integration and Apple’s speech-to-text was a bit more than I thought, but I’m glad. It forced me out my “comfort zone” and when I ran into a blocker the engineers at Spokestack were more than happy to help.

Spokestack RSS Example

During the later part of 2019 I created a more robust example showcasing more of the features offered by Spokestack. It loads an RSS feed and will “read back” the latest headlines. In between each of the headlines the speech recognizer is activated, listening for “Tell more more” to process the item’s description and read it back to you. If the listener times out then the next item is read.

I was able to use all new iOS 13 API’s: SwiftUI and Combine. Using new technologies was a mixture of joy and frustration.

Mostly joy

One of main frustrations was not being able to programmatically change the contentOffset of the list to advance to the next item…I’m still working on that. In addition, I’m not 100% sure my approach to handling two “actionable” UI elements in a row is the best approach. It feels very UIKit-ish so if anyone has a better way to handle separate actions on a single row PLEASE let me know.
Create an SF Symbols Library
By: Joseph Bergman
Tags: Programming, iOS, Swiftui, Python, Swift

Introduction

SF Symbols were introduced during WWDC 2019 and provide a set of over 1,500 configurable symbols for use in apps. SF Symbols are designed to integrate beautifully with the San Francisco system font, making it even easier for you to design beautiful iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps.

The problem

In a previous article, I discussed how SF Symbols are a bit inconvenient because we have to type out the entire symbol name each time we want to use them. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but some of the symbol names are incredibly long:

Image(systemName: “person.crop.circle.badge.checkmark.fill”)

Image(systemName: “square.fill.and.line.vertical.square.fill”)

Image(systemName: “line.horizontal.3.decrease.circle.fill”)

The solution

In that article, I suggested creating an enumeration mapping every case to a corresponding SF Symbol. Then we can create a set of extensions that allow us to create images, buttons, etc. using the safer, auto-completable enumeration. Such an enumeration would look similar to the following:

public enum SFSymbol: String, CaseIterable {

// MARK: Symbols - A

case a = "a"

case aCircle = "a.circle"

case aCircleFill = "a.circle.fill" // ~1,495 other symbols // MARK: Symbols - Z

case zSquare = "z.square"

case zSquareFill = "z.square.fill"

case zzz = "zzz"

}

Another problem

While this is a very convenient way to use the SF Symbols without always looking up symbol names, who wants to take the time to create a 1,500 case enumeration? It’s not easy to find a list of every single SF Symbol name with a corresponding Swift approved case name. Instead, we will have to create the enumeration ourselves.

Another solution

If you just want to install an SF Symbol library and get started, then scroll to the bottom of my previous article to see two options for adding the SF Symbol library. If you want to see how that library is created, then keep reading. We are going to use Python and Beautiful Soup to get all of the SF Symbol names, and then we are going to convert them to Swift allowed case names and generate a Swift file.
What Is Global Forest Watch and How Do You Use It?
By: Carport Direct
Tags: Environment, Ecology, Nature, Forest

You don’t necessarily have to be a “tree hugger” to care about trees. The health of our trees and forests is a great indicator of the overall health of Earth, its atmosphere, and its biosphere. And since is currently the only planet we have to inhabit, it makes sense for us to all take a greater interest in the things that make for a healthier planet…including its trees and forests!

Ever heard of Global Forest Watch (GFW)? It’s an open-access online platform that’s chock-full of tools to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the world’s forests. Since being launched in 2014, Global Forest Watch has been accessed by more than 1.5 million people, and GFW has also earned several awards and accolades along the way.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH GFW?

GFW is really available to anyone, and thousands of people use it every day to help monitor and manage forests, stop illegal deforestation and fires, call out unsustainable activities, research the progress of conservation efforts, and more.

WHICH TYPES OF INFORMATION ARE ACCESSIBLE?

Ø Basic information about the world’s forests

Ø Access to some deeper forest insights

Ø Stats by country

Ø Deforestation status updates

Ø Monitoring of forest fires

Ø Climate impacts

Ø And more!

EXAMPLES OF INSIGHTS THAT CAN BE GLEANED FROM GSW

Ø Explore forest change data from any designated land area over a certain period of time. You can look for trends or patterns focused on tree coverage gain or loss, deforestation, fire alerts, and more.

Ø Compare the amount of tree coverage among different nations and regions.

Ø Track human impacts on the forests and land in various areas, including the effects of infrastructure, builds, mining activities, palm oil mills, and more.

Ø Focus on climate change data related to forests and the carbon cycle, including emissions, gains, and density values.

Ø Examine the effects of forest change on biodiversity, including impacts on forest-dwelling species and endemic species. You can also follow critical sites where endangered species conservation is being monitored, and even track the areas that carry the highest levels of human threat.

Ready to learn more about how Earth’s forests are doing? Check out this informative infographic from Carport Direct, What is Global Forest Watch and How Do You Use It?

And when you’re ready to access the GFW online suite of tools, you can also click over to www.globalforestwatch.org.
Challenges of washing colored clothing and a new efficient way to overcome them
By: Nedeljko Milosavljevic
Tags: Ecology, Laundry, Sustainability, Technology, Innovation

We all love colored clothing. It helps us show our style, make a statement and it bring more joy in our everyday lives. But sadly, every coin has two sides. Washing colored clothing in a washing machine means you have to take special care of it in order to preserve it. And you do want your clothes to be pristine, don’t you?

Luckily, there is an easy solution. Plus, it saves environment.

How we usually wash colored clothing

Well, first thing is to check labels to determine whether or not a specific piece of clothing can be machine washed because, of course, you don’t want to ruin that hot blouse, skirt or pair of pants you searched for so long.

Step two is to sort your laundry by color to prevent damage in case it bleeds. For that reason, you turn them inside out and usually wash only identical colored pieces.

After that, it’s time to choose temperature settings. If you want thorough cleaning you will choose a warm temperature, never hot since it will cause heavy fading. But this is not energy efficient and it will cost you more money.

Finally, you need to use some fabric protection against fading and fuzz and, after washing machine is done, colored clothes needs to be removed immediately to prevent leeching colors.

All of this is time-consuming and demands your attention. Besides, if you make one oversight and wash mixed color clothes — everything can be ruined.

So how can we make this easier?

Everything can be done if there is a will and you put your mind to it. Inspired by ideas of ecology, innovation, and efficiency we created Dr. Knight — laundry color catcher and your new assistant that guards your clothes and saves your time and money.

Never again will you need to sort your clothes by color, wonder what temperature settings to select, use long washing machine programs (Dr. Knight work his magic in only 20 minutes), or worry about what conventional products you need.

Just put your laundry in the machine, slip in your Dr. Knight helmet and set washing machine to any settings you need and go have some fun. Dr. Knight will take care of the rest.

Want to learn more about this innovative technology? Just click here.
Enviro-Art Books as Micro Ecologies
By: Abigail Doan
Tags: Environment, Ecology, Book Art, Photography, Abigail Doan

The following notes are from curator, Jeffrey A. Lee, for the 2009 exhibition, Opening a Book at The LAND/an art site gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

My open format environmental materials book, Seasonal Shades (2009), was included in this group exhibition along with the following artists:

David Abel, Kathy Bruce, Basia Irland, Mary Ellen Long, Alastair Noble, Maria Rooks, Marilyn Stablein, Beata Wehr, and Margaret Whiting.

detail of Season Shades (2009) | environmental materials as an open book | Abigail Doan

___

THE BOOK is, then, the container of provocation.[1]

Consider a book as a sequence (of texts, images, objects, ideas) bound or otherwise contained so that it’s kept together and in order. The binding or container also preserves its contents.

The book for me should be without limits, like the desert, thus an exploded book… a desert form whose only limits are the four horizons.[2]

Consider the sequence of seasons, of growth and perpetuation, of metamorphosis, or any other natural sequence. What binds it together or contains it? What preserves it? What interrupts or disturbs it, and what are the consequences?

Books, like ecologies, are local systems. Like an ecosystem, any part removed from a book compromises the whole. Unlike an ecosystem, anything put into a book can belong there.

THE SPACE we love is unwilling to remain permanently enclosed. It deploys and appears to move elsewhere without difficulty…[3]

I know from my experience that books ultimately convey their own unspeakable language to the solitary reader.[4]

A book is a sequence of spaces.[5]

[1] Dick Higgins

[2] Edmond Jabès

[3] Gaston Bachelard

[4] Harry Reese

[5] Ulises Carrión

___

Links to other environmental (art) book projects/investigations of mine:

The LAND/an art site, retrospective catalogue (2011)

Azimuth: Writing on Walls (2012)

Winter to Spring Nomad Archive (2013)

#CorrespondenceCourse with Brece Honeycutt Norte Maar (2016)

Walking Libraries (2016–2019) | online archive
The Exception to the Rule
By: Reginald Henderson
Tags: Basketball, Covid-19, Policy, High School

Senior year… Arguably the most valuable year of high school. Students bustle through exams and assignments trying to maintain their GPAs. They energetically create memories to be cherished as friends part ways, and frantically cap off all their final responsibilities to prepare for their next journey — adulthood.

Allen Lattimore, Jr.

Athletes desiring to take their talents — be it on the court, course, field, or track — to collegiate status have the added pressure of performing at their highest level. Sometimes, that requires a change of environment to allow for minimal distractions, optimal exposure, and the best chances for that ideal offer. Such is the case for Allen Justin Lattimore, Jr, senior basketball student and transfer from Stiver’s to West Carrolton High School. After some disagreeable time at Stiver’s, Lattimore sought to revamp his high school career, but was set back with news that he would only be eligible for 50% of the regular season.

Knowing this was possible before he transferred, Lattimore sought exemption from the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) policy as a “self-support” student. He resides in his own apartment in West Carrollton and secured two jobs to ensure his independence. At 18 years, this is an admirable feat but, according to OHSAA, it doesn’t measure up. Since his father’s name is on the lease and Lattimore’s income was less than his rent and utility payment, his request was denied.

While possibly understandable given normal circumstances, COVID-19 has drastically changed business as usual for the world. In a time when assistance has been demanded by businesses of all capacities, governments across the board, and people of many walks of life, OHSAA holds Lattimore’s independence as inadequate. Further, finding decent, affordable housing is a heavy task for many Black Americans. If lucky enough to find one, getting approved to rent the property presents another obstacle. This young man beat both those odds with the support of his father, but OHSAA claims it unjustified. How someone his age is supposed to provide acceptable credit history is questionable, unfortunately OHSAA may think we are all privileged with it.

This situation puts Lattimore’s very future at risk. The athletic route is one undertaken by much of America’s Black youth to propel them into college and successful career opportunities. With his basketball season cut in half, he may not live the dream which his potential allows. So I ask, what are you willing to do to guarantee the success of your child, your sibling, your niece, nephew, cousin, or grandchild? It seems as if OHSAA pays no mind to the real lives of students and realities of the time. We must demand our children the right to play because rarely ever are the rules written in our favor.
What is the Dirtiest Webtoon? Best 18+ Webtoon you need to check?
By: How To Articles
Tags: Webtoon, Cartoon, How To, Entertainment, Technology

Alternatively, I have a different list of the best 18+ webtoons here. What are the dirtiest webtoons? check 18+ webtoons here.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

The dirtiest Webtoon is increasing in popularity in the entire world. 18+ is the most reading novel by young peoples. Also, on-demand on adult Webtoon, many of the artists move into adult webtoons space. Here is a list of some dirtiest webtoons, which is 18+ Webtoon you need to check.

Drug candy

It is one of the most describing husband-wife relationships Webtoon. Seung-gu is a handsome man with a beautiful wife in this Webtoon, but his demotion at work gets depressed him. Soon he met with another lady who knows him, and she addicted him. At last, he comes to know his mistake is not easy to correct.

Also read: Tapastics Vs Line webtoon: Which platform is best for posting webtoons?

I Love Yoo!

I love Yoo is the best romantic Webtoon you need to check. It is about Shin-Ae, who decides not to interfere with her life. But her life is changed when he unsuspecting the clothes of a stranger.

Love shuttle

In this comic, a Doyoun is a handsome, beautiful gay. His body is blooming and bloom all time because of this Taehan get benefit from him. He takes advantage of the situation and is the more interesting character in the series.

Also read: Enlisting 101 Good Yaoi comics on Line Webtoon

Lady garden

In this comic, Kang Doo is a guard of the lady garden and allows only hot and beautiful ladies in the garden. He takes care of all the lady in her life problem. In return, all ladies reward him daily and fulfill their desire.

Household Affairs

Si-Yeon-Hong is a wife of Ha-jin who never takes an interest in his wife. At last, his wife takes intercourse with the delivery boy to satisfy herself. Unfortunately, her husband does not know, ends up desiring, and realizes it affects her job.

Also read: What are the dirtiest webtoons? Check the hottest webtoons

Lets Play

It is the hottest and romantic Webtoon in which a girl dreams of creating a video game. But he does not do it, and then a streamer gives him a task to create the game. This Webtoon is full of sexy, funny, and real-story about gaming, memes, and social anxiety.

The all above dirtiest 18+ Webtoon is full of fantasy, romance, sex, and adventure. This comic urges you to read it more again and again. This story is actual and also explains the real-life problems of people that they face. We recommend you to read all these comics one by one.

Also, read Best Webtoons similar to ‘Solo Leveling’ and ‘beginning after the end’

I hope this helps.
Buckle up for a ‘far from homeland’ adventure with Chhota Bheem!
By: Deepika Sharma
Tags: Cartoon, Kids, Entertainment, Chhota Bheem, Pogo

The gutsy, energetic, friendly and a boy with superpowers…Chhota Bheem is all set to take over the televisions and hearts on the 8th of January with his movie ‘Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure’. Teaming up with his best buddies, Chhota Bheem will strive to restore the peace and prosperity in the Himalayas.

Leaving their homeland behind, Chhota Bheem and the gang have set off to Manali to enjoy their vacation and snow adventures where they will face the evil master Hidimbak who is planning to capture the kingdom.

Directed by Rajiv Chilka, ‘Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure’ is set in the background of the snow-covered Himalayan village Manali. The story follows Chota Bheem, Raju, Chutki, Jaggu, Kalia, and Dholu-Bholu who are enjoying their vacation unaware of the lurking danger. Meanwhile, the wicked and infamous local dacoit Hidimbak has already schemed a nasty plan to take over the Himalayan Kingdom to create chaos.

The movie will keep you on the edge of your chair with its adventurous plot and fascinating visuals. The storyline of the movie has been written by Teja Pratap that sends a very strong and powerful message of victory of good over evil no matter what!

Apart from an interesting and fun-loving story, the songs in the movie are fun too! The beautiful views of snow-clad mountains and palaces in the kingdom will serve as a visual treat for your eyes at the same time.

The cute little fans of Chota Bheem are already familiar with the strength and intelligence of their hero but this time, the enemy is equally powerful. It is going to be more exciting to watch how Chhota Bheem will deal with this villain. Witness the adventurous journey of Bheem tackling the villain in the mountains on the 8th of January only on Pogo TV.

Till then, watch unstoppable escapades of Chhota Bheem and his friends protecting his people and village from the villains and demons only on Pogo TV.
Smile more, worry less and get ready for Singapura ka Rahasya!
By: Deepika Sharma
Tags: Cartoon, Kids, Entertainment, Chhota Bheem, Pogo

After the huge success of Chhota Bheem’s Himalayan Adventure, the kid’s beloved superhero is back with a bang with his latest adventurous movie Singapura Ka Rahasya. The premiere of the movie is all good and ready to capture your heart and attention on 5th January 2020 on Pogo TV. Our smart and brave superhero has hit the boat along with his friends to Singapura, where he will face an enigmatic situation to rescue the princess of the kingdom.

Chhota Bheem and gang have arrived in the beautiful yet mysterious kingdom of Singapura to gift a necklace to the princess, but this journey will lead him to a perilous path where he will learn the hidden secrets of Singapura and must fight an evil villain. Intense yet intriguing enough! Motivated by greed and wicked plans, the evil master will steal the necklace from the princess to cease the kingdom and spread evilness but Bheem and friends will take up the mission to protect the kingdom of Singapura from the ill-fortune.

What makes this movie interesting and engaging? A fascinating storyline with a lot of twists and turns or top-notch music? Or maybe the captivating visuals? Well, the answer is all of the above. Yes, this movie has got all the elements in it which together promises a great movie for kids.

It goes without saying that Chhota Bheem : Singapura Ka Rahasya will take you on a roller coaster ride of fun, friendship, and adventure. With friends like Chutki, Raju, Jaggu, Indumati, Kalia, and Dholu-Bholu, the fun will be double and truly epic. The journey of Chhota Bheem to Singapura will make you laugh, cry, scared…but above all, will surely leave you with a happy and warm feeling. Apart from a brilliant cinematic experience and power-packed actions, there are many other factors in the movie that will keep kids glued to the screen and impart genuine lessons to young and inquisitive minds.

The movie is not just a must-watch for kids but the parents can equally enjoy the movie which is backed by a good storyline and strong emotional content. The voyage to Singapura and its deep dark secrets reiterates the foundation of friendship, selflessness and courage that our hero sincerely lives upto.

Click here to watch the Online episodes of Super Bheem here: https://medium.com/@infodeepikasharma/enter-the-zone-of-adventure-with-online-episodes-of-super-bheem-9b0357823d40

What could be a better start for Bheem’s fans than watching him kick the guts out of a supremely dangerous villain?

Witness the heroic adventures of Chhota Bheem in this brand new movie.

For the daily dose of action and excitement, tune in to Pogo TV and watch the episodes of Chhota Bheem to make days merrier and worthwhile.

Happy Pogo-ing!
Mr. Pug & Mr. Other Pug Are Bored
By: Mrpug Andmrotherpug
Tags: Farts, Pug, Cartoon, Dogs, Short Story

Mr. Pug and Mr. Other Pug had been staring out the window all morning. They were bored with being bored.

“I’m bored,” said Mr. Pug.

“I’m bored, too,” said Mr. Other Pug.

But it was unseasonably warm today, especially for January, so they thought about taking advantage of the nice weather and going for a walk.

“Should we?” asked Mr. Pug.

“Let’s,” answered Mr. Other Pug.

Hurrying out the kitchen doggie door, Mr. Pug and Mr. Other Pug ran around to the front of the house, past the melted snowman remains and the deflated Santa decorations. They headed down the footpath to the sidewalk. They sat on the lawn and stared at the street.

“No squirrels today,” said Mr. Pug looking up into the trees.

“Nope,” said Mr. Other Pug.

“And no tennis balls,” said Mr. Pug canvassing the yard for any toys that might have been left outside over the weekend.

“No frisbees neither,” said Mr. Other Pug.

Boredom was setting back in. They sat there staring at the street.

“What should we do?” asked Mr. Pug.

Mr. Other Pug didn’t answer. He just continued to gaze at the yard and the sidewalk and the street. Then, out of nowhere, he felt a rumble. Then a bigger rumble. And then a blast from directly behind him. He quickly turned around to see what had happened.

“What the hell was that?” asked Mr. Pug.

“Not sure,” said Mr. Other Pug. Then he felt another rumble and heard another blast, this time coming from the other direction, but still behind him. He spun around hoping to catch whatever it was in the act.

Nothing.

“I’m scared,” he said to Mr. Pug.

Mr. Pug just glared at him.

“What?” asked Mr. Other Pug.

Mr. Pug raised an eyebrow but continued to glare.

Then Mr. Other Pug felt another rumble and heard another blast. It came, once again, from behind him. Mr. Other Pug spun back around, looking for the culprit.

Mr. Pug sat quietly, patiently watching. “Sniff,” he said.

Mr. Other Pug was confused.

“Sniff,” Mr. Pug repeated.

Mr. Other Pug closed his eyes and put his puggish little nose up in the air and took a big whiff. Then he took another. A look of recognition, which turned into embarrassment, passed over his face.

“That was me?” he asked.

“I’m going inside,” said Mr. Pug, disgusted.

“Hey, it’s not so bad,” said Mr. Other Pug, laughing and chasing Mr. Pug around to the back of the house. He could hardly control his farts or his fart-induced giggles. “It smells like springtime!”

Mr. Pug went back inside.

“Seriously,” said Mr. Other Pug said as he blasted off another, “at least we’re not bored anymore.”
to my future kid(s),
By: Nadira Kalisya
Tags: Future Kids, Kids, Letter, Life

“H idup sungguh sangat sederhana. Yang hebat-hebat hanya tafsirannya.” — Pramoedya Ananta Toer

kapan lupa. di bandung.

There I was driving alone in my car waiting for the rain to stop, not because I hate when it’s raining, but I hate when it rains ketika gue sedang nyetir karena i couldn’t see a thing. Oke gapenting. So when I was wondering when will the rain stop, I figure it was fun to reminisce about my childhood. Many people miss their significant others, many people miss their friends, but only a few miss their childhood. Do you ever miss a memory so bad you start to feel suffocated?

I started to play lots of memories of my childhood. There were happy days but none could deny that there were also plenty of bad days. Either way, it shapes me. I started to think about how it feels to be a kid again, how it feels to run free from everything. To be acknowledged as kids… to be acknowledged as someone who makes lots of faults and people would be okay about it karena “ya namanya juga anak kecil”. To not be pretentious.

I just wanna feel a couple of things twice. Like the memory of how I tasted ice cream for the first time. It was paddle pop if I’m not mistaken. My first time eating nasi padang and how I began to worship Dendeng Lambok. My first time trying my new bicycle and fell down. My first flight — Jakarta-Jogja and how I thought it was that cool to be a stewardess. My first day of school and how I introduce myself that loud just because I was hiding my true colors aka malu-malu kucing... My first crush — it was in kindergarten and his name’s Faiq. My first time going to Dufan and get mesmerized by that stupid Bianglala. My first time being scolded by mom. My first birthday and my first cake on my 1st birthday. Damn. All those first-timers.

Then again I know I could never go back. Tapi rasa bahagia dengan hanya mengingat sekelibat mengenai semua peristiwa, i wanna share it to certain people, including my future kids. I want them to feel what I feel, to acknowledge their childhood as colorful as it can be. It will never be all happy and fun… but it all captivated me.
To the little girl who called my hair abnormal
By: Rayne Murray
Tags: Nonfiction, Calling Out, Little Girl, Natural Hair, Letters

I’m not flinging curses at your pretty, little blonde head.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Sweetie,

I’m pretty sure I was stunned for a few seconds long after the words let your mouth and you moved on to something else. Being the professional that I am, I shook myself out of it and carried on with our English lesson. But being the slightly obsessive person that I am, I mulled over it for what could be considered an unhealthy amount of time.

Such a curious word, isn’t it? Abnormal. It implies that there are some things that are part of the norm. Then there are the outsiders, the others. Those extra two letters, make you just that: too extra. Well, you will find that there are a lot of things about me that are too extra. We all have them really and that’s a good thing.

ABNORMAL Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is worrying. Synonyms: unusual, different, odd, strange…

It’s not as though I thought you were giving me a compliment but now as I think more about it, I don’t know whether to take offense or sit you down and educate you.

Seeing as you are just four years old, either may be a problem. My best hope is that that statement was as a result of your own musings not something you picked up from the grown-ups around you.

Saying my hair was abnormal meant that there was a standard of normal against which to measure mine. This would mean that your silky straight hair was the norm — the only standard of beauty that really matters.

Maybe if you had just called it ugly, I could have admitted that I had had these twisted braids for too long and it really was time to change them. But abnormal?

But what worries me the most is how impressionable you are at this young age. Opinions are starting to solidify even if they aren’t necessarily right. Like when you scream obligatory when you see pictures of monsters on Halloween because only boys aren’t afraid of monsters.

Lemme let you in on a little secret.

Girls can also not be afraid of monsters. In fact, some of the best monster-hunters I know are girls.

And instead of boogie monsters and ghosts, they fight even bigger monsters like the patriarchy, entitlement, discrimination. Big monsters with fangs for teeth and long, frightening tails.

Yet girls fight against them all and maybe you will too, in time.

Photo by Gabriela Braga on Unsplash

I know I’m only your teacher for two hours a week but I hope during this brief time together you will begin to realize that the world is so much more than just black and white even though you are surrounded by one more than the other. That there are so many more colors all around: dazzling purples and electrifying reds. And that’s what makes it so beautiful.

That just because your hair is different from mine, doesn’t mean that they both can’t be beautiful.

There is no one way to describe normal because normal itself has so many, different variations.

Love,

Your teacher with the amazing head of hair
A letter to my sister.
By: R. F. Rweye
Tags: Life, Letters

My beloved, How happy I was to hear that you miss me. Such a simple sentence, yet it made my heart jump with joy. Thank you for this delight in a depressingly gloomy autumn. I think of you often. I always ask myself, what are you doing, are you happy, how are your days? I miss you, I really miss you.

I have been meaning to write you. To express my regrets on not having passed much time together. Sure, we did spend some time, but in truth when it mattered most. And when when had time, I wasted it on trivialities. My goodness! What a sad way to lose a precious time.

Since I left, I have seen so much and I learned a lot. There is no amount of photos that I can share with you to show you all the places and people I have met. Encounters which left me happy memories and others bitter taste. I have seen things that you wouldn’t believe if I tell you. I have been in places that I never imagined. I wish you could travel your self. Visit and see the world beyond.

Yes, I accept that in face of our challenges and life exigences, these seems to be a wishful thinking. But actually, they both motivate and inspire me going forward. Yes I admit that, these thoughts sometimes prevent me from sleeping well and in times actively enjoying the the moment, but they keep my feet on the ground. They help me to situate me in the world, shape my thoughts. Going forward constraint the choice between risking everything and go after uncertain value adding dream, or just take certainties of life. What do you think? What would you want to do?

Not to bore you with my questions. But which ever path I choose, I wish to be by your side and support you. I wish your life should be unshackled, free and liberated. I wish you to have a beautiful future. I want you to be happy, have the best opportunities and live on without worries. As your brother, I should have made sure of that by now, sorry, but going forward I want you to know that it is a reason for my existence. I love you, and I will move mountains, bend backwards to express this.

Your brother,
Name of Kizomba Fundamental Steps/Moves
By: Two Left Feet Podcast
Tags: Dance, Social Dancing, Semba, Kizomba, Passada

Question by user BDOCash

Is there some kind of list for fundamental steps? Sometimes I watch a choreography and love a specific step that they are using that I want to implement in my routine. I don’t know the name though so it’s hard to look up a video covering that step. It’s like hearing a song on the radio that you don’t know the name of. My local dance teachers have only advanced urban classes, but I like traditional Kizomba more, so I’m kinda on my own on this one. So far I know basic 1–3, Estrella, both saidas, a few variations of turns, Wiegeschritt, Seitenstraße (that’s German, I don’t know why my teacher calls it like that) and some urban stuff I don’t know the name of. Can’t really dance that with people who don’t know the steps anyway

Answers

User Ocatarina

There kind of isn’t since different teachers might refer to the same steps by different names. I’m guessing the “Wiegeschritt” is what most would call a “Bounce”. The “Marca” is a part of many steps but kind of not a step in itself. Even with the names though, you’re not very likely to find videos explaining them since there is no unified list of step names. What you can do though is you can slow down any video in the YouTube player and carefully analyze the steps you’re trying to learn. Pay attention to the following things: On which leg the leader has the weight, on which leg the follower has the weight, which leg “steps” first (leader & follower) and what the leader does with their hand on the back of the follower and what they do with their left arm. Don’t get too hung up on names though. Followers are actively encouraged not to memorize the steps so it’s not like you can say “I want to do a Seitenstraße” on the dancefloor and the follower will do it. 😅 You’ll have to lead them with your body.

User theophila
How to choose a dance academy for dance classes?
By: Dance Embassy
Tags: Dance, Dance Academy, Dance Classes Singapore, Dance Classes, Dance Activities

Dance is an art form to express feelings and emotions. It can bring people close to different cultures. However, if you wish to become a great dancer, you need to find the right dance academy first. People in Singapore always prefer to contact the reputed dancers in this respect. And you are not the exception, right? So, before attending dance classes in Singapore, you must consider several factors to choose the dance academy. Well, you can get help by reading this article. So, carry on reading!

Factors to consider before choosing a dance academy

Listed below are the factors that you should consider for choosing a dance academy.

Dance academy’s reputation

You must choose a dance academy that has a solid reputation. You can speak to your relatives, neighbors and ask them about the dance academy where you want to be admitted. Otherwise, you can search on the Internet to know more about this dance academy. These approaches will help you have an idea about the quality of the dance classes they offer.

Dance style

This is the fastest way to narrow down your list of dance academies. Most dance studios specialize in teaching a particular form of dance style. So, that is why you need to choose the dance style in which you are interested in learning. After that, choose some dance academies that provide dance classes on this dance style.

Dance instructor

You must attain the assistance of a dance teacher who has adequate knowledge and experience in dancing. At first, you must know about the dance faculty in the academy. And make sure she is quite experienced in dancing and offering dance classes in Singapore. In addition, you should know how many students are taking classes. Considering these factors will help you find the right dance academy and achieve growth in dance.

Environment

A positive environment can encourage students to attend dance classes. But inquiring about it of a dance academy is quite tricky. It is not possible to know about the environment until you start taking the dance classes. But you can understand a bit while attending the trial class. And feeling good about your first class will give you a hint of a positive environment.

Contact a renowned dance academy

You can contact Dance Embassy, a renowned dance academy. Here, you will meet Lavania Hajji, a dance instructor. She has been providing dance classes in Singapore for many years. Visit danceembassy.com to learn more about this academy.
Studies Project: “Another world is not only possible…” // Artistry During Challenging Times
Tags: Artistry, Dance, Movement Research, Studies Project, Podcast

This is a Movement Research Studies Project entitled: “Another world is not only possible…” // Artistry During Challenging Times — October 21, 2019

Listen to the podcast here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/movementresearch/Studies_Project_Podcast.mp3

Organized by Raha Behnam, this gathering aimed to incite, inspire and generate conversation, questions and action in this time of unprecedented global ecological and economic crisis.

Asking a series of timely questions as artists residing in a country with the most historically and presently destructive policies globally, as well as the most rampant use of energy and resources, we consider:

How are we responsible? What does our art making have to do with this crisis? What are our options for engagement, and what will we choose to do together? Please join us to consider these urgent questions.

The quote “Another world is not only possible…” in the title of this Studies Project is by Arundhati Roy.

This Studies Project was held at Movement Research on First Avenue in New York City. Movement Research has a fully ADA compliant facility.

Studies Project is an artist-curated series of panel discussions, performances, and/or other formats that focus on provocative and timely issues of aesthetics and philosophy in the intersection of dance and social politics, confronted and instigated by the dance and performance community.

For more information on Movement Research please visit www.movementresearch.org
Dancers Who Defy Time across the Globe
By: Shivam Rastogi
Tags: Dance, Choreographer, Starclinch, Artists

Dancing is one of the most celebrated forms of art and culture across the globe. It is an expression of our mood, or pain and every emotion that we experience. There have been so many different forms of dance and each has captivated audiences and won their applause. Let’s take a look at some of the most celebrated dancers from all over the world.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson is one of the legends in recent times. He created a sense of brotherhood and spread humanitarian values through his songs and dances. He amazed the crowd way back in the 1980s with his extraordinary moves such as the famous ‘moonwalk’, the tornado spin and balancing up on his toes. He has been a source of inspiration for many dancers worldwide.

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov is a Russian ballet dancer who also choreographed his dances. He is universally known as the most famous ballet dancer of the 20th century. He began his career at Kirov Ballet in Leningrad and started working in Canada in 1974. He later became a dancer and artistic director with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet in New York City. He has performed on stage, in films, and on television as well.

Joaquin Cortes

Joaquin Cortes is another classically trained ballet dancer who also excelled in flamenco, another dance form. He was from Spain. Elle Macpherson, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, and Mira Sorvino are among a few of the fans who admired his sensual moves and his expression as he danced in Ecstasy.

Shakira

Shakira is a multi-talented asset to the entertainment industry. She has shown her excellence in singing, dancing, as a lyricist, record producer, model, and choreographer. She has Belly dancing, Latin, rock and roll and Arabic influences in her perfect moves. She is a wonder and has continued to enchant us with her songs and albums flawlessly.

Hrithik Roshan

Bollywood Star Hrithik Roshan has rocked every stage that he has even danced upon. He is versatile, innovative and has no equal. He can perform very complicated steps with great ease. His facial expressions remain unmatched. He is graceful and very talented.

Martha Graham

Martha Graham is perhaps the first artist to perform for an event in the White House. She is a unique dancer and choreographer and choreographed over 150 shows in her life. She explored a wide range of human experience. She was the first to travel abroad as a cultural ambassador and to receive the highest civilian award which is known as the Medal of Freedom. She received many honors such as receiving the key to the City of Paris and Japan’s Imperial Order of the Precious Crown. Her work is always intense, passionate and transcendental.

These are some of the most eminent performers in the world. They have shown us how talented they really are by setting the stage on fire with their sizzling and suave moves.

I hope you liked this blog!

To book dancers for the New Year party or any other event, please visit StarClinch (India’s №1 artist and celebrity booking website).

Published on: — blog.starclinch.com