Posted on

Your August Horoscope Brings Both Shocking & Exciting Events, So Gird Your Loins

Your August Horoscope Brings Both Shocking & Exciting Events, So Gird Your Loins

It’s been quite an exhilarating summer thus far, and the cosmos are just getting started. This is especially true when considering your August 2022 horoscope, not to mention the energy that’s been building since mid- to late July. Can you feel tensions rising? If not, I expect you will very soon.

Let’s start with a look back at the sparkling conjunction that occurred between Uranus and the North Node in Taurus on July 31. Uranus (aka the Great Awakener) is notorious for its disruptive, rebellious, and shocking moves. Wherever Uranus is located on your birth chart can help you determine the areas of life where you’re prone to erraticism, innovation, and unconventionality. Uranus has been in Taurus since 2018, and though there are a series of significant transits happening in August, when you combine slow-and-steady Taurus with Uranus’ breakthroughs and eureka moments, the cataclysmic events that are taking place — both collectively and in our personal lives — are equally persistent as they are prolonging.

Taurus is not only symbolic of our planet and our relationship with Mother Earth, but also our value systems, physical bodies, and that which makes us feel secure. It’s no wonder we’ve been feeling the energy build-up since Uranus began approaching the nodes of destiny, specifically the North Node, which is a representation of where we’re consciously and unconsciously headed. Everything we’ve been experiencing within and around us will continue to amplify in August, as we are on the precipice of shifting into a brand-new world. What you considered secure and stable once upon a time is about to change.

The saga continues in August, as the month will kick off with go-getter Mars joining forces with Uranus on Aug. 1 and 2. This means that the planet of passion and aggression will crash the party, and sit in between the Great Awakener and the North Node in Taurus. To say that this energy is next-level would be an understatement. Granted, the way this comes to life is subjective, but look at it this way: Mars is carnal, impulsive, and action-oriented. The same way it can inspire us to be assertive leaders, it can also be the impulse that triggers us to act recklessly. There is progression and growth either way, so be sure to keep an open mind and follow your higher mind.

Mercury the messenger returns to its sign of rulership, Virgo, on Aug. 4, shifting our mental focus to analysis, practicality, and strategy, which is always beneficial given its exaltation. After its flamboyant journey through Leo, it doesn’t hurt to get grounded. Venus will make her dazzling debut in Leo on Aug. 11, followed by the full moon in Aquarius later that evening. Since this also happens to be Uranus’ sign of rulership, it’s safe to say that the energy of this lunation will be more potent than usual, given all of the Uranian energy we’ve been experiencing as of late.

As if this weren’t already enough change, the full moon will lead a T-Square with Uranus and the Nodes of Fate. Then Mars will enter Gemini on Aug. 20, where it will eventually station retrograde in October — but that’s a story for another day.

Without further ado, here’s what August has in store for you, according to your zodiac sign:

Nikola Stojadinovic/E+/Getty Images

Aries July 2022 Horoscope

Celebrate your personal, professional and spiritual wins, Aries. In addition to the Nodes of Destiny activating your second house of value systems and eighth house of intimate unions, the sun will be energizing and revitalizing everything from your creative passions to your colorful authenticity this month. Cancer season was about coming home to yourself, and now you’re ready to put yourself back out there. More importantly, with so much traction — namely Uranus and the North Node — happening in your stability-seeking second house, you’re reevaluating and revolutionizing the relationship you have with your physical surroundings, as well as your definition of security. A lot is changing, and that’s OK. No one’s meant to stay the same.

Taurus July 2022 Horoscope

On top of being August’s main character, you are both the antagonist and protagonist, Taurus. It’s all subjective, but very complex nonetheless. And the truth is, there’s no other way to describe the intensity and momentum of the month ahead. First and foremost, it’s not every day that the North Node (a symbol of our conscious and unconscious drive forward) occupies your sign, (let alone) while alongside revolutionary Uranus. Similar to the energy of a life-altering eclipse, Uranus’ close proximity to the North Node is not only triggering destined events, but also bringing unexpected developments in the process. Whether it be your personal aesthetic or the way you portray yourself to the rest of the world, many of you are finally ready to set yourselves free. It’s time to be your most authentic self, without fear or hesitation.

Gemini July 2022 Horoscope

You typically thrive in the month of August, Gemini. It doesn’t hurt to consider your rising sign, but in addition to the sun transiting through a festive fire sign — which is complementary to your element air — it also energizes your chatty third house of rulership, highlighting everything from your communication style to your immediate surroundings. In simpler terms, you’re comfortable and confident, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You have change-maker Uranus and the North Node revolutionizing your 12th house of closure, secrets and unconscious patterns. Despite how subliminal this astrological house may seem, it doesn’t make it any less potent or influential. You’re in the midst of a mystical resurgence, and you’re processing the divine tools that come may along with it. How will you cultivate your magic for the greater good?

Cancer July 2022 Horoscope

You’ve evolved in profound ways these couple of years, Cancer. Cataclysmic Pluto sitting directly across from you will do it, but now that the sun is journeying through your second house of self-esteem, finances, and value systems, you’re taking a closer look at what truly matters and is of value to your time. Rebellious Uranus is also sitting alongside the North Node via your 11th house of associations, community, and individual freedom, revolutionizing everything from your future visions to your sense of belonging in the world. The new person you’ve become may or may not be aligned with the foundation of your priority networks. This, too, is a sign of progress and growth. You are peeling back the layers of your new reality in August, and the Aquarius full moon brings closure and clarity to the foundation of your community.

Leo July 2022 Horoscope

It’s your solar season, which means you’re celebrating another year around the sun! Then again, who are we kidding? You *are* the sun. Energizing and revitalizing, this celestial season is bringing a whole lot more than a festive birthday celebration alongside your favorites. In fact, with freedom-loving Uranus and the North Node sitting in close proximity to each other — via your career-driven 10th house of legacy, notoriety, and reputation in the world — you’re not only breaking free from outdated traditions and ideals, but also revolutionizing your sense of authority. Something about your public persona is shifting and progressing, and that’s a magnificent thing. On another note, with a full moon in visionary Aquarius shaking up your seventh house of contractual agreements and significant others this month, many of you could experience completion and fruition with regards to a prominent partnership.

Virgo July 2022 Horoscope

You’re embarking on a brand-new journey of self-discovery, and you have some soul searching to do in the meantime, Virgo. This is especially true, given that you’re just a season away from celebrating another trip around the sun. For now, however, the sun’s journey through Leo — via your 12th house of closure, forgiveness, release, surrender, and unconscious patterns — is bringing light to the back of your mind, as well as the places where your inner child continuously hides. It’s time to come out and play, so don’t hesitate to reflect on what that means to you. Moreover, with Uranus sitting alongside the North Node in Taurus, and your ninth house of expansion, travel and unknown territory, there’s a whole word being birthed before your eyes. Surreal yet familiar, there’s something you’ve been manifesting behind the scenes, and it’s about to surround you unexpectedly.

Libra July 2022 Horoscope

You’re the zodiac’s snazzy socialite, and this sparkling energy is most prominent during Leo season, Libra. The sun is, after all, glimmering through your socially conscious 11th house of associations, community affairs and sense of belonging in the world. If you’re inspired to host a summer soiree surrounded by friends, or simply looking for an excuse to showoff your favorite party dress, now would be the time to do so. More importantly, with Uranus sitting alongside the North Node — via your intimate eighth house of mergers and joint collaborations — there is an opportunity to break free from entanglements and residual energies that have been stifling your authenticity. Having said that, this month’s full moon in Aquarius will shake up your fifth house of creativity, children, passion projects and self-expression, bringing a full-circle moment in the process.

Scorpio July 2022 Horoscope

Don’t dim yourself down to make the people around you more comfortable, Scorpio. The sun rules your public 10th house of reputation, career matters and legacy in the world, and Leo season will more than likely be season to remember. After all, with Uranus sitting alongside the North Node in Taurus — via your seventh house of compromise, contractual agreements and significant others — many of you could embark on a new journey in your current relationship, if not break free from a professional tie all together. Something about your personal and professional reality is being revolutionized, and it’s been brewing for quite some time. Maybe it’s a facade you hold onto for the sake of your social life or a stubborn parental figure. This month’s full moon in Aquarius is asking you to go within, and bask in your spiritual revival.

Sagittarius July 2022 Horoscope

Reaching for the stars never felt so good, Sagittarius. With the sun glimmering through Leo, and your expansive ninth house of adventure, higher learning and spiritual pursuits, you’re not only as passionate as ever to succeed, but also finding the courage within to take a much-needed leap of faith. To top it off, freedom-loving Uranus is traveling close to the North Node in Taurus, via your sixth house of health, practicality, day-to-day routines and acts of service. In other words, how you go about your daily rituals, work experience and exercising mindfulness is shifting for the better, despite whether it catches you and the people around you off guard. For instance, August’s full moon in Aquarius will touch down on your intellectual third house of perception and immediate surroundings. Your open mind will come in handy in more ways than you know this month.

Capricorn July 2022 Horoscope

You’re cleansing and clearing this month, Capricorn. This, however, doesn’t mean you should be fearful when it comes to opening your heart chakra, especially now with Uranus and the North Node traveling alongside one another in Taurus, (let alone) via your fifth house of love, passion projects, creative musings and self-expression. Your inner child is speaking to you louder each day, and it’s all thanks to Leo season. Igniting your karmic eighth house of intimate unions, residual energies, joint ventures and powerful rebirths, who you choose to share your heart and love with is being brought to your attention this month, and those longing for more of your love included. August’s full moon will bring closure and clarity to emotional themes surrounding your comfort, investments and value systems.

Aquarius July 2022 Horoscope

The sun loves to journey through Leo, but given that this celestial season also happens to be your polarity, you may not necessarily be comfortable with the energies, Aquarius. By no means is this a reason to apply more pressure to your situation. On the contrary, if this is a triggering season for you, take it as a challenge for your personal growth. This is especially true when considering your contractual agreements and significant partners, so take a deep breath and keep pushing through. Your modern ruler (Uranus) is also sitting close to the North Node in Taurus, via your personal fourth house of home, family and innermost feelings, which means your emotional foundation and overall dynamic with relatives is also changing profoundly. Find peace and stillness within yourself before you commit to anyone else.

Pisces July 2022 Horoscope

August is all about getting down to business, Pisces. For instance, this is especially true when considering the sun’s journey through its sign of rulership, Leo, and your responsible sixth house of daily rituals, due diligence and acts of service. Maybe it’s something as simple as having the courage to take the lead in your day-to-day life, and perhaps integrate more of what brings you genuine fulfillment. Meanwhile, with freedom-loving Uranus sitting alongside the North Node in Taurus — via your 11th house of associations, community affairs, future visions and individual freedom — something about your aspirations, goals and social networks could be in the midst of a colorful flux. What’s changed about your ideals and social life? Are you ready to bring this new version of you along for the ride?

Posted on

Visit Buffalo Niagara brings business and events to Buffalo – Buffalo Rising

President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, Patrick Kaler poses in front of their branded van

Liberty is a writer, avid conversationalist, journalist, and lover of all things Buffalo. She graduated summa cum laude from Buffalo State, where she also earned the Outstanding Senior in Journalism award. When she isn’t writing (which doesn’t happen often), she enjoys reading poetry and buzzing around the Queen City!

Posted on

Evolving look to downtown Santa Barbara brings fresh opportunities and events to business owners and visitors | News Channel 3-12

Evolving look to downtown Santa Barbara brings fresh opportunities and events to business owners and visitors | News Channel 3-12

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The look of Santa Barbara’s downtown has been evolving since before the pandemic, but some of the most creative changes are taking place in real time.

They were started during the pandemic with the quickly laid out design to the promenade featuring open-air restaurant areas and outside bars, live music and creative lighting.

In an area between Haley St. and Sola St. cars were eliminated but the increase in bikes and pedestrians has jumped tremendously.

Next up will be an infusion of city and government funds for new lighting strands in about 40 locations and other festive design features, some by the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization,  and some by business owners.

Many more plans are in motion along with a long term master plan.

A full schedule of deep cleaning and power washing on a regular basis will be taking place.

The area normally gets a full cleaning after the impacts from the Old Spanish Days Fiesta taking place in early August.

The urgency to capitalize on the summer crowds is apparent as part of the post-COVID recovery efforts.
Every first Thursday there is a specially curated night of events, open houses at art galleries and live performances.Tonight’s lineup can be found at: https://www.downtownsb.org/events/1st-thursday

Downtown Organization Operations Manager Erik Krueger said, “this is community. This is everyone supporting each other downtown.”
He says the First Thursday events involve businesses over multiple blocks.

“We have 30 venues, a great local  band,  a market with over 15-20 local vendors,” he said.

A visitor from Boulder, Colorado says in her town, live music  in downtown open spaces is a big draw

Patti Miller said, “they have it in one spot. There’s a stage over here all the bands and people dancing and all of that  and over here will be your buskers.”

One mom who had a son in the band Glenn Annie says they would love more music in downtown.

Allison Blix said,  “he plays a lot around town a lot of venues don’t have stages.  So if  De la Guerra had a stage he would be here in a heart beat. They have a huge following.”

In anticipation for Old Spanish Days in August,  Krueger said  “the Downtown Organization will install 120 Fiesta flags up and down State Street.   It is a beautiful, beautiful sight to see. ” 

He says the downtown members are enthusiastic,  “you name it our entire downtown core celebrates with everything they got.”

Posted on

Pride brings more than a million people to London – live

Pride brings more than a million people to London - live

Pride in London is returning to the capital for the first time since 2019, celebrating 50 years since the very first march took place in 1972.

More than one million people are expected to descend on the capital for the parade, which begins from 12pm on Saturday (2 July).

According to the organisers, 30,000 people have registered to join the march from more than 600 LGBT+ community groups.

The parade is an “opportunity for expression of celebration, joy and triumph but also the voice to rightly express the continued fight for those injustices and inequalities that exist among us,” Pride in London said.

Those marching today will be calling on the UK government to ban conversion therapy for all LGBT+ people, reform the Gender Recognition Act, and provide equal protection for LGBT+ communities against hate crime.

They are also calling for an end to “hostile environment towards minority migrants”, and for the establishment of a national Aids memorial to remember those who died during the HIV and Aids epidemic.

The Independent is the official publishing partner of Pride in London 2022.

1656764701

Cast of Heartstopper spotted at Pride in London

The cast of Netflix teenage comedy-drama Heartstopper have been photographed taking part in the Pride in London parade.

The cast of Heartstopper (L-R) Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Tobie Donovan and Sebastian Croft attend Pride in London

(Getty Images)

The popular show’s stars, Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Tobie Donovan, Sebastian Croft, Kizzy Edgell, and Corinna Brown took pictures while smiling and sitting on one another’s backs, draped in LGBT+ flags.

The cast of Heartstopper (L-R) Joe Locke, Jenny Walser, Kit Connor, Sebastian Croft, Tobie Donovan, Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell attend Pride in London 2022

(Getty Images)

Heartstopper is a British coming-of-age series that follows a budding romance between Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), as they navigate coming out in high school.

Joe Locke attends Pride in London 2022

(Getty Images)

1656763516

The Independent’s Voices team attends Pride in London

The Independent’s very own Voices team is at Pride in London.

Victoria Richards and Harriet Williamson are marching alongside other LGBT+ campaigners and activists, waving The Independent’s Pride flags as well as the Ukraine flag.

1656762183

Crowds gather as Pride gets underway

Thousands of people have gathered in central London to show their support for LGBT+ people and watch the Pride in London parade as it gets underway.

Many have arrived decked out in rainbow-coloured clothing, accessories, hair colours and more, waving flags and cheering as marchers go past.

(PA)

(Getty Images)

(PA)

1656759601

Sadiq Khan attends Pride in London

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has made an appearance at Pride in London, ahead of the parade.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaking to the media before the Pride in London parade

(PA)

He said: “We’re back after the last two and a half years or so. This year is the 50th anniversary of Pride, celebrating this community, celebrating the progress made, but also continuing to campaign and never be complacent.

“We saw this time last week an attack in Oslo just hours before that parade, where two people lost their lives and more than 20 were injured.

“So, we’ve got to be conscious of the fact that there’s still a danger to this community of discrimination, bias and violence. But allies like me are really important to support this community.”

“I’m quite clear, we’re marching today for an open, inclusive accepting world. We’re marching today for those in Oslo, for those who haven’t made the progress we’ve made.

“We’re also marching today for love. I’m quite clear, here in this great city we should be a beacon of inclusiveness, of openness, but also a place where you can be free to be who you want to be and free to love who you want to love.”

Khan added that the Metropolitan Police have been “sensitive” over concerns about uniformed officers taking part in the parade.

“I think it’s really important that anybody who’s from the LGBT community should be able to take part in this parade,” he said.

“Clearly, the community does have concerns around policing, we saw with the Stephen Port investigation the concerns that arose from the inquest and from the families of the four men who lost their lives.

“I think the police have been sensitive to the issues raised by the community and there will be uniformed officers in and around Pride to make sure we’re all safe, to make sure this parade is a success.

“But, clearly, those taking part in the parade from the police service won’t be wearing the uniforms.”

1656759301

Angela Rayner: ‘Pride is a protest but the story is love’

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has tweeted her support for Pride in London.

She posted a photograph of herself at a previous Pride parade, and said she is “looking forward” to this year’s event.

1656759001

‘Being gay is a glitter’

Mohammed Nazir, 24, from Bangladesh, who is with campaign group Rainbows Across Borders, said he wanted to dedicate this year’s pride to those forced to still hide their sexuality.

(PA)

He told the PA news agency: “Pride is about self-affirmation, dignity and equality. It is a way to meet some other LGBTQ people. Pride is a movement where we’re still fighting for our rights.”

He added: “It’s all of the people’s hard work and dedication that we are now not scared to express our true identity, but still there are so many countries where people are not able to express their true identity because of the country’s law, because of the government’s rule, or because of the cultures and disbelief.

“So, this Pride I would like to dedicate to those people who are still hiding their sexuality and I would like to send them a message that we didn’t choose to be gay, this is how we were born, and we should pride ourselves because being gay is a glitter, and if you hide your sexuality day by day you feel stress and you always feel a lack of confidence and lots of mental issues, and when you come out it will help you … be who you are.”

1656758401

Berlin mosque becomes ‘first’ in Germany to fly rainbow flag for Pride

A mosque in Berlin has said that it is the first German mosque to fly the rainbow flag in support of LGBT+ communities, as Pride begins.

The Ibn Rushd-Goethe mosque, which claims to be the only “liberal” mosque in the country, unfurled the symbolic flag in front of a small audience on Friday (1 July).

Berlin’s culture senator Klaus Lederer and state chairman Kai Wegner were present for the ceremony, where attendees wore badges with the slogan: “Love is halal.”

1656757828

In pictures: Pride marchers prepare for parade

The Pride in London parade will begin at 12pm, and many marchers are getting ready for the day of celebration, protest and solidarity ahead.

See photographs of volunteers and activists preparing to let their rainbow flags fly:

Veteran gay rights activists address the gathering during an event to mark fifty years since the first UK Pride March

(Getty Images)

Gay rights activist Lanah P poses for a photo

(Getty Images)

A gay rights activist attaches a new badge

(Getty Images)

(PA)

(Getty Images)

1656754501

Celebrity Gogglebox stars in tears watching Big Boys coming out scene for Pride special

The stars of Celebrity Gogglebox were left in tears after watching the coming out scene from Big Boys.

Friday (1 July) night’s episode of the Channel 4 series was a Pride special and saw a group of LGBTQ+ celebrities and their loved ones tune into the week’s biggest shows.

Our Culture Reporter Isobel Lewis has the story:

1656753601

Over a million expected in London for first Pride march since pandemic began

More than a million people are expected to descend on the capital for Pride in London on Saturday.

It will be the first time the event has been held since the outbreak of the pandemic and is the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first ever Pride parade.

The event, which organisers are calling the “biggest and most inclusive event in history”, will also feature a line-up of artists performing across four stages around Central London.

Posted on

Info exchange brings community closer, announces open-post events

Info exchange brings community closer, announces open-post events



Tara Culbertson, right, president of the Zama Killer Katanas, talks about the roller derby team during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022.








1 / 2

Show Caption +
Hide Caption –



Tara Culbertson, right, president of the Zama Killer Katanas, talks about the roller derby team during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022.
(Photo Credit: Sean Kimmons)

VIEW ORIGINAL




Sgt. 1st Class Dannell Bing, senior religious affairs NCO, provides an update for the Religious Support Office during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022.








2 / 2

Show Caption +
Hide Caption –



Sgt. 1st Class Dannell Bing, senior religious affairs NCO, provides an update for the Religious Support Office during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022.
(Photo Credit: Sean Kimmons)

VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP ZAMA, Japan – U.S. Army Garrison Japan staff held the first in-person Community Information Exchange in three years here Friday as pandemic conditions continue to improve.

Installation officials provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange and also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.

Before the pandemic, the Fourth of July event typically had about 10,000 to 12,000 visitors attend.

This year’s event, which will run from 3 to 9 p.m. at Yano Sports Field, will include live entertainment, inflatable games, military displays, and American and Japanese food vendors before ending with a 20-minute fireworks show.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to do this,” said Maj. Gen. JB Vowell, commander of U.S. Army Japan. “We’re getting back to some of the normal things we need to do as human beings, which is gathering together face-to-face.”

On Aug. 6, Camp Zama also plans to have its Bon Odori Festival, an event that honors the departed spirits of one’s ancestors. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force partners will co-host the celebration, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the post.

“That’s a great cultural event that we’re going to have,” said Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson, commander of USAG Japan. “So let’s get excited, because it’s going to happen.”




Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, speaks during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022. Installation officials provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange and also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.








1 / 2

Show Caption +
Hide Caption –



Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, speaks during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022. Installation officials provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange and also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.
(Photo Credit: Sean Kimmons)

VIEW ORIGINAL




Maj. Gen. JB Vowell, commander of U.S. Army Japan, speaks during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022. Installation officials provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange and also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.








2 / 2

Show Caption +
Hide Caption –



Maj. Gen. JB Vowell, commander of U.S. Army Japan, speaks during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022. Installation officials provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange and also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.
(Photo Credit: Sean Kimmons)

VIEW ORIGINAL

In Friday’s exchange, more than 15 presenters spoke about updates in their organization to around 100 community members, who also received a free dinner buffet and a chance to win gift cards.

During her briefing, Capt. Ashley LeBaube, who represented U.S. Army Medical Department Activity–Japan, highlighted news from the BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic.

She mentioned free COVID-19 testing was still available for official and non-official travel at the rear of the clinic on weekdays from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by quarantine testing from 10 to 11 a.m. Symptomatic testing is currently by appointment only by calling DSN 263-4175 or 046-407-4175.

Testing for those on restriction of movement is now conducted at the unit level, she added. At-home tests are also offered to TRICARE beneficiaries, who can have two per person each month and can pick them up during testing hours in the rear of the clinic.

The clinic also now accepts hand-written prescriptions from U.S. and Japan providers. The prescriptions should be written in English and contain complete patient, prescriber and medication information, she said.

LeBaube encouraged patients to download the TRICARE MyCare Overseas app, which can help them track appointments and referrals as well as provide access to translation services.

“Being in a foreign country is sometimes stressful in dealing with health care and through the different health care systems,” she said. “So having the app available is really awesome.”




Diane Thompson, center, discusses the services offered at the Army Wellness Center during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022. Thompson and others provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange, which also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.




Diane Thompson, center, discusses the services offered at the Army Wellness Center during a Community Information Exchange at the Camp Zama Community Club, Japan, June 10, 2022. Thompson and others provided updates on a range of community services during the quarterly exchange, which also announced the return of open-post events, starting with an Independence Day celebration on July 2.
(Photo Credit: Sean Kimmons)

VIEW ORIGINAL

Diane Thompson, who spoke on behalf of the Army Wellness Center, said the center offers six core programs to improve sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress management.

“The purpose of our existence is to keep our warriors fit to fight,” she said. “In doing so, our goal is to combat the major risk factors to overuse injury.”

Risk factors include a high or low body mass index, poor sleep habits and nutrition, sedentary behavior and smoking, she said.

The center, located at Bldg. 379, has assessments to measure a person’s success as they work toward their goal. The most popular assessment, she said, is the Bod Pod system, a body composition test that determines the ratio of body fat to lean mass.

The services are open to all active-duty Soldiers, retirees, their adult dependents and Department of the Army civilians.

Thompson also said that unit leaders can reach out to the center to organize classes or assessments to boost the readiness of their Soldiers.

Totolua Ripley, store director of the commissaries here and at Sagamihara Family Housing Area, reminded community members to try out the CLICK2GO online ordering site.

Shoppers can sign up for the curbside pickup service by creating an account at Commissaries.com. Ripley said shoppers who complete eight orders of $25 or more with the service during this month and July will receive a $25 gift card.

“That’s an incentive to use the CLICK2GO service,” he said. “We appreciate if you guys can do that, because it will help us out quite a bit.”

At the end of the event, Tomlinson asked the audience to provide their input ahead of the next information exchange, slated to take place in early fall.

“We need your feedback,” the colonel said. “So let us know what we missed, how we can do better, what was good. We’re already planning our next event and looking forward to making it better for you.”

Related links:

U.S. Army Garrison Japan news

USAG Japan official website

Posted on

Singapore Grabbing Big Events as Travel Revival Brings in Crowds – BNN Bloomberg

Singapore Grabbing Big Events as Travel Revival Brings in Crowds - BNN Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — Singapore’s Tourism Board is confident that the city-state will host a growing number of international conventions, exhibitions and other events now that borders have reopened and people are traveling freely again.  

“The business community is eager for opportunities to meet and network in person,” Yap Chin Siang, the board’s deputy chief executive, said in a statement Wednesday. “This desire, as well as the recent easing of our border restrictions, puts the MICE industry in good stead to recover strongly.” 

MICE refers to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, a sector that accounted for about 1% of Singapore’s gross domestic product before the Covid pandemic and 15% of international arrivals, according to the Tourism Board. In addition to industry conventions, MICE covers company gatherings such as off-site meetings, where staff from different locations join up for internal events. 

Strong Start

In the first three months of 2022, Singapore hosted more than 150 local and international events attended by over 37,000 people, the Tourism Board said. They included the biennial Singapore Airshow in February, the largest of its kind in the region, and Asia Pacific Maritime in March. A full recovery for the MICE industry is expected in two to three years, according to the board. 

Major events planned for later this year include the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual meeting that draws top military officials and diplomats from around the world. The Global Health Security Conference is scheduled for the end of June and the Milken Institute Asia Summit will be held in September. 

There is still a long way to go until Singapore gets back to bustling levels of business it was known for before the pandemic. While there’s been a strong uptick in passenger flow at Changi Airport since entry curbs were lifted for all vaccinated travelers in April, traffic is only about 50% of what it was in 2019. Terminal 2 was partially reopened earlier this week, but Terminal 4 remains closed after both were shuttered in 2020 as Covid wiped out travel. 

Hong Kong Left Behind

As Singapore rolls out the red carpet and canapes, regional rival Hong Kong is missing out for now as it sticks to some of its harsher Covid restrictions, including mandatory seven-day hotel quarantines. Hong Kong has canceled popular annual highlights such as Art Basel, the Clockenflap music festival and its rugby sevens tournament during the pandemic, while anti-government protests also scuppered several events the year before Covid broke. 

The lingering restrictions have made Singapore a much more attractive option. Jewellery & Gem World in September and November’s Cosmoprof and Cosmopack Asia, which focuses on cosmetics supply chains, are among the events relocating from Hong Kong to the small Southeast Asian country. 

Formula One

Sport also falls under the MICE umbrella. The Singapore Grand Prix is returning on Sept. 30-Oct. 2 following a two-year hiatus. The Formula One weekend has fast become a major feature on the national calendar, with thousands of spectators watching cars racing around Marina Bay at night. Three-day grandstand and hospitality packages for this year’s event sold out within six hours in April, though more may become available. Away from the track, the entertainment lineup includes performances by Westlife and Green Day.

Setting aside smaller, local events, there are at least 66 international conferences and exhibitions planned for the rest of the year, whereas Hong Kong has about 50, according to its Tourism Board, though not on the scale of the bigger ones in Singapore. 

Singapore expects the events will help restore it as a prime business and tourist destination in Asia. The government has set aside almost S$500 million ($364 million) to support tourism and is planning new attractions, including a leisure park where people can skate, surf, ski and snowboard. 

©2022 Bloomberg L.P.

Posted on

Stonewall Riots activist brings personal stories of gay fightback to Edmonton

Stonewall Riots activist brings personal stories of gay fightback to Edmonton


A man who pushed back against “bullying” while participating in the Stonewall Riots in the United States spoke about his experiences at Edmonton City Hall Wednesday.


“I did fight,” Martin Boyce told a crowd of a few dozen people.


The riots began on June 28, 1969 after police raided a New York City gay bar, an event that is considered a major catalyst for the LGBTQ2S+ liberation movement.


The raid sparked demonstrations and violence, but Boyce said many of the participants had simply had enough.


“Young people know the pain of bullying, a lot of victims, still,” he explained.


“This was codified. This was institutionalized. Bullying was the order of the day when you were a gay person, and you expected it from the day you were born until the day you die.”


Boyce said gay-rights effort are now more organzised and well-funded than ever before, and people like him will continue to fight back against descrimination.


The event was free and organized by the Pride Centre of Edmonton. Boyce is speaking in six Canadian cities, including three appearances in Edmonton.

Posted on

Student Spotlight: Booth brings DJing to campus events

Student Spotlight: Booth brings DJing to campus events

By branching out to different venues, the DJ collective has grown tremendously, providing a space for artists to explore music and intersecting styles.

by Veronica Winham
| 4/28/22 2:00am

img-7879

Courtesy of Luis Verdi ’22

Source: Courtesy of Luis Verdi

Booth, Dartmouth’s DJ collective founded in 2016, is a social and art group that provides DJ services to Greek houses and other functions on campus. The collective is currently expanding their services by branching out to cover more events to fit a growing campus demand for DJs. 

“Our main purpose is to provide DJ services … but more than that, we think of ourselves as an art collective on campus,” Booth’s founding member Juhnwi Kim ’22 said. “There’s a very strong DJ culture at Dartmouth [and] we provide high quality service.”

Booth performs primarily at fraternities and sororities, where it is hired for on-nights, semis and formals. It also puts on Booth raves, which are shows typically hosted at Chi Gamma Epsilon and Scarlett Hall. 

In addition, Booth performs at campus events, ranging from shows at the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Thayer School of Engineering to the Friday Night Rock performances at Collis Commonground. A couple weeks ago, the Programming Board hired Booth to play during intermissions at Battle of the Bands, according to Booth’s director, Luis Verdi ’22. 

“We’re trying to expand beyond Greek houses. Something that we really value is a relationship with the school,” Verdi said.

The members of Booth all have their own distinct styles, which means that every show is unique and has a different aesthetic. For example, Verdi specializes in dance, pop and electronic dance music, while new member Raegan Padula ’24 said she prefers house and techno. 

“We all have different niches that we love to explore in music, and that combined with our ability to get a crowd going is so important to bring new sonic spaces to campus,” Padula said. 

Booth also encourages its current members to incorporate new styles. Padula is excited to experiment in her Booth performances over sophomore summer when she returns from London, where she is currently studying electronic music. 

“Getting to go around the city and take some of the experimental stuff done here and grunge and grime and bringing those back to campus is going to be really exciting,” Padula said. “[Booth’s] function is to introduce students to new flavors and new styles.”

Despite each member’s niches, Kim said that Booth has a “commercial front,” in which they still play pop music that people recognize and enjoy. 

“My favorite thing is just seeing a crowd of people singing the words. To me, there’s nothing cooler as a performer than seeing everyone excited about what you’re putting on,” Verdi said. “Having that liberty to say ‘I’m in control, but I want to make sure that you’re all having fun with me.’ Because it’s about having fun but also making sure everyone else is having fun.” 

Booth members meet once a week to discuss upcoming shows and contribute to external projects, such as their SoundCloud account. Padula said that at these weekly meetings, people will bring their boards and mix songs back and forth between each other. 

“[This] is a real challenge, especially since some of us have quite different tastes,” Padula said. “To go from hip hop to experimental funk is a really fun switch.”

New members typically join Booth during their freshman year, with a variety of experience levels. Some are experienced DJs, while others simply show interest in getting started. According to Verdi, Booth’s expanding popularity on campus makes it easier to recruit. 

“Over the years we’ve gotten a lot more interest over time,” Verdi said. “It feels cool to have that presence on campus.”

Verdi said he first experimented with DJing in high school, when he taught himself how to play using a friend’s equipment and performed at his school’s dance. He discovered the opportunity to continue his passion for DJing in college through Booth.

“Once I got [to Dartmouth], I felt like [DJing] was something I wanted to get back into and keep working on,” Verdi said. “Once I found out about Booth, met people in Booth, I was completely sold.”

After joining, new members are trained in the winter quarter. According to Kim, winter training consists of mastering techniques and learning how to navigate the Dartmouth music scene.

“We make sure that they are technically proficient enough to perform at a high level that people require and want,” Kim said. “Our members are not only DJs, but they produce and are in bands, so we like to think we are one of the leading musical voices on campus.”

Kim helped start Booth in 2016 when he and a group of ’20s identified the need for a DJ group at Dartmouth. He said they were inspired by the Boiler Room group, which Kim said had a “more varied music scene.” 

In the beginning, Booth started performing at BarHop, an event held every Thursday at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Booth then transitioned into DJing fraternity and sorority formals through personal connections. Now, Kim said that Greek houses ask Booth to perform at their events.

In addition to providing DJ services, Booth provides a sense of community for its members. Verdi commented on how the social aspect is his favorite part, and how he still keeps in touch with Booth alumni. 

“I have met some of my biggest mentors through Booth,” Verdi said. “Those are really solid relationships we got to build through this shared interest, and I don’t think I would have met them otherwise.”

Posted on

Spring brings a host of outdoor activities. Here are upcoming garden events in and around Houston.

Spring brings a host of outdoor activities. Here are upcoming garden events in and around Houston.

Master Gardener Open Garden Day and Plant Sale: Harris County Master Gardeners will provide tours of the demonstration gardens and have vegetable plants for sale, while supplies last. Presented by Harris County Master Gardeners with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. April 18; 1210 Genoa Red Bluff; more information at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Volunteer Orientation: Mercer Botanic Gardens will discuss volunteer opportunities, maintaining the gardens, educational programs and plant propagation and sales. 6 p.m. April 20; free; 1904 Naplechase Crest, Spring; register by April 18 at hcp4.net/parks/mercer.

Home Planet: Jaime González, of the Nature Conservancy in Texas, will speak on Home Planet: A Panoramic Tour of Greater Houston’s Nature, presenting a panoramic tour of some of Greater Houston’s greatest nature areas. 6:30 p.m. April 18; free; Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive; register at hmns.org.

Nine Natives: Beth Clark, landscape architect, will talk on Nine Natives: Creating Simple Gardens, discusses how simple creating a garden is using native plants. 5-7 p.m. April 19; $58; Houston Botanic Garden; register at hbg.org.

Pollinators of Nature Discovery Center: Eric Duran of Nature Discovery Center will exhibit various pollinators that visit the garden in Bellaire. Presented by Native Plant Society, Houston Chapter. 7 p.m. April 21; free; Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 120 West Loop N.; npsot.org.

Color: A Garden Club of America Flower Show is presented by the Garden Club of Houston. Noon-4 p.m. April 21 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22; free; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose; gchouston.org.

Spring Fling Festival: Fun and informative, family-friendly event to celebrate spring and Earth Day. Presented by Nature Discovery Center. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 24; free; naturediscoverycenter.org.

The Womery: Meg Tapp, president of the Garden Club of Houston, will explain the process of setting up and maintaining a womery. Presented by Urban Harvest. 5-6 p.m. April 26; $20; register for Zoom at urbanharvest.org.

Women’s Restorative Hike: This beginner-friendly, on-hour hike through Mercer Arboretum’s gardens and forest is for those who believe in the restorative power that nature has on the mind, body and spirit. Presented by Mercer Botanic Gardens. 9:15 a.m. April 26; free; 713-274-4160 or register online at hcp4.net/parks/mercer.

Brandi Keller is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent.