Loneliness is not a pleasant feeling. Such transient lone phases in life are common but a prolonged one can have a serious bearing on your wellbeing. Not that the signs of a loner cannot be identified but very often these are overlooked considering it as the person's choice which may not always be the case.
Loneliness is way different from solitude where it comes by choice. At times, people seek that aloneness to be with themselves and are quite comfortable with it for some time. It is sometimes looked upon as a healthy way to regain mental balance by rewiring the mindset and thought process.
Signs of feeling lonely may be quite subtle and the person concerned may not be aware of it. It can be felt even when you are surrounded by your loving family and friends.
The former US surgeon, General Vivek Murthy observes loneliness as the most common pathology instead of heart disease and diabetes. Expert opinion published in thisisinsider.com says, chronic loneliness is equally dangerous to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and kills more people than obesity.
Loneliness was even declared a public health issue that can cause hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and not the least depression.
So how to check whether you or somebody very close to you is lonely or not?
Lesser sleep hours at night is common with young generation though not desirable. One can make up the loss with daytime naps. But if you sleep late at night owing to some blue-screen activities and even do not feel sleepy throughout the day for a considerable period of time, it is high time you take note of it. It is a subtle sign of a loner which is normally overlooked.
A link exists between materialism and loneliness. In a study with 2500 people for more than 6 years showed that loneliness drives people to do more shopping. If you find yourself indulging in a shopping spree to fill some void, you may be going through a rough patch of loneliness.
A person feeling socially cold or lonely is likely to seek a substitute for social warmth and the warm showerhead of your bathroom can be the immediate source. Researchers have observed a link between the physical and social warmth in a study published in "Emotion", a scientific journal. If you are enjoying warm showers for a long time, you are unknowingly displaying one of the signs of a loner.
Loneliness creates a high level of stress perception. If a person shows more than normal levels of stress, the person is lonely. Lonely people mostly have high threat perceptions that add to their stress. It has a serious effect on their mental health and may lead to hypertension.
It is one of the vital signs of a loner. A study says spending more than 2 hours a day checking social media is associated with real life social isolation. It is not clear which causes what- whether social media drives to loneliness or vice versa. But one thing is for sure, replacing real-life interactions with virtual ones is bound to affect your well-being.
Lonely people tend to dwell in a secondary world where nothing exists but them and their fakeness. They often pretend to be too busy and fake checking messages from friends and colleagues. The worst part of it is to pretend texting or calling somebody on phone!
This is a clear sign of a loner especially when this messing happens with closely related persons. They have the habit of ruining things that are working fine be it in a relationship or at the workplace. For some reason, they get the feeling that they are distanced which in reality is not and take hasty moves without caring for the feelings of others.
While this may indicate depression by and large, it is also a sign of a loner. According to a mental health counselor, loneliness drives towards overeating. When we miss some personal interaction, intimacy and touch, we tend to fill ourselves with food.
This may not be a telltale sign of a loner but the possibility cannot be ruled out given the fact that loneliness can weaken the body immunity system. A study by UCLA observed lonely people are more vulnerable to viral attacks than bacterial infections.
How to stop being a social recluse?
Even if you are a content introvert, you should value social interaction. This has a positive effect on your mental health. Unless, you value real-life social connectivity, you won't be able to stop being a social recluse.
Virtual relationships online are very tempting for a lonely person. It is entirely not a bad thing if you intend to develop your conversational skills but not seek an escape route to avoid face-to-face conversation. So restrict your online interactions and focus more to enhance real interactions with people.
You need to have minimally decent skills to make people around you feel comfortable and will help you to get out of social anxiety disorder. Start spending more time with other people and watch their gestures and way of talking. Joining a local club or tutoring kids can help.
Those not comfortable with initiating conversation may not find it too easy. Develop a habit of talking with locals with a welcome smile. Simple enquiries about their wellbeing help in setting the tone of social interaction.
While amongst people, look out for the cues that may be welcoming you for interaction. A friendly smile, simple Hi and Hellos and other gestures like waving often indicate an invitation for interaction. At least, you can exploit these cues to your benefit.
As a loner, you are bound to have your lunch in a secluded corner; nothing wrong in it. But at times do have lunch with your colleagues or team mates amidst a good conversation.
For a seemingly lonely person, it is tough to get accepted in a circle right away. People are doubtful and there may be quite a few rejections at the start. Accept it but do not lessen your efforts to be a social animal.
Is there any treatment for depression?
← Is sudden change in handwriting an indication of mental illness?


Someone PLEASE tell me what to do with the 3 ENORMOUS bags of Halloween candy still sitting in my pantry!
Last year, I didn't have enough candy for all the trick-or-treaters. So this year I stocked up. Except… we didn't get back to the house until 8:30pm. And apparently all the trick-or-treaters in OUR neighborhood have returned home by 8:30. When I was growing up, I seem to remember people coming to our house steadily until well after 10pm. When did this change?
Anyway, Halloween was fun, and I DID in fact get Koren's costume finished in time, with a few hours to spare.
My mom had to do an emergency restoration on Kaelin's costume, which she wore to a birthday party the night before, and which, contrary to what the tag says, WAS NOT MACHINE WASHABLE. The stupid thing fell apart. Obviously, we weren't able to get the glitter back on, so you can see that it only extends 2/3 the length of the dress. But thanks, Mom, for piecing the skirt back together!!!
The advantage to being a teacher (and having a family of teachers) is that all leftover Halloween candy goes to school for bribes…er, rewards. That said, I have a hard time keeping my paws off of the stuff beforehand so I gave up on candy and started passing out play-dough—which can be saved for future years. Bonus!
PS. Absolutely adorable costumes to go with the adorable kids!
What a treat to see these precious pictures of my precious grandchildren! Wish we could have been with you to celebrate but this is a good substiture. Thanks for sharing.


From the smallest scrapes, scuffs and gouges, to warping and rotting caused by water and moisture, remedying hardwood flooring damages is essential to retaining the benefits of this exceptional flooring material. Hardwood floors are a lot easier to maintain than one may think. The nice thing about hardwood floors is that they can be re-sanded and refinished multiple times, making them look like new for many years to come.
SNR First Rate Floors can repair or refinish any type of hardwood floor out there, no matter how big the job is. We understand the true value of a beautiful hardwood floor, which is why we work with homeowners to refinish their flooring to pristine condition. Our team will be sure to get all of those scrapes and dents out, ensuring a smooth floor. Have a nasty stain? We will work to absolve any stains that may have penetrated the topcoat layer of your floors. If you're looking for a hardworking expert who can restore your wood flooring to a superior level of beauty and resilience, talk to a SNR First Rate Floors professional today!


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Legislation from 2014 - 2017 Session
Signed into Law
Expanded Agency-based Voter Registration
Introduction 493-2014
Adds 15 additional agencies to the current list of agenices which are required to have, and offer, voter registration forms to anyone seeking agency services. It also required that agencies, if requested, assist individuals in filling out the forms and submit them to the New York City Board of Elections.
Noise Complaint Response Act
Introduction 1653-2017
This local law requires the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to set rules for specific time frames for inspections in response to certain types of noise complaints. It also requires DEP to submit annual reports on inspections in response to noise complaints and that all noise mitigation plans be filed electronically. This legislation also creates new violations for noise which exceeds certain decibel levels and authorize DEP to issue stop work orders in response to certain noise violations.
Online Voter Information Portal
This bill would require the New York City Board of Elections to provide a secure website and mobile application that would allow users to (1) track the status of their absentee application and ballot; (2) view their registration status; (3) view the party for which they are a registered member; (4) view the federal, state, and local election districts in which they reside; (5) know whether they are required to bring any form of identification to vote; (6) view which elections held over the previous four calendar years for which they were registered to vote and whether they voted; (7) view the address at which they were previously registered to vote; (8) provide the option to receive alerts, including when there is a change in their registration status; (9) providing access to existing resources including (a) registering to vote, (b) updating registration information, (c) viewing sample ballots, (d) polling place locations, (e) voting hours, (f) signing up as a poll workers, and (g) viewing the voter guide.
Full Time Legislature
This bill would require the City Council to set forth rules prohibiting Council Members from earning certain outside income and would make the position of Council Member full-time. The provisions of this bill and any rules promulgated pursuant to this bill would not apply to any Council Member who has engaged in another occupation, profession or employment during the current Council session, who intends to continue to engage in such occupation, profession or employment for the remainder of such session, and who submits a letter to the Speaker of the Council by March 1, 2016 describing such engagement and intention.
Conflicts of Interest Disclosures by Candidates
This local law amends the deadline for candidates for public office to file a disclosure report with the Conflicts of Interest Board.
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Reporting on Variances
This bill would require the Board of Standards and Appeals to report information about applications for variances and special permits, and appeals of decisions regarding variances and special permits, to the Council twice per year, on dates approximately one and a half months prior to the mandated due dates for the Preliminary Mayor's Management Report and the Mayor's Management Report.
Expand the Definition of "Distressed Buildings"
This bill would expand the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's Third Party Transfer program, which allows the City to foreclose and sell distressed residential buildings to pre-qualified third parties, to include buildings whose owners have incurred large amounts of unsatisfied building violations.
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Coordinator at City Planning Commission to Protect Neighborhood Plans
This bill would require the Department of City Planning to designate a Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Coordinator and to post on its website a record of such coordinator's attendance at BSA hearings as well as any written testimony presented by the Department or by the City Planning Commission.
Early Public Funds Payments in Local Elections
This bill would allow for the earlier disbursement of limited amounts of public money to qualifying candidates who wish to participate in the City's public matching campaign finance system during their campaigns. It would change the earliest possible date for disbursement from following the finalization of the candidates who qualify for the ballot to shortly after the deadline for certification for participation in the public matching program.
Law Online
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the online publication of city laws.
Online Voter Registration
Requires the New York City Board of Elections to create a secure website to allow any eligible resident to submit a voter registration application.
Gender Sexuality Alliances in Middle and High Schools Act
This local law requires the DOE to report, for each middle and high school, whether such school has a gay-straight alliance or gender-sexuality alliance (GSA); the number of teachers and administrators who have received trainings related to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and gender non-conforming (LGBTQGNC) students; and a narrative description of the training offered by the department to support LGBTQGNC students, including whether any such training includes training related to GSAs.
Unpaid Civil Penalties Imposed by ECB Can Affect Licensing
This bill would require city agencies that issue notices of violation returnable to the Environmental Control Board (ECB) and that issue licenses, permits or registrations to promulgate rules to implement their authority to deny, suspend, terminate or revoke licenses, permits and registrations based on unpaid civil penalties imposed by ECB. The bill would require such rules to include certain factors for agencies to consider when making the determination to deny, suspend, terminate or revoke, including (1) whether the applicant, licensee, permittee or registrant has other debt owed to the city; (2) the amount of unpaid civil penalties owed; (3) whether the underlying violation is one of a series of violations and the nature of the underlying violation; and (4) whether the unpaid civil penalties were imposed due to a finding of default decision that was then vacated, or whether the applicant, licensee, permittee or registration has made a request to vacate a default and obtain a new hearing. The bill would clarify that such agencies would not be limited to the considerations required by the bill and may consider any additional factors in making a determination. The bill would exempt agencies that have adopted a rule or policy prior to the effective date of the bill that substantially meets the requirements of the bill. The bill would also require agencies to provide an annual report to the Council including the number of applications received; the number denied pursuant to such rules; the number of licenses, permits or registrations suspended, terminated or revoked; and list of the types of licenses, permits or registrations issued by such agency and the time period for which such licenses, permits or registrations are issued.
Online Voter Guide
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to the voters guide requirements of the campaign finance board.
City Record On-Line
"City Record Online" introduced with Council Member Jimmy Vacca, mandates the improvement of the existing City Record On-Line (CROL) website by mandating that all items currently in the paper copy of the City Record published by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) be included in the web version with an open application program interface (API) to empower developers to create their own apps to track the city's contract bids and awards.
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Map to Prevent Rezoning by Variance
This bill would require the Board of Standards and Appeals to create, and post on its website, an interactive map displaying the location of all variances and special permits approved by the BSA since January 1, 1996. The map would allow a user to filter by borough; council district; community district; type of variance; date; and, for special permits, active or inactive status.
Applying Tax Liens to Buildings with Outstanding Violations
This bill allows the city to impose tax liens on buildings which contain 20 or more dwelling units where the total value of all such judgments against the building is $60,000 or more, or a building which contains between 6 and 19 dwelling units, where the value of the judgments is $30,000 or more. The bill contains exceptions for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's preservation projects.
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Financial Expertise
This bill would require that the Board of Standards and Appeals have access to the advice of a State certified general real estate appraiser with no less than five years' experience in analyzing and auditing real estate investments.
Clarifying Eligibility for Municipal Debates
This bill would modify the standard for contributions raised and spent by candidates who participate in the City's public funding matching program in order to be eligible to participate in the first official debate for the office they seek. It would change the formula for eligibility from having raised 20% of the threshold for public funding for the office they seek to having raised and spent 2.5% of the expenditure limit for such office. The effect of this would be to increase the minimum funds raised to between 300% and 400% of the previous minimums.
Affordable Housing Registration and Application
The legislation seeks to solve the following longstanding problems with affordable housing:
Non-Registration – owners fail to register thousands of buildings with tens of thousands of units for which they receive hundreds of millions in tax breaks each year.
Paper Applications – applicants must mail an application request, receive the application by mail, return the application by mail, and wait hoping nothing got lost in the mail.
Lotteries and Rejections – three quarters of applications have been rejected in lotteries because individuals apply for the wrong affordable housing for their income.
Waiting List Corruption – investigations revealed dozens of instances of corruption and bribery surrounding waiting lists for affordable housing.
Numerous Individual Places to Apply – Multiple websites offered by DHCR,HPD, HDC and non-profits like Met Council as well as at individual affordable housing buildings.
This local law would create an affordable housing internet portal. It provides requirements for both the portal itself and for units that would be listed on the portal.
Online Conflict of Interest Disclosures for Elected Officials
School Seat Application, Acceptance, and Enrollment Tracking
The proposed legislation would require the Department of Education (DOE) to track and report information on applications, offers of admission, and enrollment citywide, disaggregated by school, and further disaggregated by grade level, community school district of residence, council district of residence and zip code. The proposed legislation would also require DOE to report on anticipated seats available citywide and at each school in the next academic year.
School Meal Participation Reporting
This bill would require the Department of Education to provide data, related to student participation in various free school breakfast, free salad bar, and free afterschool meals, to the Council and on their website. The report would provide information about initiatives and programs aimed at increasing student participation in the free meals. Additionally, the data would provide the total number have a salad bar in the cafeteria.
Open Budget for New York City
How New York City spends $82 billion would be more transparent, with a city budget that is searchable and computer readable instead of printed or in lengthy PDFs, by requiring the budget to be searchable, posted in open formats, and available for third parties to "build an app for that."
The legislation would align New York City data standards for its budget with the Federal standards in the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) that lead to the adoption of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) so that any software built for the Federal budget could easily be used with the city's budget like USAspending.gov.
Automatic Benefits Study
Local Law 60 of 2018, amends the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a study regarding the feasibility of notifying individuals who may be eligible for public assistance. Requiring the Mayor's Office of Operations to to produce a study by December 31,2018, regarding the feasibility and cost of of utilizing City administrative data to determine the individuals who are likely eligible for public assistance and to provide notice to those individuals of their likely eligibility. The study will include all forms of public assistance for which an individual can apply through the city.
Open Data Geospatial Standardization
This bill would require that every public data set containing address information will present that information in the same format, along with geospatial reference data, such as latitude and longitude. It would also require the convening of a working group to develop that format standard.
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Application Requirements
This bill would codify minimum evidentiary requirements for zoning variance applications with respect to establishing physical uniqueness of a zoning lot and the applicant's inability to obtain a reasonable rate of return under the existing zoning. A person who makes a materially false statement or causes a materially false statement to be made in connection with a zoning application would be subject to a $25,000 fine for every such false statement.
Limiting Lobbyist Influence on Elections
This local law eliminates the possibility of matching, with public funds, any contribution to a candidate for local office that is bundled by a lobbyist or person who has, or may have, business dealings with the City.
Voter Guide Mailer Opt Out
This bill would allow voters to opt-out of receiving a printed copy of the Campaign Finance Board's Voter Guide, which is currently prepared and mailed to every household with a registered voter prior to local elections. It would also require the Campaign Finance Board to produce a Voter Guide, though not necessarily in a printed format, for state and federal election races.
Adopted by City Council
Open Legislation
Resolution 184-2014
Resolution to Amend the Rules of the Council in relation to improving the responsiveness, transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness of the City Council.
Community Board Youth Empowerment Resolution
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign into law A.2448 and S.4142, which would allow sixteen and seventeen year olds to be appointed to New York City Community Boards.
Commission to Study the Creation of a National Women's History Museum
Resolution calling upon the United States Senate to pass and President to sign companion legislation to H.R. 863, which would establish a commission to study the creation of a National Women's History Museum.
Eliminating "Legal Bribery"
Former Speakers used to reward Council Member allies with payments in lieu of compensation, or "lulus," a practice that the Daily News called "legal bribery." This resolution bans it from the City Council.
Same-day and Online Voter Registration.
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature and the People of the State of New York to amend the State Constitution, and the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation amending the Election Law to establish same-day and online voter registration.
Filed (End of Term)
Anti Tenant Black List
Prevent landlords from using information from housing court records to discriminate against tenants when they have satisfied the terms of an order issued in housing court. The so-called blacklists contain an estimated hundreds of thousands of names of would-be renters, and are often used by landlords to deny future housing to potential tenants. The legislation would allow tenants to file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights and fine landlords if a violation was found.
Privately Owned Public Spaces Fines for Owners in Violation
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York in relation to penalties for violations of conditions and restrictions on privately owned public spaces
This bill would increase from $4,000 to $10,000the minimum penalty for a violation of the legal requirements applicable to a privately owned public space.
Young Adult Voter Registration Act
Improves upon the Young Adult Voter Registration Act, incluing by requiring distribution of registration forms to high school students in class as well as provided coded forms in order to facilitate tracking.
The bill would require the use of recycled concrete in all new street construction projects, in order to reduce carbon emissions during production. Specifically, it would require that at least 30% of the concrete used comes from recycled sources.
Electoral Ballot Access Reform
This bill would amend the New York city charter to provide for an alternative method for candidates for the offices of mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president and member of the city council to get onto the ballot by allowing such candidates to get onto the ballot by raising the threshold amount of funding to qualify for participation in the campaign finance board's small dollar matching program.
Pensions for All
There are roughly 3.5 million private-sector workers in New York City, a significant percentage of whom have no access to retirement savings whatsoever. This bill would establish an individual retirement account (IRA) program for private-sector workers at businesses with 10 or more employees located in New York City that do not already offer retirement savings plans. Enrollment in the program is automatic, but employees may opt out. Contributions are handled through payroll deductions and set at a default rate, but employees may change their contribution rate. Savings accounts would be comprised of individual employees' savings only; neither employers nor the City would contribute to individual accounts. Covered employers would be required to distribute program information to employees. The bill also sets forth a complaint procedure and civil penalties for violations.
Establishment of a centralized procurement database.
This bill would require the mayor to establish and maintain a public online database to contain certain information for every agency procurement that exceeds the small purchase limits. This information includes applicable requests for proposals or public notices, submitted responses, and details about the awarded contract (such as the name of the contractor, term of the contract, and dollar amount of the contract).
Personal information security
This bill would require each city agency that collects personal information to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive security program to protect that information. As part of the comprehensive security program agencies would need to develop safeguards for protecting personal information, including ongoing employee training, restrictions on physical access to information, disciplinary measures for violation of security program rules, regular monitoring of the security program operations, and periodic review of the security program components.
If the security program is electronic, the program would be required to include secure authentication protocols, unique identifier technologies, control of data security passwords, firewall security protection, and encryption of all transmitted personal information on public or wireless networks, portable media, or shared with third-party service providers
Create NYC Food Policy Council
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to an office of food policy.
"eNotices" will mandate that public notices be accessible online to New Yorkers while expanding and specifying the definition of "public notices." In addition to publication in newspapers, the City Record, or posts on bulletin boards and lampposts, residents will also have access to notifications on electronically centralized websites with open application program interface (API) to provide shareable data to empower civic hackers and developers to create their own apps to disseminate items of local importance.
Congress and the States Authority to Regulate the raising and Spending of Money by Candidates
Congress and the states authority to regulate the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections.
Public Posting of All City Jobs
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring all job vacancies at city agencies to be posted online.
Automatic Benefits
Resolution calling upon Congress to pass and the President to sign, as well as the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign, legislation to permit a single universal application for public benefits, as well as to use tax filings or information already in an agency's possession to automatically provide eligible individuals with the public benefits.
Air Quality Monitoring Near Marine Transfer Stations
The bill would require that the city conduct air quality monitoring in areas of the city close to marine transfer stations.
Fully Shielded Light Fixture Requirement for City Street Lights
Light pollution can harm wildlife and make it hard to stargaze let alone for New Yorkers to get a good night's sleep. Under new legislation from Council Member Ben Kallos, street lights would be "fully shielded" to stop them from shining up into the sky or the windows of nearby residents, instead only illuminating the sidewalks and streets intended.
"New York City may be the city that 'never sleeps', but that shouldn't be because of a street light outside your bedroom window. Fully shielded light fixtures will brighten up the day with fewer sleep deprived New Yorkers walking around in a bad mood," said Council Member Ben Kallos. "Fully shielded light fixtures will reduce light pollution to conserve energy, protect wildlife, improve stargazing, and help New Yorkers get a good night's sleep."
Unshielded Partially Shielded Fully Shielded
Types of light pollution include:
Glare – excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort.
Over-Illumination – providing too much lighting and wastes energy.
Clutter – bright, confusing, and excessive groupings of light source.
Skyglow – brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas reducing visibility of stars.
Light Trespass – light falling where it is not intended, needed and often unwelcome.
Impacts on wild life includes removing necessary rest periods for plant life, interfering with migratory patterns of birds, reducing activity areas for nocturnal insects and animals, and more.
Towing Transparency
Requires that the location of cars towed due to temporary parking restrictions, such as film shoots or parades, is available on the Department of Transportation website or by calling 311.
Signs for Privately Owned Public Spaces
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York and the New York city charter in relation to signage in privately owned public spaces
Back to Work Legislation
The legislation would expand New York City's Workforce1 job centers and online information hub to include resources and training for parents returning to work after taking time off. This would include technology training, public-private partnerships, specialized resume assistance, proactive outreach and expanded online information to help parents return to work.
Source Separation (Recycling and Composting) in Public Spaces Act
The bill would require waste and recycling receptacles in common areas of buildings be labeled as either "landfill," "recycling" or "compost."
Accountability for Childcare Programs
The bill would make the New York City Administration for Child Services (ACS), which provides subsidized childcare programs to 120,000 low-income children each year, more transparent and accountable. It would require reporting on several aspects of the childcare programs, notably closures, applications, and placements, in order to ensure that they best serve the city's children.
School Health Reporting Act
This bill would require the Department of Education (DOE) to report to the Council and post publicly on DOE's website a report regarding certain health services offered to students in city schools, specifically dental services, vision services, HPV vaccinations, contraception, and substance abuse counseling. The bill would also require DOE to report on outcomes for schools that offer such services compared with schools that do not. The report would be required annually, starting November 1, 2017
Accessible Sidewalk Ramps
The bill mandates that if property owners fail to perform needed sidewalk repairs, the city will issue penalties and then step in to provide the fixes and bill the party responsible. The legislation is specifically focused on the ramps that connect crosswalks to sidewalks, many of which have fallen into a state of disrepair. In a study, the Center for the Independence of the Disabled New York has found that 75% out of 1,000 curbs in lower Manhattan were hazardous for disabled residents.
Web Analytics Legislation to Optimize City Websites
This bill would require the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DOITT) to require City websites to use web analytics to help optimize their websites. Web analytics are tools used to measure a website's use, traffic, traffic sources and analyze other web data for the purposes of improving the effectiveness of a website.
Securing personal information privacy
This bill would require each city agency that collects personal information to develop a system to protect the privacy of that information. The system of protection would include appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of personal records and would also require the destruction of those records once the purpose of collecting that information is achieved.
Open API and App for eHail
This bill would require the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) to develop an e-hail application which would allow customers to electronically hail a yellow taxicab or a green street hail vehicle. The application would be the only application used by yellow taxicab or green street hail drivers to accept electronic hails. The bill would require that the application be capable of allowing customers to electronically hail an accessible vehicle. The bill would also require the TLC to develop a program to allow third-party applications to submit electronic hail requests to drivers through the application.
City Spaces - Public information about city-owned property that may be rented.
This bill would require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (often called DCAS) to include information about which buildings are available for rental by the public in their public list of City-owned real property. It would also require the list or some other website to allow the public to reserve, rent, and make rental payments with respect to the properties where rental is permitted.
OpenMaps
"OpenMaps," introduced by Kallos and Vacca, mandates that data sets behind government maps, like those at NYCityMap (http://maps.nyc.gov/), become open and shareable so residents, civic hackers and developers can create apps to help:
Drivers find off-street parking at garages and lots;
Bicyclists find CityRacks and bicycle parking shelters;
Residents find free access to broadband and wi-fi;And government services of all kinds, including youth, aging, health, parks, cultural, and education services.
Traffic Change Notifications for Community Boards
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to notification of community boards of changes of regulations relating to traffic.
Providing Public Notice of Production Permits
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to providing public notice of production permits.
Construction Safety Injury and Fatality Reporting and Fines
This bill would require the Department of Buildings to report on all construction accidents that result in an injury or fatality to a member of the public or a construction worker.
Resolution in Support of Net Neutrality
A resolution calling upon Congress to pass the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act and for the FCC to reclassify broadband as a common carrier, in order to ensure net neutrality.
Radiator Covers for Households with Children
This bill would require owners to install and maintain radiator covers.
Single User Identification System for City Websites
This bill would require the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications to establish a system where a single user identification and password can be used to access all publicly accessible websites that require user identification or a password.
American Museum of Women's History
Resolution 1414-2017
Resolution calling upon Congress to pass and the President to sign, legislation that would establish an American Museum of Women's History as a part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
Early voting in municipal elections
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to early voting in municipal elections.
Public Online Information Act
"Public Online Information Act" (POIA) mandates that materials that are "public information" or subject to "public inspection" be made accessible to the public timely fashion and user-friendly format online through the agency's website, a centralized website and through an open application program interface (API) to provide sharable data to empower civic hackers and developers to create their own apps. While Open Data has made great strides in making government information available warehouses full of materials are still being generated that are not making it online because they are only "public information" or are only subject to "public inspection." This changes all that and will put materials online like:
All city contracts;
Department of building technical standards, accident investigations, and waivers;
Transcripts from public hearings that are keyword searchable;
This legislation is modeled on federal bill by the same name introduced this year by Congress Member Steve Israel (D-NY) as H.R. 4312 and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) as S. 549. It also supplements Open Data, Local Law 11 of 2012, passed by former Council Member Gale Brewer, the current Manhattan Borough President.
Prohibit Hydraulic Fracturing in NYC
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting hydraulic fracturing in New York City.
Licensing Tenant Screening Bureaus
This bill would require persons who assemble or evaluate screening reports containing court history of residential tenants and applicants for residential housing to be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The bill would also require that all tenant screening reports contain certain information about each court proceeding referenced in the report. Finally, the bill would grant DCA enforcement authority, would establish civil penalties for violations, and would create a private right of action for tenants and prospective tenants injured by violations.
"Open GIS," introduced by Kallos, Rodriguez and Lander, creates a new level of specificity for NYC Crime Map (http://maps.nyc.gov/crime/), specifying the exact location of the incident using GPS coordinates along with date and time for every violation, crime and arrest – including the exact location on the street where collisions occur. Current forms only record nearest intersection or street address, leaving the public without the specific corner or crosswalk on a street or pathway within a park where incidents occurred. The legislation will empower the NYPD, DOT and safety advocates in the public with the knowledge to address safety concerns with the precision necessary to prevent future otherwise preventable incidents, in line with the mission of Vision Zero.
Ban on Non-therapeutic Use of Antibiotics in Livestock Production
Resolution supporting a statewide and national ban on nontherapeutic uses of antibiotics in livestock production and calling upon the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign the Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act (S. 1256) and the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (H.R. 1150).
Preserving Municipal Video Archives
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring that no videotape, or its contents, produced by an agency be destroyed or otherwise disposed of and that the head of each agency transmit to the municipal reference and research center such material in a timely manner.
GovAPI Act
Any time a paper form, an operator, or website requests information like a name, email, income, or other details that information could just as easily be provided by an app through an API. Similarly, anytime the city shares information on whether you qualified for public benefits, are registered to vote, or owe taxes that could just as easily be provided by an app through an API. An Application Programming Interface or API provides a set of definitions, protocols and tools for building application software, or in general terms it provides a translation dictionary for different software to communicate to make it easier for developers to program new applications.
Heard and Filed (End of Term)
Landlord Distribution of Voter Registration Forms
The bill would require landlords to distribute voter registration forms, in multiple languages if requested, to every tenant when signing a new lease, as well as provide assistance in submission of the forms.
Civic Commons Act
Civic Commons Act, would encourage the collaborative software purchasing of free and open source software among agencies, cities and states to pool resources, avoid duplicated effort, create portable expertise, grow jobs, and reduce costs. A Civic Commons FOSS portal would be created to facilitate collaborative software purchasing and host the collaborative FOSS source code as well as FOSS projects identified as useful for government use. Civic Commons is currently a project of Code for America, a not-for-profit hosted at Commons.CodeForAmerica.org with more information available at wiki.CivicCommons.org.
Safe Jobs Act: Transpareny and Training Requirements for Government Subsidized Construction
This bill would require that contractors working on certain projects receiving City financial assistance participate in an apprenticeship program. It would also require reporting of certain information concerning such projects.
Consolidating Environmental Control Board (ECB) into the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
This bill would amend the charter and administrative code to include reference to an authorized tribunal of the office of administrative trials and hearings when making reference to the tribunal functions of the environmental control board, to reflect the consolidated tribunal structure of the office of administrative trials and hearings.
Full Public Matching
Match Every New York City Resident's Small Dollars
New York City's campaign finance system matches the first $175 of contributions from residents by 6 to 1 and gives participating candidates a partial public matching grant of up to 55% of the spending limit in competitive races. This leaves more than 1/3 of the funds outstanding between the public matching grant and the spending limit, which must be reached to be competitive. The "big dollar gap" for Mayor is $2.5 million.
Introduction 1130-A by Council Members Kallos, Lander, and Cabrera, increases the public matching grant from an arbitrary partial match of 55% to a full match. Every small dollar raised from city residents would be matched 6 to 1. Candidates could still raise contributions of $4,950 for Mayor, but would be incentivized to seek small donations from many more residents by matching every small dollar.
Reduce Big Money by filling the "big dollar gap" with small dollars matched with a full public matching grant.
Increase the Number of Small Donors by a minimum of 50% for candidates seeking a full public matching grant.
Open FOIL
Open FOIL would create a centralized, searchable database of Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests sent to City agencies. The online database would allow members of the public to both file FOIL requests and search previous ones. Information would include the date each request was filed and documentation of its progress. The site would be developed by the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) and the Office of Operations.
Healthy Happy Meals
Kids' meals that include toys as incentives would meet specific nutritional standards that include:
500 calories or less;
600 mgs of sodium or less;
Fewer than 35% of calories from fat;
Fewer than 10% of calories from saturated fats;
Fewer than 10% of calories from added sugars; and
A serving of fruit, vegetable or whole grains.
Contemporaneous Registration and Absentee Ballot Application
Would allow residents to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot at the same time.
Crane Modernization Act
Council Member Ben Kallos has re-introduce legislation authored by former Mayor Bloomberg that would limit the age of cranes operating in New York City with a 25 year age limit that will remove older cranes from operation and improve the safety of crane operations at construction sites. Modernization of crane inventory would reflect advances in design, technology and safety.
Mayor Bloomberg's Press Release:
Mayor Bloomberg and Buildings Commissioner Limandri Announce New Legislation to Limit the Age of Cranes Operating in New York City
25 Year Age Limit Will Remove Older Cranes from Operation and Improve the Safety of Crane Operations at Construction Sites
Modernization of Crane Inventory Reflects Advances in Design, Technology and Safety
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Buildings Commissioner Robert D. LiMandri today announced new legislation to limit the age of cranes operating in New York City as part of an ongoing effort to raise the standards for crane operations citywide. The bill would prohibit mobile and tower cranes manufactured more than 25 years ago from operating in New York City. Cranes would be removed from service based on the original date of manufacture, or based on the age of the crane's oldest component, whichever is greater. In addition, crane owners would be required to outfit all cranes with load cycle counters to record data regarding every lift that a crane performs – which is critical to setting maintenance schedules and overall operability over a crane's service life. Since 2008, the Department has taken steps to reduce the age of the crane fleet in New York City and discontinue the use of aging cranes. Newer crane models are generally electric, require less maintenance, have improved controls and advanced safety features, and are better for the environment. A strict limit on the service life of cranes will ensure that older models are continually phased-out and replaced with the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment available. Requiring crane owners to update their crane fleet and make new cranes available will help maintain New York City's position as a worldwide leader in construction. The bill was introduced to the City Council at the request of the Mayor, following years of research on practices in other jurisdictions and extensive engagement with the City's development and construction stakeholders.
"New York City has some of the toughest crane regulations in the world, and we enforce crane regulations more stringently than anywhere else," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Since 2008, the City has adopted more than 25 new construction safety laws, conducted tougher inspections and raised licensing standards for crane operators. This legislation builds on those efforts by ensuring only state-of-the art, highly reliable equipment is transforming New York City's skyline."
"Imposing a limit on the age of cranes will bring our policy in line with the reality of advances in safety and technology in the crane industry," said Commissioner LiMandri. "As building in New York City continues to accelerate, we must encourage crane manufactures to supply the construction industry with modernized equipment. In partnership with Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council, we have made impressive gains in increasing the City's oversight of crane operations and demonstrated our commitment to making construction safer for workers and the public."
On any construction site, cranes are responsible for delivering heavy loads throughout the property, and in a dense urban environment such as New York City, it is critical to ensure that this equipment performs to the highest standard. In 2008, the average age of tower cranes operating in New York City was 14.8 years. Today, the average age of tower cranes is 9.2 years. New York City enforces crane regulations more stringently than anywhere else in the world, and construction-related fatalities are down 84 percent this year compared to 2008 – despite an increase in construction permits. Since 2008, the Department has also issued cease-use orders for two models of cranes manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s and removed 36 tower cranes from operation. These models of cranes were ordered out of service after they were identified to have documented performance and safety issues.
Limiting the age of cranes is a major step in enhancing public safety and helping contractors and developers build more safely and efficiently. Cranes that remain in operation for a prolonged period of time are more susceptible to stress and fatigue. Older cranes develop heightened maintenance needs over time and the failure of certain parts, or defunct manufactures, make conducting proper repairs on older crane models more difficult. Newer cranes have advanced safety features and reduced maintenance needs. Cranes manufactured today tend to be electric – rather than diesel – are less noisy and produce fewer emissions. In addition, setting an age limit for cranes will allow crane owners and contractors to plan in advance for the purchase and manufacture of new cranes. It will also encourage investment in the research and design of new crane technologies that meet New York City's high safety standards and unique needs. In recent years, similar age limitations for cranes have been implemented in jurisdictions, including a dozen European Union countries.
Since 2008, the Department has increased its oversight of crane operations across the City, including expanded inspection checklists, more training for crane inspectors, updated exams, stricter licensing requirements and several new laws and requirements, such as:
Requirement of national certification and mandatory re-testing every five years for licensed crane operators;
Requirement of detailed plans for the erection/dismantling of a tower crane;
Requirement of a safety meeting before the erection, jumping, and dismantling of a tower crane;
Requirement of tower crane workers to receive a 30-hour safety training course;
Requirement of an inspection and certification by the engineer of record prior to jump or climbing;
Prohibition of the use of nylon slings unless recommended by the manufacturer;
Requirement of a third-party engineer inspection of a tower crane before an approval for erection.
Require ECB Include Certain Information in Notices of Violation
This bill would require city agencies that issue notices of violation that are returnable to the Environmental Control Board for adjudication to, where the alleged violation occurred in or on a building or lot, include the borough, block and lot number and building identification number, as applicable, of the building or lot. Finally, the bill provides that a notice of violation is still enforceable even if it does not include the required identifying information.
Urban Planners for Community Boards
The bill would dedicate urban planners to each of New York City's 59 community boards. Community boards play an important advisory role in decisions over a neighborhood's growth and a dedicated urban planner for each board would provide them with vital information to help make these decisions.
Zero Waste by 2030
The bill would establish a goal of zero waste in New York City by 2030.
Requiring Agencies to amend Notices of Violations
This bill would require that, when an agency issues a notice of violation to an individual or entity that does not meet the standard for a valid notice of violation established by the Environmental Control Board or Office of Administrative Tribunals, as applicable, the agency amend the notice of violation if possible. The notice of violation would then be provided to the alleged violator in the same manner as an original notice of violation and a new hearing date would be assigned.
Ban Toxic Pesticides in Parks in Favor of Nature's Pesticides
This bill would prohibit city agencies from applying to any property owned or leased by the city any chemically based pesticide.
Free and Open Source Software Act
Free and Open Source Software Act (FOSSA), would minimize city contracts for proprietary software in favor of free and open source software (FOSS) that can be shared between government agencies and bodies instead of propriety programs that currently require the city and other municipalities, including the state, to pay private vendors over and over again for the same code. FOSS provides the city with power over the code and the freedom to study, modify, upgrade, improve, customize, maintain and redistribute within agencies and to other cities or states. Free software means code that is free from proprietary constraints, not free of charge.
Time Limits for Scaffolding and Sidewalk Sheds
Nearly 9,000 scaffolds that entomb 190 miles of City sidewalks may soon be dismantled, under legislation introduced by Council Member Ben Kallos. Unnecessary scaffolding also known as "sidewalk sheds" would have to be removed if seven days pass without construction work.
Sidewalk sheds are temporary structures, made of wooden planks, boards and metal pipes to protect pedestrians from dangerous conditions that are being corrected or new construction. Scaffolding is not only an eyesore but attract crime such as drug deals and provide an alternative to shelter for homeless. Many sidewalk sheds persist for years, sometimes more than a decade. There are several sidewalk sheds in Council District 5 represented by Kallos that have been up for years, over two years at 340 East 64th Street and 301 East 95th Street and over three years at 349 East 74th Street. Often times, it is much more expensive to fix a dangerous condition than to leave a sidewalk shed up indefinitely
Kallos' legislation would set the following timeline for sidewalk sheds in place for dangerous conditions:
90 days for building owners to fix a dangerous condition,
90 additional for building owners days to fix the dangerous condition upon extension,
After 180 days, the city would do the work to correct the dangerous condition and bill the owner for all costs.
Work could not be interrupted for more than 7 days without a mandate to take down the sidewalk shed or face heavy penalties.
Under the same legislation, new construction would need to continue without more than 7 days of interruption until the new development is safely capped off or completed. Exemptions in the legislation provide for weather, stop work orders, time awaiting permit renewals or in cases of safety risks.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant to Valley Hope to help fund the renovation of the organizations' treatment center and corporate headquarters in Norton.
Valley Hope is a nationally accredited nonprofit treatment organization dedicated to providing care to those suffering from substance use disorder. Established in 1967, Valley Hope now operates 16 treatment centers including residential and outpatient facilities in seven states. It is one of the largest private, nonprofit addiction treatment organizations in the United States.
The corporate office, located in downtown Norton was originally the American Legion building. From this home office, the organization provides leadership and support services to its more than 650 employees and 16 treatment centers. Approximately 70 corporate employees are residents of the area. The renovation will provide space for growth, improve current operating capacity and beautify an important structure in the community.
The Norton Valley Hope treatment center employs 36 area residents and provides treatment to an estimated 35 patients a day. The center's original structure served as the Townsman Motel and needs significant renovation. Plans include adding a covered entry, additional parking, sidewalks and landscaping and a new interior courtyard. Total cost of the combined renovations is estimated at $1,500,000.


text:
THE POWERHOUSE ARENA
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Organic: Farmers & Chefs of the Hudson Valley
A beautiful book about food with contributions from renowned chefs and restaurants such as Blue Hill, Fish and Game, Bread Alone, and more. For the more sophisticated and conscious consumer interested in the ideas behind their food, as well as fans of striking photography.
The Hudson Valley, New York has become an epicenter for the local, organic, sustainable food movement. With its rich agricultural land, the awareness for sustainable living, and the growing demand for local, organic food, the farm-to-table, locavore movement has become a way of life in the Hudson Valley.Organic spotlights the Hudson Valley as a region at the forefront of this movement and features the portraits and words of the dedicated farmers who are committed to growing and producing food using sustainable methods, and the chefs who echo their beliefs and pay homage to the food they produce, including such notables as:
Amy Hepworth of Hepworth Farms, works on a 7th generation family-owned farm
Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of Blue Hill at Stone Barns was named one of the world's most influential people in 2009 in Time's annual "Time 100"
Zakary Pelaccio, owner of Fish & Game, is famous for building Brooklyn's first gastropub and pioneering NYC's nose-to-tail culinary movement
Ken Greene at the Hudson Valley Seed Library provides many local producers with heirloom and open-pollinated garden seeds and protects 15,000 years of agricultural history!
Steffen Schneider at the 400-acre biodynamic Hawthorne Valley Farm has helped educate over 13,000 kids since 1972 as part of the farm's Visiting Students Program
The over 100 portraits of the farmers and chefs of the Hudson Valley were photographed using the wet-plate collodion process, a technique developed in the 1850s when the art of photography was in its infancy. With the use of large wooden cameras and brass lenses, glass plates are hand coated to produce one-of-a-kind ambrotype images. The amber toned images remind us of a time when the cultivation of land was a manual process that linked the farmer directly to the soil. "Organic" is one of the most misunderstood and often misused words describing food today. In narrating their own stories, the farmers and chefs share their philosophy about what it means to grow and live organically and sustainably.
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It's the stuff of spy novels – a smart walking stick that can track the user's every move, with built-in GPS, wi-fi, alarm and lights.
This James Bond-style stick, called Leef, is also linked to a mobile app and folds up to fit discreetly into a backpack or carry bag.
But this is not the latest espionage gadget being issued to undercover agents, but an independent living solution designed to help Aussie seniors with mobility issues get out and about safely.
The mobility aid was designed by Swinburne School of Design student Xia Zhang, who was inspired the Master of Design theme 'Re-imagine ageing'.
ANOTHER WAY TO TRAVEL: Roger Moore as James Bond tries out a jet pack in Thunderball.
Designed to help people with more than just mobility, the walking stick has multiple functions.
A wi-fi connection inside the stick allows carers to connect to an elderly person using the stick with their mobile devices, by using GPS tracking and the support app.
If the user gets into trouble they can push an alarm button and the support app will alert carers. Alternatively using the support app, carers can detect lack of movement and the location of the elderly person and attend to them quickly.
The app can also monitor the battery power levels in the walking stick, and can supply health data such as the number of steps walked in a day.
With a fashion background, Mr Zhang teamed up with industry partner John Pollears of Leef Independent Living Solutions and the school's Associate Professor in Communication Design Simone Taffe on the project.
"Feedback from co-design workshops helped me improve the idea," said Mr Zhang.
A built-in light system is powered by a rechargeable battery housed inside the stick handle. Supplying divergent light, this is to help elderly people on the move and to guide people walking outside at night.
The stick also has rubberised handles, offering a softer and warmer feel to steel or wood and the shaft is made from steel to support a person's weight and withstand daily wear and tear.
Leef comes in a large range of colours and patterns.


Want Gisele's unnaturally long, toned, bronzed legs? Gwen Stefani's insane abs? Hilary Rhoda's defined arms? Of course you do. Click through for our sort of choose-your-own-adventure guide to finding the right workout for the body of your dreams.
The Celebs: Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez The Workout: Tracy Anderson Method The Body Benefits: The cult fitness guru's transformative classes focus on working smaller, under-targeted muscles for tone without bulk.


This is my first post about MD03. There are four candidates (two Democrats and two Republicans) but I have a feeling that this is really a two person race (Sarbanes and Plaster). This scorecard will be a place holder until the General Election cycle…Don't expect updates to it until after April.
Thomas E. "Pinkston" Harris: ???
Both candidates are using other forms of outreach (YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and more). I would recommend visiting their websites to learn about all of their outreach efforts.
Check back after April for ongoing tracking and engagement information in this race.
If there are websites I am missing above, contact me and I will be happy to update.
Of course the reality of followers, likes, and subscribers does not mean a lot when it comes down to voting in the end, but it can show trends in a campaign cycle and makes a great resource for following all of the candidates.


text:
Q: Syntax error in when trying to run a tornado main.py This is my simple tornado project main.py file:
import os
import os.path
import tornado.ioloop
import tornado.web
import tornado.httpserver
import tornado.options
from tornado.options import options

class Index(tornado.web.RequestHandler):

    def get(self, *args, **kwargs):
        self.write('Hello')

url_patterns = {
    (r'/', Index),
}

if __name__ == "__main__":
    tornado.options.parse_command_line()
    app = tornado.web.Application(
        url_patterns,debug=True,
        cookie_secret="*****",
        xsrf_cookies= False,
        template_path=os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "templates"),
        static_path= os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "static"),

    )

    http_server = tornado.httpserver.HTTPServer(app)
    http_server.listen(8080)
    tornado.ioloop.IOLoop.instance().start()

When I want to run this file an error says that:
File "main.py", line 16
    (r'/', Index),
                 ^
SyntaxError: invalid syntax

I want to run this on centos 6 and python 2.7.8. This is a picture of my error:

What's wrong with my project?

A: The curly braces { } you're using mean you're trying to define either a dictionary or a set. I assume url_patterns, like its counterpart in Django, is a tuple, so you'll need to use parentheses ( ) instead:
url_patterns = (
    (r'/', Index),
)

A: I'm guessing you're on python2.6 as everything seems to be valid syntax for python2.7.  On python2.7,
url_patterns = {
    (r'/', Index),
}

will try to construct a set with a single member which is a 2-tuple.  However, it will fail with a TypeError if Index isn't hashable.  Set literals didn't exist until python2.7 though, so for earlier python versions, your code will throw a SyntaxError.
Generally though, in my experience (with webapp2), the order of your handlers matters -- So you're better off using an ordered iterable rather than a set.  Possibly a tuple or a list.  e.g.:
url_patterns = [
    (r'/', Index),
]

And obviously if tornado.web.Application requires one or the other, use that ;-)  (The docs show a list being used, so that's probably safe...)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Had enough with the schlep to the gym? Too busy to visit a studio? Need individual attention? In need of privacy? Now you can get studio results in the comfort and convenience of your home or office. Flat Belly Pilates is making things easier for you by delivering Pilates and yoga classes at the time and location you need in the DC area.
Flat Belly Pilates is a mobile personal training studio that delivers private classes at the time and location you prefer, allowing you to achieve studio results in the privacy of your home or office.
During a session, your instructor will guide you through a series of poses with verbal cues and physical adjustments specifically for your needs whether you're a beginner who wants an introduction to Pilates or yoga, someone hoping to learn new poses at their own pace, or an advanced student seeking to develop their skills.
Ready to get started? Book an appointment today and take advantage of our introductory price specials!
New to Pilates? Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to know for your first session.
During your Pilates practice, you should wear activewear that feels comfortable and allows you to move easily such as a tank top and a pair of leggings.
You'll need a great "sticky" mat for practice. A sticky mat is an exercise mat with non- stick grip that prevents you from sliding during practice. These roll-up mats are also available with extra padding for individuals who have back issues or prefer more cushion during rolling exercises. For your appointment with Flat Belly Pilates, we make it as easy as possible for you and will provide you with everything that you need including a mat and any other equipment that will be used during your session. All you have to do is show up.
WHAT'S A PILATES SESSION LIKE?
During your session, your instructor will guide you through a series of 20-25 poses with verbal cues and physical adjustments. During your sessions, feel free to speak up and ask questions like "Where should I feel the work?" or "How can I relieve the tension in my neck?" You should never feel strain or pain in any pose. If you feel an exercise is too strenuous, ask your instructor for a modification. She should have multiple options that are safe and effective.
SHOULD I TALK TO MY INSTRUCTOR ABOUT MY HEALTH?
Do you have an injury or a physical condition such as pregnancy, high blood pressure or recent surgery that might affect your ability to practice? You may feel that those issues are private but your teacher needs to know to guide you through a session safely by offering modifications to avoid putting stress on the affected area.
HOW MANY TIMES PER WEEK SHOULD I PRACTICE PILATES?
Two to three times per week is recommended. When practiced consistently, benefits of Pilates may include a refreshing mind-body workout, development of strong core muscles, improved posture, increased flexibility, and decreased stress.
In honor of your time and your instructor's, please be on time and ready to workout at the time of the appointment. If you need to reschedule an appointment with Flat Belly Pilates, please do so within 48 hours to prevent the loss of your deposit.
Got a friend who would love this post? Share the love and send it to her today!
New to Pilates? Keep reading to find out what the buzz is all about!
Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. He called his method Contrology which refers to the way the exercises encourage the use of the mind to control the muscles. These exercises focus on awareness of breath, alignment of the spine, and strength of the core postural muscles.
There are many benefits to Pilates that may include improved core strength; increased flexibility and strength; and improved posture, balance and stability; flatten belly and toned body; and increased well-being and state of mind.
IS PILATES JUST FOR WOMEN?
Did you know that Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates for men? When he first opened his New York studio, many of his clients were men who were boxers, wrestlers and other athletes of varying disciplines. Despite its slow, careful movements, Pilates isn't just for women. Many men including professional athletes benefit from practicing Pilates. It is a challenging workout that emphasizes the importance of core stability, strength, balance and flexibility to prevent injury and improve athletic performance. Many men will be surprised at how sore they are after a Pilates session. Pilates is one of the most challenging and rewarding workouts given how it can transform your body.
Pilates is not suited for everyone. Before practicing Pilates, discuss your medical history and fitness goals with your physician so that you can make an informed decision about your health.
If you choose to practice Pilates, remember these tips for practicing safely.
First, breath is an important part of your Pilates practice. It involves inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Full inhalations and exhalations are important because they aid in movement control during difficult abdominal exercises. Avoid holding your breath at any point during your workout. As you inhale, breathe in slowly and allow the air to fill the upper part of your chest to your ribs to your lower back. Take care to inhale without allowing your chest or shoulders to rise. As you exhale, let go of the breath with control. You can also try to practice this breathing exercise off the mat when you have a moment while driving in traffic, working at your desk or taking the dog for a walk.
Many beginners unknowingly limit their breathing when they become tense in their upper body and face. Shoulder and facial tension can limit complete exhalations, preventing you from expelling carbon dioxide. You'll be less efficient and tire much faster. Holding your breath can also raise blood pressure and, as a result, you may feel lightheaded or even pass out.
Never hold your breath in any pose. Be aware of how you are breathing throughout your practice and use it as a guide. Are you holding your breath? Can you hear your breath as you breathe in and out completely? Are you inhaling and exhaling at the appropriate times? Relax your shoulders and face and try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Be sure to use full inhalations and exhalations to aid movement control as you move through challenging poses. Breathe out as you exert effort and breathe in when the pose is less challenging. If you feel your breath become jagged, that's your cue to back off and try a modification. Ask your instructor for a modification if you feel a pose is too strenuous. She should have multiple options that are safe and effective.
Second, neutral spine is the natural position of the spine when the body is in proper alignment. To find neutral spine, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor with your arms alongside your body. Inhale and as you exhale push every back bone into the mat. Inhale and as you exhale and arch your back allowing for enough room to place your hands under your back. Again, exhale and imprint every bone into the mat. Inhale and arch your back. You will find neutral spine somewhere between these poses. When you're in neutral spine, there will be only enough space for a grape or two or three fingers in the hollow space (also known as the "grape space") under your lower back. Try to maintain neutral spine throughout your practice.
Third, the powerhouse primarily consists of your core postural muscles including your abdominal and back muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor with your arms alongside your body. Inhale and allow your belly button to drop towards your spine. Then, pull in your abdominal muscles and breathe normally. Your powerhouse should always be pulled in and up, in this way, like you're trying to pull on a tight pair of jeans.
Finally, move only in a range of motion that you can control. For example, if you find that it is difficult to make large circles during the One Leg Circle exercise, try drawing small circles the size of a dinner plate on the ceiling.
You should never feel strain or pain in any pose. If you feel an exercise is too strenuous, ask your Pilates instructor for a modification. She should have several options for safe and effective practice.
That's it! Follow these tips for safe and effective Pilates practice. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to Flat Belly Pilates by commenting below or connecting on Twitter or Instagram.
Got a BFF who would love this post? Be sure to send it to her today!
Short on time? Master this no-equipment Pilates pose for a full-body workout. You'll love how little time it takes to build strength, improve flexibility and flatten your abs with just this one move!
Summer's long gone and fall is nearing its end but that's no reason to let your fitness routine fall by the wayside. Try these variations of Shoulder Bridge for a toned backside. With this pose, you'll begin to feel confident even when baring it all.
Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor and your arms alongside your body. Inhaling, slowly lift your hips up towards the ceiling forming a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, activating your glutes. Hold for five seconds. Exhaling, slowly roll down bone by bone like you're laying down a string of pearls. Repeat eight times.
For a challenge, lift your hips and bring your right knee into your chest. Then, lift your right foot towards the ceiling and slowly lower until your foot is just hovering above the mat. Repeat eight times on both sides. Make sure your hips don't dip and your bottom doesn't sag!
Short on time? Get the body you want in only a few minutes a day with Press Play Pilates! This online class will quickly build strength in your upper body, arms, shoulders and core. You'll love how little time it takes.
The Press Play Pilates video is coming soon! Unroll your mat for a full-body workout where you'll explore the principles and postures of Pilates. This video will work every muscle through movement and breath at a moderate pace for increased flexibility, strength and balance.
The information in this video allows you to learn at your own pace, practice comfortably in your home, tailor the poses to your individual needs, enjoy the many benefits that come from Pilates and get that flat belly!
Through continued Pilates practice, you'll see a change in your fitness level, strength, posture, flexibility and body awareness! You can get the benefits of an effective work out with the information, practice tips and routine provided in this book. Buy it for yourself today. What do you have to lose except for the hard-to-lose body fat? Who wants to keep that anyway?
When you pre-purchase Press Play Pilates before August 30, you'll also receive the Pilates Plank Challenge automatically for free! When these videos are released, you'll receive a secure link to download them.
I've been keeping a secret for months!
I'm so excited to finally be able to share this secret with you. Flat Belly Pilates is releasing a fitness video! It's now available for pre-purchase. Unroll your mat for a full-body workout where you'll explore the principles and postures of Pilates. This class will work every muscle through movement and breath at a moderate pace for increased flexibility, strength and balance.
How does pre-sale purchase work?
If you pre-purchase the video before July 31, it's yours for only $14.99! You'll save 40% off the regular price of $24.99. As soon as the video is released in August, you'll receive a secure link to download the video.
There are many reasons why you may take time off from your practice but, when you're ready, how do you make a safe return to the mat? Take a look at these four tips before you step on the mat.
Join us for an intimate workshop on Sunday, May 1 at 12 pm to begin your spring practice with intention and inspiration! During this practice, you'll receive undivided attention, hands-on assists, alignment cues, and practice tips, as well as goodie bags filled with special items from our partners including Athleta (Atlantic Station), Suja Juice, and Tucketts! Reserve your space today.
Is your exercise routine feeling staid? Try these five essential tips as you advance in your practice.
Unroll your mat for an invigorating full-body Pilates/yoga fusion workout with Flat Belly Pilates and Athleta Atlantic Station and Lenox Squre! Visit flatbellypilates.com/events to register for this series of free classes.
Ready to improve your health and fitness? Book an appointment with Flat Belly Pilates today and save $10 with promo code GETFIT10 until March 31!
Fitness should be fun. Get outdoors and enjoy an invigorating, outdoor yoga or Pilates session in Piedmont Park for only $15. Book an appointment today and save $10 with promo code GETFIT10 until March 31!
Know a friend who'd love to practice in the park with you? Share the love and send this post to her!
Here are five things guys need to know about Pilates right now.
1. Pilates was developed by a man for men. It was designed by Joseph Pilates, a former boxer and gymnast to rehabilitate wounded internees during World War I. When Joseph Pilates first opened his New York studio, many of his clients were boxers, wrestlers and other athletes of varying disciplines. Despite its subtle, careful movements, Pilates isn't just for women. Many men including professional athletes benefit from practicing Pilates.
2. It's a challenging workout that emphasizes the importance of core stability, strength, balance and flexibility to prevent injury and improve athletic performance. Many men will be surprised how sore they are after a Pilates session.
3. Pilates is great for developing smaller, supporting muscles that are often neglected in daily life and weightlifting. Developing these areas increases strength, flexibility and range of motion. Many men who have tight shoulders, backs, hips and hamstrings will find welcome relief in these areas.
4. You'll never skip leg day. Pilates is a full-body workout that will work everything from the top of your head to your tips of your toes.
5. With consistent practice, the benefits of Pilates include increased strength and flexibility, improved posture and balance, an overall toned body, and reduced stress.
Flat Belly Pilates offers private classes and tailors each session to the client's individual needs. During your session, your instructor will guide you through a series of 20-25 poses with verbal cues and physical adjustments specifically for your needs whether you are a beginner who wants an introduction to the practice, someone hoping to learn new poses at your own pace, or and advanced student seeking to develop their skills.
Since many men have tight shoulder, backs, hips and legs, we take time to properly warm up the body. The first part of the session is spent warming up in preparation for the deep stretching, strengthening and balancing poses where clients are encouraged to work up a sweat and find their edge. As they advance in their practice, clients are challenged with various Pilates equipment including weighted balls, fitness rings and resistance bands so that they continue to make progress towards their fitness goals.
New to Pilates? Find out how to survive your first (or next) Pilates class with this free guide!
Flat Belly Pilates offers 50-minute private Pilates and yoga sessions for individuals, duets and groups. Sessions start at $70. Session packages of five and ten classes are also available.
Know a guy who would this post? Share the love and send it to him!
A study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, of 12,067 people followed for more than thirty years found that people were at a greater risk of becoming obese when a close friend became obese. Researchers report that obesity can spread from person to person much like a virus. Moreover, it did not even matter if the friend was hundreds of miles away, the influence remained. The greatest influence was between close, mutual friends. If one became obese, the other had a 171 percent increased chance of becoming obese, too.
Don't worry. We're not conveying the message that you should make new friends or avoid certain people. However, it is important to recognize how our social networks influence our perceptions and our healthy lifestyles. For more information about the study, read the summary article and view the explanatory video.
There's good news too. Investigators say that the same effect seemed to occur for weight loss. So, if you find yourself packing on the pounds, just blame your friends or better yet share a duet with a friend.
Note: This blog post was originally published on August 4, 2007.
Got a friend you'd love to blame? Send this post to her with an invitation for a duet session.


Inline User-Fillable Kit, Prep Kit, and Light Protective Prep Kit are used to deliver reagents and solutions on the VENTANA BenchMark Series automated slide stainers (BenchMark, BenchMark GX, BenchMark XT, and BenchMark ULTRA) and may be used on DISCOVERY instrument platforms. The dispenser in the kit is intended for single use only. Ventana has not validated the cleaning of these dispensers and re-use with a second reagent.
For in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use.


For the next six weeks, any member of the public in New York can head to subwaylibrary.com or download the New York Public Library's reader app, SimplyE, to have unlimited access to a wide selection of NYPL-provided e-books. The initiative also aims to promote the free Wi-Fi service at each of the subway's underground stations, which rolled out late last year. When users log onto the service, a link to the Subway Library website will appear, encouraging you to read a book instead of your Facebook feed.
Library Train is designed to look like the iconic Rose Reading Room with the seats and walls on each car made to resemble bookshelves (and a faux–Gilded Age ceiling to boot). The train is scheduled to run on the E and F lines between Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.


Marginal or non-standard materials may not strictly comply with accepted specifications but may still be fit for purpose and perform successfully within a particular road environment. This project will study whether locally available materials can be used more to reduce the cost of road construction and maintenance in rural and remote areas and for roads with little traffic. This is especially important for unsealed roads because gravel pavement is quickly degraded.
Materials not used in road construction in the past may be suitable for use in some road environments. This project will identify opportunities to amend material specifications to allow a wider range of material to be used in stated circumstances and will provide guidance for assessing the appropriate use of these materials in building and maintaining roads.


August 15, 1995, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) formally launched the Internet for the Indian public. It has been 20 very eventful years since and India and its Internet has come a long way from the dial-up modems and VSNL shell accounts. This timeline of the journey of the Internet in India highlights the important milestones of this two-decade-long journey.


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Minneapolis weighs TIF for North Side rentals https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/151217-FC-EcoVillage.jpg 605 302 UrbanWorks Architecture UrbanWorks Architecture https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/151217-FC-EcoVillage.jpg December 16, 2015 March 10, 2017
Minneapolis weighs TIF for North Side rentals
via Finance & Commerce
The City of Minneapolis is considering TIF funding for the Hawthorne EcoVillage Apartments. Read More
New George Floyd Square, Trellis plans to convert church into affordable housing https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/churchconversion_660xx1325-745-0-14.jpg 660 371 UrbanWorks Architecture UrbanWorks Architecture https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/churchconversion_660xx1325-745-0-14.jpg July 12, 2022 July 12, 2022
New George Floyd Square, Trellis plans to convert church into affordable housing
Construction Work Begins on Peregrine Housing in Minnesota, USA https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Peregrine-002-768x432-1.jpg 768 432 UrbanWorks Architecture UrbanWorks Architecture https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Peregrine-002-768x432-1.jpg May 19, 2022 May 20, 2022
Construction Work Begins on Peregrine Housing in Minnesota, USA
New Life for Plymouth Mall Site https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FourSeasonsMall.jpg 620 330 UrbanWorks Architecture UrbanWorks Architecture https://urban-works.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FourSeasonsMall.jpg April 20, 2022 April 20, 2022
New Life for Plymouth Mall Site
Finance & Commerce Top Projects of 2021
Spotlight on Interior Design in Affordable Housing
Just Listed: Suddenly, downtown Minneapolis has many new apartments
A New Bike Room for UrbanWorks


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Q: Not able to run Hazelcast in AWS enabled mode I am getting following error on starting hazelcast server using server.sh in all the versions 3.1.7, 3.2.6, 3.3.3
Error while creating AWSJoiner!
java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: com.hazelcast.cluster.TcpIpJoinerOverAWS
Multicast and tcp-ip are working fine
Hazelcast-all and all other jars are included in the lib.

A: Did you include 'hazelcast-cloud' jar. This is needed to use AWS discovery.


Hi Everyone! So glad you popped over to join the party this week!
A quick recap of my week and we'll get to the good stuff!
Then I shared my Living Room. I had to do it in to parts. You know me, camera click happy!
This is such a busy time of year, decorating, shopping, entertaining, baking and more.
It is finally cold here. Not your temps like back east, but cold for this California woman.
A tablescape with a vintage look. Target has some awesome accessories to make this happen.


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Home / cars / news / Renault / Renault comes up with the all new 'Made in India' Kwid
Renault comes up with the all new 'Made in India' Kwid
Unknown 5/25/2015 cars , news , Renault Edit
The Renault Kwid has made a splash in Indian Auto Market with its bold hatchback appearance and a more than attractive likely starting price of Rs 3 lakh. But it's also going to break new ground in the segment with its impressive features list. It would be a game changer especially in Indian market. Kwid will be priced between 3 and 4 lakh INR. It means it will take on current Indian Auto market leaders, Maruti Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon which are priced similarly in the range. Renault has mainly focused on producing a stylish car which probably has a look of small SUV with a modest budget keeping Indian consumer in context. It is built on the new CMF-A platform by the Nissan-Renault alliance and holds the key to the company meeting the target of taking a 5 per cent share of the domestic car market. The CMF-A platform will serve as a pad for launching an entirely new range of vehicles by both the alliance partners Renault and Nissan, which have built a factory with a capacity of 400,000 cars a year at Oragadam near Chennai
Carlos Ghosn Chairman and CEO Renault delivered a key address at the unveiling of the Kwid emphasized on the fact that in order to be successful in a country like ours there is a need to develop products which are made internally. Renault Kwid is one such example where level of localization is up to 98 percent reiterating Prime Minister of India - Narendra Modi's "Make in India campaign". Expressing confidence of Kwid doing well in India, Ghosn said, at present, the products available at the entry-level segment offer either affordability or attractiveness or innovation, but the Kwid will offer all of three attributes. These three attributes at one time are likely to boost Renault's production. Moreover the focus has been on frugality which is an very important factor which a middle income Indian looks at while buying a car.
The all new Kwid will mainly attract the Indian middle class as it has got a convincing budget. The Kwid derives its power from a newly developed 800cc petrol Engine, which has been jointly developed by Nissan and Renault. With SUV cues, the Kwid's exterior design exudes strength and reliability with the short overhangs and high ground clearance. Kwid has got in various innovative features which makes it different from other cars in this price range. Apart from stylish exterior design it has got a great and pleasing interior design. Starting with the large attractive all digital instrument console - It's a very simple layout with a large digital speedometer readout dominating the center with a digital fuel level indicator on the right and tale warning lights on the left and though it does miss out on a tachometer it still ranks as one of the most attractive in this segment.
The highlight of the features list though that the dashboard console, finished in piano black, houses a 7-inch infotainment system complete with sat-nav system, buttons for emergency lights, central locking and power windows. Both the infotainment system and the sat-nav technology are the first in this price range. The Kwid has a crossover body style and a tall 180mm ground clearance The Kwid also features the segment first Digital Instrument Cluster.
The all new Kwid is set to hit Indian market in the upcoming festive season. With the convincing budget, stylish looks and captivating innovations – the Kwid is expected to be send ripples in the compact SUV segment and set to woo the target market, especially first time buyers with the features on offer.


The Image of God is a concept and theological doctrine in Christianity and Judaism which asserts that human beings are created in God's image and therefore have inherent value independent of their utility or function.
Man in the image of God; what does this mean in practical terms? It cannot refer to bodily, biological form since God is a Spirit and man is earthly. But while it may be true that the body does not belong to the image, since God does not have a body, yet somehow we would like to see man's body (which is a very real part of man) included in the image. Language and creativity,—two important parts of the image, are impossible without a body. And God the Almighty agreed to share with man dominion and authority over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:28), an activity in which the whole man, body as well as mind, is involved. Furthermore the Son of God honored the human body by becoming flesh and dwelling among men (John 1:14) (Hebrews 2:14). C. S. Lewis suggests that before the Fall, the first man, Adam mirrored Christ the man of Galilee even more nearly than Christ would have resembled his own half-brothers. If this is so, it seems almost blasphemy to consider Adam sired by a shambling ape.
Humans in God's image were intended at creation to bring glory to God as people who hadn't sinned. Fallen humanity hasn't lost the image of God, but the image is tarnished. "With Adam's moral freedom to choose," says Mark, "he rebelled against God, which has profoundly damaged the image of God in humanity and affects us in all areas of life. Through Jesus Christ's death on the cross and resurrection, God is now restoring his original image in humans as they are transformed by following Jesus Christ." The writer of Hebrews says of Jesus that "the Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3-4). Jesus shows us who God is and what God is like.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Thinking Through Faith: What is the "Image of God"?
The Torah has additional references that indicate that mankind was created in the image of God.
.This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.
We are made in God's image, but the potential value of this image will not be realized unless we become conformed to the image of Christ in our morality. To be living in God's image, we must be in a right (i.e., moral) relationship with God and with other humans, using our minds and our authority to serve God and our fellow humans. This is what it means to be in the image of God and conformed to the perfect image, his Son.
The Holy Bible states that Jesus Christ is the visible image of God.
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him.
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.