Caring Connections - Moms Survey

 In honor of Mother’s Day, a new survey by Mixbook reveals the states where people are the closest (emotionally and geographically) to the woman who gave them life 

After asking over 2,000 Americans about the time they spend with their mom, here’s what we found: 

• 46% see their mom at least once a week. 
• Half of Americans live in the same city or closer to their mom. 
• 61% never Facetime their mom.
• 15% feel their moms' limited use of technology prevents them from being closer.

You can read the full report here.

Caring Causes - TOMS Wear Good

 

TOMS, the iconic footwear brand renowned for its commitment to using business to improve lives, is thrilled to announce its SS24 Wear Good campaign. Partnering with champions of mental health, TOMS brings its mission to life through a diverse lineup of mental-health advocates across various industries, including musician MILCK, designer Christian Cowan, licensed therapist Jacqueline Garcia, podcast host Tay Lautner, breathwork facilitator Millana Snow, and co-founder and CEO of Wondermind Mandy Teefey.

Reimagined and perfected in 2023, TOMS tagline Wear Good reaffirms the brand’s commitment to donating 1/3 of profits for good – namely by helping fund access to mental health resources for the millions of people who need them. Those featured in this season’s campaign showcase both a unique sense of style, prioritizing comfort and accessibility, and share their unique and personal stories related to mental health and what actions they take to support their mental health. 

TOMS is proud to partner with these six individuals– each champions of mental health in their own right – to platform the meaningful work that they do. Throughout the course of the campaign, customers will be able to peek into each creator’s personal narratives and personal style and learn tips on what each of them does to support their own mental health.  Wear Good is a testament to the brand's values in action as it continues to champion mental health advocacy and build a supportive community. Through the SS24 Wear Good campaign, TOMS reaffirms its commitment to making a positive impact on the world while empowering individuals to express their unique sense of style with purpose. So join TOMS by shopping your values and showing you choose to Wear Good.

TOMS SS24 WEAR GOOD COMPASSIONISTAS MILCK: Artist, songwriter, and advocate for survivor wellness CHRISTIAN COWAN: Fashion designer and mental health advocate JACQUELINE GARCIA: Licensed clinical social worker and mental health clinical therapist TAY LAUTNER: Registered nurse, co-host of ‘The Squeeze’ podcast, and mental health advocate MILLANA SNOW: Breathwork facilitator and mental health advocate MANDY TEEFEY: Co-Founder & CEO Wondermind and mental health advocate   m

ABOUT TOMS SHOES, LCC TOMS is in the business to improve lives. This mission has been at the heart of who we are since our start in 2006. Merging profit and purpose, we reimagined a new way of doing business. As the pioneers of the One for One giving model, we’ve evolved our strategy to now give a third of our profits to help support organizations making meaningful mental health strides in their communities. Simply put, we wear our impact. From our iconic Alpargatas and espadrilles to boots, sandals, eyewear, and apparel, we offer stylish, comfortable, versatile ways to quite little Wear Good.   As a Certified B Corp, we are proud to meet its standards of transparency, accountability, and social / environmental performance. Together with your support and our impact partners, we have positively impacted over 105 million lives. But we’re just getting started. There is more good to do. There is more good to give. There is more good to be a part of. And it starts with you. With each pair of TOMS that you buy, you help spread good father and faster.   Wear TOMS. Wear Good.

Book Nook - Best Cities for Book Lovers

 

Where in America can you find a literary adventure? To book(mark) World Book Day on April 23, Lawn Love ranked 2024’s Best Cities for Book Lovers.

How does St. Paul stack up in key metrics (1st = Best)? Number of Bookstores - 22nd Number of Public Libraries - 47th Number of Antique and Rare Book Stores - 7th Number of Book Clubs - 34th

How does St. Paul compare with other Minnesota cities (1st = Best)? Minneapolis - 34th Duluth - 142nd Rochester - 203rd Woodbury - 281st   To come up with our ranking, we compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on four categories. We looked at access to bookstores, libraries, and book clubs, among 16 total metrics. Read the full story here: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-cities-for-book-lovers/  Other helpful links: Methodology Book a local Lawn Love crew to keep your lawn and landscape looking great while you sit back and crack open a new book.    More from Lawn Love: Geekiest Cities Best Cities for Movie Lovers Best Cities for Thrifting Best Cities for Local Flowers Best and Worst Cities for Vampires

Book Nook - It's a Tug Life!

 Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have a furry companion in the household? Are you considering adding a pup to your family but couldn't quite decide if it was worth the time and effort? The truth is that bringing a dog into your home offers several emotional and physical benefits for everyone involved.

 

Laura Utterback is the best-selling author of “It’s a Tug Life!” which is an enchanting tale that teaches children about the power of family and the bonds that connect us to our loved ones.

 

The book speaks to everyone who has felt the warmth, happiness, and love of being surrounded by family and friends.

 

Writing this book has been nothing short of a labor of true love for Laura and a testament to how Tug has impacted her life and the lives of all who encountered him.

I had a chance to interview Laura to learn more.

Why did you write this book?

It’s a Tug Life! was borne our of my immense love of Tug and my desire to share my sweet and wonderful boy with the world.  The writing and development of this book has been nothing short of a labor of true love and a testament to how Tug has positively impacted our lives and the lives of all who have had the pleasure of encountering him.

What are some ways that having a pet can increase family bonds?

Family is extremely important to me and Tug is unequivocally part of the family.  What is interesting and remarkable is that each member of the family has their own unique relationship with Tug.  I feel that each family member’s own unique bond and love for Tug helps bind the family in that he becomes in a sense a center stone for the family with whom everyone relates - like a positively love based familial common denominator.

Why is it so important for families to intentionally foster relationships with each other?

I strongly feel that the internal family bond is critical to who you are.  I refer to my family as my “village” because life takes one to succeed.  Once you have the internal strength of familial love and support, you are then equipped to take on the external world.   In other words, family is to be your core, your safe zone, and your happy place, such that  no matter what cards life deals you, you know that you are loved and supported by your family.

Why is it important to embrace the present?

Great question!  It is so very important to live in the here and now and to live it in real time.  By that I mean, and especially if you put it in the context of dog years, we have precious little time here on earth and we need to relish in the actual living moment.  Some people say, ‘take time to smell the roses’; I say, ‘take time to pet the dog’.

Terrific Tech - Facial Recognition TVs Know More Than Just Your Preferred Channels - Experts Explain

 “TVs are no longer just for passive entertainment, they have evolved to become smart, connected, and interactive through advanced technologies like facial recognition,” says Josh Gordon, Geonode's leading technology expert.

This technology is no longer confined to our phones or security systems. Now it's right in our living rooms, integrated into our television sets. It's further proof that we've entered an era where our gadgets know more about us than ever before.

Understanding Facial Recognition in TVs

Facial recognition involves advanced machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence. A facial recognition TV scans a person's face, converts the image into data, and then compares this data with the information already stored in its database to identify the viewer.

This technology has far-reaching implications for viewing preferences and privacy issues. Here's a detailed overview:

1. Personalized Viewing Experience: Facial Recognition TVs can remember your viewing preferences based on your facial data. The moment you sit in front of your TV, it recognizes you and immediately offers a curated list of your favorites. This level of personalization can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Josh Gordon from Geonode explains, “It's like having a personal TV butler that knows your tastes and preferences well.”
2. Parental Control: Parents can set the TV to restrict certain types of content when it recognizes a child's face, ensuring children aren't exposed to inappropriate material.
3. Relevant Advertisements: Advertisers can use this technology to display targeted advertisements based on the viewer’s viewing habits and preferences.

Privacy Concerns

While these innovative features certainly add convenience, they also bring significant privacy concerns. The fact that our TV knows us intimately – what we watch, when we watch, who watches – raises questions about data security and privacy.

As Josh Gordon clarifies, “The data collected by facial recognition TVs could potentially be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Consumers should ensure they are well informed about the privacy policies of these devices before purchase.”

An article in ISACA highlighted a global concern about Face Recognition Technologies, stating, “The expansion of FRT has become a prominent global issue. While FRT has many potential benefits, it also brings significant privacy concerns. It seems that the regulatory path forward in this booming area will be focused on ensuring that adequate safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of FRT and protect privacy, but only time will tell.”

Tips for Using Facial Recognition TVs Securely

Here are some tips from Josh Gordon for anyone planning to buy, or who already owns a Facial Recognition TV:

• Always read the privacy policy to understand how your data will be used.
• Keep your TV software updated with the latest security patches.
• Use controls to determine when the TV can use facial recognition.
• Disable the feature when not in use.

In this information age, it's not surprising that our devices know our preferences. It's the new normal. As we move into a future filled with smart tech, it's important to remember that the responsibility to protect our data and secure our privacy primarily lies with us. So, enjoy the personalized viewing experience, but always stay vigilant about privacy.

A post in Blackview reminds us that in terms of safety, it's important to note that face recognition technology is not inherently unsafe. Like any technology, it can be misused or flawed in its design or implementation. However, when used responsibly and with appropriate safeguards in place, it can be a valuable tool.

As a final note, here's a key point from Josh Gordon that sums up this discussion: “Enjoy the futuristic tech but never compromise on data security.”

Post courtesy of https://geonode.com/ 

Caring Causes - AMIkids

 AMIkids, a national youth organization dedicated to empowering young people on their journey to discovering their true potential, is proud to announce a significant brand refresh that includes a new visual and verbal identity. This transformative change is a testament to AMIkids' commitment to innovation, growth, and its mission to positively impact the lives of young individuals across the nation.

The new AMIkids logo is a powerful representation of the organization's core values, drawing inspiration from two main elements: a huddle formation and a sailor’s knot. Roxane Wergin, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, explains, "These elements symbolize the core concepts of unity and support in empowering young people to discover their true potential."

The huddle formation in the logo represents the strong bonds and relationships between young people, their families, mentors, and the community. Meanwhile, the sailor’s knot, inspired by AMIkids' marine history, serves as a visual metaphor for strong bonds and interconnectedness. It represents the enduring commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and a hope for positive change.

As part of the brand refresh, AMIkids introduces a vibrant and dynamic website with a brighter, bolder design that mirrors the organization's dedication to innovation and growth. The website features inspiring stories from young individuals who have benefited from AMIkids' programs, showcasing the real impact the organization has with helping young people to transform their lives.

President and CEO of AMIkids, Mike Thornton, expressed his enthusiasm for the brand refresh and the organization's future trajectory. "AMIkids is on a mission to positively impact 20,000 lives over the next two years, and we've developed a strategic plan to guide this growth and ensure our success," said Thornton. "For more than 55 years, AMIkids has been the best-kept secret in our work with youth, and now we want to expand our services and reach more young people, families, and communities than ever before."

With a remarkable 80% success rate in its programs, AMIkids is poised to step out of the shadows and take its place as one of the most successful youth empowerment agencies in the country. The brand refresh reflects a renewed commitment to making a positive impact and providing support to young individuals as they navigate their life paths.

About AMIkids

AMIkids is a national nonprofit youth organization that has empowered more than 155,000 young people to discover their true potential. With more than 50 programs across nine states, they foster relationships, care, and a sense of family through a proven approach that ties together treatment, education, workforce development, and behavior and skills training. With an 80% success rate, AMIkids helps young people to believe: I Can. For more information, visit www.amikids.org.

Music Minute - Country Legends Live

 StarVista Music will be releasing a three-part 'Country Legends Live' series, with the first released on April 14 on all digital platforms. The first in the series 'The Hits' will be a 13-song collection of country music hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, where ten of these recordings topped the Billboard/Radio & Records charts at #1, with two others peaking in the Top 5, and one becoming a fan favorite.

 
“It is amazing what you find in the vault when you go looking. These recordings are part of music history,” says LMA Productions president Frank Matassa. “The recordings we got of Mickey Gilley were the last live recordings he ever made before his passing. We are thrilled to have partnered with StarVista Music to release these great songs by their original artists.”
 
These live recordings were captured at the historic Wildhorse Saloon (which soon will be called Category 10) during CMA Music Fest 2015. At the time, artists were performing as part of a benefit concert and television taping to support the Lisa Matassa “Why I’m Here” duets project. Now, nine years later, these recordings are becoming available to the fans for their listening pleasure.

To listen/stream/download, visit https://lnk.to/CountryLegendsLive.
 


About StarVista Music:
StarVista Music offers artists and brands worldwide digital audio and video marketing, sales, and distribution, generating incremental income for artists and brand holders and driving global demand for artist repertoire via traditional promotion and aggressive social media development. With years of experience in distributing entertainment-based content and in live entertainment via sister company StarVista LIVE, StarVista Music is a trusted and effective marketing partner bringing world-class resources such as multi-channel marketing, publicity, in-house creative expertise, and long-standing industry relationships and marketing partnerships developed throughout our history.

Amazing Art - Start Here: Draw

 If you’ve always wished you could draw, but have no idea where to start, this guide is the place—offering progressive art activities that develop skill and confidence.

Start Here: Draw gives you exciting prompts for kickstarting an artistic practice centered on drawing. By exploring how simple motifs, such as lines or circles, can be repeated to draw more intricate images and patterns, Start Here: Draw builds up your understanding of shape, color, and technique without the usual intimidating jargon or theory.
 

• Start Here. Daily mark-making ideas, from the simplest single line to turning curves, dots, and scribbles into cute motifs designed to be drawn in 30 minutes to an hour.
• Get a Sketchbook. Guidance on how you can get the most out of your sketchbook and inspiration to help you keep it up.
• Practice Makes Perfect. Using these prompts as an inspiring starting point, have fun experimenting with different techniques and developing your own style.
• Make It Your Own. From patternmaking with stylized motifs to more realistic sketches, this section helps you develop your own creative approach by interpreting the prompts in your own way or by copying them using a different medium.
• Stuff. Here are a few essential pieces of equipment you’ll need, or what you could add to your kit. Includes plenty of ideas of what to do with your finished work, from making T-shirts and mugs to curating your own “pin it” library of pieces you’re proud of.

With Start Here: Draw as your bright and beautiful creative companion, you’ll learn how to draw and never want to stop.

Music Minute - Tracy Lawrence: Gulf of Mexico

 

Country music icon and philanthropist, Tracy Lawrence, unveils the next track off his forthcoming EP, Out Here In It, with the soulful heartbreak Country ballad “Gulf of Mexico,” available everywhere today. Accompanied by an all new music video, the “superb Country vocalist” (MusicRow), who's been a household name for decades, brings his signature sound to the forefront in the second release off his carefully crafted six-song EP, due Friday, June 7.   LISTEN: “GULF OF MEXICO”   “I love a good ballad,” shares Lawrence. “These kind of songs have always been some of my favorites to sing. When I heard Gulf of Mexico it was instantly a favorite that I had to record and put on the EP. I can't wait for everyone to hear this song and like it as much as I do.”   Staying in the realm of his distinctively branded style, “Gulf of Mexico” offers a neon lit, slow dance spin to the center of the EP, providing a roadmap of the broken-hearted, runaway places that Lawrence has searched for to mend his fractured heart. Engulfed in traditional led instrumentation that adds proper feels to the heartache emotions of Lawrence's powerful vocal, listeners travel the vices he's examined at the bottom of every alcohol-filled glass inside any bar he could find. Penned by Monty Criswell, Derek George and Bubba Strait, the track tugs heartstrings when Lawrence confesses that no matter how far he tries to run away from her and drown out the memory of what they used to share, she's still in full ownership of his heart.   The “Country music luminary” (American Songwriter) stars in the accompanying “Gulf of Mexico” music video out today. Set against the backdrop of the Gulf's rolling blue ocean waves, Lawrence's spotlight puts his smooth, steady vocals on display as he sings through the soul-searching emotions heartbreak brings to the forefront.   WATCH: “GULF OF MEXICO” MUSIC VIDEO   Cut from some of Nashville's hottest songwriters including Rodney Clawson, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett, Wyatt McCubbin, Lee Thomas Miller, Ernest Keith Smith and more, “the pure Country hitmaker” (Taste of Country) is set to unveil his summer EP, Out Here In It, on Friday, June 7. The project's already released title-track, “Out Here In It,” takes listeners on a retrospective journey through the “strings-and-steel embellished production” that “perfectly underscores his meditation” (MusicRow). PRESAVE: OUT HERE IN IT EP     Come May 4, Lawrence will headline the Ryman Auditorium for the very first time. Following the nearly sold-out headline debut, Lawrence gears up for “Tracy Lawrence and Friends” coming to Ascend Amphitheater for CMA Fest on Saturday, June 8. Excitement runs high for the show, completely selling out within the first few hours of on-sale. Joining him is tourmate Green, Chris Young, Maddie & Tae, Priscilla Block, RaeLynn and Charles Esten for the highly-anticipated show. For more information visit www.tlmissionpossible.com and keep up with Lawrence on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

ABOUT TRACY LAWRENCE: With 13M albums sold and 18 No.1 singles, Tracy Lawrence has solidified his status as a cornerstone of Country music for more than thirty years. Even as he continues to release music and tour, the CMA and ACM award winner's ambitions have also extended to numerous media and charity projects. In recent years, Lawrence has hosted the radio show  “Honky Tonkin' with Tracy Lawrence,” which currently airs in more than 170 markets. His interest in working with younger artists and being able to explore different topics led to the “TL's Road House” podcast, which has featured guests such as HARDY, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and more.   Over three decades into his decorated career, Lawrence's legacy continues to evolve. Currently on Riley Green's Ain't My Last Rodeo Tour throughout May on top of his first-ever headlining show at the Ryman, he is poised for a monumental year ahead. After revisiting his catalog with the Hindsight 2020 Vol 1, 2 and 3 and Live at Billy Bob's Texas albums, Lawrence is gearing up to release his Out Here In It EP, set to arrive on June 7.  Meanwhile, Lawrence continues to uphold his commitment to helping those in need across Middle Tennessee and beyond with his Mission:Possible non-profit committed to serving the homeless. From its humble beginnings cooking Thanksgiving dinners for the Nashville Rescue Mission to frying over 84K turkeys to date, the organization has raised more than $1M for those in need. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, Lawrence was honored with the 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award.   For additional information on Tracy Lawrence, please visit his website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.   ABOUT MISSION:POSSIBLE: Tracy Lawrence's Mission:Possible exists to raise support and awareness of the homeless population in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The organization was launched in 2006 with its initial fundraising event, Mission:Possible Turkey Fry which has raised over $1M for Nashville Rescue Mission, fried over 10K turkeys and provided over 86K meals to the homeless and hungry of Middle Tennessee. In 2021, the organization created a Spring event, Mission: Possible Celebrity Golf Classic which has raised over $1.1M.

Cool Crafts - Jelly Roll Quilting

 

Have you ever wanted to try quilting, but don’t know where to start? 
 

Master Quilter Corey Pearson recommends trying a jelly roll quilt.
 

A jelly roll is a roll of pre-cut fabric, usually of colors and patterns that complement one another.
 

Jelly rolls are perfect for beginner quilters.
 

“Jelly rolls can be the perfect tool if you are looking to get into quilting, as it allows you the opportunity to try out quilting before jumping right in and purchasing a ton of fabric. Since jelly rolls come in pre-cut slices, you will often find that these fabric strips complement one another, so regardless of which quilting pattern you use, you can go into it with confidence,” says Corey Pearson, Master Quilter and VP of Customer Success at Linda’s Electric Quilters. 

Jelly rolls are a great way to find a quilting community too.

“Jelly rolls are also an introduction to the quilting community as well, and once you invest in quilting fabric you’ll be able to make your own jelly rolls with scrap fabric and share them with your quilter friends,” he says.