New position. New jersey number. New team dynamic.

Chesterton senior Sam Weller is welcoming all the challenges.

He moves to center midfield from central defender. He earned the illustrious No. 17 after having worn No. 21.

And he's one of two returning players who started in last season's Class 2A state championship game as the Trojans' lineup included nine seniors in a 2-1 loss to Evansville Memorial.

"It's been a lot different, but it's been good," Weller said.

As a junior in his first varsity season, Weller anchored a stingy defense that allowed 16 goals in 22 games. This season, his second as a captain, he'll shift to midfield.

With limited opportunities last season, Weller scored one goal. But over the summer and in the preseason, Chesterton coach James Sensibaugh liked what he saw from Weller in his more advanced role.

"Past teams needed him more as a defender than to put the ball away, but he has an uncanny ability to finish," Sensibaugh said.

Weller has played almost exclusively central defender growing up, including in club ball. But he got a taste of center midfield last year.

He also has drawn on the attacking experience of brother Trent, a former star forward/midfielder for the Trojans. Trent Weller's resume includes scoring a then program-record 23 goals as a junior in 2014, when he was named the Post-Tribune Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

"I've always asked my coaches how I should play or what they need me to do, and I try to do it," Sam Weller said. "We have guys in the back we can trust, and coach liked me orchestrating in the middle."

That type of selfless attitude helped lead the coaches to select Weller for the No. 17 jersey this season.

To honor the late Mitch Winey, the Trojans each season designate a player to wear the number of the 2014 graduate. Winey, a team captain and the class president, was a cadet at West Point when he lost his life in June of 2016 during a military training accident at Fort Hood.

Last season, Owen Hallas was the inaugural recipient. The former No. 8 scored a program-record 27 goals as he was named the state's player of the year, an All-American, the Region's first boys soccer player to win the Mental Attitude Award and the Post-Tribune Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

"I was just joking with him, it's OK, it's a prestigious deal, then the last player ended up having the season he did, so no pressure," Sensibaugh said of Weller. "But he was so honored in a genuine way."

Indeed, Weller takes it seriously.

"I have to step up in a big way," Weller said. "I'm not only playing for myself, but I'm playing for Mitch and for Owen a little, too. He represented the number very well and I have to prove myself.

"I met Mitch a couple times and he was one of the best people I ever met. He talked to me about being a leader and being a positive person. He always had a smile on his face and he always put a smile on my face. He was a happy and energetic person. I hope I can push his number on in a positive direction."

Sensibaugh has no doubt.

"Sam's lived in the shadow of his brother and now in the shadow of that number that comes with quite a bit of success," Sensibaugh said. "But he's managed to come along and make his own name.

"He's a kid willing to take on any challenge. He has respect for our program and history. He thinks beyond himself and sees a bigger picture."

mosipoff@post-trib.com

Twitter @MichaelOsipoff

Read more:
Chesterton midfielder Sam Weller flourishes amid changes for state runner-up - Chicago Tribune

Before Suzi Dent gave pageant life a good go, she was working as a television and advertising hair and makeup artist AND wardrobe stylist. She created the miniature wigs and wardrobe for the upside-down talking chin characters for World's Greatest Shave and has also worked with the Leukemia Foundation, The Cancer Council, Look Good Feel Better and The Starlight Children's Make-A-Wish Foundation.So, you could say she was already killing it.

Although Suzi worked in what seems like a glamorous world, her tomboy-ish ways meant shorts or pants and baggy tops or t-shirts were her go-to clothes of choice. Plus, dressing for practicality and comfort has always been Suzi's normal for decades,where working in a job where you're always on the go or in not-so-glam locations is your average work day. Armed with a whole lot of 'frock fear' and always feeling uncomfortable, insecure and exposed when trying on a dress meant being a dressed-down tomboy was her safety net.

But with life comes twists and turns, usually the kind you least expect. For Suzi, this meant being approached to compete in the Mrs Earth Australia pageant (which she won!) - which was a shock to her, but a clear sign it was time for change in her life.

A truly inspiring story, Suzi Dent was kind enough to let me ask her some questions about her journey to self-love and acceptance, her charity work and her advice for fellow Gold Coast women who are wanting to find confidence within themselves:

Winning the title of Mrs Earth Australia is such a huge achievement. What made you participate in the pageant?I am very grateful that I am a naturally positive and joyous person, but in August last year I wasnt in a great personal space anymore, as my husband and best friend of 26 years has been battling with depression and anger management issues for the last five years and to be quite honest, I wasnt coping with our lives very well anymore. I desperately wanted to help my husband and get my best friend back for us and our son. There was an element of sameness and almost daily gut-wrenching angry negativity in our lives that I needed to change, for all three of us, to save my family and our marriage! I did a lot of soul-searching and started watching and listening to motivational things all about having a positive mindset and manifesting the life and dreams you desire. One of the things I do know to be true about this life journey that we are all on, is that life will send you journeys to go on and it will throw situations in your path that will change your destiny, you just have to pay attention to the signs life sends you.

So, it was a huge surprise to me to be approached by the Mrs Earth Australia pageant to compete, especially at my age and it was so far out of left field, that after I picked myself up off the floor from laughter, checked out the pageant website and saw that they supported the charity Soles4Souls, I knew life was sending me a message and I was at the crossroads of having my very own sliding doors moment. If life wanted me to embrace wearing frocks and high heels to raise awareness for Sole4Souls to change my life and bring some positivity and change into my family, well I just had faith and trusted that that was what I should do and thats what I did!

What positive changes have you noticed within yourself since taking the leap to participate in Mrs Earth?Entering into the pageant world, apart from supporting my charity, has allowed me to kick some personal goals and overcome some personal fears and grow as a person. It provided me with a goal to work towards, a new world to be interested in and study, work experience opportunities and amazing and inspirational people to meet. Completely changing myself and my tomboy ways and embracing and experiencing wearing dresses, practicing and learning to walk in high heels for the first time in 30 odd years and having my self esteem lifted, experiencing looking glamorous with beautiful dresses and hair and makeup has been an amazing experience! I cant say that I am a tomboy anymore! Being a confident woman is something I have always been, however confidence and self-esteem are two different things. I now feel whole inside, like everything is all caught up with my soul and I am very grateful for this gift that life has given me.

How did your husband and son react when you told them you would be taking part in the pageant?My husband has always believed very strongly in my intuition and when I told him what I was doing and why, he was a little skeptical in the beginning, but as I was picking up sponsor after sponsor who believed in me and my journey, he knew, as did I that what I was doing was so much bigger than just me as a person. He is so proud of me and my journey and the fact that I now see myself how others see me. He is thrilled for me that my self esteem is at an all time high - without any ego attached - and he loves seeing me shine.

How proud are they now that you came 3rd in Mrs Earth? My husband and best friend of 26 years, Don, and our 15 year old son, Jack, are thrilled for me. It has changed the narrative of my marriage and saved our relationship. Embracing the pageant world and being able to bring something new and positive into our lives with my work for Soles4Souls has changed his mindset and our family dynamic for the better. He is very supportive of my journey and the positive self-esteem changes I have been going through and loves the new dress-wearing me! He has also scored brownie points from his mates for being married to a Mrs Earth Australia Beauty Queen!

What makes you so passionate about Soles4Souls?One of my passions is helping and educating humans about how to be eco-aware and charitable. Soles4Souls really appealed to me as it is such an easy way to teach people about eco-awareness and charity by donating their used or new shoes to go to another person to give them the ability to go to work so they can feed themselves and their family and for children to be able to go to school to receive an education.

Can you imagine walking around outside barefoot in a January summer in Australia, in a heatwave? When you can fry an egg on the footpath and cant walk on the sand to get to the surf to cool off? Without shoes you cant work or go to school! Did you realise that your old clothes and shoes, if not recycled, are one of the largest sources of landfill, take ages to break down and add to the pollution of our planet? This charity is so easy to donate to, we all have spare shoes tucked away that dont get worn.

For parents, how quickly do your kids grow out of their shoes? What a great way to teach your kids or your elders about charity and eco-awareness all at the same time! Soles4Souls were struggling financially and I knew that with the support of Bartercard Australia, opening up the doors of their offices around Australia to provide drop spots for people to donate their shoes was a great way to spread awareness about this very worthy cause and maybe help them to keep their doors open. I am ever so grateful to have had lots of press and public donations of shoes to support their cause by using my Mrs Earth journey. But unfortunately, I wasnt able to save the charity.

Whats next for you now that you have more of a fan base?My personal platform is ageing with a positive mindset. I am looking forward to my new career as a motivational speaker inspiring others to not pay attention to their age number and stop putting the brakes on their goals and dreams because all of a sudden they have reached a certain age - society dictates that it is all down hill from there! Age is just a number! I have just proved it by winning against women, including professional models, who I am old enough to have given birth to. Lets face it, 55 years young is perceived as pretty old to be competing in my first-ever beauty pageant!

I believe that age and the wisdom that our life journey brings should be celebrated, not scoffed at. The words we use to describe the ageing process and ourselves does have an effect on our minds and our attitudes towards ourselves and this is a generational attitude that must be changed. The women in my family all live until their late 90s, so I am barely halfway there!

I am hoping to inspire other women to stop paying attention to their age number and to be fearless about making changes in their lives! Advertisers should be using the over 50s who look fabulous! When you get to your fifties there are no fashion ranges specifically for us, no advertising for the over fifties and pre and post-menopausal women can often feel invisible and overlooked, old and used up. Not surprising really, as this demographic is barely visually represented in mainstream fashion advertising. We live in an ageist society and its time to let women over fifty know that they can change their lives, they are not old - age is a state of mind. Women age themselves out of life with a mental attitude. If you continually say to yourself Im old, then you will be old and you will get old!

I feel joyous, young and in the prime of my life and at 55, I want to help other women celebrate and embrace their age number too. Im a natural beauty, not a user of botox and fillers, and try to embrace a healthy mind and body, with regular exercise and good nutrition. I believe women shouldnt feel that to be accepted into society and be perceived as beautiful, that they need to have unlined skin. I believe that a positive ageing mindset is the most powerful ageing gracefully tool that anyone needs.

I am so proud and humbled to announce that I have just been named as the national Australian Ambassador for the charity Friends With Dignity! They are a national non-government funded organisation who proudly support victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives with purpose, dignity and hope by transforming houses into sanctuaries by relying on the generous donations of household and personal care items from the community.

The primary goal is to create a welcoming home for survivors of domestic and family violence who have literally left behind their entire lives (and everything they own) when they leave refuge and want to rebuild their lives. Their volunteers start collecting donated beds, bed linen, towels, crockery, basic kitchen appliances, white goods, TV, pantry items and toiletries etc. With these donated items that are received, by using call outs on social media, they are able - in just seven days - to transform an empty shell into a welcoming home and sanctuary for families to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.

Finally, what advice would you give Gold Coast women who might be lacking in confidence?

To just go for it, whatever you want to do! Have faith in yourself and trust your intuition. Dont let the perception of others or society stop you living or achieving your dreams. Come to one of my seminars and I guarantee you will feel on top of the world after two hours with me! One of the things I love about the Gold Coast is the community here, there are so many different women's groups to belong to and Facebook groups where strangers just want to help you be alive and shine! You just have to believe in yourself and have faith that the universe will deliver.

View post:
Suzi Dent: The Gold Coast Beauty Queen Making A Difference - Hit 107

Happify (iOS)

It is said that happiness is within us and not something that should be sought after.

But sometimes, we need to change our paradigm and take our mind off negativity and stress, and with the advent of smartphones and technology, apps like Happify help us do just that.

It is a free basic app with in-app purchases available.

The app has mood-boosting activities and games to cheer you up.

You can set specific goals, learn about mindfulness and learn to breathe easily.

But remember, this app is only purported to help calm your nerves and bring positivity into your life, so it should not replace advice from a medical professional if need be.

Coach.me (Android, iOS)

Setting goals and fulfilling them is not as easy as it sounds. Coach.me functions as that extra motivator in your life to observe your progress and celebrate the milestones you have achieved.

For procrastinators like myself, this is like a virtual nag on my phone to get things done today. It also has a community feedback feature, like an accountability coach within the app. You can track your daily, monthly and yearly progress too.

Productivity Challenge Timer (Android, iOS)

I see this as more of a time managing app than anything else.

For example, the shortest session you can set is 10 minutes, where you are not supposed to be interrupted.

The developer created this app to help people work harder, but not necessarily to validate peoples goals.

With my short attention span, this is a fun challenge for me to stick to something and finish it.

See more here:
Self-improvement just a click away - The Star Online

When were in the womb, our ears are the first sense organ to develop. When we die, it is said that our hearing is the last to go. So it should come as no surprise that humans have found tools and tricks to appeal to our sense of hearing for at least 35,000 years, in every cultural enclave across the globe. And theres one time-tested, scientifically-proven method that can immediately improve your physical, mental and even spiritual health, starting right now: music.

Ive struggled with periods of anxiety and depression for some of my adult life, and the worst of times were always marked by an eery silence. Thankfully, Ive become well-researched in music therapy, both as a yoga instructor guiding students and as someone dedicated to keeping my health intact in a natural, holistic way. To put it lightly, music is a powerful, steady force in my life that has become a crucial part of my everyday well-being.

On average, I listen to music for about 16 hours a day, sometimes up to 20 hours, while Im working from home, cooking, cleaning and even sleeping. My musical taste spans a broad range of genres, depending on my mood or desired outcome. For writing, its soft piano or classical film scores. For editing, its chill house with a steady beat. For cooking and cleaning, its reggaeton (seriously, try it, its impossible not to dance while scrubbing the dishes).

Music is so ingrained into my existence that Ive only ever dated musicians not even on purpose, it just so happened that way. Its even gotten to the point where, for better or for worse, I can only fall asleep to ambient music or the sounds of falling rain.

On a daily basis, music allows me to:

But dont just take my word for it. Here are a dozen ways that music can improve your overall health and wellness from your blood pressure to your sex drive backed by science:

In one study, published by the European Federation of International Medicine, researchers found that music could reduce anxiety by triggering stress-relievers on a biochemical level. In fact, when we hear a rhythm that we like, the brain releases dopamine in anticipation of the next beat good music literally makes us feel high! Our favorite song can produce a chemical reaction similar to exercising, having sex or making money.

In one student study in the UK, researchers found that the tempo of music had a direct correlation with the hearts beats per minute (BPM). They chose 30 subjects for the experiment, all over the age of 18. Subjects were asked to listen to two songs, each 2.5 minutes long. One song (Weightless) had a slow tempo of 80 BPM, while the other song (Worldwide Choppers) had a fast tempo at 130 BPM. At the end of the experiment, results showed that 93 percent of participants experienced a slower heart rate after listening to the slow song, and 100 percent of participants experienced a quicker heart rate after the fast song.

In a European study, published in the journal Heart, researchers from Italy and the UK observed 24 patients. Half of the patients were classically trained musicians and the other half had no musical training. Each of the participants were asked to listen to six different types of music, varying from rap to techno to slow classical.

On the results, researchers found that music with a quicker tempo increased breathing rate, blood flow and heart rate. Interestingly, when music was paused randomly for two minutes at a time, participants experienced a significant drop in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, sometimes below the starting rate. Researchers suggested that music therapy may be helpful for those experiencing chronic respiratory issues, like hypertension or heart failure.

Feel a cold coming on? Music can help. A large-scale review was performed by a team at McGill University on music and the immune system. In the study, researchers analyzed more than 400 papers on the neurochemistry of music. They found that music increased the production of immunoglobulin A, which plays a critical role in the immunity of the bodys mucous system. Additionally, music aided in the production of good fighters, or the cells that attack harmful bacteria and germs in the body, fighting off potential illnesses.

In one study, researchers found that music could speed up post-workout recovery, among many other benefits. The researchers even suggested that music therapy could replace medication in some circumstances, however, they cautioned that the type of music was of utmost importance.

The most benefit on health is visible in classical music, meditation music whereas heavy metal music or techno-sounds are even ineffective or dangerous and will lead to stress or life threatening arrhythmias. There are many composers most effectively to improve quality of life, particularly Bach, Mozart and Italian composers are ideal, wrote the researchers.

In one study, published by Austrias General Hospital of Salzburg, researchers found that music helped to improve back pain. They worked with 65 patients, all with chronic back pain, between the ages of 12 and 68. They divided the patients into two groups. The first group received standard medical care. The second group listened to music and participated in visualization exercises for 25 minutes a day for 21 days.

At the end of the study, researchers reported that the second group (who received music therapy) had far less back pain than the other group. This is because music connects with the automatic nervous system, which controls blood pressure, heartbeat and brain function. Music also touches on the limbic system, which is responsible for feelings and emotions.

Heres how the cycle works: When slow music is played, like Mozart, our blood pressure drops and our heartbeat slows down. When we breathe more slowly, it reduces the tension in our body, including any sore spots like the neck or back. At the same time, music reduces any tension in our mind. Overall, this leads to a reduction in pain (or perceived reduction in pain).

In a study from Finland, published in the medical journal Brain, researchers evaluated stroke patients during the early stages of their recovery. Overall, they found that when stroke patients listened to music for a few hours a day, it helped patients recall their verbal memory at a rate of 60 percent, compared to 29 percent for those who didnt listen to any music. In addition, music helped patients focus their attention and stabilize their mood during recovery.

Researchers have spent a lot of time exploring the link between music and memory, particularly in geriatric patients or those with brain injuries. In one study, researchers worked with patients who experienced traumatic brain injuries, such as from a car accident. They had each patient listen to the number-one hit from their lifetime, to stir up autobiographical memories.

Amazingly enough, the music could help participants recall memories in a similar fashion to those without a traumatic brain injury, showcasing musics powerful ability to dig deep beyond damage. In fact, music is so powerful, that is can take you back two generations, according to another study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Another study found that music had the potential to alleviate anxiety as much as a massage in patients experiencing generalized anxiety disorder. Because the relaxing room treatment (which includes music) is substantially less expensive than the other treatments, a similar treatment packaged in a clinically credible manner might be the most cost effective option for persons with GAD who want to try relaxation-oriented CAM therapies, wrote the researchers. In other words, a relaxing setting with music proved as effective, and cheaper, than massage therapy for anxious patients.

When were pregnant, we produce a chemical called prolactin, but its also produced by the body during times of grief to prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by sadness. In one study, researchers found that music can boost prolactin production, which is why listening to sad music during heartbreak can help us to feel better.

Researchers found that listening to music increases your likelihood of sticking with a workout program by up to 70 percent, according to a study by Sports Medicine Open. Based on these findings, if youre having trouble with consistency, perhaps its a good idea to introduce music as a tool for motivation.

As you can see, music can change your life in amazing ways. Heres a summarized list of additional benefits that will have you reaching for your headphones. According to researchers, music can:

If those arent good enough reasons to invest in a seriously sweet stereo system, I dont know what is. But just in case, here are a few more benefits that havent necessarily been proven by science, but have been passed down through the centuries by spiritual teachers.

It turns out that sound can activate specific chakras, depending on the frequency of the sound wave. For example, 40 to 60 hertz (Hz) per second (a low bass) can be felt in the pelvis. On the other hand, 120 to 160 Hz per second can be felt up in the chest and neck. The more Hz per second, the higher up the sound travels. Each chakra carries a specific tone:

The practical application of this is vast. Based on how wavelength frequencies interact with the body, we can choose specific frequencies and binaural beats to target individual chakras and heal them. Interestingly, it is said that the Gyoto monks of Tibet chant at the same frequency of the second chakra. Perhaps we have something to learn from them.

Solfeggio frequencies may promote healing

If youre experiencing an energetic block, prolonged illness or emotional suffering of some kind, Solfeggio frequencies may help. This ancient scale was used in Gregorian chants to unite man with the divine. They were rediscovered in the mid-1970s by a naturopathic physician named Dr. Joseph Puleo. The frequencies were explored further in a book by another researcher, Dr. Leonard Horowitz, in Healing Codes For The Biological Apocalypse.

In his book, Dr. Horowitz explores the ancient sequence of frequencies and the healing properties they promote. They are as follows:

This list of benefits is in no way exhaustive; were merely scratching the surface on the wonders of music therapy. But whether youre lifting weights, healing from surgery or trying to align your chakras, once thing is clear: music may just be the fastest, and easiest, way to help you do it. So go on and hit that play button youre welcome.

Hilary Lebow

Here is the original post:

THIS Gets You High, Reduces Pain And Lowers Blood Pressure, Naturally - The Alternative Daily (blog)

Tionne T-Boz Watkins crept into the hearts of millions as the sultry-voiced singer of TLC.

Also comprised of crooner Rozonda Chilli Thomas and rapper Lisa Left Eye Lopes, TLCs albums CrazySexyCool (1994) and FanMail (1999) catapulted the trio into music history as one of the best-selling female acts of all time. Chart-topping hits such as Waterfalls, No Scrubs and Red Light Special earned the female group numerous accolades since the 1990s, including four Grammys, five MTV Video Music Awards and five Soul Train Music Awards.

Lopes perished in a car crash in Honduras in 2002, but Watkins and Thomas continued creating music, including a self-titled, crowd-funded EP that includes the single Way Back featuring Snoop Dogg, which they released this year.

Strong as ever even as a duo, TLC headlines I Love the 90s: The Party Continues tour, which makes a stop in Scranton at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. Other acts on the bill include Coolio, Tone-Loc, Young MC and Rob Base.

During a recent phone interview from the road, Watkins previewed what fans can expect to see and hear at the show.

Q: What city am I catching you in?

A: I am melting like the Wicked Witch of the West in Las Vegas. Its so hot here.

Q: TLC has always been really brave about facing social issues in your performances and songs. With politics and injustices making news every day, can audiences expect to see some of that trademark outspokenness on this tour, too?

A: Well, youll definitely hear it on this album, for sure on (the song) American Gold. But we always have something to say, no matter what. (Laughs) I think it just naturally comes across from us being who we are, so we still stand up strong for everything when we sing it, always.

Q: TLC also always inspired with the looks of your videos and live shows, so is the live act still a big spectacle, or is it more stripped down?

A: Nah, we still give you a production. We got the lights ... the dancers, the band. Its a full production always. Well never stop that.

Q: How are you feeling these days? How is life on tour? (Watkins has sickle cell anemia.)

A: I cant complain. I just have to take care of myself daily, so I do oxygen before and after the show. Theres a lot of Gatorade and water with electrolytes. I have to do certain things to stay on top of it. I wont pretend that its easy, but if I pace myself and watch the things I do, and do what my doctor says, I stay pretty healthy. I have my physical therapist and masseuse out here; they keep me in shape pretty good, too, rubbing out all the kinks ... because Im always dancing.

Q: These days, it seems like artists band together for tours like I Love the 90s, which feel almost like mixtapes. What is it about this music that stays fresh and never gets old for listeners?

A: I think about that time, everybody has that era where you just remember that song, like Oh my god, it makes me feel You remember that song by Will Smith, Summertime? Every time you hear it, you go, I remember that summer. I was at the park. I think of that time, it was such good music, organic, and it was refreshing. Lyrically, the content was strong. I think it was just a good era of music. And I think its kind of like everybody grew up with it, so theyre still bumpin to it. My daughter even be out there like (singing Montell Jordans) This Is How We Do It.

Q: Whats your favorite moment during live performances, being in front of all those people singing along with you?

A: Its to see the fans faces. Theres a couple of times that moment when they first get to see you and that energy its just like they lose it. Its really cool. When their favorite jam comes on, they might hear the horns to (Creep) and theyre like, Ahh! You can tell some of them, its either (that) thats their jam, theyre reliving their high school days or This is the song that makes me feel great about myself. So you just feel all the different emotions. And all their faces, its cool to look at when the lights arent blinding me.

Q: With this Kickstarter EP, you have made it known this is probably going to be the last TLC album. But has your mind changed at all being on this tour and seeing the response from fans? You just sound like youre having so much fun. Its hard to believe this could really be the last.

A: When we say our last, we dont mean the last of TLC, but yes, it is the final album studio album. That doesnt mean we wont do a residency. The thing thats so great is we have a body of work now that has lasted 25 years, and hopefully this new music will make it go even longer, but that doesnt mean well be going away. So Ill still be performing, you can still rock with us, but I doubt its going to make me change my mind to go in the studio to make another studio album, honestly. This industry is a little crazy for me, so I really think this has to be it.

Q: Finally, I have a few silly questions for you from some superfans. What music do you listen to when youre taking a nice, relaxing bath?

A: Oh, thats a good one! I love Marvin Gaye, I Want You, and theres a song called So Beautiful

by Musiq Soulchild and also Sade, Cherish the Day. Soft music like that calms me, because I have two (kids) that follow me, so thats my relaxing music.

Q: Any new music youre excited by?

A: I would say Bruno Mars because he is killing right now. Hes covering all the funk. Unfortunately, Prince ... and all them are not here anymore, and hes covering that whole genre of music. So when 24K Magic came out, I was like, Ohhhh! I almost threw my phone out the window. So yes, I would say Bruno, all day.

Q: Last question. Were you prepared for how iconic your haircut would remain to this day? I know a few girls who definitely went into salons and asked for The T-Boz.

A: That is so awesome because I used to argue for that haircut, because in my head, I thought it was awesome. So Im like, Oh my god, this is going to be cool, and I remember them being like, What do you mean, sideburns? Youre going to look like Elvis Presley. So thats why I tell people, if you like something about yourself, even if people cant see your vision, be yourself. Do what you want, because it ended up well for me. People started talking about it, and it ended up being iconic. So I never thought it would go that far, especially when I would see men with my haircut (laughs), and that was like the best ever. That is one of my favorite haircuts ever.

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369;

@pwildingTT

on Twitter

If you go

What: I Love the 90s: The Party Continues tour, featuring TLC, Coolio, Tone-Loc and more

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton

Details: Tickets start at $29.35 and are available at the box office, livenation.com and 800-745-3000.

The rest is here:

TLC, Coolio and more '90s hitmakers unite for nostalgic tour - Scranton Times-Tribune

Country music comes to Fiji for a week.

Artists (from left) Jonny Taylor (back), Luke Dickens, Liam Brew, Ashleigh Dallas, Catherine Britt and Pete Denahy on stage for the finale on the final night of Tunes in the Tropics.

Tunes in the Tropics was sold out for the first time when it was held last week in Fiji.

Organised by Chris Watson Travel, the country music festival has become a regular event at Fiji Hideaway Resort on the Coral Coast, and this year brought 225 people to Fiji, filling every room in the seaside resort.

Artists and fans flew into Fiji on Saturday, August 5, and the music kicked off that night with Golden Guitar winner Ashleigh Dallas, who has performed at every Fiji festival.

Other artists who performed over the week included Catherine Britt, Travis Collins, Pete Denahy, OShea, Darren Coggan, Mickey Pye, Jonny Taylor, Luke Dickens and Damian Baugley from The Viper Creek Band.

There were four Star Maker winners among that lot, and another - Liam Brew - was a surprise guest artist at the event, playing some of the songs from his forthcoming album.

For the first time this year, the event also included songwriter sessions. For the first one on Wednesday last week, OShea, Dallas and Collins revealed some of the stories behind their songs, while the second songwriter session the following day featured Britt, Coggan and Pye.

Several of the artists also played acoustic gigs near the bar, or by the pool, during the week.

While the evenings were filled with music, the days were spent relaxing by the pool, snorkelling, scuba diving.

Two of the artists - Travis Collins and Ashleigh Dallas - took groups out on a deep sea fishing trip and river cruise respectively.

Funny man Pete Denahy was a first-time artist at the festival.

Ive had an absolute blast, he told Talkin Country on the final night of Tunes in the Tropics, admitting he didnt know what to expect when he arrived.

I cant say enough about this. If anyone is thinking about coming it is definitely worthwhile. - Pete Denahy

Ive done a heap of snorkelling, a bit of reef walking and drunk a few coconuts, and had a couple of really good gigs.

I cant say enough about this. If anyone is thinking about coming it is definitely worthwhile, its a great holiday.

Tickets are already selling to next years event, which will feature Adam Harvey and American John Stone.

Ashleigh Dallas

Damian Baugley

Darren Coggan

O'Shea, Ashleigh Dallas and Travis Collins at the first songwriter sessions.

At the second songwriter sessions were Catherine Britt, Darren Coggan and Mickey Pye.

Liam Brew was a surprise guest artist at Tunes in the Tropics.

Pete Denahy

Mr Watson first took a line dancing group there almost 10 years ago after he had visited the resort on a previous holiday.

Then in 2010 the first festival of live country music was held, headlined by John Williamson and Felicity Urquhart. Called the Oz Country Music Festival, it returned the following year with artists such as Kasey Chambers, Luke Austen, Shane Nicholson and The Sunny Cowgirls.

It was next held in 2014 under the new name Tunes in the Tropics, and Beccy Cole, Morgan Evans, Mike Carr and Amber Lawrence were some are the artists to perform.

In February last year, the event went ahead, despite Cyclone Winston hitting the island on the day it was due to start.

About half of the audience who had booked made it to Hideaway in the days after the cyclone, and it provided much needed support to the country, with an auction raising money for the aid effort.

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Tunes in the Tropics 2017: Country music in Fiji | PHOTOS & VIDEO - The Northern Daily Leader

BELMAR, NJ Live entertainment will be front and center this weekend at Waves on Main, the landmark restaurant at the corner of 10th Avenue and Main Street.

CMJ Jazz Band will return on Friday, August 18, promising that the music will be rocking with its repertoire of smooth jazz, funk, rock and fusion tunes. The local favorite features the musical mastery of Coo Moe Jhee on bass, Joe Lisa on guitar/violin, Bill Bang on drums and G.Shaw, aka "The Garden State Great," on vocals.

Also making an encore performance will be guitarist Joe Barker, showcasing his extraordinary talent on Saturday, August 19. Entertainment on both nights begins at 7 p.m.

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With awesome entertainment like this, and homemade food served in a relaxing and fun environment, Waves on Main is the place to be this weekend, said Kathy Farese, who owns the restaurant with her husband and chef Lou Farese. While Lou and his staff are in the kitchen preparing made-to-order entrees for all our guests, the music will get everyone in the mood for a great meal.

Waves on Mains contemporary coastal American cuisine is a blend of classic seafood, steak and chicken entrees, each specially prepared and served with a house salad or soup.

The appetizer menu is full of choices, including sauted mussels and clams, marinated beef tenderloin skewers, bacon-wrapped scallops and coconut shrimp.

And dont forget to check out the specials, which Lou creates everyday using his culinary creativity to offer customers a unique twist on new food trends.

The 150-seat restaurant is conveniently located in Belmars central shopping district, nestled among its many shops, in walking distance of the train station, and just blocks from the Belmar marina and beach. During the warm months, guests can be seen enjoying their meals on the outdoor patio topped with a distinctive black canopy and surrounded by greenery.

Waves on Main is open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturday and Sunday, for brunch, lunch and dinner.

To verify hours of operation or make reservations, call 732-503-7137 or visit Waves on Mains Facebook page for the latest news and menu updates.

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Waves on Main: Where Music Gets Everyone in the Mood for a Great Meal - TAPinto.net

Yass Valley Writers member Alan Watts is set to launch his latest book at Tootsie on August 26.

POETRY LOVER: Alan Watts, author and member of Yass Valley Writers, will be launching is latest book at Tootsie on August 26 at 2pm. Photo: Photo: Kim Pham.

Yass Valley Writers member Alan Watts is set to launch his latest book at Tootsie on Saturday, August 26 at 2pm.

Watts will be joined by group coordinator Jane Baker to launchThe tracks we leave,his ninth published book.

The book consists of selected poems from his years of writing. Itcovers a range of topics from mans early settlement in Mungo, NSW, through to the advent of thecomputer.

His style is varied (conventional or prose poetry) and he adopts a style to best suit thetopic. The poems also cover: nature; the interactions between moon, music and mood;philosophies, romance and human nature.

When asked why he writes, Watts said he needed a change from the rigor involved in mathematics.

Watts wasa mathematics teacher who became a mathematics consultant in retirement. He said he needed some creative activity in his life, which he had found inpoetry.

Watts is a poet and a 15-year member of Yass Valley Writers.He has a life-long love of poetry and still quotes poetry learnt in his school years.

The 79-year-old said he regardedYass as his literary home.

He considers his approach to writing as one of smorgasbord.

He has been in a number of writersgroups and has had poems published in magazines and newspapers. His work has been read in public, at meetings and on radio stations.

His published work consists of sevenbooks about poetry and one novel:

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Prolific writer Alan Watts to launch latest poetry book - Yass Tribune

This week, For Honorbrings Gladiators and Highlanders into the fight;Everything surrounds you with philosophy; and LawBreakers andTacoma are available to play. But first, revel in the cartoon chaos that is Agents of Mayhem.

In Agents of Mayhem, a new third-person shooter released today (August 15), the antagonist is Doctor Babylon, the Minister of Pride for LEGION, an acronym for League of Evil Gentleman Intent on Obliterating Nations.

That alone sets the tone for the open-world game, which is a rollicking adventure available for PS4, Windows, and Xbox One.

It was developed by Volition, which also created the Saints Row games, and it shows. Mayhem has the same over-the-top crazy, wrapped up in the neon-tinted cartoon version of futuristic Seoul that is the setting of the game.

You get to pick a squad of three agents from a roster of 12 antiheroes that run the gamut of wisecracking, ass-kicking troublemakers that rip up every stereotype you can think of. You play one agent at a time and can swap out who you've embodied with the tap of a button. You can change out your squad between missions, and you should take the time to find out the strengths of each.

In doing so, pay attention to the banter, because each of the agents has a back story that is revealed in the dialogue interactions between the characters.

There's role-playing elements here, too. You level up your agents and can apply upgrades to abilities and a wide range of weapons.

Never taking itself seriously, Agents of Mayhem relishes its humourous take on what it's like to be a superhero that tries to save the world and ends up destroying everything in the process.

For Honor, the game that brings such madness to the melee, is entering Season 3. Ubisoft, which developed and published the game, is calling it "Grudge and Glory".

Two new playable heroes are being introduced with this update, available today (August 15):

There are two new battlefield maps, and Grudge and Glory also introduces one-on-one-duel tournaments complete with season-long leader boards.

Ubisoft will be bringing 4-v-4 ranked matches with another update later this fall.

"Grudge and Glory" runs until October, with Season 4 of For Honor planned for November.

It's difficult to describe what Everything is all about. In the game, designed by David OReilly and distirbuted by DoubleFine, you start by taking on the guise of an animal. As you move around the landscapea diverse natural geography that includes things like forests and plainsyou'll see other creatures.

And after a while, you'll discover that you can become one of those other creatures. Or plants. Or even inanimate objects like pebbles. But you soon realize that there's nothing inanimate in Everything.

A while later, you gain the ability to slip into objects that are smaller, or larger, and you can go progressively smaller or larger as you desire, finding the universe in a grain of sand, for example, or going full cosmic.

Available on OS X, PS4, and Windows, Everything is procedurally generated, so each experience is going to be different. What doesn't change are the audio recordings of philosopher Alan Watts that are peppered throughout the environment and which are uncovered by simply exploring, creating sometimes uncanny juxtapositions.

The more time you spend with the ecosystem, the more it opens up to you. You can communicate with other things by "singing", you can form groups with other objects, you can "dance" to create new lifeforms.

And all the while you are unlocking entries in the game's encylopedia. You'll find yourself compelled to try and collect, well, everything.

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This week in video games, August 15, 2017: Agents of Mayhem brings cartoon chaos - Straight.com (blog)

Democracy evolves like an endemic species. It is sustained in social environments where it has the space and time to grow. As a political ideology, it is the ideal of individual freedom. When democracy is cultivated by the people, its manifestations are tangible. Ecological preservation sites such as urban parks and national forests are essentially extensions of democracy. When natural conservation zones balance the needs of people with the vitality of local plants and animals, they foster the universal and indiscriminate right to life and liberty.

Parks are an integral link in the chain that binds city-dwellers together. People are ultimately united by the local lands on which they depend for communal wellbeing and the national good. Most importantly for modern societies, industrial urbanization has raised questions about long-term sustainability for future generations. When a park is maintained in an overburdened urban sphere like Istanbul, it is not only significant as an example of ecological justice. It is also a flagship development of social progress.

Making the central, downtown districts of major cities like Istanbul more green is a way of meeting the popular need for material independence. The pressure to exploit the commercial real estate market is released in a park. Natural spaces also foster social democracy as they allow people to assemble beyond the condensed, profit-driven infrastructure of the city. Despite underlying values, the history of Maka Park prior to its rebranding as Democracy Park, is controversial.

In the 1970s, the park was neglected by city officials. It was overrun with gangs and the tragic tales of orphans who ran between them and the homeless who gathered there in increasing numbers. By the early 1990s, its streams had turned to sewage but the park had gained a secret reputation among the bold youth who called it "the Love Park" on account of it being out of range of law enforcement. The legacy of homelessness is sometimes still seen as the steep hills to the north flatten toward Taksim Square. When the park became a symbol of Turkish democracy in 1993, its restoration included the opening of sports facilities, playgrounds and an impressive cable car stretching across the preserved valley.

Maka Democracy Park is the "Central Park" of Istanbul. It is crowded with pedestrian commuters and day-trippers every day of the week. Along its many pathways, Istanbul locals converse over drinks and samovars of tea. They discuss the political globalization of populism while wearing the latest trends from the nearby fashion district of Nianta, only a short walk from the columned, northernmost entranceway into the park.

On many weekends throughout the year, sound speakers blast from the outdoor concert venue in adjacent Kkiftlik Park as Maka fills with the freewheeling ambiance of a music festival. And, more frequently, the danceable rhythms and strains of Middle Eastern music descend into the valley from the Arabesque Cafe situated in its northwestern highlands. Across the street from its southeastern entranceway, the proud fans of the Beikta Gymnastics Club (BJK) spill into Maka, waving flags, burning fires, rattling throats with the pure love of competitive sport.

In May of this year, the city announced the building of an ecological bridge connecting Maka Democracy Park to Gezi Park. It is still under construction, with signs visually depicting its completion standing beside piles of sand and orange tape. Despite passing its originally planned unveiling for June, the impetus to join parklands with a migratory, conservation corridor in an urbanized ecosystem is not unfounded. The efforts imply a conviction that democratic processes are not limited to politics, but that they are akin to the naturalist philosophies of free will and common reason.

Democracy is part of a natural evolution toward a more human ecological system, despite what current urban trends suggest. Environmental integrity is possible for cities that strive to live in an ecosystem of equity between man and nature. The late British philosopher Alan Watts spoke of the Chinese concept of nature as being democratic. In the traditional school of thought that is indigenous to China, as he expounded, nothing in nature is forced to behave the way it does. And this freedom is the cornerstone of a living democracy.

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The democratic naturalism of Istanbul's Maka Park - Daily Sabah