A slew of major festivals are coming at you social distance-style this weekend, from the Seattle Design Festival to the Seattle Tattoo Expo, along with a special Best Coast streaming show, Pike Place Market's Dine & Donate event, and a reading with Akwaeke Emezi. Read on for all of our top picks for virtual and in-person events, or check out our guides to movies to stream this weekend. For event more options, check out our complete streaming events and protests & resistance calendars, as well as our guides to outdoor and socially distanced things to do this summer and anti-racism resources and events.

Othello International Festival in a Box Budding South Seattle soccer players and general fun-havers (and their families) can scoop up boxes filled with all the trappings of a cute summer day: art supplies, Sounders soccer balls, a jump rope, sidewalk chalk, seed starter kits, snacks, and COVID-related safety stuff like masks and hand sanitizer. The day after claiming parcels from the no-contact drive-through, participants can tune in to a livestreamed soccer clinic on Zoom with the Sounders themselves. New Holly Gathering Hall (Othello)

Solitude Social Club Hugo House's bookish happy hour gives the digital floor to guest writers every Friday evening. This week, tune in to hear how author Sharyn Skeeter (Dancing with Langston) is finding happiness and meaning through literature during this period of isolation.

Virtual Sanctuary Tour - Animal Enrichment Say hello to sweet rescue goats, llamas, and other residents ofPasados Safe Haven on this virtual tour.

Idol Across America Live Virtual Auditions For the first time since the show's inception, American Idol auditions will take place across all 50 states (virtually, of course).

NITE WAVE Best '80s Party Ever! This high-energy virtual show is an '80s jukebox, complete with hits from Duran Duran, INXS, the Cure, New Order, Depeche Mode, and more. Donations will benefit Northwest Harvest.

Rave the Vote With DJ sets, educational segments, and calls to action broadcasted live on Twitch, this virtual voter registration drive and dance-music festival features electronic music heavies like A-Trak, Analog Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Yaeji, and many others.

Vote Ready Live Reward yourself for registering to vote (or for having already registered) by enjoying live virtual performances by acts like the War on Drugs, Waxahatchee, Hand Habits, and Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen and Christopher Bear.

Island Theatre Ten-Minute Play VIDEO Festival Bainbridge's Island Theater will host its ninth annualTen-Minute Play Festival online, promising 11 plays in two back-to-back one-hour programs. Perfect for those who miss the theater but whose attention spans have been jumbled up during quarantine.

Akwaeke Emezi with Esm Weijun Wang Returning to Elliott Bay for the first time since the release of her debut novel Freshwater,Akwaeke Emezi will talk about her well-received latest book,The Death of Vivek Oji, in which a Nigerian woman copes with the unexpected loss of her son. She'll be joined in conversation withEsm Weijun Wang.

Moss Volume 5 Launch The Pacific Northwest-based literary journalMoss (which once featured a poem by The Stranger's own Rich Smith) will celebrate its fifth volume with a virtual reading with novelist andjournalistOmar El Akkad, writer and scholarBeth Piatote, poet and editorMalcolm Friend, andMosspoetry editorAshley Toliver.

NAACP Arts, Culture & Entertainment Festival The NAACP will kick off its 111th Annual Convention with a virtual festival celebratingBlack brilliance, powered by its Hollywood Bureau. Along with showcasing rising Black talent, the festival will invite speakers, artists, and actors to touch on social and racial justice through the lens of television, film, music, and more.

Welcome to El: An Intimate Night of Comedy with El Sanchez Beloved local comedian El Sanchez recorded an intimate, hilarious show at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center just before the quarantine took effect. For those who missed it, the show is now on demand!

Auction of Washington Wines Online Auction & Virtual Gala Bid on a variety of wine-themed events and experiences through this live virtual auction and gala, whose proceeds will benefitSeattle Children's and Washington State University's Wine Science Research (who knew!).

Pike-Pine Summer United Get 10% off your bill at local bars and eateries like Amandine Bakeshop, A Pizza Mart, Bateau, and tons of other places on Capitol Hill moving into Phase 2 of reopening by mentioning The Stranger's Pike-Pine promotion. Various locations (Capitol Hill)

Pike Place Market Dine & Donate Pike Place Market turns 113 years old this month! The occasion is usually marked by Sunset Supper, where over 100 local restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other market vendors commune on the cobblestones as the sun goes down. But since it's postponed until next year, make a pledge to dine at a participating restaurant (like Caf Campagne, Matts in the Market, orPikes Pit Bar-B-Que) and donate to the Power of Pike Place Recovery Fund. Various locations (Downtown)

Organic Mango & Sticky Rice Pop-Up A quintessential Thai treat is coming to Wallingford for a sunny window of time. Stop by this pop-up for a whole mango with lots of coconut milk and freshly made sticky rice in your choice of classic coconut, pandan, or Thai tea. 1714 N 44th St. (Wallingford)

59th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival While COVID has closed off many opportunities to enjoy live music the way we used to do, it's also opened up a ton of opportunities to enjoy experiences we likely would have never gotten around to seeing in ye olden times (of 2019). The Philadelphia Folk Festival (now in its 59th year) is a pretty big deal, but not a lot of Portlanders usually have it on their radar. But for 2020, now you can bring that fest to your TV with a couple clicks, and that means enjoying live music from Los Lobos, Allen Stone, Shakey Graves, Ben Gibbard, Rhiannon Giddens, Ivan Neville, and many, many more. It's not just live music, either: The Philadelphia Folksong Society is planning on adding campfire open mics, zoomable campsites, a craft show, and all the things that make going to a fest feel likegoingto a fest.

Best Coast - Streaming Show! Former Stranger music contributor Megan Seling once wrote, "People have called Best Coast 'chillwave,' but that term is as illusive as 'hipster,' soI like to think of the lo-fi band as 'beachcore.' Dont get that confused with Jimmy Buffett, thoughBest Coast are more magical than novelty. There arent any songs about margaritas (I dont think), but their relaxed, fluid pop is slightly distorted and fuzzy, like the sonic equivalent ofa lens flare glowing in the corner of all your vacation photos." On the 10th anniversary of their first album,Crazy For You, they've put together a mini-concert documentary and virtual birthday party with some surprise special guests, which will be available to watch for 72 hours after its premiere.

Saint Joan Despite George Bernard Shaw's trenchant atheism, his classic depiction of the Maid of Orleans stresses her strength, bravery, faith, and humanity in the face of political and religious oppression. The original date of this production, staged by Mathew Wright, was canceled due to COVID-19. This is a digital rendition.

Savage Love - On Demand If you missed the June 4 live virtual edition of Savage Love, the beloved sex advice column and podcast byThe Stranger's own Dan Savage, you can now watch it anytime you want on-demand.

Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation The Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation, presented by Velocity Dance Center, will move online this year, allowing you to register for the whole festival or mix and match to build your own schedule. Just like the past 26 festivals, this one will feature a week of intensive and drop-in workshops, including one with local dancers Morgan Thorson and Fox Whitney.

The Art of Protest Artists likeDre Gordon, Lynda Sherman, Kerstin Graudins, Andrea Marcos, Colleen Maloney, Kate Hoffman, Eileen Jimenez, and many others show work dealing withsocial, ethical, economic, environmental, racial, health, and political issues facing the world. Columbia City Gallery Opening Friday

Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair The Seattle Art Fair was canceled, but a bunch of local galleriesmany of which are in Pioneer Squareare taking it upon themselves to keep the tradition alive while abiding by social distancing guidelines with a DIY, self-guided version featuring exciting new pieces by artists like Anthony White.

Big Day of Play Seattle Parks and Recreation's Get Moving Initiative presents this online (and TV- and radio-broadcasted) event encouraging families to celebrate their neighborhood communities by tuning in to live performances from local artists (like R&B singer Josephine Howell), taking part in fitness activities, watching dance performances, and more.

Dog Days of Summer Witness the thespian talents of local cats and dogs (or just fawn over their cuteness) in this free virtual show.

Maynard House Historic Home Tour Join theSouthwest Seattle Historical Society for a virtual tour of the Maynard House, which has been around since before Seattle was even called Seattle.

Paws for a Cause: Virtual FUNdraising Pawty! All proceeds from this virtual fundraiserwhich includes bingo, a pet talent show, trivia, a remote scavenger hunt, and an auctionwill benefit theAmerican Cancer Society.

The Princess Bride Join your pals atDistant Worlds Coffeehouse for a virtual screening of the most quotable love story of all time, The Princess Bride, via Zoom. If you're so inclined, you can stop by and order an Inigo Montoya Mocha (righteously delicious hot or iced) and a treat to go (or via third-party delivery).

Pig & Pint with Stoup Brewing Rhein Haus is roasting a whole pig and serving it with tasty sides and pints of brews on draft from Stoup Brewing. Dine in at their bier hall or outdoor biergarten, or order ahead for pickup. Rhein Haus (Capitol Hill)

BritCon Cosplay Contest 2020 If your interests lie somewhere in between Anglophile and extraterrestrial, get yourself logged onto this virtual fundraiser for BritCon, Bellevue's geeky convention celebrating British sci-fi and fantasy media. Your cosplay could win you prizes, so long as at least 70% of your look is made by you.

HDLSC Presents: The Rock Show Wear your saddened heart and smeared eyeliner on your sleeve at this virtual High Dive concert withGreen Lake Basement, who will be churning out emo and pop-punk bangers galore.

NVCS Jai Ho! India Independence Day Bollywood Dance Party Jai Ho! stalwart DJ Prashant will lay down those high-energy Bollywood remixes at this virtual dance party celebrating India's Independence Day.

Black Lives Matter Book Club Muse overKhalil Muhammad'sThe Condemnation of Blackness in this virtual Black Lives Matter book club with Ada's Technical Books.

Robin LaFevers in conversation with Leigh Bardugo Escape intoRobin LaFevers's final installment of her His Fair Assassin series, which may contain just enough Frenchdrama and familial betrayal to make you forget about our current reality for a couple of hours. The author will join Third Place Books and fellow writerLeigh Bardugo for a discussion online.

August Spasm: The South Park Swap Meet! Support artists and small businesses in Seattle's South Park neighborhood at this in-person shopping event co-presented by the Punk Rock Flea Market. Be sure to wear a mask and keep your distance. Hand sanitizer will be available for all customers. Big Top Curiosity Shop (South Park)

Justice for Breonna Taylor and Vanessa Guillen Virtual 5k Participate in this virtual 5K to raise money for the GoFundMe pages of Breonna Taylor (whose murderers have still yet to be charged) and Vanessa Guillen (who was brutally murdered by a fellow soldier).

Semi-Virtual Evergreen Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run, jog, or walk, a half- or five-mile course in this "semi-virtual" race.You'll have two days to complete the race at your own pace (and while staying socially distant).

Bob's Corn Sunflower Experience Thirty-seven varieties of sunflowers are blooming and ready to be picked across the Snohomish farm's 12 acres. Pick a bouquet, grab something to eat, and shop from sunflower-themed crafts from local vendors in this year's social distancing-accommodated rig. Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm (Snohomish)

Seattle Tattoo Expo 2020 The Pacific Northwest is a legendary province for permanently decorated flesh, but it's not the only one. This two-day expo hosted by Hidden Hand Tattoo will return, virtually this time, featuring seminars and other online events with professional ink-givers from all over the world.

Seattle Design Festival Now in its 10th year, Design in Public's Seattle Design Festival will switch over their programming to the internet to continue to explore how urbanism, architecture, and design can further justice, ecology, and community. Look forward to livestreamed webinars and discussions, a weekly "Thinkercyze" virtual challenge, and even in-person displays throughout the city that you can visit while social distancing.

BrasilFest Virtual 2020 Get a glimmer of Brazil's African, Portuguese, and indigenous roots with virtual folk music performances, food demonstrations, and dance classes.

Eric Swalwell with Denny Heck - Endgame: Inside the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump California congressmanEric Swalwell will join Town Hall and fellow politician Denny Heck with insights from his new book, Endgame, which outlines how he and his colleaguesresisted, investigated, and impeached our unfortunately still-sitting president.

A Virtual Summer Social to Benefit The Washington State Governor's Mansion Foundation Get dolled up at home (or don't) and enjoy live music by Beethoven,Ravel, Debussy, and other famous composers performed bySteinway Artist Judith Cohen.

The Royal Room Staycation Fest with Beyond Captain Orca! "Beyond Captain Orca!have established themselves as a cosmic force in the Seattle underground-rock scene," wrote Dave Segal a couple years ago. See them live on the Royal Room's virtual stage.

Stern Grove Festival Enjoy live sets fromLos Lobos, Michael Franti, Ben Gibbard, Tarriona "Tank" Ball (from Tank & the Bangas), and other well-known music-makers at the 83rd season of San Francisco'sStern Grove Festival, taking place online for all to see.

Jacqueline B. Williams & Friends Historian and longtime Capitol Hill resident Jacqueline B. Williams will revisit her 2001 bookThe Hill with a Future: Seattles Capitol Hill 1900-1946. She'll be joined byNan Little and Capitol Hill Historical Society co-founders Rob Ketcherside and Tom Heuser.

Virtual Lecture: Ghost of the Northern ForestA Visual History of the Great Gray Owl What does a year in the life of the Nordic American Great Gray Owl look like? Author and photographer Paul Bannick will show you, based on his own research.

Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation's Virtual Furry 5K 2020 You and your real or imaginary dog can help raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation's Help the Animals fund at their annual Furry 5K fundraiser. It's virtual this year, which means you can stay socially distant and post about your route on social media.

Hempfest Online Event The Hempfest team will try out their new livestreaming platform and show you "a sample of [their] new web presence."

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The 49 Best Things to Do in Seattle This Weekend: August 14-16, 2020 - TheStranger.com

Amazon's Audible has unveiled an audiobook service that lets listeners jump to "the good parts."

Related: Audible's top 10 bestsellers of all time

America's favorite way of curling up with a book?In a driver's seat,of course.Inrush hour traffic.

Erma Bombeck, to start Monday with a smile. "The 7Habits of Highly Effective People," to stiffen your spine for the quarterly meeting. "Dune," for when you wish you were livingon a different planet.

Which might make you wonder howthe Newark-based company Audible not leastresponsible for this extraordinary change in our reading habits is faring, now thatCOVID has taken so many commuters off the road.

Not to worry. When the gods of innovation close a door, they open a window.

"The listening time wasstarting to go down, because road travel was so restricted, particularly topping out in April," said DonKatz of Montclair,thevisionary founder of Audible.

Don Katz, founder of Audible(Photo: Audible)

But of course, all those people notstuck in traffic arenowstuck at home. So aretheir kids. And there, waiting for them, is Audible available any time, thanks to Echo and Alexa.

"Parents in particular began to focus their kids on Audible listeningbecause no one was very happy with the idea of kids having school screen time, social screen time, and TV entertainment," Katz said. "Focusing on an audio experience became very powerful."

It's one more example of the strikingadaptability of Audible thecompany that, since 1995, has made audiobooks and other spoken-word content available on multiple platforms to people who didn't know they needed it. And now can't do without it.

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"I often say to people, if you want to understand Audible, think of the pleasures of being read to as a child," Katz said.

Did you love bedtime stories as a kid?

Well, how would you like it ifAnne Hathaway, Kate WinsletorSamuel L. Jackson read to you?

And if you like stories, how about nonfiction? Current events? Self-improvement? Get-ahead-in-business books? And if you like listening in cars, and while youjog, how about airplanes (Audible has kiosks in many major air hubs)?

"The Sandman," from Audible(Photo: Audible)

And if you like books, how about podcasts? Radio programs? Newspapers and magazines, read to you as you drive? Original content, like the new 11-hour audio version of Neil Gaiman's classic graphic novel "The Sandman," with Gaiman,Riz Ahmed,Bebe Neuwirth,Andy Serkis and many others? And if you like that, how about new works specially commissioned by Audible, featuring local authors, read by local actors?

"I was invited by Audible to write a play for their online platform," saidChisa Hutchinson, a Newark playwright whose "Proof of Love," performed by Maplewood's Brenda Pressley, dropped in July2019.

"Audible, I feel, is really doing the work, as far as trying to make its presence a benefit to the people who work here," Hutchinson said. "They're the real deal."

In this,as in so many other things, Audible is thinking innovatively and thinking big."Positively disruptive companies tend to come from new models," Katz said.

"Positive Disruption" is Katz's favoriteterm of business art.

It's his phraseforupending in a good way the status quo.Challenging received wisdom. Casting overboardthosesandbags called The Way Things Are Done.

It's what has enabled himto turn whatused to be a niche market recorded books, once confined to a few highbrow enthusiastsand educatorsfor the blind into a powerhouse corporation that was sold to Amazon, in 2008, for a reported $300 million (it's worth much more now, Katz says).

Audible is nowthe world's largest producer of downloadable audiobooks. It is also, along with Prudential, Mars Wrigley, PSE&G, and a few others, one of the anchor corporations that are investing in and betting on thenew Newark.

Audible's campus(Photo: Audible)

"It wasn't about saving the audiobook business," Katz said. "Basically I thought, when I started the company, there are 93 million Americans who drive to work alone. It's about time arbitrage. How do you make value of time?I focused on the 93 million people and the hundreds of millions of hours a week that was not consideredvaluable time."

Now, to many of us, the commute is our golden hour the moment when we can breathe a sigh of relief, crank the air conditioning, and get back to "Into Thin Air" (read for you by author Jon Krakauer) or "Pride and Prejudice" (read for you by Rosamund Pike).

"Pride and Prejudice," from Audible(Photo: Audible)

And Katz's vision embraces something larger than spoken words.Audible aims at nothing less than to remake with some help the city of Newark, its corporate home since 2007.

"Audible is the way we probably want most corporations to operate," saidAisha Glover, president andCEO of the Newark Alliance. "In collaboration with the community, and really thinking about their impact."

And beyond Newark? The rest of the world could also use some help. And not just with itsreading.

"I just thought, what if we actually took the concept of a business, and the capitalist system that underwrites it, and what if we could be an active catalyst for social change?" Katz said.

Katz the classic visionary businessman might almost strike you as a characterout of one of Audible's books(there are 550,000 titlesin 38 languages).

"Dodsworth," for instance the auto magnate in Sinclair Lewis' 1929 novel (read for you by Grover Gardner) who dreams of motorized summer camps to caravan kids across the U.S. Or Undershaft, the munitions tycoon in Bernard Shaw's 1905 play "Major Barbara" (read for you by Kate Burton, Roger Rees and others) who builds an entire model village for his workers.

Not to mentionthe real-life Utopians of Silicon Valley: Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and lots of other prophetic thinkers, also the subject of books available on Audible.

Don Katz(Photo: Audible)

"To have a companythat pursues meaning that can transcend what we do is kindof core to why I'm stillworking," Katz said.

He is, these days, executive chairman of the firm Bob Carrigan is the CEO but in terms of vision, Katz is still the one steering the ship. And Katz, who haslived in Montclair since 1989 with his wife Leslie Larson (they have three grown children), still delights in innovation. Apparently, it's in his DNA.

"I grew up with a very progressive entrepreneur father, who died when I was still in my formative years," Katz said (his fatherSidney M. Katz owned Kay Musical Instruments, an originator and leading maker of electric guitars). "I was only 19. There are a lot of studies that say that entrepreneurs have various characteristics. One of them is a level of fatherlessness."

Happily, Katz found a second father.And that's where the story of Audible really begins.

Ralph Ellison is one of the giants of American literature. His 1952 novel "Invisible Man" was a game-changer: one of the first widely-read books to put readers of all backgrounds into the shoes and the soul of an African-American narrator.

And he just happened to be teaching at New York University when Katz came there from his Chicago home, in 1970, to major in English. By 1972, Katz had become one of his special proteges."He was a part of my life in so many ways," Katz said.

Ralph Ellison(Photo: XXX PBS/PHOTOFEST)

From Ellison, Katz learned about thecultural debtAmerica owes to its Black writers, storytellers, musicians something he already had an inkling of from his Chicago years, and which stayed with him when, years later, he chose Audible's corporate headquarters (Newark is 49.7 percentAfrican American).

"Ralphwas a master student of American culture, and particularly how Black culture is deeply entwined in the best of who we are," Katz said.

The other thing he learned from Ellison was the primacy, in American literature, of the spoken word.

Americans, characteristically, write the way we talk."You don't know about me without you have reada book by the name of 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'; but that ain't no matter," is how Mark Twain begins "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Or this, from Ellison: "I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me."

"I knew the reason Stephen Crane and Mark Twain wrote like Americans, versus Henry James who is a contemporary,"Katz said."They listened to this rich polyglot storytelling culture that was very singular to the American experience."

Thetelling, and hearing, of stories is the very essence of Audible. Andit's asold as Homer. Older. For most of human history until the invention of the printing press human beings took their literature, like their medicine, orally.Ellison himself, who died in 1994,was a great storyteller. He had, Katz said, a voice that sounded "like a coal car coming out of a mine."

"He had this beautiful Oklahoma way of diction." Katz said, "Ralph is sort of the intellectual godfather of Audible."

To the study of literature, Katz added economics (at The University of Chicago and the London School of Economics). Alsopractical journalistic experience, asawriter for Rolling Stone and Esquire.

Don Katz's Rolling Stone press pass(Photo: Audible)

"Rolling Stone was not just the rock and roll magazine of my generation," Katz said. "Iwas part of a very disruptive journalistic institution."

With this equipment, he was ideally suited to write books that celebrated the rebels and trailblazers of corporate culture:"The Big Store: Inside the Crisis and Revolution at Sears" (1987), and"Just Do It: The Nike Spirit in the Corporate World" (1995). But it wasn't until 1995 that he himself became a large-scale disruptor.

"My wife called it a non-toxic midlife crisis," Katz said. "I was 43 years old whenI started it. The weird thing is, there is now a lot of evidence that over-40 entrepreneurshave a better batting record."

It was a simple thought he had, while jogging in Riverside Park in New York, listening to a cassette player. What if there was a better way to listen to books?One that incorporated the newest technology, rather thanclunky tapes?

The result a combination of his inspiration and some of the best technical know-how in Silicon Valley was the original Audible Mobile Player.

The Audible Mobile Player(Photo: Audible)

It wasa digital audio device, predating the iPod by more than four years,that could store up to two hours of proprietary content the equivalent of two cassettes, with no rewinding. It went on sale in 1997 for $99.

"We invented this player before the term MP3 players was even a thing," Katz said. "It was a very early-stage, relatively primitive device. The iPod was what broke out this category."

Now, 23 years later, Audible content is available on a broad range of platforms: Android and iOS smartphones, desktop computers, iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, smart speakers, on Kindle (some models)and elsewhere.

Having reinvented the reading experience, Audible went on to reinvent itself.

Beginning in a small doctor's office in Montclair, the company enlargedand migrated toa building across from Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, and thenfinally in 2007 to Newark. And not by accident.

"We went to a city that had decades of structural deprivation, Katz said. "I mean, Newark is the story of the fix being in, frankly, for Black peopleand immigrants in particular, going back to Reconstruction We came with about 120 people,and the first thing we did, we decided we could have our paid interns all be studentsfrom Newark."

Today, there are1,800 local employees working in their three downtownsites. Audible has madea $500 monthly housing subsidy available to those who move to Newark and thus choose to become an activepart of the city's rebirth. In 2015, Katz founded Newark Venture Partners, which is working to transform the city into a tech hub.

Audible's Innovation Cathedral(Photo: Audible)

In 2019 they opened their "Innovation Cathedral," an 80,000-square-foot headquarters retrofitted from the 97-year-old Second Presbyterian Church on James Street. Since April, Newark Working Kitchens, a project they spearheadedin collaboration with other Newark companies, has been taking the city's COVID crisis by the horns by funding 25 local restaurants, manyeconomically hurting,to make free meals for some 10,000 local residents who can't leave home.

"This is keeping the lights on, honestly," said Sean McGovern, third-generation co-owner of McGovern's Tavern on New Street. "If we weren't doing this, in terms of our bottom line, we'd be completely boarded up Audible is a tremendous corporate citizen."

Behind all thisisan invisible man.

The ghost of Ralph Ellison, who taught respect for the spoken word and for the unsung, underserved communities who brought itto life in America must be smiling. At any rate, Katz hasn't forgotten to leave offerings for his guiding spirit.

"Invisible Man," from Audible(Photo: Audible)

A conference room, dedicated to Ellison, can be found at Audible's One Washington headquarters.In 2016. Katz presented a "Jazz in the Key of Ellison" program at Newark's NJPAC. And of course, "Invisible Man" is available as an audiobook. Read for you by Joe Morton ("Brother from Another Planet") a Montclair neighbor.

"Joe Morton is a terrific actor and a friend," Katz said. "He's fantastic."

Jim Beckerman is an entertainment and culture reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access tohis insightfulreports about how you spend your leisure time,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email:beckerman@northjersey.comTwitter:@jimbeckerman1

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Audible transformed how we read. Now, the NJ-based company is out to change the world - NorthJersey.com

A new week in Phase 2 means a mixed bag of events happening virtually, in-person (modified to accommodate physical distancing, of course), and, sometimes, a combination of both. We're here to guide you through our top picks in every genrefrom the world premiere of Thin Skin, a new film by The Stranger's Charles Mudede, to the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and from MoPOP's POP+ Punk series to a virtual Nectar concert with J GRGRY. In addition, check out our guides to supporting black-owned businesses and artists in Seattle, educating yourself through anti-racism resources, and donating to social justice causes. Find even more events on our complete streaming events calendar and our resistance & solidarity calendar, and check back on Friday for a roundup of the best local virtual events this weekend.

Reboot rePresents: ADs from Annex, Dacha, ReAct, MAP! Curious about what the future holds for local theaters that have been affected by COVID-19? Join host Harry Turpin for a virtual catch-up with artistic directorsDavid Hsieh (ReAct Theatre),Peggy Gannon (MAP Theatre),Madison Jade Jones (Annex Theatre and Dacha Theatre), andJasmine Joshua (Reboot).

Virtual Forum on Ranked-Choice Voting North Kitsap Indivisible and Indivisible Bainbridge Island will teach you about ranked-choice voting, a process in which, as you might have guessed, voters have the option to rank candidates in order of choice. Theorganizers will argue that this reform has the power to "[make] your vote more powerful, [make] campaigns more civil, and [ensure] that your vote isn't wasted."

The Stranger Presents: Collide-O-Scope The mind-melting video compilationextravaganza also known asCollide-O-Scope will streamobscure oddities from film, VHS, music videos, and other forms of media live on the internet.

Olmstead Trivia Night The Capitol Hill bar will host trivia in-person and over Zoom every Monday night henceforth. The winners get cash! Olmstead (Capitol Hill)

PLZ Rave From Home: 005 Local chiptune artist and EDM producer Graz will bring the rave to wherever you're currently social distancing via Twitch.

Susan Hough with Sandi Doughton Pasadena-basedresearch seismologist Susan Hough will join Elliott Bay with her new book,The Great Quake Debate: The Crusader, the Skeptic, and the Rise of Modern Seismology, in which she breaks down both sides of an early 20th-century debate between scientistsRobert T. Hill and Bailey Willis over whether or not Southern California is particularly prone to earthquakes. (Turns out it is.)

Camille Simone: U Don't Have to Love My Body, I Do Check out empowering work by local fashion designer Camille Simone on local clothing store Sassafras's Instagram. Closing Tuesday

Genocide Today: The Uyghurs in China Uyghurs, the Turkic Muslim minority in western China, have long been persecuted by the Chinese government to a degree that many classify as genocide, citing the use of artificial intelligence to incarcerate Uyghurs by the masses, sterilize women, harvest body organs, and more inhumane actions. Learn more about the crisis in this virtual Holocaust Center for Humanity talk withEllen J. Kennedy, the founder of World Without Genocide.

Virtual Tomodachi Gala The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington's annual gala will move online. Learn about the center'snew online offerings (including its Seattle Japanese Language School), see their newly installed elevator, and enjoy some live entertainment.

Nathaniel Rateliff An intimate livestreamed performance of Rateliff's solo LPAnd It's Still Alright, front-to-back, preceded by a one-on-one interview withRolling Stone's David Fricke. Proceeds benefit Ratecliff's Marigold Project, which "supports community and nonprofit organizations working on issues of economic and social justice."

David Litt David Litt, a former speechwriter for Obama and a former head writer for Funny or Die,will join the King County Democrats with insights from his new book, Democracy in One Book or Less, which touches on partyreform, strategies to ensure Democratic wins in 2020, and priorities for 2021.

Somaiya Daud with Arkady Martine Fans of Arabic poetry and fantasy worlds filled with princesses and rebel vengeance should tune in to this virtual chat with authorSomaiya Daud, who will read from her debut young adult novelMirage. She'll be joined by sci-fi author (and city planner)Arkady Martine.

Nude Kitchen Crystal Barbre and Madeline Owens teach this weekly virtual figure-drawing class for artists of all levels.

Thin Skin World Premiere Thin Skin, a new film directed by The Stranger's Charles Mudede (Police Beat, Zoo) and co-written by Lindy West and Ahamefule J. Oluo, stars Oluo as a man weighed down by divorce, family drama, and the bureaucracy of his corporate job, who finds solace after hours as a trumpeter in Seattle's jazz clubs. The film will have its world premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival, with a cast and crew Q&A the following day.

POP+ Punk MoPOP's fandom takeover series explores different pop culture moments and themes through a plethora of online experiences. This time they're roughing things up with the music, fashion, activism, and culture of punk scenes throughout history.This week kicks off with a panel discussion on Tuesday and an Instagram Live takeover with Rain City Rock Camp on Thursday.

The Daily Show Writers Standup tour A special livestreamed evening at the Nowhere Comedy Club, starring the comics behind the jokes that make you laugh nightly onThe Daily Show. Featuring Kat Radley, Randall Otis, Devin Delliquanti, and Joseph Opio.

Virtual Silent Reading Party with Special Guest Kary Wayson Thefirst worldwide silent-reading partywas such a huge success that we're making it weekly. Every Wednesday at 6 pm we're going to throw these parties, at least until stay-at-home is over.Attendees at the first Zoom silent-reading party included famous actors, writers, composers, artists, families, teenagers doing their homework, people staring into space listening to the music because it was just so beautiful, cats, and even one household on Orcas Island that was eating dinner and decided to broadcast the reading party as their background music. (What a brilliant idea!)It wasn't just a great party to be at. Behind the scenes, this was a roaring success as well.The Strangerbrought in revenue from the reading party for the first time ever, our musicianPaul Matthew Mooremadeten timesmore on Venmo tips than he's ever made in the tip jar at the Sorrento (thank you for your generosityhedeservesit!), and hundreds of people at the party have written us emails, clamoring for more. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE

Seinfeld Trivia Test your knowledge of Seinfeld, the beloved TV show about nothing, at this trivia night.

Lunchtime Tunes with Market Busker Charlie Beck For a mid-week treat on your lunch break, tune into Facebook Live to hear Pike Place buskers doing their thing.

David Sheff: The Buddhist on Death Row David Sheff recounts the story of Jarvis Jay Mastersa man who, before he was sentenced to death in 1990, had transformed his life and became dedicated to helping others while in prisonin his new book, The Buddhist on Death Row. He'll join Town Hall for a virtual talk.

59th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival While COVID has closed off many opportunities to enjoy live music the way we used to do, it's also opened up a ton of opportunities to enjoy experiences we likely would have never gotten around to seeing in ye olden times (of 2019). The Philadelphia Folk Festival (now in its 59th year) is a pretty big deal, but not a lot of Portlanders usually have it on their radar. But for 2020, now you can bring that fest to your TV with a couple clicks, and that means enjoying live music from Los Lobos, Allen Stone, Shakey Graves, Ben Gibbard, Rhiannon Giddens, Ivan Neville, and many, many more. It's not just live music, either: The Philadelphia Folksong Society is planning on adding campfire open mics, zoomable campsites, a craft show, and all the things that make going to a fest feel likegoingto a fest.

Virtual Tour of Meeker Mansion Check out the nooks and crannies of the historic Southend mansion without leaving your house. This virtual event with Pretty Gritty Tours is free.

Organic Mango & Sticky Rice Pop-Up A quintessential Thai treat is coming to Wallingford for a sunny window of time. Stop by this pop-up for a whole mango with lots of coconut milk and freshly made sticky rice in your choice of classic coconut, pandan, or Thai tea. 1714 N 44th St. (Wallingford)

Virtual Sky Tour with Pierce College Science Dome Take a virtual tour of the night sky viareal-time telescope observations captured with the Slooh telescope network.

HDLSC Presents: neither Bears nor Forest Enjoy a live set from local pop/R&B sextet Neither Bears Nor Forest, which features members fromSky Cries Mary, the Long Winters, and Voyager One.Donations will benefit King County Equity Now.

Lucinda Williams There are very few American singer/songwriters whove been able to transcend the purgatory of genre and cross over into national treasure territory. While debating nominees, one should consider Lucinda Williams, who has written a ubiquitous Grammy jam (Mary Chapin Carpenters Passionate Kisses), a universally acclaimed Americana masterpiece (Car Wheels on a Gravel Road), and produced a fruitful catalog that includes collaborations with legends like Ramblin Jack Elliott and Elvis Costello. Like a twangier Chrissie Hynde wearing well-worn cowboy boots, lost in the Laurel Canyon wilderness, Williams expertly glides between steely grit and tender grandeur, shedding tough layers to expose vulnerable heartstrings and then wrapping them back up with swathes of faded denim.

Music Gives: Together For St. Jude SupportSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital and be treated to an evening of live music from the likes ofTim McGraw and Brad Paisley, with "culinary content" from well-known chefs thrown into the mix.

NVCS presents: J GRGRY Have you seen that movie Velvet Goldmine? With Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a David Bowie stand-in, Ewan McGregor doing his best Iggy Pop impersonation, and a youngish Christian Bale trying to keep up with the punk/glitter rock of it all? Okay, well imagine if that film somehow birthed a band. I think J GRGRY would be it. In early performances, members of the LA-based outfit would wiggle around to their electro-pop dance music, covered in body paint reminiscent of that low-key fictionalized Bowie flick. JASMYNE KEIMIG

Raise The Cakes! Online Concert Fundraiser Local food truck My Sweet lil Cakeshad their tangerine-colored trailer stolen, and we'd all like to see them back on the curb selling hotcakes as soon as possible. Tune in to this livestreamed Retro Earth Studio fundraising concert, where you can help cover the losses by donating to their GoFundMe.

Speakeasy! Former Stranger staffer Callan Berry, the creator ofPolice Reports Illustrated and a person who is good at making cocktails, will teach you how to mix up a boozy concoction and draw a little comic every other Thursday. He'll also answer your most pressing questions.

XALT: Digital Premiere + Dance and Tell Watch all-new dance films from Whim W'Him's XALT program, featuringphysically distant choreography by Penny Saunders and Olivier Wevers. In addition to sharing interviews and clips about the making of the dances, the hosts will also introduce the new IN-with-WHIM streaming service, where you'll be able to watch the program even if you miss the premiere.

Candace Robb: A Choir of Crows Just as a newarchbishop is about to take the throne in 14-century York, two bodies are found on the grounds of York Minster, and the captain of the city bailiffs is called to investigate. Hear more fromCandace Robb's new mystery in this livestreamed conversation with fellow authorsMichelle Urberg and Marian Seibert.

Virtual Book Talk: Deep River w/ Karl Marlantes Described in press materials as "a stunningly expansive narrative of human suffering, courage, and reinvention," Karl Marlantes will join the National Nordic Museum for a reading of his new novelDeep River. The event is part of Nordic Sl.

Welcome to El: An Intimate Night of Comedy with El Sanchez Beloved local comedian El Sanchez recorded an intimate, hilarious show at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center just before the quarantine took effect. For those who missed it, the show is now on demand!

Pike-Pine Summer United Get 10% off your bill at local bars and eateries like Amandine Bakeshop, A Pizza Mart, Bateau, and tons of other places on Capitol Hill moving into Phase 2 of reopening by mentioning The Stranger's Pike-Pine promotion. Various locations (Capitol Hill)

Doe Bay Fest Local artists have been invited to post up in the Orcas Island-adjacent Doe Bay resort (which is currently operating at 50% capacity) to bring live music to the people throughout the summer. Catch sets in-person from performers like local favorites Kate Olson and Evan Flory-Barnes this week. Doe Bay Resort (Olga)

Saint Joan Despite George Bernard Shaw's trenchant atheism, his classic depiction of the Maid of Orleans stresses her strength, bravery, faith, and humanity in the face of political and religious oppression. The original date of this production, staged by Mathew Wright, was canceled due to COVID-19. This is a digital rendition.

Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation The Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation, presented by Velocity Dance Center, will move online this year, allowing you to register for the whole festival or mix and match to build your own schedule. Just like the past 26 festivals, this one will feature a week of intensive and drop-in workshops, including one with local dancers Morgan Thorson and Fox Whitney.

Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair The Seattle Art Fair was canceled, but a bunch of local galleriesmany of which are in Pioneer Squareare taking it upon themselves to keep the tradition alive while abiding by social distancing guidelines with a DIY, self-guided version featuring exciting new pieces by artists like Anthony White. Various locations

See the rest here:
The 39 Best Things to Do in Seattle This Week: August 10-13, 2020 - TheStranger.com

By IANS

NEW DELHI: Actress Priyanka Copra executive-produces Evil Eye, which is one out of eight spinechilling and interlinked films that constitute the upcoming original OTT series, Welcome To The Blumhouse.

The eight films will have a common theme centred on family and love as redemptive or destructive forces.

The first two films -- Veena Sud's "The Lie" and Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.'s "Black Box" -- will drop on October 6. These will be followed by Priyanka's "Evil Eye", and "Nocturne", written and directed by filmmaker Zu Quirke, on October 13.

The rest of the slate will be unveiled in 2021.

Based on playwright Madhuri Shekar's award-winning production, "Evil Eye" is directed by Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, and stars Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, Omar Maskati, and Bernard White. It shows how a seemingly perfect romance turns into a nightmare when a mother becomes convinced that her daughter's new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past.

"The Lie", written and directed by Sud, stars Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard and Joey King. It is about two desperate parents trying to cover up a horrific crime by their daughter, which leads them into a complicated web of lies and deception.

"Black Box" stars Mamoudou Athie, Phylicia Rashad and Amanda Christine. It is about a single father, who, after losing his wife and his memory in a car accident, undergoes an experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is.

"Nocturne" is written and directed by Zu Quirke. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Madison Iseman, Jacques Colimon and Ivan Shaw, the film takes one inside the halls of an elite arts academy, where a timid music student begins to outshine her more accomplished and outgoing twin sister when she discovers a mysterious notebook belonging to a recently deceased classmate.

To be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, the thematically connected original series is produced by Jason Blum's Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios.

"We are excited to launch 'Welcome To The Blumhouse' with this exhilarating and provocative slate of original films for the first time ever. These chilling stories have something for everyone -- ready to fright and delight genre fans and newcomers alike," said Julie Rapaport of Amazon Studios.

Read the original here:
Priyanka Chopra's 'Evil Eye' headed to OTT platform - The New Indian Express

Type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. Preventing and even reversing the onset of diabetes is entirely possible, but it takes commitment. Taking charge of your health involves a two-pronged approach: diet and exercise. Both are crucial for long-term success and optimal health.

Diet and exercise are both key components of a successful strategy to beat or manage diabetes. Studies show that diet and exercise can sharply lower the likelihood of diabetes, even in people who are at high risk of developing it.

Learn about the risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Other studies also show that lifestyle interventions can improve insulin sensitivity and blood lipid profiles and help lower high blood sugar levels. Diet and exercise help lower body weight and excess body weight is closely linked to the onset of diabetes.

A major clinical study called the Diabetes Prevention Program studied people at risk for diabetes. It showed that lifestyle changes involving 150 minutes of exercise per week decreased the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

Keep in mind that diet and exercise should go hand in hand. For instance, even if you regularly exercise, a diet with lots of sugar and fat and very little fiber or phytonutrients (beneficial plant compounds) could more than counteract those efforts. On the other hand, you can eat a healthful diet, but if you never get up and move, your cardiovascular health will almost certainly suffer.

Cardiovascular health and diabetes are also intricately linked. Committing to a better diet and daily exercise promotes better blood sugar levels, blood lipid control, and mood. It also leads to higher energy levels, which makes it easier to exercise. Daily exercise helps keep blood vessels healthy, makes you feel better about yourself, and may aide in weight loss.

All movement counts! Do something you enjoy so you can stick with it. Even small changes can make a big difference. Beneficial exercise can be as simple as walking every day. Virtually anything you do to move your body is preferable to inactivity.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before launching a new exercise program. To begin, set modest goals. For example, start by walking for a specific, manageable time each day. After a week or so, aim to increase this time until youre walking for 30 minutes or more per day.

Youre more likely to stick to your exercise plan if its realistic. Research shows that mild to moderate intensity aerobic exercise (for example, walking or jogging for 1030 minutes) three to five days per week is enough to produce significant improvements in blood sugar control.

The American Diabetes Association recommends aerobic exercise and strength training for optimal physical fitness.

Aerobic exercise (think anything that raises your heart rate) can be achieved through activities such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, tennis, basketball, and more. Strength training, sometimes called resistance training, focuses more on building or maintaining muscle. Both forms of exercise are important for optimal fitness and blood sugar control.

If you struggle to lift a gallon of milk, for instance, you may want to focus on increasing your upper body strength. Small, lower-weight dumbbells or stretchable bands can be useful for building upper and lower body strength.

Studies show that both types of exercise can significantly affect glycemic (blood sugar) control. They also show that including both forms is more effective than doing one or the other by itself.

Some people will find that committing to a routine exercise program merely requires time management and determination. Others may need a little extra help staying motivated. They may benefit from joining a gym or signing up for a class or other type of regular, scheduled activity. Group fitness has the added benefit of companionship, mutual support and encouragement, and perhaps even an element of competition.

In any event, research shows that people feel less fatigue after exercising than they do after sitting on the couch. Exercising may seem like a chore at first, but people who stick with it often find that they actually look forward to their activity fairly quickly.

The point is to commit. To be truly effective, exercise should be routine and involve both endurance (aerobic) and resistance (strength) training. So get moving, and stay moving!

See the article here:
Fitness for Diabetes: How Diet and Exercise Can Help You

JACQUELINE Jossa has given fans a look at her tiny dinner of salmon and broccoli in a plastic box.

Jacqueline, 27, tucked into the peri-peri flavoured fish and veg after collapsing on the sofa after another busy day.

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Hinting that she has been busy working out, the former I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! star said: "Another absolute banger.

"I know I should have probably put it on a plate but I'm really, really tired, I've had a really long couple of days, my whole body aches."

She added: "All will be revealed but...just know that I am seriously dead. And now, I'm tucking into some peri-peri salmon with broccoli and honestly, it's stunning. It's really stunning."

Jacqueline went on to explain that she pre-orders her diet meals, adding: "It is just a way of keeping me on top of eating healthy, less snacky bits and less take outs and stuff."

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Last month, Jacqueline revealed that she had embarked on a new diet and exercise regime.

The former EastEnders actress vowed to start exercising - not to get "skinny", just to feel better in herself.

But she admitted: "I'm in a mood this morning, to be honest I'm just hungry because I'm trying to be healthy.

"But I've had my shake, I do need a coffee but whatever... I've had a shake, a little snack, a healthy snack, some chicken."

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Jacqueline's decision to "move more" came after she flew to Ibiza to launch her very own swimwear collection.

While there, the mum-of-two proudly showed off her natural curves as she posed for photographs by the pool.

The star later insisted that she had also decided to up her exercise in order to boost her brain power.

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She told her Instagram followers: "I'm having those thoughts of I need to start doing a bit for me and I'm going to try and go for walks and maybe do some exercise.

"And no, before everyone pipes up it's not to necessarily lose weight, I wouldn't mind it but it is more just to know that you're doing something.

"Because work-wise I'm feeling really good, I'm busy I'm on the ball and I just want to maintain that and I feel like getting on the ball with it now, it's got to be done."

Original post:
Jacqueline Jossa reveals tiny dinner of salmon and broccoli and admits her whole body aches on new diet pla - The Sun

Fit, fabulous and a staunch believer of eating local and healthy, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, fondly known as Bebo is definitely a stunner in every frame. The gorgeous diva, who is 39, recently announced the news of her second pregnancy and fans couldn't have been more excited. Her pictures also recently went viral from her magazine photoshoot, which were shot from home.

From her size zero which made waves everywhere to her increased emphasis on more holistic and healthy desi food, Kareena's impressive regime is what dreams are made of- eat everything guilt-free and no fad rules to be followed. Nutritionist and dietician, Rujuta Diwekar, who has helped Kareena get in shape before recently shared a detailed menu of what Bebo eats in a day and you'll be surprised to know that it is super easy to follow.

Take a look and note down tips to get in shape like Kareena!

The first meal of the day is the most important one and should be light and filling. While Kareena prefers to workout in the mornings, her breakfast is usually something full of energy and nutrient-rich. Around 9-10 am, Kareena has a handful of soaked almonds or a banana before she gets going for her exercise. Both of these also make for excellent pre-workout snacks.

Kareena's lunch is an example of how you can include proteins and antioxidants in your meal. Since she is a vegetarian, Kareena likes to have a bowl of curd rice (which is also healthy for the summers), with papad or achaar. On other days, a plate of roti, paneer sabzi (proteins) and serving of dal fill her up. She has this around 12 pm, which benefits digestion as well.

Her third meal of the day is a healthy snack, which mostly comprises a small bowl of chopped papaya (which contains all helpful nutrients one needs), peanuts or roasted foxnuts (makhanas), which make for an excellent weight loss friendly snack as well. She has the snack around 2 or 3 pm and it is an easy way to fill the body up and take care of untimely cravings. She has also been papped carrying around a box of makhanas on shoots.

For tea-time, Kareena skips caffeine and instead, indulges in the goodness of locally harvested fruits which are in season, such as litchi or mango. Options like a mango milkshake, a bowl of litchi or smaller serving of chivda (homemade roasted snack mix) are her go-to option.

Days when she has a craving, Kareena likes having lemon water (with black salt and asafoetida), buttermilk, curd with dry fruits, or coconut water. All of these also help her stay hydrated throughout the day.

If you don't know already, Kareena is a big fan of Indian food and makes sure she eats all kinds of desi superfoods, something which she has often talked of often. For dinner, according to Diwekar, Kareena usually likes to have vegetable pulao with raita (packing in good bacteria, calcium, vitamins and nourishing nutrients), an immunity-boosting pudina/palak roti with curd. On other days, it's the usual dal, rice and sabzi. Kareena's dinner menu proves one thing right- what our parents have been feeding us is healthy all along! Ghee is another thing Kareena gorges on, in any form.

Before bedtime, classic Haldi milk, with a pinch of nutmeg (all super good for your immunity and fighting infections) helps her sleep well.

The actress who leads a jam-packed schedule keeps up with a disciplined workout regime. Yoga is one of her favourite go-to styles. A usual workout routine involves minutes running on the treadmill, restorative yoga, home-strengthening workout and other core exercises, done six days a week. Sundays are her day off.

Now, looking like Kareena doesn't seem that difficult of a job, does it? Kareena Kapoor Khan is proof that with a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, being fit is an easy job. You don't have to starve or deprive yourself to look a certain way.

Read more here:
What Kareena Kapoor Khan eats: Rujuta Diwekar shares the diet plan she follows to look fabulous - Times of India

Intermittent Fasting, popularly known as IF is a popular diet trend on social media. It has been advertised by many celebrities and influencers as one of the best diets for losing fat, building muscle and for overall health. But it leaves many confused for those who are just approaching a healthy lifestyle.

As the name suggests, intermittent fasting follows a period of eating and a period of fasting. One of the most popular approaches is to fast for a period of 16 hours, followed by 8 hours of eating. Half of the fasting phase involves sleep which reduces the amount of time spent consciously fasting, leading to the usage of higher energy only when conscious.

Research studies have shown that Intermittent Fasting is a perfect approach for obese or overweight individuals who want a diet that will complement fat loss while maintaining or building muscle. This works well due to the excess fat storages being spent for energy during the fasting phase. Intermittent Fasting just like many other diets requires a nutrition expert to create the right diet so the body does not run out of energy and can keep one focused for longer.

People who are starting out into diet and exercise should not introduce sudden changes to the body. This causes stress which may lead them to quit their decision on the betterment of health. A slight caloric deficit followed by a structured diet and exercise program will help one achieve the benefits of intermittent fasting. It is not meant for anyone to simply incorporate into their diet. As with many other diet trends that have been popularised by studies, intermittent fasting was initially designed to help people with diabetes and anyone looking to make it part of their diet should consult a dietician or nutritionist.

A popular takeaway in the workout aspect of IF is to perform fasted cardio for more fat loss. While this may burn fat initially, performing cardio for a prolonged amount of time in a fasted phase might lead to breaking down of muscle for energy, than fats. This will lead to muscle loss or maintenance, but not muscle building. A workout window matters here depending on the person as some may perform better before eating, while some perform better during the eating stage. A healthy meal in the post-workout window can help one build strength and avoid muscle loss or fatigue.

Intermittent Fasting, however, shows limitations. According to a research study where 8 lean healthy volunteers were subjected to IF and a standard diet, there was very little difference in metabolism, whole-body glucose, or lipid levels. This shows that it may be best suited for individuals who are overweight or obese, but one can consult a dietician to get a better idea if it works for them.

IF is among the few diets that show significant weight loss results compared to the many fad diets visible today in social media. It shows easy and maintainable results for those who are starting into exercise and may also have benefits for those who are already healthy, provided they consult a professional.

Source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17291990/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19793855/

https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/90/5/1244/4598111

See the original post:
Intermittent Fasting: Everything you need to know about this diet - The Bridge

When you are trying to lose weight, it can be incredibly daunting to figure out the hows and what-ifs of your fitness journey. When 34-year-old Shreya Somaiya Ganatra (a self-confessed foodie) realised that she needed to lose weight, instead of taking the traditional route of sweating it out at the gym, she decided to tweak her diet to make it healthier, while retaining the taste. Name: Shreya Somaiya Ganatra Occupation: Homemaker Age: 34 years Height: 4 Feet 11 inches City: Dubai

Highest weight recorded: 65 Kgs Weight lost: 15 Kgs

Duration it took me to lose weight: Around 4 months The turning point: There was a point in my life where I knew that I needed to do something for my health, but I was not serious enough. However, I slowly piled on kilos and realised that my weight had touched 65 kilos. At that point, my BMI was also 29. I was not able to wear my favourite clothes because of the growing weight and I felt lethargic and bloated. I decided to do something about my weight, even though I wasnt a huge fan of exercising (or even walking) and was a big foodie. The day I decided to lose weight and get healthy, there was no looking back. It was been five months since then and I have lost approximately 15 kilos. My breakfast: Since I love cooking healthier variants of the regular dishes, for my first meal of the day, I choose between masala oats, quinoa and daliya (cooked in one tablespoon of desi ghee with moong dal and lots of vegetables), cereals (a mixture of whole-grain flakes such as oats, wheat, rye, barley, rice, and sunflower seeds without any form of sugar) and milk with almonds.

My lunch: For lunch, I used to choose anything from boiled chickpeas salad, rajma with lettuce, zucchini and cucumber, multigrain roti with vegetable curry made in ghee and lastly, watermelon, carrot and beetroot smoothie. My dinner: I choose from tomato moong dal soup, veg biryani, khichdi (with more dal), jawar and ragi roti with vegetables, green leafy vegetables, and paneer curry made in ghee.

Pre-workout meal: Since the only workout I do is going for a walk, I drink a glass of warm water after waking up and before going for a walk.

Post-workout meal: I have my breakfast after walking for 30 minutes. I indulge in: I never eliminated outside food completely, but I was very careful while choosing what to eat. I usually indulged in dosa with chatni and sambhar without oil or ghee. I also used to take a bite of vada pav from my husband's portion and half-plate Pani puri to satisfy my taste buds.

My workout: I make it a point to walk for at least 30 minutes every day, no matter what happens.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Laddu made from ragi flour, ghee and dates, chaat made from roasted makhana (lotus seeds) and yoghurt with spices and date chutney and pancakes made from oats and moong dal.

Fitness secrets I unveiled: I realised that the first thing you need to do is understand your body type and then only you will be able to stay fit and healthy. Here are some of the fitness secrets that I revealed:

1 I have made it a point to stop eating after I feel full, no matter how tasty the dish is.

2 - It is important to determine a balanced diet for yourself which fulfils all your requirements of protein, fibre, vitamins, essential fats and carbohydrates.

3 - Portion control is a must.

4 - Dinner should be light so that its easy to digest because your metabolism is slowest during the night.

5 - Consistency is the key. Whatever plan you come up with, its important to follow it through till you reach your goal.

6 - In addition to a diet plan, you also need to include physical activity in your routine to increase your calorie output. In my case, I make sure to walk for atleast 30 minutes every day. How do I stay motivated? Some of the gradual changes like witnessing the numbers on the weighing scale going down, experiencing the change in the shape of my body and not feeling bloated and lethargic anymore were enough to keep me motivated. How do you ensure you dont lose focus? After truly understanding the importance of being healthy, my focus remained unwavering. I did a lot of research and came up with healthier and equally tasty versions of the common dishes we eat every day so I never felt that I was compromising on taste, which helped me to stay focussed. Whats the most difficult part of being overweight? I used to feel really bloated and lethargic when I was overweight. Also, I wasnt able to wear some of my favourite outfits because of my weight and it was not exactly the best feeling in the world. What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? I want to stay as fit and healthy as I am today. I also want to change peoples perception of diet food. We need to understand that diet food can be tasty and healthy at the same time. I also see myself creating healthy versions of different delicious cuisines and motivating others in their weight loss journey. What are the lifestyle changes you made? Its been 5 months now but my weight is now constant as I havent gained back any kilos. Whenever I have my meals, I observe the feeling of fullness and listen to my body. I made the following changes in my kitchen when I started my fitness journey.

Here is the original post:
Weight loss story: I lost 15 kilos by changing my diet and walking for 30 minutes every day! - Times of India

Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 percent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. You could lower your risk of high blood sugar by eating more cinnamon, it's been revealed.

Type 2 diabetes could be caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.

Without enough of the hormone, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into usable energy.

It's crucial that if you think you may have diabetes, you speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

One of the best ways to lower your chances of high blood sugar is to eat more cinnamon, it's been claimed.

READ MORE: Diabetes type 2 warning - do your feet look like this?

Cinnamon is a great spice for diabetes patients to add some sweetness to their meals.

It works by improving insulin sensitivity, while also lowering blood sugar levels, according to medical website Diabetes.co.uk.

While more research is needed, nutritionists have claimed that cinnamon is an ideal diet swap for diabetes patients.

But, if you do decide to eat more cinnamon, you shouldn't binge on the spice, it warned, as it could lead to liver damage.

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"There are certain foods that provide huge health benefits for people with diabetes," said the medical website.

"They are often known as diabetes superfoods. In any diet, balance is hugely important.

"Several studies suggest that cinnamon is an excellent choice for people with diabetes.

"It lowers blood glucose, reduces LDL cholesterol, and increases insulin sensitivity. Its also cheap."

Meanwhile, you could also lower your risk of diabetes symptoms by eating more fish, it's been claimed.

Fish is rich in vitamin D - particularly oily fish - which helps to form a protective barrier around the skin, eyes, and the nervous system; all of which are susceptible to damage from high blood sugar.

Fish also contains vitamin B2, which keeps the bones healthy.

Diabetes patients are also more at risk of damage damage as the condition progresses.

Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the signs and symptoms dont necessarily make you feel unwell.

Common diabetes symptoms include having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal, having an unquenchable thirst, and passing more urine than normal.

You should speak to a doctor if youre worried about the warning signs or symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.

Diagnosing the condition early is very important, because patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.

Original post:
Diabetes type 2 - the diabetes superfood spice to lower your risk of high blood sugar - Express