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As for my bucket list, I'm eying dark sky sanctuaries, and deeper connection with my daughters who now join me on night hikes. That includes 115 Parks, 38 Communities, 20 Reserves, 16 Sanctuaries, six Urban Night Sky Places and six Dark Sky Friendly Developments of Distinction. DARK SKY CONSERVATIONISTS view the encroachment of artificial light into our wild spaces as a pressing threat to humans, animals and ecosystems alike. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the author's experience at a floatation therapy center. The author is given an iPad with terms and conditions to sign before being led to a room called the Forest Room. Inside the room, there is a sensory deprivation tank filled with warm saltwater. The author follows the instructions and enters the tank, experiencing a sense of weightlessness and reflecting on love. After the session, the author returns to the reception area and is offered information about float deals. The article ends with the author expressing a desire to return to the center. [Extracted from the article]

Megan Elizabeth Read is a self-taught American figurative artist who primarily works with oil paint. She focuses on simplification in her paintings, both in content and materials. Read's process involves taking photographs and experimenting with them in Photoshop to understand her compositions. She transfers the image to her painting surface using charcoal and then mixes her colors before starting to paint. She works in contiguous areas to create smooth transitions and often completes the majority of the painting alla prima. Read's work has been exhibited internationally and has received recognition and awards. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Wood Magazine discusses high-tech hearing protection options for workshop environments. It highlights several Bluetooth-connected devices that allow users to listen to music or other audio while still protecting their hearing. The options include a neckband with speakers from DeWalt, headphones from Isotunes that block loud noises but transmit ambient sounds, battery-powered muffs from 3M, over-the-ear muffs from Prohear, and compact earbuds from Isotunes. The article also includes reviews of other tools, such as a hose adapter from Rockler and a cordless tracksaw from Ridgid. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the author's reflections across different periods of their life, intertwined with vivid sensory details and personal memories. Topics include nostalgic scenes from 1989 with gritty urban imagery, contrasting with introspective moments in 2007, exploring themes of memory, loss, and emotional resonance through symbolic language and vivid imagery.

The article discusses Marcus King's new album, "Mood Swings," which explores his mental struggles and the end of a tumultuous romantic relationship. The album includes a song called "Cadillac" that touches on suicidal thoughts but ends with a message of hope. King credits his future wife for helping him overcome his despair. The article also highlights King's collaboration with producer Rick Rubin and their shared love for music and stand-up comedy. King discusses his desire to combine comedy with his music and his fascination with the idea of a variety show. He also talks about the challenges of capturing a rock-and-roll crowd's attention with comedy. The article mentions King's experience obtaining clearance for a sample used in one of his songs and emphasizes the importance of mental health advocacy in his album. It also mentions King's collaboration with keyboard player Cory Henry and drummer Chris Dave. The article concludes with King reflecting on his career, his empathetic approach to performing, and the current counterculture movement in the music industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of underwater navigation for divers' safety and enjoyment. It emphasizes the need for divers to effectively navigate throughout their dives and find their way back to their entry point. Different underwater environments require different navigation strategies, such as using compass and natural navigation in open-water environments, adapting to limited visibility conditions, and receiving proper training for navigating overhead environments like caves and shipwrecks. The article highlights the importance of mastering basic diving skills and offers tips for successful navigation, emphasizing that it directly contributes to diver safety and exploration time. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a snapshot of the cultural landscape of Los Angeles, highlighting the city's revitalization led by chefs, hoteliers, and entrepreneurs. It acknowledges the rich history of LA and its creative class, which has helped revive neighborhoods like Highland Park. However, it also acknowledges the challenges the city faces, such as the increase in the cost of living and homelessness. Despite these challenges, there is a celebration of the city's past and a focus on upcycling old ideas to make them better. The article discusses the reimagining of local cuisine and the transformation of iconic establishments like the Beverly Hills Hotel. It also mentions unique experiences like the Cinespia movie series at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Overall, the article presents Los Angeles as a city proud of its heritage and constantly evolving and reinventing itself. [Extracted from the article]

ARTISTS Brie Trenerry's current project first took shape in Covid lockdown, when the Victoriabased artist found herself doom-scrolling through social media and mainstream news. Brie Trenerry's solo exhibition Babble On shows at MARS Gallery, Melbourne from 1 November to 9 December 2023. Trenerry's extensive curatorial and programming experience also includes co-founding the Melbourne artist-run gallery KINGS ARI, unique at the time for its dedicated video space, and co-founding and programming Moonlight Cinema Adelaide. [Extracted from the article]

Dossier - Feature In 2021, the Brisbane-based artist Taloi Havini (Nakas Tribe, Hakö people) was commissioned by the TBA21 - Academy, a contemporary art organization and ocean-focused research centre, to create an installation based on her experience aboard a research vessel called RV Falkor, as part of the Schmidt Ocean Institute's Artist-at-Sea program. [Trad. libre] 18 - Ibid. [Trad. libre] Taloi Havini Answer to the Call, vue d'exposition | exhibition view, The Soul Expanding Ocean #1, Ocean Space, Venise, 2021. Taloi Havini Answer to the Call, vue d'exposition | exhibition view, The Soul Expanding Ocean #1, Ocean Space, Venise, 2021. [Trad. libre] 6 - Taloi Havini dans Amah-Rose Abrams, «Taloi Havini's First Sonic Work Dunks the Listener in an Ocean of Sound», Wallpaper*, 12 octobre 2022, accessible en ligne. [Extracted from the article]

A wireless phone charging pad (restricted to a $2,610 package on the pricier Lariat), satellite radio, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, which isn't available on any Maverick. PHOTOGRAPHY MT STAFF ARRIVAL: 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT "We bought a Maverick and will spend the next year trying to prove it's a real truck." The powertrain is among the most fun in the subcompact SUV market, and Kia has done an admirable job at making the Seltos feel smooth, strong, and refined. FORD F-150 LIGHTNING ARRIVAL FORD MAVERICK ARRIVAL GENESIS G90 GENESIS GV70 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ KIA CARNIVAL VERDICT KIA SELTOS LUCID AIR MAZDA CX-50 SUBARU WRX RAM 1500 TRX TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS RIVIAN R1T VOLKSWAGEN ID4 MT GARAGE I Arrival 2023 Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD "The Car of the Year - winning G90 comes with almost everything.". [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the benefits of offering a spa membership program and how it can help increase business. Spa memberships encourage repeat visits and foster a sense of belonging among guests, leading to increased loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. They also provide consistent revenue and allow for better financial forecasting. The key to a successful membership program is understanding the clientele and tailoring the offerings to their preferences, while ensuring that the pricing and value align with both the business needs and guest expectations. The article provides examples of membership options from different spas, highlighting the various perks and benefits they offer. [Extracted from the article]

Shackleton, along with two of his crew mates, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean, recounted this vivid feeling that they had a companion with them when they had to trek across the interior of South Georgia Island in 1916. Shackleton's experiences on the Endurance expedition are perhaps the most famous examples of the felt presence phenomena. "The mind can go so far in creating phantom others" But what we want is an account that joins the dots with Shackleton, with the experiences of psychosis, with the things William James was talking about. [Extracted from the article]

The poem "Saving Money Through Sensory Deprivation" by Casey Aimer is presented. First Line: Sold my ears first. Last Line: Only if I can first rebuy a will to live.

Floating Across Virginia: Sensory deprivation tanks with mega-salty water can reduce stress and improve wellness. This article discusses the benefits of floating in sensory deprivation tanks, particularly in Virginia. The practice of floating, which involves immersing oneself in a tank filled with highly salty water, has been praised for its ability to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. The article highlights the experiences of individuals who have found floating to be beneficial, including its use in recovery programs for athletes and its potential for helping individuals with PTSD. The article also mentions a Float-It-Forward program that provides free floats to military members, veterans, and first responders. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study on the altered visual cortex excitatory/inhibitory ratio in individuals who were treated for dense bilateral congenital cataracts after an average of 12 years of blindness. The study used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and electroencephalography to assess the E/I ratio in the visual cortex and found that individuals with congenital cataracts showed a lower Glx/GABA+ ratio and different neurophysiological measures compared to sighted controls. The findings suggest that the altered E/I ratio in the visual cortex may be a consequence of congenital blindness and homeostatic plasticity. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study on the spatiotemporal evolution of braille letter representations in blind readers, comparing them to sighted readers using MEG recording. The research found that blind readers process braille letters more slowly than sighted readers, with neural representations transforming from low-level to high-level formats within 500 ms. The study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of braille reading in blind individuals and the functional reorganization in sensory deprivation. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study that used X-ray diffraction to examine the nanoscale structures of the perineuronal net (PNN) in the murine neocortex. The researchers compared control mice with sensory-deprived mice and found distinct differences in the X-ray diffraction patterns of their brain tissue. The study suggests that sensory deprivation may lead to the absence of nanoscale structural components within the PNN. This research has not yet undergone peer review and provides valuable insights into the impact of sensory deprivation on brain structures. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Amity University Noida in India explored the impact of visual deprivation on inhibitory neurons in the primary visual cortex of mice with retinal degeneration. The research found that the loss of visual input led to a decrease in somatostatin (SST) neurons, affecting stimulus selectivity, while parvalbumin (PV) neurons were less affected. The study suggests that understanding the role of these neurons during retinal degeneration could potentially improve vision restoration techniques. For more information, the full report can be accessed in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology explores the impact of early visual experience on facial-expression recognition in children with congenital cataracts who have undergone sight-correcting treatment. The researchers found that early visual deprivation does not prevent partial acquisition of facial-expression recognition, although it restricts the skill acquisition. The study suggests that skipping typical visual experience early in development and introducing high-resolution imagery late in development leads to different representational mechanisms for learning facial expressions compared to typical visual development. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study investigated the impact of sensory deprivation on spatial-coding cells in the Medial Entorhinal Cortex (MEC) of mice. The researchers used advanced microscopy to monitor neural activity in freely moving mice subjected to either light deprivation or whisker trimming. The findings showed that head direction cells and border cells in the MEC exhibited impaired spatial representation after sensory deprivation, while grid cells and speed cells were less affected. The study also found that different subpopulations of spatial-coding cells within the MEC showed varying sensitivity to sensory deprivation. These findings contribute to our understanding of how the MEC processes spatial information, particularly in relation to tactile sensation. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Pusan National University in Busan, South Korea have described a case of centripetal nystagmus in a 58-year-old man with progressive visual loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. The patient exhibited abnormal eye movements, with centripetal nystagmus observed during lateral gaze. The researchers suggest that this type of nystagmus in blindness may be a result of instability in the gaze-holding networks due to a lack of retinal image motion for adaptive recalibration. The findings were published in the journal Neurology and have been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Cambridge found that mindfulness practice can lead to altered states of consciousness. The study involved 616 students who participated in an 8-week mindfulness skills session and were encouraged to continue practicing at home. The results showed that the more mindfulness practice participants engaged in, the more likely they were to experience altered states of consciousness. These experiences included a sense of unity and disembodiment, with a significant portion occurring during meditation itself. The study also suggested that mindfulness may increase the recognition and salience of these experiences. However, it is important to note that altered states of consciousness can have both positive and negative effects, and individuals prone to anxiety or distress may have unpleasant experiences. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Auckland in New Zealand explored the effects of partial sleep deprivation on complex perceptual-motor performance under low and high threat. The study involved 64 healthy participants who underwent a 3-day home-based sleep-deprivation protocol and then performed a task that required them to move colored objects. The researchers found that while threat increased task engagement and motivation, partial sleep deprivation did not significantly impact task performance or participants' ability to respond to threat. The study suggests that complex perceptual-motor performance under threat is relatively robust against the effects of partial sleep deprivation. [Extracted from the article]

Naturally the engine is the heart of the F5, and though it owes its pushrod architecture to the Chevy LS, it's so highly evolved as to be unrecognisable from the motor you'd find in any stock GM model, with everything from the all-new block upwards built to Hennessey's requirements. Like all these ultra-fast machines, the GT was something of an enigma but a car with which we're intimately acquainted, having visited Hennessey's homeland back in 2013 to drive the GT Spyder. Its sights firmly set on the far side of 300mph, we get an early drive in the sensational, 1817bhp Venom F5. What's surprising about the F5 is it's actually very easy to drive slowly Final-stage fine-tuning of the transmission calibration will iron out the remaining rough edges, but in general it's super-impressive how this ferocious 1800bhp machine happily copes with the low-speed demands of photo shoots. [Extracted from the article]

The article suggests techniques healthcare providers can implement to have better communication with older dental patients for better health outcomes. It advises healthcare providers to design content or materials for hearing-impaired patients using written communication and to design content or materials vision-impaired patients by considering health literacy, educational level and socioeconomic status. Tips for designing reader-friendly content or written material are offered.

This article explores the phenomenon of feeling the presence of someone who isn't actually there. It discusses how extreme conditions or breaks in neural connections can lead to the brain creating a phantom substitute for the expected experience. The article also examines the link between this felt presence and the sense of ghosts or spirits, and discusses various theories and experiments that have been conducted to understand this phenomenon. Overall, the article suggests that the feeling of a presence can be attributed to neurological processes and the brain's reliance on expectations in perception. [Extracted from the article]

This month: Reno, NV The insider: Emily Felch Co-owner of The Natural Selection Store EAT Perenn has raised the bar on boules and baguettes in Reno. Travel & Escapes NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley and Nevada City have in been known for their Gold Rush history and proximity to epic outdoor adventure. Emily's Reno tips are as varied as the stock in her shop. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Moldova State University discusses the future of medicine and the development of technologies for promoting health and enhancing human productivity. The researchers conducted an experiment to test the effects of balancing sensory stimulation and deprivation on individuals' emotional state and found that after a 15-day course of "Balancing Sensory Stimulation/Deprivation," participants maintained a positive emotional state during virtual immersion in a safe environment. The research concludes that optimizing sensory stimulation and deprivation, along with activities that improve sleep quality, is important for optimizing work, education, and preventing fatigue. For more information, readers can refer to the journal article published by the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Method And Device For Treating Amblyopia" has been published online. The invention relates to methods and devices for treating amblyopia, a condition that affects visual acuity and other visual functions. The patent application describes a device that uses dichoptic stimuli to reduce image suppression and promote binocular stimulation of vision. The device does not require an eye-tracker and can display still images or frames from a video. It can also prepare the amblyopic-eye image without altering it or improve the image quality, while degrading the sighting-eye image to encourage the use of the amblyopic-eye. The patent application also includes a method for treating amblyopia using the device. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study that examines the perception of affective and discriminative touch in blind individuals. The researchers found that blind individuals rated touch delivered on the palm as more pleasant compared to touch delivered on the forearm, while sighted individuals had the opposite preference. The study suggests that blind individuals experience affective and social touch differently than sighted individuals, providing insight into somatosensory perception in blind individuals. It is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the concept of the "cessation of consciousness" from the perspective of Hindu contemplative traditions such as Yoga and Vedanta. It critiques the idea of consciousness ceasing through sensory deprivation or stilling of mental activity, as described in Theravada Buddhist accounts of nirodha samapatti. The article presents a survey of descriptions in Yoga and Vedanta texts that describe states similar to nirodha samapatti, but understood as a clearer revelation of consciousness through the stilling of mental processes rather than its cessation. The article suggests further research into covert consciousness, the ability to track the passage of time during nirodha samapatti, and a comparison of memory and awareness abilities in those who have experienced nirodha samapatti with normal controls. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition has discovered bitter masking compounds in allspice that could enhance the intake of bioactive compounds in functional foods and beverages. Bitter substances in these products can offer potential health benefits but their unpleasant taste reduces consumption. The study identified five compounds in allspice that exhibited bitter masking activity against quinine, with one compound acting as an antagonist of the TAS2R14 bitter receptor. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of allspice in improving the sensory experience of functional foods and beverages. [Extracted from the article]

Sierra Ferrell, a singer-songwriter known for her unique style and theatrical performances, discusses her career journey and artistic influences. She incorporates elements of country music but also explores genres like flamenco, jazz, and techno. Despite her success in the music industry, Ferrell remains humble and true to herself. She shares her preparations and self-care routines for her summer tour, emphasizing the importance of engaging all the senses in her performances. Ferrell also expresses her love for fashion and collaboration with friends to create unique outfits, aiming to incorporate quirky and circus-like elements into her shows. Drawing inspiration from various eras and centuries, including Victorian fashion, Ferrell hopes to encourage people to explore different genres and cultures through her music. She is open to collaborating with other artists and has a desire to work with Hozier. Ferrell recently purchased a house and is focused on her own healing journey while using her music to provide healing for others. She believes that our DNA holds connections to our ancestors and influences our preferences and fears. Growing up in West Virginia, Ferrell credits music programs in schools for helping her find her voice. Despite the challenges, she finds excitement in working with talented musicians and finding her musical community. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Faculty of Biology in Gdansk, Poland have conducted a study on the effects of visual deprivation on taste sensitivity in a Vietnamese Kinh population. The study found that participants had a lower recognition threshold for sweet taste when blindfolded compared to when their eyes were open. This suggests that the sensitivity of sweet taste to visual deprivation may be a general trait independent of geographic region and ethnicity. The research concludes that a visual component may play a role in the coding of different taste modalities in the brain. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a system that aims to enhance a user's immersive experience by isolating them from external stimuli. The system includes a sensory deprivation chamber where the user floats on a surface of a suspension liquid. A display screen attached to the chamber provides visual input, and an audio input device provides audio input. The system also includes a wearable computing device with tactile elements that provide tactile feedback to the user. The device can track the user's eye movements and facial muscles and execute tasks based on the detected movements. Additionally, the device can receive thought input signals and generate a graphical representation of the user's thoughts. [Extracted from the article]

Cole Sprouse, former star of the TV show Riverdale, is currently starring in a new horror rom-com called Lisa Frankenstein. In the film, Sprouse plays a reanimated corpse known as "the Creature." Despite the challenging role, Sprouse thoroughly enjoyed the experience, expressing his enthusiasm for practical effects and the process of getting heavy makeup applied. Sprouse's acting career began at a young age, and he has since appeared in various TV shows and films, including Friends and Big Daddy. He took a break from acting to study archaeology and photography at New York University but has since returned to the industry. Sprouse's clear mission is to have as much fun as possible in his work, and Lisa Frankenstein provided him with an opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of playing a monster. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study examined the effects of congenital visual deprivation on the excitatory/inhibitory ratio in the visual cortex. The study used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to measure the ratio of excitation to inhibition in individuals who had been treated for dense bilateral congenital cataracts. The results showed that individuals who had regained their sight had a lower Glutamate/Glutamine (Glx)/Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA+) ratio in the visual cortex compared to sighted controls. The study suggests that congenital blindness may lead to an increased excitatory/inhibitory ratio in the visual cortex, which is compensated for by increased inhibition after visual input is restored. [Extracted from the article]

As rates of depression and anxiety continue to rise in the U.S., employers should consider alternative modes of care for their employees' mental health. One such treatment is reduced environmental stimulation therapy (REST), which involves placing a patient in an environment with minimal external stimuli, such as a sensory deprivation tank. Studies have shown that REST can be beneficial for individuals with anxiety and related symptoms. However, it is important for employers to ensure that their health plans provide coverage for these alternative treatments and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace. [Extracted from the article]

Dr. Chris Pagnani, medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, breaks down the benefits of reduced environmental stimulation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted by researchers at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences examined the effects of visual deprivation on dynamic gait stability in blind and sighted individuals. The study found that blind individuals had lower dynamic stability parameters compared to sighted individuals, both with eyes open. Additionally, the study revealed that even sighted individuals rely on visual information for unchallenged movement. The findings highlight the importance of vision in controlling human movement and provide insights into the biomechanics of walking in blind individuals. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Medical University of Lublin in Poland explores the anatomical and functional impacts of congenital bilateral visual deprivation on the visual pathway. The study focuses on neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change, particularly during critical periods of brain development. The researchers review existing research on inherited retinal diseases and highlight evidence of neuroplasticity in response to different types of visual deprivation. The study concludes that patients with inherited retinal diseases can serve as adequate models for studying neuroadaptations of the visual pathway. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's passion for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and their recent acquisition of the SRT Demon 170, the last and most powerful iteration of the Challenger before transitioning to electric vehicles. The author highlights the historical significance of the Challenger as a muscle car and acknowledges its flaws in terms of build quality and marketing strategies. They compare the SRT Demon 170 to their Tesla Plaid, noting the sensory experience and alternative fuel options of the Demon. The author concludes by reflecting on the future of gas-engine vehicles and drawing a parallel to the watch industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the psychological risks of meditation. Topics discussed include value of the market for meditation products and services in the U.S., concerns raised by Arnold Lazarus, one of the forefathers of cognitive behavior therapy, about transcendental meditation, and meditation-induced mental health problems documented by more than 50 published studies.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of anxious multitasker faces.