Allison's Perspective...

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." -Anaïs Nin

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How to Find Your Passion and Discover Work You Love

Are you struggling to find your true passion? Everyone finds their passion at different stages in life. Some people have known what they have wanted to do since high school, while others take years to figure it out. It’s never too late to discover a new passion and pursue your dream. If you don’t yet know what your passion is, follow these steps to help you get there 

Please read the full article here.  How to Find Your Passion and Discover Work You Love

Image source: Pexels

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Mariko Mori's Art - 5 Sculpture Installations

Mariko Mori is known for her fantastical, extra-terrestrial spin on contemporary art. The Japanese artist presents her artwork across a combination of forms. This includes sculptures, performances, photography, and other installations.

 Her internationally recognised artwork is the face of Japanese contemporary arts. The artist's works explore the ideas of the universe that surrounds us and the futuristic unknown.

 Her claim to fame in the 1990s involved the artist as the starring figure in her performances. Mori has since transitioned to other media, displaying hints of traditional Japanese motifs.

 Mori's Rebirth

Rebirth houses both Mariko Mori's commended artworks and brand-new additions. The exhibition speaks about themes of humankind, nature, and the unknown. It addresses her fascination with Buddhist philosophy, theoretical physics, and predominantly Japanese culture.

 The prestigious Royal Academy houses Rebirth. At the entrance, LED lights cast patterns over a five-metre monolith built to resemble a supernova.

 The exhibition transforms into numerous works of art in various forms of multimedia. Ceramic, stone, acrylic, and glass are all incorporated into the display. The pieces contrast tradition and modernity, the East and the West, and the past and the future.

Wave UFO

Art enthusiasts believe this piece arguably shaped Mori's career. The sculpture spans over 10 metres in length and doubles as an art piece itself, and a museum of her artwork in its interior. The sleek, transcendent structure is spectacular. However, it doesn’t compare to the extraordinary installation on the inside. 

 A maximum of three people can experience Wave UFO at a given time. Mori utilises participant experiences to shape the show. Participants are fitted with electrodes to collect brainwave data projected in front of them. Wave UFO explores the marriage of human cognition and the universe. This interconnectivity is displayed in Buddhist philosophy.

Mori's Invisible Dimension

An array of seven sculptures constitutes Invisible Dimension. The exhibition takes a different approach to her previous masterpieces. Invisible Dimension traverses Mariko Mori's fascination with theoretical physics - in particular, superstring theory and particle physics.

 The two large, cyclic structures represent the circle of life and death. The single sculpture, Orbicle I, portrays the unknown and introduces the concept of a hidden dimension. 

 The spiral structures resemble somewhat comparatively to the helical appearance of DNA. The wispy appearance is representative of the body's spirit and the invisible fire within.

 Plasma stones make for a colourful addition to the exhibition. The stones represent the beginning of time.

Mori's Primal Rhythm

Miyako Island in Okinawa, Japan, is home to Mori's Primal Rhythm. The sculpture duo includes a spherical structure suspended in the waters of Seven Light Bay, and a Sun Pillar chiselled into a rock. 

 The Moon Stone reacts to the tide level and responds accordingly by changing colours. The Sun Pillar is a large acrylic column strategically positioned to cast a shadow across the bay.

 Mariko Mori melds together art and nature, and the deep blue makes for the perfect setting. 

 You can read more online at Ocula.com for more interesting facts about Mori's work.

Mori's Ring: One with Nature

This installation is Mariko Mori's most famous piece due to its feature in the 2016 Olympic Games. A three-metre ring was installed on top of the Bride's Veil Waterfall in Rio. The ring can be identified as an addition to the five-ring logo of the Olympic Games.

 The structure changes colour depending on the time of the day. In addition, the ring lines up perfectly with the sun during the winter solstice.

 The continuity of the ring shape translates to oneness with nature. The installation has been made from materials that withstand harsh weather conditions. Simultaneously, the materials are environmentally sensitive.

 Mori's futuristic fantasies and ideas of transcendence result in such unique pieces of art. From cosplay art to an Olympic Games feature, her works of art are indeed ahead of her time.

Photo from Ocula.com

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Practical Tips for Hiring, Managing (and Retaining) Millennials

Millennials.  The often misunderstood generation of people aged 20 to 35.

They are the largest generation in the U.S. labor force today. According to a 2017 report by Pew Research Center, millennials make up about 35% of the workforce.

However, they’ve received some less than positive attention since they’ve hit the work scene.

Each generation has its own work values and work ethic. One isn’t better than the other. It’s simply important to understand how each generation performs in the workplace.

It’s vital that HR (and management) personnel understand the motivators of millennials.

Please read the full article here: Practical Tips for Hiring, Managing (and Retaining) Millennials Photo source: Pexels

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Tony Oursler's Most Interesting Art Installations

There is no limit to what Tony Oursler can create. As an artist, he has pushed the boundaries of conventional art. Over his long-standing career, Oursler has branched out from paintings and sculptures, created interactive multimedia experiences and told stories through his work.

 Read on to find out more about some of his iconic art installations.

The Influence Machine

 The Influence Machine is an outdoor display of artwork. With the mention of art displayed outdoors, a sculpture first comes to mind. Tony Oursler’s piece is so much more.

 Instead of using a projector screen, Oursler utilises nature and its surrounding buildings as the backdrops. Large projections of heads and hands fill the field of view. Audio combines with the video to recount a somewhat fractured history of technology. The audio-visuals intertwine with smoke effects and cold colours.

 The Influence Machine has featured in many locations, including Birmingham Cathedral.

 Thought Forms

 The inspiration for Thought Forms was drawn from three materials: mercury, water and dust. Each large structure showcases characteristics specific to each element. The sculptures have video projections of distorted faces. Oursler highlighted the visual work with the addition of muttered poetry and various sound effects.

 Nix, the water sculpture, has a fluid look, almost as if it were melting. Nix expresses two extremes. The fluidity and vulnerability of the Earth’s water itself, and its power over all living things.

 Mercury is reflective. The projections are incredibly essential for the meaning of the artwork. The distorted features drift further apart, symbolising the society's obsession with self-image.

 Dust is a floating embodiment of all the earth and the materials that make up the world. Suspended from the ceiling, the dust cloud displays facial features that get lost in the smoke. 

 Where Are We Now?

 In 2013, Tony Oursler directed a music video for David Bowie. The lyrics may hit close to home for some. The song is about reminiscing about the time lost over the years. 

 The lyrics beautifully accompany Tony Oursler’s haunting video. Bowie and a female are the faces of two seated puppets, sharing a single jumper. Bowie’s face shows a constant state of worry or longing. 

 The video is played on a projector screen behind the puppets, showcasing Berlin landmarks. Viewers are struck with a melancholic feeling as if the video was a playback of Bowie’s distant memories of his time spent in Berlin.

 B0t / fl0w - ch@rt

 This artwork discusses the concept of artificial intelligence. Glass ‘robot’ sculptures are the focal points of the installation. The glass heads expose wiring and screens displaying their facial features.

 Digital flow charts of cognitive processes accompany the artwork. This may be what is going through the bots’ digitally programmed minds. B0t / fl0w - ch@rt poses many questions regarding artificial intelligence. How can they help humankind? What are they capable of? Has technology gone too far?

 With all these unique art installations, it would be interesting to know what is going through Tony Oursler’s creative mind. Thankfully, he has shared his musings and thought processes through his works of art. Read more about Tony Oursler and his unique artwork at Ocula.com. 

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How to Choose the Best Trampoline for Your Child

Trampolining is a great way to keep your child active and entertained outdoors. But if you want your child to enjoy many years of trampoline fun, you’ll need a trampoline that is strong, durable and safe. Here are a few key things to look for when choosing a trampoline:

 Strong Safety Features

 A strong safety net is one of the most important features of a trampoline. The last thing you want is your child getting hurt. A safety net will prevent your child from bouncing off the trampoline or falling through a gap. If you’re looking for the highest quality nets, you can’t go wrong with a Jumpflex trampoline. Jumpflex’s trampoline nets are made of 100% strength polyester, which will last for many years to come.

 Curved safety poles can also help to improve the safety of a trampoline. Ideally, the trampoline poles should have enough distance from the net to allow more space for jumping. If the poles are well-curved, it prevents the risk of dangerous collisions. These safety measures give your child the opportunity to spin, jump, twirl to their heart’s desire!

 Since your child will be spending time outdoors, they need good protection from the sun. This is particularly important for younger children who have a high risk of sun damage. To prevent this risk, choose a trampoline with a sunshade. Make sure the shade is the appropriate height for your child’s size and age.

Strength & Durability

 For ultimate durability and strength, buy a trampoline with UV resistant mats. These mats will ensure your trampoline stay in good condition for many years. Depending on your local weather, anchor kits may also be a good investment. These safety extras are designed to prevent damage to your trampoline in high winds. They will peg your trampoline to the ground and prevent it from flying away.

 Fun Accessories

 Once you’ve found a safe and strong trampoline, you can look for fun accessories and extras. There are loads of trampoline toys and games on the market that make trampolining extra fun. From basketball hoop attachments to sprinklers, there is something that every child can enjoy. Getting a few games for your trampoline will encourage your child to stay active all summer long.

 Finding the perfect trampoline

 Safety and durability are the key things to look for when buying a trampoline. The safer and stronger your trampoline is, the more freedom your child will have while jumping and twirling. Plus, it will give you peace of mind as a parent knowing your child is well-protected.

Photo from Pixabay

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How to Promote Your Company Culture to Attract the Right Candidates

Your employees are a crucial aspect of your company, but how do you attract the right people to work for you?

Having a great company culture is not only a key aspect of recruiting the right candidates, but also retaining them. Employees nowadays look for certain things in a company, and it’s important to promote your company culture in the right way.

Here are a few ways to promote your company culture to ensure that you attract the right candidates.

Please read the full article here. How to Promote Your Company Culture to Attract the Right Candidates

Photo by Canva Studio from Pexels 

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How to Start Your Own Engineering Practice

So you want to start your own engineering practice? Becoming an independent engineering consultant can be very lucrative. It also gives you freedom over the work you do. But it is a very different lifestyle than working for an engineering firm. There are several important items to consider before taking the plunge.

Kindly read the full article here.  How to Start Your Own Engineering Practice

Photo credit: Pxhere

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Hope for the Mighty Tiger: India’s Tiger Conservation Efforts

The tiger is no doubt one of the world’s most fascinating and majestic animals, but for this big cat to survive for many more future generations, humans must make an intentional effort to help them survive. The population of this magnificent species is currently under intense threat as a result of poaching, habitat loss and various other human-related factors.

Please read the full article here.  Hope for the Mighty Tiger: India’s Tiger Conservation Efforts Photo by Michael Green on Unsplash

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Guide to Backpacking in New Zealand

There’s a reason why thousands of backpackers flock to New Zealand for the summer. With stunning scenery, famous Kiwi hospitality, and unbeatable facilities, Aotearoa has all the ingredients a backpacker needs for a fantastic adventure abroad.

Wondering where to start with planning your adventure? Start with this handy guide, and you’ll be on your way.

1.    Buy from supermarkets

Although we all dream of being able to eat out at fine-dining establishments for every meal, you usually have to be a little more economical with your diet when you’re backpacking. Luckily, NZ boasts great supermarkets where you can get a tasty feed on the cheap (Pak’n’Save and Countdown are particularly easy on the wallet).

For all your fresh produce, you might consider hitting up one of New Zealand’s many fantastic local markets. Whether you’re staying in a small town or a big city, there’s bound to be a Saturday morning market just around the corner where you can get a taste of NZ’s top-quality fruit and veg.

2.    Take advantage of the campsites

New Zealand is a country of keen campers, which is probably why you’ll find some of the best campsites in the globe there. Pitch your tent in any of the Top 10-rated holiday parks across the South and North Islands, and you won’t regret it.

3.    Rent a car

New Zealand’s public transport and rail system doesn’t cover some of the most rural regions, which means there are plenty of corners of the country that are accessible only by car. Since these are often the most beautiful corners of all, you’ll want to see them for yourself – so it makes sense to rent a car for the duration of your stay.

Especially if you’re travelling in a group, renting a car is a fairly economical option that will allow you to go wherever you want to, whenever you feel like it!

4.    Consider going in the off-season

While it’s true that Kiwi summers are some of the most decadently perfect seasons for swimming at the beach, diving into estuaries, climbing local hills, and tucking into ice cream, know that the warmer months also bring filled-to-the-brim hostels and increased activity prices. You’ll save some serious cash if you plan your trip for the winter, instead (anytime from about June). And don’t worry: you’ll still be able to do all the things you wanted to originally, only now you’ll have snow sports to add to the list!

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Tips on Caring for Roller Blinds

 There’s a lot to love about roller blinds, which is probably why they’re one of the most popular types of blinds on the market. Even high-quality roller blinds are typically cheaper than Venetian blinds or heavy curtains – as well as being easy to install and ideal for customised light control.

However, like all blinds, roller blinds gather dust easily and can quickly wear out if they’re not cared for properly. If you’re in the market for roller blinds and want to know how best to maintain them, here are some pro tips:

DO….

Clean them gently

There are multiple methods for removing the dust and grime from your blinds. One way is to use the smallest brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and, with your vacuum turned to the lowest setting, sucking up all of the dirt from the fabric. You can also wipe the blinds in a horizontal motion with a damp cloth. Many homeowners also choose to steam clean their blinds – before trying this method, first ensure the fabric of your blinds is washable.

Pay attention to them often

Make a weekly habit out of cleaning your roller blinds – it’s much easier to sweep away the dust every few days than it is to undo months and months of build-up. If you usually vacuum every weekend, try making a rule to clean your blinds at the same time, and kill two birds with one stone. This will also give you the chance of seeing whether any new stains have appeared on your blinds so that you can address them immediately.

DON’T…

Use harsh cleaners or detergents

Chemical-ridden cleaners and detergents can cause permanent damage to the fabric of your roller blinds – and in any case, there’s really no reason to use them. If you do happen upon a stain, a great trick to use is lukewarm water and gentle soap, which you then apply with a wrung-out sponge to the affected area.

Rub too vigorously

Even roller blinds, which are typically made from pretty hardy materials, need some TLC when it comes to cleaning. Always dab gently rather than rubbing, and be careful not to use a cloth that will cause too much friction. If you’re using the vacuuming method, furthermore, make sure you’re only hovering the brush head over the fabric, rather than making contact with the bristles.

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How to Effectively Handle Employee Complaints

There's no denying that companies have its fair share of complaints from employees - even the smoothest running one. They are more often than not, a warning sign to a bigger problem. That's why it's vital to handle employee complaints as quickly and efficiently as possible and here are the things that you need to keep in mind.

Please read the full article here. How to Effectively Handle Employee Complaints Photo by Venveo on Unsplash

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The Symbiotic Relationship – Mutual Benefits in the Workplace

Building a good relationship with the people around you has many benefits. In the workplace, it fosters a more productive, collaborative and positive environment from which the whole organisation can highly benefit. Having a meaningful relationship with coworkers doesn't happen overnight, but you can get started by treating them nicely and making a genuine effort to get to know them to form a deeper connection.

Please read the full article here.  The Symbiotic Relationship – Mutual Benefits in the Workplace

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

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Motivation: How to Motivate the Unmotivated

Keeping yourself motivated is hard enough, more so, when you're a manager in charge of picking up your troop's morale. The role comes with high expectations such as creating a positive and productive culture with your team that it's no wonder you can feel burnt out at times. But that can be easily fixed by drawing out some inspiration on tips we've come up to help you bring back that spark of motivation you and your team needs.

Kindly read the full article here. Motivation: How to Motivate the Unmotivated

Photo by Emma Matthews on Unsplash

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Things to Pack on Your Baby’s First Day Out

Being out in the sun and feeling the fresh breeze of air in your skin is very much exciting. Especially so for babies...hearing their giggles, you can't help but feel giggly too! Their first day out can be a bit overwhelming when everything you need is within arm's reach for so long - that you can't figure out which things to pack for a day out. Lucky for you, we're here to help you fill in the blanks so you could have a lovely time with your baby.

Please read the full article here. Things to Pack on Your Baby’s First Day Out Photo by Colin Maynard on Unsplash

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What The Power Of Play Truly Means For Your Child

There's more to playing than just having fun. Yes, that's right! According to current research, there's a correlation between playing and kids’ expedited development. The link between the two is so marked that many educators have come to view the importance of play in early childhood development. To get a better picture of what playing can mean to your child, keep reading.

Kindly read the full article here. What The Power Of Play Truly Means For Your Child Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

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3 Ways Technology is Changing the Healthcare System

Looking around, you could see the rapid development in technology, especially in our healthcare sector. Adapting to new technology means changing how we do things in the healthcare system, both by patients and professionals.  To get a better idea, go over the ways technology is changing the healthcare system.

Kindly read the full article here.  3 Ways Technology is Changing the Healthcare System

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

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Top 4 Benefits of Travelling Abroad

Travelling is a lifestyle or a way of life for some people, for others, it's a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whatever your reasons for travelling, it is undeniable the many benefits you could get out of it, especially when you go out of your comfort zone and explore the world. If you're still thinking about it, these reasons might be the little push you need to start your adventure.

Read the full article here. Top 4 Benefits of Travelling Abroad Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash