Category Archives: Mind Uploading

Amid the pandemic, millions turned to TikTokthe short-form content app originally called Musical.lyfor solace. For months, lip-syncing and eight counts of elbow jabs and windmills took the place of doomscrolling. And for those not rhythmically inclined, there was a neck of the TikTok woods for everyone to discover from true crime to tech and, of course, one of the fastest-growing areas on the platform, beauty.

Beauty TikToka corner of the app where users can find 60-second product reviews, makeup transformations, hair tutorials, and more, became a beast on its own. The space is currently in a "hyper-growth phase," according to Olga Pelovangu, the global brand partnerships for beauty and tech at TikTok.

And with over 67.9B views on the hashtag beauty alone, the vertical even has the power to sell out a cult-favorite lipstick overnight. The appeal of beauty TikTok is understandable; long product reviews, tutorials, and educational videos are formed into bite-sized mini clips that make it easier for users to digest information. On the app, anyone with a ring light, iPhone, and a down-to-earth personality can become a star, unlike competitor YouTube, where multiple camera light sources, a quality high-definition DSLR camera, and a "certain look" was the formula for climbing up the ranks on the site.

TikTok allows creators to be, whether they're a board-certified dermatologist with a few extra hours on hand to respond to other users' burning skincare questions or a regular girl from Massachusetts testing out new products while "swearing like a sailor" in-between her makeup application. Unfortunately, navigating beauty TikTok can be overwhelming, especially when a straightforward hashtag yields millions, sometimes billions, of video results and a slew of questions such as, Who's the best in hair to follow? What dermatologist can I trust for product recommendations? Do I need this new foundation?

To cut through the noise, we created our very own TikTok Beauty Universitya guide to popular creators who have mastered the art of schooling users in hair, makeup, and skincare. So when they speak, we listen, we buy, we repeat.

Welcome to TikTok Beauty University. What class will you head to today?

Think of Dr. Camille Howard-Verovic as your guardian skincare angel. If youve ever skipped out on wearing sunscreen one day and felt like someone was watching you, chances are youve come across Dr. Camilles TikTok account. Her advice and recommendations come off as a concerned big sister or best friend reminding viewers constantly to wear sunscreen and not believe everything that goes viral on the app. Skeptical about a product? Dr. Howard-Verovic uses her platform to debunk the silliest skincare trends. She initially joined TikTok in May 2020 to see what was appealing to her TikTok-obsessed niece. I quickly found that the platform was an excellent medium to educate my audience about skin health. I also realized there was lots of skincare misinformation, and I wanted to address some crazy skin trends, she explains.

Like the time she came across the trend of people using menstrual blood to treat acne. Im happy that people are excited about skincare and skin health. But It doesnt have to be complicated, and you dont need a 10 step routine to have healthy skin, she adds. One of the most rewarding parts of being on TikTok is helping those who look like her find better ways to treat their skin woes. Dermatology is a dynamic specialty in which there is a healthy mix of procedures and clinical decision-making. I find so much in having an answer for my colleagues and patients, she says. I think it is important to be a Black physician on social media. After about six months on TikTok, I received so many messages from young women who want to be dermatologists.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Finipil Lait 50 Antiseptic Cream, $17; amazon.com

Shocker, working at a furniture store is as dull as youd expect. When Alessandro took a job at his local furniture store, he would often sneak out to browse the aisles at the Ulta Beauty store located next door. I would leave my job and walk around Ulta Beauty for hours, talking to the employees and swatching makeup. I'd spend a good two hours out of my work shift at Ulta every day, just hanging out with the employees, he recalls. When the pandemic hit, Alessandro was laid off and turned to TikTok to respite from his woes. I remember I applied for unemployment. But that was a blessing in disguise because I was able to focus my time on TikTok. Right now, it's my full-time job, he says. A job that has garnered 47 million likes, over 822,000 followers, and a shout-out from Selena Gomez since he first joined in April 2020. Gomez reacted to his video using the brand's setting spray and exposed him to a larger audience. Whether reviewing high-end or drugstore products, Alessandros audience can always expect genuine takes on the industrys buzziest products.If its not worth the buy, Alessandro will let you know in a heartbeat. I say what's on everyone's mind, you know?" he says. "I feel like people appreciate the transparency."

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist, $24; sephora.com

To command the attention of 6.6 million followers on TikTok on the giant topic of skincare is no easy feat. But thats the beauty of Hyram Yarbros pagehis takes on beauty and skincare are anything but boring. Cocktailing humor, authenticity, and research together, Hyrams following turns to him for unfiltered reviews on the skincare industrys buzziest products. Through his platform, he hopes to make information accessible for those who cant afford a visit to the derm's office. Growing up, Hyram wished he had someone like himself to introduce him to skincare.

Raised on a cattle ranch in Arizona, Hyram was only aware of skincare's luxury experience rather than the actual benefits. In Arizona, the humidity level was so low Hyram struggled with severe eczema breakouts. Once he moved to Hawaii for college, the humidity helped to hydrate his skin. But after experiencing breakouts during college due to stress and lack of sleep, Hyrams friends recommended that he start investing in skincare products. I have combination skin," he adds. "So my struggles put me in a good position to be able to trial all different kinds of products to be able to recommend to my audience because they have different skin types." On TikTok, he excels in the duet format in which creators can build upon another creators video by uploading a side-by-side clip reacting to the original video. Adopting this formula has allowed him to debunk skincare myths, respond to his audiences concerns, and inject humor in product reviews. However, he lives by one rule only: sunscreen is the most critical step in a skincare routine.

Yearning to make a bigger impact in skincare outside of TikTok, Hyram founded his own namesake label Selfless by Hyram earlier this year. "The idea of Selfless by Hyram was to show people that we can make a positive difference in the world through skincare, but also on the business side. We, as businesses, have so many opportunities to do so much more to leave a bigger impact on the world rather than just take from customers," he says. The best part about creating his line was tailoring products to concerns culled straight from his comment section.

TikTok is also grounds for making derms, estheticians, and influencers shriek in fear due to many DIY skin hacks. What Tiktok has introduced is the importance of preventative, not reversive skincare," he says. "So theres this perspective shift where people are taking care of their skin so that they can prevent that long-term damage, and that's what skincare is about."

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Evenprime Barrier Serum, $36; amazon.com

For Seun Okimi, her first memory of beauty was feeling like the other in a world that praised European beauty standards. I was wondering: Why didn't I fit into the beauty standard that I saw around me? Why am I different?" she says. So Okimi diverted her attention to the art of reinvention and began learning the process of crafting different hairstyles by installing wigs and weaves. She quickly realized that she could create a slew of styles that Black women could also try when they wanted to be different. She cut her teeth as a content creator on YouTube but turned to TikTok more recently. Her TikTok page is very unlike the content she was creating on YouTube.

With each video she uploads, sh,e teaches her audience never to lose hope or patience when it comes to your hair. I think a lot of people have this idea that their hair won't grow. So Im showing that we can grow our hair, or even if it is short, it's beautiful to have short hair as well, she says.

Okimi takes an educational approach to her videos, teaching her audience how to care for protective styles, install natural-looking wigs, and prevent breakage and shedding on 4C hair. "To feel beautiful, we feel like we have to do so much to our hair and struggle," she says. "We don't have to struggle so much to get to where we want with our beauty. We are beautiful without struggle."

TikTok Made Me Buy It: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, $8; ulta.com

Dermatologists have a bad rep of not always being the most personable, but with TikTok, Dr. Shah aims to show his audience that dermatologists arent robots. When you see a dermatologist in the office, the patient and doctor have to build that trust, so you feel comfortable opening up," says Dr. Shah. "Its the same thing on TikTok. I get so many messages from people who tell me they went to a dermatologist because of my videos and they found skin cancer, or that they finally got onto an active prescription treatment and their skin is getting better from my product recommendation."

He offers some more wisdom for TikTok users. When you're authentic, people will see that, and then more organic opportunities will come to you, he advises. Always be skeptical when something's going viral, whether it's good or bad. If a product is the best product ever, ask yourself, Is it really? Do I personally really need it? Finally, always think about why you're buying what you're buying.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $30; nordstrom.com

On Makeup By Tammis page, everything is better with a littleerr, a lot ofcolor. In a world of soft glam mugs, Makeup By Tammi and her dramatic purple winged liner looks stick out amongst the crowd. The London makeup artists aesthetic is not for the faint of heart; eyeliners and eyeshadows bend to her will as she draws cow spots around her eye in one video and a smoky sunset eye in another. At the height of the pandemic, she launched her Bandana Series, in which she selected a random bandana shade to base her makeup look. People should have fun with their makeup; add colors or graphic liners, there are no rules, she says. A lot of people can be intimidated by bright makeup, but when they see it on someone, especially someone that looks like them, it can encourage them to try it.

Clarke enjoys watching and creating short yet concise videos that teach users how to take care of their skin and makeup in mini videos. Beauty TikTok is so amazing because it almost simplifies the process; it can show people they can take care of their skin with just three simple steps, or how to make their makeup last longer with just two steps, she adds. Her favorite makeup tip? Use a little powder before foundation if you have oily skin like me because it buys you a few extra hours wear before the oils come through the foundation, she advises.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: L.A. Girl Pro Matte Mixing Pigment, $10; ulta.com

Mikayla Nogueira may opt for soft yet stunning makeup looks now, but her entry into the makeup world began with blood, zombies, and clowns. I was eight years old when I discovered makeup for the first time. My dad ran a top-rated haunted house attraction, and I got to watch special effects makeup artists every single day doing this crazy Halloween makeup on people. I was fascinated by it, she says. By 15, she joined her fathers haunted house as a makeup artist and even decided to take on prom and wedding clients. I was obsessed with [makeup]; I didn't care about anything else. Makeup was my whole life. I would have done anything for makeup, she says. Until she became discouraged by the lack of beauty gurus who she could relate to. My dream was to be social media beauty star. I wanted to make a bigger impact. But I felt like I didn't fit the mold of what was accepted in the beauty realm. And I didn't think that that was possible for me, she remembers. After facing several rejections from top makeup retailers, Nogueira was convinced makeup wasnt the path she should embark on. Then, Ulta called back and offered her a job. Then, the pandemic happened, and she was suddenly out of a job with a lot of free time on her hands. Enter: TikTok.

I kept watching hours worth of TikTok and loved how cool the app was. The catfish challenge was popping off at the time where you show a before and after of yourself in glam, she says. At first, her years-long acne struggles discouraged her from posting the video, but she uploaded it anyway and went viral. If her goal was to teach people to be their unapologetic selves, she also had to walk the walk. I'm unapologetically and authentically myself in my videos," she says. "And I will never change that. I will never try to be someone I'm not because my biggest value that I have as a person is just to be myself."

Fans of Nogueira love her intricate eyeshadow designs just as much as they love her thick Boston accent. I swear like a sailor and that who I am, she says proudly. Just dont call her an influencer. Yes, I heavily influence people, and I've had these viral videos that have caused makeup artists to sell out. But in my opinion, that's just a result of me having a good time and me showing people that makeup can be fun and it's not so serious. I'm a beauty content creator. I create fun, energetic, authentic, unique content, Nogueira adds.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Kryolan Ultra Setting Spray, $39; amazon.com

You go to Deborahs TikTok page for natural hair tips, but stay for a masterclass in the art of transformation. When shes not morphing her natural hair into twists or puffs or wigs, shes offering natural hair product recommendations or tips for growing your hair in under a minute. I slowly noticed the lack of representation for people with kinky/coily hair while scrolling through my FYP. I decided that there wasnt enough relatable or helpful content for people who look like me and have my hair texture, so I decided to be a part of that representation, she says of her account, which boasts over 123,000 followers and over 5.6 million likes. The message of Deborah Oguches platform is simple: Type 4 hair is worth caring for and worth celebrating, Oguche says.

The lightbulb moment to start creating her own hair love content didnt spark until September 2020, when she joined TikTok in the thick of the pandemic. So by December 2020, the biology student at Temple University picked up a new side hobby: creating relatable content for people who type-4 hair.I want to build a community where all hair textures are uplifted and represented, she adds. If I can be the reason just one person out there starts their hair love journey, I consider that a win for my platform.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Gold 'N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer, $50; ulta.com

Three years ago, Afsennahand her followersnoticed her hair was thinning. I got comments about my hair, which made me insecure, so I started to buy everything in the hopes that it would work, she explains. She turned to oiling her hair, as in lathering her strands with a slew of different oils, to strengthen her hair but was left hopeless. Instead of giving up, she began to research scalp care and specific ingredients for her hair type. She couldve chosen to gatekeep her discoveries but turned to TikTok in January 2021 to share her hair journey and tips. Having healthy, nice, and long hair is not only genetics. When you dont take care of your hair, your hair will get damaged regardless of whether you have the most beautiful hair. Prevention is everything, she tells ELLE.com. You can learn everything on Afsennahs page, from the difference between hair porosities to the best foods that promote hair growth to her very own hair routine. The self-professed BFF your hair needs, Afsennah, can be found in her TikTok comment section, answering her follower's questions, no matter how small. Her straightforward approach to the seemingly never-ending world of hair oil keeps her 293,000 followers coming back for more.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Yootech Wireless Charger, $14; amazon.com

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An Extensive Guide on Who To Follow on Beauty TikTok in the Haircare, Makeup, and Skincare Space - ELLE.com

If you dont hear one, dont worry another will be along soon, was the philosophy pop used to revolve around in the days before algorithms and smart speakers.

Back then you couldnt move for catchy songs in major keys, choruses you could yell, middle eights and cute little guitar solos. Welcome to the world of mass consumption.

Brighton quartet Fur appeared to still be clutching that memo over twenty-five years past its eat by date when in 2017 they scored a completely unexpected coup after uploading their first single If You Know That Im Lonely to YouTube.

Suddenly, from playing compact and bijou hometown venue Sticky Mikes Frog Bar, the band William Murray, guitarist Harry Saunders, bassist William Tav Taverner and drummer Flynn Whelan were getting offers to play venues twenty times its size, from exotic places like Indonesia. So far, the distinctly Beatles sounding tune has piled up streams in the tens of millions.

Critics snarked about blatant attempts to surf the AI waves to glory (an accompanying video with the lads doing a passable Monkees impression didnt help) but when youre hot, youre hot, right?

Well, wrong. Sort of. Its taken four years to get from that overnight success to getting their debut album out, but Murray and co. have remained sanguine about it, releasing the lo-fi stopgap Facing Home mixtape in 2020, and now arriving here in an assured, collective state of mind.

They wisely choose not to include their millstone/moneymaker (depending on your perspective) amongst the eleven tracks here, but anyone expecting radical departures (or anything you could class as radical at all) has on this basis definitely confused their Radios One and Two.

No matter though, because when youre sort of writing for all the people who only know one of your songs the job is to gently wean them off the Abbey Road-isms of your past, and for the most part When You Walk Away does the job nicely.

Perhaps illustrating the dilemma they faced, the title-track comes in two renditions, one at the beginning and then again at the end. Part 1 (hey, this is what they called it) is a jangle overture which appears to have spent some time in close proximity to an early Strokes record, but satisfies neatly enough.

Last but not least, the Cast-esque second stanza boldly embraces environmental issues by recycling the chords from its twin but winds its way downtempo and lasts a climactic five minutes plus; with a trace of sax to round things out, its also comfortably the better version of the two.

The rest sounds like feeding tokens into an indie jukebox; Anybody Else But Me is so sugary your dentist would probably warn you about it whilst To Be Next To Her and Shes The Warmest Colour Of My Life still have Alan McGee on hold. The wistful strum of No Good For You provides a moment of introspection, but What I Ams icky retro-gloop never escapes the box with token written on it.

So, is this all this a plan, or just dumb luck? Fur reckon that its down to fate, saying: Theres something looking over us a natural development of patience and how we perceive things.

When You Walk Away is just about good enough to make you care which, but a hit factory needs better finished articles than this.

Andy Peterson

See more here:

Fur - When You Walk Away | Album Review | Live4ever - Live4ever

Twas the night before Christmas... and your child was desperate to open a present. Sound familiar? We thought so.

Christmas Eve has a tendency to be a bit of a rollercoaster. Its the last day to get your ducks in a row and the kids excitement levels are through the roof.

Much like leaving a mince pie or swig of the strong stuff out for Father Christmas, and a carrot or two for his fleet of reindeers, the Christmas Eve box is becoming quite the festive tradition. It allows kids to open a present a day early, and is a lovely way to kickstart the celebrations. But which one should you buy?

How we tested

Christmas Eve came early for our two little testers, aged three and five years old. Together, we looked at a range of boxes both pre-filled and empty suitable for the job. We paid close attention to the festive detailing, the size of the box in question and gave extra kudos for those that could be personalised.

Of course, price was under close inspection too, given not only the expense of Christmas, but the contents that may be required to put in the box too.

Read more:

The best Christmas Eve boxes for 2021 are:

Best: Overall

Rating: 9/10

Personalisation adds to the magic of Christmas and, naturally, the personalisation experts at My 1st Years are offering a selection of unique Christmas paraphernalia, from decadent decorations to enchanting gifts, for 2021. Before the big day though, kick proceedings off with this charming Christmas Eve box. Theres complimentary personalisation up to 12 letters, and the boxs dimensions are 28.1cm x 16.3cm x 14.2cm, meaning theres room for a teddy, a pair of socks, Christmas jumper and any extra festive fodder you fancy. We love the American airmail-inspired design, complete with cute star handle for easy opening. Made from plywood, the quality is impressive and will see you through plenty of Christmas Eves to come. Time to start a new tradition, we think.

Best: For toddlers

Rating: 9/10

A dead giveaway that theres only one more sleep to go is a new pair of pyjamas to cosy up with on Christmas Eve. Baby and childrens specialist, JoJo Maman Bb has gone one step further by creating this beautifully presented Christmas Eve pyjama gift set. Untie the ribbon and inside youll find cotton reindeer pyjamas with tartan bottoms, adorable matching reindeer slippers with a Velcro fastening, and a stocking to hang out in anticipation of the big day. Only available from ages 18 months to two years, while your toddler mightnt show quite as much appreciation as the doting parents, this is a festive fanfare which will see you uploading #babyspam in no time at all.

Best: For playing

Rating: 9/10

Orchard Toys is the king of educational games. We recently crowned its famous shopping list game (8.50, Orchardtoys.com) our best buy in our review of the best kids memory games, and continue to be impressed with the brand. This dedicated Christmas Eve box features a festive version of the award-winning shopping list matching memory game, with the trolley replaced by a stocking, and a 20-piece jigsaw puzzle. Designed for ages three to six, were confident this will occupy overexcited kids.

Best: Luxury box

Rating: 9/10

Want to add a touch of luxe to the night before Christmas? Available in sizes two to seven years, this Christmas Eve box from Selfridges is the most indulgent of all the boxes we tested. At 70, its a little pricey, but we think its a seasonal showstopper. So, whats inside? Every child deserves to snuggle up to a soft Jellycat toy on Christmas Eve, and it doesnt get much more apt than a furry penguin. Its Polar Express paperback book makes for a wonderful pre-Christmas read, but the real standout product for us are the navy star pyjamas. With an all-over satin texture, these 100 per cent cotton pyjamas have gorgeous gold star embroidery and pearlescent buttons making them the perfect pair of PJs to fall asleep in on a special night, and wake up in on the most magical day of the year.

Best: Gift experience

Rating: 8/10

Now, for something a little different, look no further than a Christmas Eve box from the company that allows your family to have a live video call with Santa from the comfort of your home. Designed to be opened either before or during your call with Santa, or on Christmas Eve (its worth bearing in mind that the call is an additional 19.99), youll be sent a selection of Christmas-inspired paraphernalia. If you want to heighten your childrens experience, wed suggest sourcing an extra box to put the items in to add to the excitement. Youll get Santas bingo and Santas dice games to play as a family, two colouring-in sheets complete with four mini colouring pencils, a sachet of reindeer food a personal favourite as well as a letter from Chief Elf, and a fridge magnet.

Best: Festive-inspired design

Rating: 8/10

In the shape of a traditional gingerbread house, this Christmas Eve box is illustrated as a winter wonderland with Christmas trees, mince pies and snowmen to name but a few. Our favourite feature? It has to be the multicoloured pom-pom attachments sitting atop of the snowy roofed lid, mimicking Christmas lights. At nearly 20cm wide and 22cm tall, itll fit a handful of small festive treats. We love the fun design of this box, which is printed on recycled Kraft paper and is widely recyclable after use.

Best: For timelessness

Rating: 8/10

With plenty of space for fun festive treats (sized 30cm x 20cm x 13cm), this sturdy wooden Christmas Eve box from Hobbycraft is a classic. Inscribed with Christmas Eve Box and snowflake detailing, the light wood gives an understated Scandi feel. Fill this box up each year to celebrate the night before Christmas in a new family tradition.

Best: For versatility

Rating: 9/10

Not your conventional Christmas Eve box, but gold is part of the Christmas palette, right? American-born brand Meri Meri is known for its partyware and seasonal decorations, so naturally its set of cat suitcases clawed its way into our round-up. Made with some serious attention to detail, the suitcases are beautifully crafted from laminated card featuring brass buckles, neon cord stitching and gold leatherette handles (and ears, of course!). The large case is just the right size for pre-Christmas treats at 29cm wide, while the smaller one is 24cm wide, and will fit a few smaller objects. Okay, so its not full of yuletide cheer like many others in this round-up, but we think these suitcases will be used beyond Christmas Eve, making them a purrrrfect choice.

Best: For gifting from afar

Rating: 9/10

Have a chocolate lover in your household? Yes, youre not alone. This year Marks & Spencer has thought of it all with its Christmas letterbox gift, which we think makes a wonderful Christmas Eve gift if youre unable to be there in person. It may be compact enough to fit through your letterbox, but fear not, as its packed to the rafters inside. Containing some of M&Ss favourites, Colin the Caterpillar mint faces, and festive inspired Percy Pig sweeties, youll also find unusual suspects like tasty sprouts and minty snowballs. Theres also a little pack of Christmas jokes, which had the whole family chuckling.

Best: Purse-friendly option

Rating: 8/10

No peeking this Christmas Eve box is inexpensive at 7 and the cheapest of all that we reviewed. But it does the trick and is surprisingly sturdy given that its made of cardboard. At 28cm wide and a similar length in height, with just one more sleep to go, open the lid and fill with festive trinkets such as a small book, something edible and a little toy to cuddle up with before the big day arrives.

The personalised red Christmas Eve box from My 1st Years is a worthy winner for us. Made from sturdy wood, itll see you through many Christmas Eves, while the festive detailing provides Yuletide splendour. But the star on top of the tree has to be the complimentary personalisation, which is a magical touch!

For the latest discounts on Christmas presents, try the links below:

Swap plastic tat for durable, fun gifts this Christmas with our round-up of the best stocking fillers

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.

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10 best Christmas Eve boxes that will fill children with festive cheer - The Independent

MUMBAI: TV Actors Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta, who never disappoint their fans when it comes to uploading cute pictures on social media and setting up couple goals.

Personally and professionally, they have managed to strike the right chord, which is why they do not feel the need for anything else, including expanding their family. ( Also Read: OMG! Have a look at the massive transformation of Ravi Dubey post COVID)

Dubey had some time back taken to social media to announce that something good is happening in his life and he cannot wait to scream it from the rooftops. Fans naturally started speculating that he is going to become a father. But that didnt turn out to be true. There are no such plans. I love my fans and that they speculated out of joy. But somewhere, our wiring is a little off, he says.

As we probe further, the 37-year-old explains, The moment we see a couple happy for something, our first instinct is to go in that direction. There are a billion reasons we have been ecstatic in the eight years of our marriage. Very seldom this thought of going the family way has crossed our mind. There is no such plan, I dont see it in the near future, and I dont know, even in the further future. We are going organically.

Filled with gratitude for everything they have been able to achieve, Dubey adds that as a unit, they want to inspire people around them. If we are able to motivate them, our lives would be worthwhile. Anything that is a socially accepted norm of joy may not be necessarily relevant to us, says the actor.

In an industry where it was thought earlier that getting married was akin to committing suicide, Dubey and Mehta very proudly went ahead. He says this thought didnt cross his mind even for half a second.

He elaborates, Us getting into a relationship was organic, and so was getting married. These are not things that you strategise. Marriages are the most fantastic institution. Aaap beeti bataun toh humein yeh phali thi, hai aur rahegi (we prospered from it before, do now and will in the future too).

The actress, Sargun Mehta has been a part of many music videos as well, she rose to fame even further after her song Titliyan Wargaa. ( Also Read: Here how Ravi Dubeys life changed with Sargun! Know More)

Credit: HT

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Ohh! Very seldom has the thought of going the family way has crossed our mind, Ravi Dubey on embracing PARENTHOOD - Tellychakkar

From mantras to meditation, mindfulness to manifestation, Well Intentioned offers an intimate look at how to make space for self-care in meaningful ways, big and small.

I first learned about Jay Shetty about five years after he launched his mission to make wisdom go viral, via an extremely credible source: Jennifer Ansiton. Thats so awesome, Shetty says with a laugh, flashing a warm smile across our shared Zoom screen. Shettya business school grad-turned-monk who has leveraged his motivational speeches and self-help philosophies into a coaching career that has attracted CEOs, celebrities, and millions of people who seek weekly guidance from his YouTube channel, podcasts, and speaking eventshas logged on to drop some knowledge about yet another way you, too, can be mindful and stay present: drinking tea.

One of my earliest memories is getting picked up from school by mom and wed have a cup of tea and shed ask me how my day was, says Shetty, 34, who just launched Sama, a line of four adaptogenetic teas, with his wife, Radhi Devlukia-Shetty. My parents were very busy, they were both immigrants working extremely long hours, but I started to equate love and presence and energy with tea time with my mom. When Shetty and Devlukia-Shetty got married five years ago, they started their own tea rituala few minutes every morning to connect over a bespoke herbal potion Devlukia-Shetty would blend before their days took them in different directions and just as the pandemic hit, Shetty had a realization: Ive always wanted to make mindfulness, presence, stillness, wellness easier for people. And I thought, How can I make people more aware of how to do this in a way they will remember it?

Tea is very British and very Indian," concedes Shetty, who grew up in London with Indian parents, and now lives in Los Angeles. But its metamorphic significance can be applied across borders, even in a country where coffee is king: You cant rush tea. You have to sip it slowly, he points out, noting the way the soothing elixir forces you to slow down and just...breathe. This is precisely the kind of simple hack that informs many of Shettys extremely relatable lessons on lifeand wellness (below), a juggernaut he prefers to approach with mini moments of reflection versus anything too unattainable and unrealistic. Case in point: even just pivoting away from that episodic TV series you (and I) rely on to relax can do a world of good for our ability to actually wind down. Something to consider the next time you queue up 30 Rock. Again.

I used to spend hours trying to find something to watch. Watching something dissatisfying. Then going to sleep. Or uploading cliffhanger chemicals into my mind and body. The simple answer to how to not do this is to make simple changes: make a really small switch and choose a documentary instead of that TV show. You don't want to read? Listen to an audiobook. It's starting with a small, mini replacement. People want deeper rest but when youre watching something thats flooding your mind with anxiety before going to bed of course youre going to have trouble sleeping. But Ive found that if youre learning something, it can also help your mind settle. A lot of us are numbing our creativity and numbing our own rest by activating ourselves with something external that isn't fueling or feeding us. If youre watching a TV show, why not take notes on something that blew your mind, or something youd like to research more about? Ask yourself, What lessons did I learn? What reference is in there? We can turn our entertainment into a healthy growth mindset. Its not that there isn't a benefit to entertainment. I love watching Ted Lasso! I just think there is a step further that we haven't explored.

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing hardcover by Daniel H. Pink

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Well Intentioned: Jay Shetty On Making Mindful Moments, Monotasking, and Re-setting With a Good Cup of Tea - Vogue

Wave Racers early ascent could be summarised as fervent activity followed by silence. In 2013, the Sydney future bass producer known as Tom Purcell became hot property in EDM after uploading Rock U Tonite and Stoopid bouncy bangers with phosphorous synths and basslines inspired by 90s video game aesthetics to SoundCloud. He went on to tour extensively, remix Snakehips mega-hit All My Friends, and drop the 2015 Flash Drive EP on Future Classic. Then he vanished, Jai Paul-style.

Purcell eventually re-emerged with 2019s hyperpop AUTO reminiscent of his pal Porter Robinson, all ravey beats and idiosyncratically spiky guitar. Closer listen to the android vocals reveal a darker subtext, Purcell quasi-rapping about battling industry pressures: Counterfeit / Make a hit / Yeah, automatic bass drum / This is fun / Yeah, supersonic / Feeling this / Its a hit.

The song appears on the first Wave Racer full-length, To Stop From Falling Off The Earth. Purcell picks up where AUTO left off and delivers a meta-commentary on accelerated fame and its attendant pressures, external and internal not necessarily the most typical subject matter for a debut. In the wonky opener All That I Can Do, with his voice pitched down, he laments, Theres something irresistible / About pretending that were miserable / Cause when everything is visible / Thats how to be an individual / Is it socially acceptable / For a petrified millennial / to be completely un-relatable?

Purcell hasnt recorded an archetypal DJ/producer album, stashed with buzzy guests. On this album of disarming glitch n guitar, hes the sole vocalist, musician and producer, focusing on songs over tracks and a broader sonic horizon. He revels in an apparent nostalgia for MTV synth-rock and 90s pop-punk, delivering punchy melodies, flashing keys and prominent guitar see the ballad Tell Me The News and the instrumental What Are We Waiting For?.

To Stop From Falling Off The Earth marks Purcells first time writing lyrics, and hes gone for a transparent and sincere approach. The album charts his experiences with doubt, anxiety and seclusion, in an era when, following Aviciis shock passing in 2018, mental health is no longer a taboo subject in dance music. Purcell expresses emotional depth, but retains that old whimsy and exuberance. His outlook is proactive and optimistic. The pulsating Look Up To Yourself is a hooky incantation against destructive hyper-perfectionism: Maybe Im the reason / That I find myself dissatisfied / With every aspect of my life / and Im just waiting for the perfect time.

Other songs, albeit less original, capture the aftermath of a broken relationship. Left Behind is especially raw, only Purcell isnt about castigating, but catharsis: Cause you cut me open / Tore me up and you left me broken / Yeah, you kicked me out / Took me down, six feet underground / And Im tryna get back all the pieces of my mind that I left behind.

With its modishly hybridised production, To Stop From Falling Off The Earth can be read as a strategic manoeuvre that gives Wave Racer opportunities to cross over, like Alison Wonderland or The Kite String Tangle. But, ultimately, the album succeeds because of its humanity, and how it transforms private tribulations into empowering pop that fosters connection in a time of isolation.

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Wave Racer To Stop From Falling Off The Earth review: Future bass producer pivots into a (b)rave new world - NME.com

LIKE A newly released character in Genshin Impact, Sarah Eliyas life was destined to always be in the spotlight. As a high school student, she became heavily involved with theater and musicals, and she even tried to showcase her passion for the arts by uploading music covers on her YouTube channel.

My path started with music and Ive always been really involved with music as in nag-piano lessons ako noong bata ako," Eliya told Spin.ph. "When I was in high school I was like obsessed with theatre and musical and then I would make covers and stuff. I have a piano and guitar and I learned how to sing.

Perhaps one day, she would be a recording artist. Or she would get a role in a musical. But that day never came. Unlike a new Genshin character, she was never the talk of the town. Instead her career felt like a lifeless NPC in Teyvat.

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For 7 years I was uploading YouTube music videos it never went anywhere because discovery is hard," she recounted.

Forced to look for other avenues to showcase her online creativity, leading Eliya to try her hand at being an Instagram influencer.

The Filipino Instagram influencer network is actually really large and I started getting inspired by the way people kinda turn themselves into their own models even though hindi sila naging typical model," she explained. "I really was inspired by that because I never viewed myself as stereotypically or conventionally attractive."

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She began releasing videos where she tested makeup and treated ukay-ukay stores as Teleport Waypoints. This became another creative outlet, leading to brand endorsement and ambassadorships.

And then the cataclysm known as the pandemic occurred.

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It became a lot of pressure," Eliya admitted, "because I was still doing that when quarantine and lockdown happened. It was weird like trying to keep up with everything because biglang ang dami nilang promo, everyone wants to promote something kase everyone is on lockdown.

The immense pressure forced her to abandon this pursuit. In fact, she says that she hasnt posted on her Instagram account for almost a year. This was also the time when she decided to play the popular gacha sensation known as Genshin Impact.

It was her boyfriend Halevy who introduced her to the game. But it was the character designs caught her eye, especially patch 1.1's Geo Archon, the god of contracts, and the games so-called simp symbol, Rex Lapis a.k.a. Zhongli.

His deep sexy voice and intriguing backstory, mixed with martial arts animations that rival Donnie Yen and Jet Li (take a look at this jaw-dropping trailer) and overpowered shields, made him into one of the most popular characters in the game. His arrival even skyrocketed miHoYos revenues.

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Her love for the game (or for Zhongli) suddenly opened up a new opportunity for Eliya. Maybe being a Genshin Impact content creator is her way of fulfilling Rex Lapis contract.

For her, the transition from musical YouTuber to Genshin streamer was a natural fit.

I guess its safe to admit that I like chasing the spotlight. In some ways, I like to do that Instagram stuff, I like making my own videos, I enjoy theatre, I enjoy acting. So in that time away from Instagram, I guess I couldnt stay away for long," Eliya reflected.

"So eventually that desire started popping up.

She even acknowledged that Halevy played the role of Paimon serving as Sarahs sidekick.

He told me that I could do it. That made a big difference because when it was my YouTube videos, when it was my music, Instagram, makeup and stuff, it was just me. As soon as I lose interest, theres nothing else to keep me going," she said. "But then if I have a partner to work on this with at least I have someone to fall back on in those moments of loss interest.

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Besides morale support, Halevy does majority of the editing work. He even theorycrafts with his partner, knowing that Sarah prefers thoughtful discussions over meme-worthy or degenerate content (*cough* Gimnaeng *cough*).

It was a new chapter in Sarahs story quest, letting go of the Sarah Eliya brand in favor of SevyPlays (or Sevy for short). Combining YouTube content and Twitch streaming, she was able to slowly grow her brand.

But like most story quest missions, theres always a conflict.

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Though the people on Narukami Island adored Yoimiya a new character only unveiled earlier this year for her fireworks display, the Genshin Impact community were left with mixed feelings.

In fact, the vast majority of players criticized her underwhelming gameplay.

Majority of Genshin YouTube content creators expressed their disappointments on her overall kit. But were a few who defended her. Sevy was one of them.

She even made a video proving that Yoimiyas damage is insane by revealing a truckload of Excel sheets, though there were some minor hiccups in her calculations that were immediately addressed.

I made a video that explains why Yoimiya is stronger than you think and it was like a calculation of how high her normal attack multipliers are kase ang taas talaga ng multipliers niya," Sevy recalled. "But I actually made an error in my calculations and I corrected it on my pinned comment.

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The video (which she made together with Halevy) rocketed to the top of the YouTube search algorithm for Genshin Impact... which in turn led to her discovery from one of the most notorious clout chasers in the community, Tectone.

Tectone even commented on her video, twisting the narrative to make Sevy look like a hypocrite.

A couple of days later, Tectone made a video about the whole hate going around Yoimiya and my video came up. And he said, Oh theres this video stating that Yoimiya is stronger than you think but if you looked at the pinned comment, she says shes actually bad. Thats not exactly what I said.

His comments triggered some anxiety in Sevy. Tectones legion of followers numbered in the millions, and could potentially harass her channel. Luckily for her, that never happened.

Or so she thought. After the release of her video, TenTen, another polarizing figure in the Genshin community, published a video explaining why Yoimiya is the worst 5-star character due to her questionable internal cooldown and auto-targeting.

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Sevy admitted that she didnt mind TenTens reactions on Yoimiya, but his community is what affected her.

He knows all of the internal mechanisms, the gauge theory and all of that, which is fine," she mused. "I just didnt appreciate how that cultivated such a toxic outlook on the character, and it was those people who came into my channel and other pro-Yoimiya channels.

And some would go as far as belittling her content. They even mocked her C6 Bennett a laughable decision in Genshin Impact, especially for theorycrafters.

Its as if defending Yoimiya or having a different opinion is as vile as awakening Osial or issuing a Vision Hunt Decree.

You'd think that the harassment she received would mean a noxious end to her streaming career.

But that wasnt the case. Yoimiya may be the most hated character due to her mechanics, but her backstory and character design made her well loved by some. The Yoimiya simps who were desperately looking for a champion (and an escape from the toxicity) finally found one. Support poured in for Sevy. Her followers skyrocketed due to her video and they appreciated how she managed to make C6 Bennett and Yoimiya into a lethal threat in the painstalking Spiral Abyss.

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And this even led to more opportunities.

Christian Banas, the English voiceover actor of Genshins Thoma and a proud Filipino, wanted to form an initiative where Filipino Genshin Impact voiceover talent and content creators would collaborate in a livestream event.

Among them are English voiceover actress, Anne Yatco, who voiced the Raiden Shogun, as well as Twitch streamers, SaladdinTheWise, purg_atory, TotallyNotAdrienne, and SevyPlays.

Together they named their stream Adobo After Effects: Genshin Gagos vs. UNO, where they played the popular card game UNO, only for them to shift to Gartic Phone due to a glitch.

Sevy recalled her excitement at meeting Banas.

It was the most exciting days of my streamer career so far because I suddenly interacted on Christian Banas' tweet and then he DMed me. And then he said, I wanna do a collab with Filipino Genshin streamers and purg recommended you, she said.

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And then, most recently, Sevy was accepted in the prestigious Genshin Impact Content Creator Program, which allowed her to receive privileges from miHoYo. Her subscriber count doubled from last month, amounting to more than 30,000 subs.

Like the Traveler that came to Teyvat, Sevy is slowly building her reputation across the Genshin community. In between streams, she would showcase her talents in singing, bringing joys to her community, just like how Yoimiya does with her fireworks display.

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SevyPlays: A profile of the Genshin Impact streamer - Sports Interactive Network Philippines

Tis the season to be happy!

But how many of us really feel that way?

The second half of the year arrives with a crispness in the air filled with the fervour of festivals and celebrations. However, they come with multiple responsibilities leading to stress and anxiety.

It is a proven fact that holiday parties are stressors, but they can be particularly stressful for people with social anxiety disorder. It is common to see people avoiding attending such activities. But, for the ones living away from home during festivals, sadness, anxiety and depression can trigger way too rapidly than in normal times clinically termed as festival blues.

Any new episode, exacerbation, pre-existing depression, or anxiety is termed as festival blues. It stems from the idea of what do I have to celebrate about? And a depressive temperament can ensue if the answer is not up to the persons expectations, says consultant psychiatrist and founder of The Free Mind Initiative, Dr Alpes Panchal.

What causes festival anxiety?

It is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed with stress during festival season, and mental health experts say that the expectation to have a perfect festival celebration causes depression. People anticipate a lot for the festival, which causes stress and ultimately leads to anxiety, says clinical psychologist Monica Sharma.

Another clinical psychologist Shyamolie Desai says that people who live away from home and are unable to join the family during festivals are more prone to anxiety and depression during this time.

When they see their friends uploading happy pictures of their celebrations on social media, they tend to compare and feel that they are falling short, which makes them depressed, she says.

While one may not understand the unsettled emotions during the festival time, Dr Panchal points out some early signs to watch out for poor sleep, decreased hunger and happiness.

The symptoms elevate in people who already suffer from depression. But, sometimes people develop anxiety during social occasions such as weddings, social gatherings and festivals, where they have to meet many people, or a lot of planning and execution is needed, says the psychiatrist. He adds that the younger generation of urban dwellers is more vulnerable to this.

Dont compare

While one may want to make the festival grander and extravagant, experts suggest that one shouldnt let the preparations and celebrations become something to dread.

Instead, one should take steps to prevent stress during festivals and holidays. Desai recommends not to compare oneself with other peoples perceived lifestyle on social media.

It is better to maintain a balanced life and not to compare it with friends portrayed realities on social media. One should exercise regularly and pursue hobbies because doing something that you like will keep you busy and away from any comparison, says the psychologist.

According to Dr Panchal, those who are already receiving mental health treatment must go for a consultation before or after the festival season. Any person experiencing these symptoms for the first time can visit any mental health professional, depending on the severity of the symptoms. But the ones already undergoing treatment should visit for evaluation before or after the celebration, he suggests, adding that relatives shouldnt expect the patient to be in tune with everyones feelings. They have a problem and they are dealing with it, which relatives may not agree with. They have to understand that they have to be little empathetic with them and help them deal with the situation, he says.

Create awareness

Despite talks and ample awareness initiatives around mental health, it is still considered taboo and festival blues, in addition, maybe an alien concept for many, unlike the West.

And just as there are several factors that can contribute to anxiety and depression, there is equally a higher risk to endure them during festivals. In the West, it is a known fact that anxiety or depression rises during festival time. At times, people can start feeling anxious even if they arent prone to it. But in India, people cannot fathom the idea that there is a problem even if everything around is good. People have to understand that humans are ruled by the mind and not the environment, says Dr Panchal.

Dr Sharma adds that open communication is the best way to create awareness on the issue. The conditions are not always diagnosed, but rather managed effectively by adopting a few strategies in daily life. So, if an individual is feeling low, they should talk, and family members should be open to listening.

It is true that our society creates a whole facade about festivities, from decorations to celebrations and the pressure to be happy. However, it is important to understand that the real spirit of celebration comes from within.

How to cope

1. Plan your festivities in advance.

2. Dont isolate yourself.

3. Dont seek perfection.

4. Seek help.

5. Exercise.

6. Stay away from caffeine.

7. Spend some time relaxing.

8. Drink lots of water.

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Diwali 2021: Heres what causes festival anxiety and ways to beat it - Free Press Journal

STUFF

It's time to show the world Kiwis have better internet than the Aussies.

Who likes being beaten by Australia? No-one, that's who! And while the Aussies might give us a run for the money in the cricket and are known to field a rugby team, there is one area where New Zealand is head and shoulders, er, ahead of our trans-Tasman mates. Internet speeds. And now, you can do your bit and stick it to the West Island simply by speed testing your connection. This article will explain how, and why.

But first, cast your mind back for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. OK, so this one probably won't be sepia-tinted, but might instead induce a wince. Remember those jingling jangling modems we once used? Those things signified the use of copper phone wires for internet connections, once upon a time known as dial-up, with a PTSD-inducing tone included. We once thought 56 kilobits per second was pretty fast, before 'advanced' copper technologies like ADSL2 and VDSL hit the market.

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The Ultrafast Broadband network is estimated to be available for 99.8 per cent of Kiwis by 2023.

Thankfully, all that is history. Announced in 2011 and with a rollout starting in 2015, the Ultrafast Broadband network is in an advanced state of completion. The latest Connectivity Update expects that by next year, 87 per cent of New Zealanders will have access, increasing to a whopping 99.8 per cent by 2023. Not bad for a sparsely populated nation of mountains, valleys and other hard to reach places.

What that all means for you, is a truly fast connection. Not just in relation to the old jingler jangler (a 'standard' 100 Mbps connection is about 2,000 times faster than a 56k modem; connections of up to 80 times faster than the 100Mbps are readily available), but in relation to the world. And, of course, Australia.

Measuring connection speeds is pretty straightforward, with a simple web-based program assessing how fast your device uploads and downloads information by accessing test servers. This mimics online activity by uploading and downloading sample files while recording how long it takes. Those 'junk' files don't stay on your computer, either.

STUFF

Testing your internet speed is as easy as the click of a button

Now, here's the thing. Demonstrating New Zealand's broadband superiority to our tanned cousins depends on ordinary folks like you testing your connection.

That's right, YOU can and should participate in the 'Great Broadband Test Match'. It's easy, too. Just fire up Ookla's Speedtest.net in your browser and hit 'Go'. Then sit back and enjoy the results (do it from your home connection and when you're on mobile data).

Right now, data from Speedtest and other sources put New Zealand at 23rd in the global fixed broadband rankings with an average speed of 171 Mbps, and 29th for mobile broadband at 76 Mbps. The Aussies, bless them, sit at 58th for fixed broadband at 83 Mbps, but (yikes) have a superior speed of 135 Mbps for mobile. We can do better, New Zealand. Especially since our standard broadband packages often exceed 900Mbps, with 'hyperfibre' delivering 2,000, 4,000 and even 8,000Mbps.

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Testing matters because internet quality is among the determining factors for quality of life and contributes to things like the Human Development Index.

Testing matters because internet quality is among the determining factors for quality of life and contributes to things like the Human Development Index, and influences the attractiveness of our country for investors and quality immigrants who might want to make New Zealand their home. It also provides an unparalleled opportunity to show off to your mates on social media, and of course, advances the all-important trans-Tasman rivalry in favour of New Zealand.

She's a big job (not really), so roll up your sleeves, fire up Speedtest.net, and check out your broadband performance. Data from your test anonymously goes into a pot which helps determine those global rankings. Let's get testing, New Zealand, it's simple, takes under a minute and as a bonus, it helps troubleshoot internet issues.

After more comprehensive findings about how local broadband performs by the type of connection? Check out the regular reporting by the Commerce Commission. It's a great source of information.

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Put your connection to the test (and take Australia to the cleaners) - Stuff.co.nz

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Creating a project plan and schedule can be challenging, but its easy compared to turning a project vision into reality. As a way to make it easier, a slew of construction project management software has emerged. Products like Microsoft Project, PlanGrid and Procore immediately come to mind, and its not unheard of to see three or four project management solutions within the same company.

After a plan is baseline, each requires lots of data entry, primarily from jobsite daily logs, to match actual to planned work. Project management software is in the 21st century, but jobsite technology often is not, especially when it comes to filling out the daily log, which is still a largely paper-based process requiring manual data entry.

Since the daily log is the pulse on the project, it makes sense to streamline and automate the process. In other words, bring it into the 21st century, and then integrate it with construction project management software so that the data flows seamlessly. For the person or people responsible for data entry, this is a significant time saver. For the general contractor (GC), that time savings and timely data helps steer projects to greater profitability.

There are lots of project management software solutions available, but not all are the right fit for each GC or even each project. Here are three considerations when selecting a construction project management solution.

Once youve determined the right project management solution, its time to take a closer look at the dated processes being used on jobsites.

One of the more recent shifts has been the increasing use of digital check-in in the field. It started as a way to conduct private health screenings during the pandemic and eliminate paper logs. But now that this technology has been around for over a year, project managers are seeing additional benefits, specifically, to replace paper-based project management updates from daily logs. Immediate benefits include reconciling hours worked against plan, validating invoices and always knowing who is or was on a jobsite, even uploading pictures of a jobs status or a workers vaccination card.

According to Brian Junginger, construction litigation attorney at McInerney & Dillon, The information gained from digital check-in apps is critical in providing accurate information to OSHA investigators and insurance companies. It also provides necessary information to company management to prevent future similar accidents.

GCs realized that by eliminating paper processes, theyre improving safety by replacing them with digital records. According to Kasey Duffy, senior business analyst at Pepper Construction, Knowing who is or was on your job site is vital for safety, compliance and liability protection. Digital check-in is a critical safety tool that well continue to use after the pandemic.

Given how much insight is now being digitized and collected from the job site, it only makes sense to integrate check-in data with project management software. Digital data at both HQ and the field is how construction will achieve the productivity needed to build better in the next decade.

David Brian Ward is the CEO and founder of Safe Site Check In.

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Benefits of Integrating Digital Check-in with Construction Project Management Software - ForConstructionPros.com