It’s time! Our free 2025-2026 instructor calendar is able to save and print. We had a number of enjoyable packing it with humorous jokes, studying alternatives, writing prompts, ebook suggestions, and a lot extra. The calendar additionally makes an excellent reward. Simply submit your e mail right here to avoid wasting and print the calendar for your self, plus extras for your whole instructor pals!
Right here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll discover inside our 2025-2026 free instructor calendar:
Concepts for a Stress-free Summer season, Again-to-College Icebreakers, and Hispanic Heritage Quotes
We Are Academics
We begin with concepts for having a soothing summer season in July. August presents a full month of enjoyable classroom icebreakers to kick off the varsity yr, whereas September is filled with partaking quotes for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Halloween Jokes, a Gratitude Problem, and Acts of Kindness To Share With Children
We Are Academics
For October, we’ve acquired hilarious Halloween jokes assured to maintain your children laughing. November encompasses a gratitude problem, whereas December facilities on acts of kindness and, in fact, is holiday-themed.
New Yr’s Objectives, Books for Black Historical past Month, and Info About Girls’s Historical past
We Are Academics
The January calendar is ideal for setting New Yr’s objectives. In February, we spotlight books about vital figures in Black historical past for on daily basis of Black Historical past Month. The March calendar presents vital details about ladies and changemakers to have fun Girls’s Historical past Month.
Poetry Month Prompts, AAPI Heroes, and a Summer season Studying Problem
We Are Academics
April options every day writing prompts in honor of Poetry Month. In Might, discover the tales of Asian American and Pacific Islander heroes. Then, be a part of our Summer season Studying Problem in June, with intelligent concepts to maintain you studying all summer season lengthy!
Get your free 2025-2026 Trainer Calendar now!
Simply click on the hyperlink under to enter your e mail deal with, and also you’ll get instantaneous entry to the calendar. Seize it now and use all of it yr lengthy.
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop contained in the nostril or in your sinuses. Though nasal polyps are normally painless, they will produce uncomfortable signs like stress and fullness within the nostril and face, a stuffy nostril with thick and discolored drainage, respiratory points and a lack of scent and style.
Anybody can get nasal polyps, though they’re extra frequent in center age. They will’t be cured, however there are remedies accessible to assist handle signs. We reached out to Andrew Lane, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Sinus Heart and of the Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgical procedure on the Johns Hopkins Faculty of Medication, for extra info.
What’s the purpose of remedy for nasal polyps?
The purpose of remedy is to assist sufferers handle and enhance signs. That may be achieved by lowering or eliminating the polyps after which stopping their recurrence or regrowth.
What are the various kinds of remedies for nasal polyps and what advantages do they provide?
Corticosteroids, endoscopic sinus surgical procedure and biologics are remedies for nasal polyps.
Corticosteroids embrace systemic steroids (steroids that you just put in your physique), reminiscent of oral prednisone or injections, and topical steroids which might be utilized within the nostril, like sprays or saline rinses. Corticosteroids can shrink nasal polyps and enhance nasal polyp signs.
Endoscopic sinus surgical procedure removes nasal polyps and opens the sinuses extensively, serving to relieve signs. Following surgical procedure, sufferers can higher use nasal rinses and sprays for upkeep, as a result of these drugs can now enter the cleared sinuses.
Biologics are the most recent possibility for remedy. They’re not chemical compounds, however drugs made by residing cells in tradition. Additionally they have an extended historical past as an efficient bronchial asthma remedy, making them a good selection for nasal polyp victims who even have bronchial asthma. Biologics are injected beneath the pores and skin a couple of times a month, they usually flow into by way of the physique, hitting each a part of the sinuses.
What remedies work greatest for minimizing the possibility of recurrence?
The perfect remedy for minimizing recurrence will depend on the severity of a affected person’s signs. However corticosteroidsare the primary and principal possibility for a lot of sufferers since they will shrink the polyps and enhance signs.
Systemic steroids present quick reduction, however the draw back is that there are longer-term unintended effects which might be frequent with continuous steroid use. These drugs will help sufferers really feel higher for a time period, however nasal polyp signs can recur inside months, weeks and even days after the treatment is stopped. Sprays and rinses don’t carry the identical unintended effects as systemic steroids and can be utilized indefinitely, however they’re much less efficient as a result of methodology of software. Until your sinuses have been surgically opened, the treatment won’t get within the affected areas sufficient to make an influence.
With surgical procedure, most sufferers who endure the process and use nasal rinses and sprays for upkeep decrease the possibility for recurrence — which happens in 40% of sufferers. About 15% of sufferers would possibly want extra procedures to take away polyps that develop again. These procedures contain making extra-large sinus openings to maximise the flexibility of rinses to get to difficult-to-reach areas the place the polyps recur.
How do you establish which remedies to supply sufferers?
Medicine is obtainable first most often, withsurgical procedure normally reserved for individuals who don’t discover reduction from medical remedy. Nonetheless, surgical procedure may very well be the primary alternative for sufferers who can’t take systemic corticosteroids. Additionally, in sufferers with polyps which might be the results of an irregular response to fungus, typically there may be fungal materials trapped within the sinuses that needs to be surgically eliminated for sufferers to really feel higher.
If treatment and surgical procedure fail to offer reduction, or if different situations make sufferers poor candidates for surgical procedure, biologics can be provided. Biologics are authorized to be used as an add-on remedy to a steroid spray or rinse, so sufferers should stay on topical therapies whereas utilizing biologics.
Can individuals with nasal polyps count on to get full management of their polyps with remedy?
Maintaining along with your remedy routine is essential to serving to stop present nasal polyps from rising or stopping new nasal polyps from growing.
Staying according to rinses and sprays after surgical procedure particularly is essential to forestall the recurrence of signs. If sufferers are vigilant with using rinses or sprays, that may assist stop polyps from rising or returning in the event that they’ve been eliminated or shrunk with systemic steroids.
Even if you happen to assume you’re doing effectively, polyp regrowth might happen earlier than signs present up, so you must be sure you’re sustaining the routine that’s been working and have common check-ups from an otolaryngologist — usually referred to as an ear, nostril and throat specialist (ENT).
This academic useful resource was created with help from GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Regeneron.
Talkspace and BetterHelp have reworked entry to psychological well being help, making remedy extra handy, reasonably priced, and accessible. They’ve each made it simpler for folks to seek out the correct therapist with out leaving the consolation of their dwelling. Analysis suggests that on-line remedy could be simply as efficient as in-person periods for a lot of people. Nevertheless, selecting between platforms could be difficult, as every gives distinctive options. When deciding whether or not Talkspace or BetterHelp is best for you, think about elements such because the providers supplied, {qualifications} of suppliers, treatment administration choices, value, insurance coverage protection, and most popular communication strategies.
Preserve studying to determine if Talkspace or BetterHelp is the only option in your psychological well being wants.
Characteristic
Talkspace
BetterHelp
Companies
Particular person remedy, {Couples} remedy, Teen remedy, Prescriptions and medicine administration
Particular person remedy, {Couples} remedy, Teen remedy
Licensed therapists (no psychiatrists or treatment administration choices)
Remedy Administration
✅ Sure — psychiatry providers accessible
❌ No treatment administration
Value
Most insured members have a $0 copay, however out-of-pocket prices vary from $69 to $109 per week
*Precise value is dependent upon a number of elements. You may additionally save an extra 10-20% with quarterly or biannual billing
$70 to $100 per week $260 to $400 per thirty days
*Precise value is dependent upon a number of elements
Insurance coverage Protection
✅ Accepts many main insurance policy, together with Aetna, Cigna, Optum, TRICARE, and Medicare
❌ No insurance coverage protection
Communication Strategies
Messaging remedy, Dwell chat, Audio, Video periods
Messaging remedy, Dwell chat, Voice name, Video periods
Evaluating Talkspace vs BetterHelp
When selecting between on-line remedy platforms, it’s important to match the distinctive options and providers supplied by every. By understanding the important thing variations, you can also make a extra knowledgeable choice about whether or not Talkspace or BetterHelp finest aligns along with your wants.
Take into account the next elements as you consider your choices:
Licensed Therapists On-line
Want handy psychological well being help? Talkspace will match you with a therapist inside days.
Companies supplied: What varieties of remedy or counseling can be found?
Supplier {qualifications}: What are the {qualifications} and experience of the psychological well being suppliers?
Remedy administration: Does the platform supply help for treatment administration, and if that’s the case, how is it dealt with?
Value: How do the pricing constructions evaluate, and what’s included in the price?
Insurance coverage protection: Is the platform coated by your insurance coverage, and the way does that have an effect on your out-of-pocket prices?
Communication strategies: What communication strategies can be found (textual content, video, or voice calls)?
Therapist choice: How straightforward is it to seek out and match with a therapist suited to your wants?
Sources: Are there further sources, resembling self-help instruments or content material supplied?
Companies supplied
Talkspace gives a spread of providers, together with:
Each Talkspace and BetterHelp require that their psychological well being professionals are licensed and maintain superior levels. Nevertheless, Talkspace differentiates itself by providing entry to psychiatrists and prescribers, which permits for a extra complete, full strategy to care, particularly for those who want treatment help or a psychiatric analysis.
Remedy administration
Talkspace gives on-line psychiatric evaluations and medicine administration providers, which is a key benefit over BetterHelp for those who’re searching for psychiatric providers or treatment help alongside remedy. BetterHelp, alternatively, doesn’t supply treatment administration.
Value
Pricing for on-line psychological well being platforms varies primarily based on the kind of providers, session frequency, and remedy targets.
The out-of-pocket prices of remedy for BetterHelp vs Talkspace (with out insurance coverage protection) are as follows:
Talkspace additionally accepts main insurance coverage suppliers, which may considerably decrease out-of-pocket prices—most insured members have a $0 copay. Moreover, Talkspace gives financial savings of as much as 10-20% for quarterly or biannual funds.
Insurance coverage protection
Insurance coverage protection for on-line remedy is a key distinction between the 2 platforms. Talkspace companions with a number of main insurance coverage suppliers, together with Aetna, Cigna, Optum, TRICARE, and Medicare, which may make remedy extra reasonably priced for these with protection.
BetterHelp doesn’t at present settle for insurance coverage, although they’re working to accomplice with choose insurance coverage carriers. Within the meantime, customers will pay out of pocket by means of a subscription mannequin. Whereas reimbursement by means of insurance coverage could also be attainable for some customers, it sometimes requires a psychological well being analysis and extra documentation. Exterior of that, BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA playing cards and is acknowledged as an eligible expense by most suppliers.
Communication strategies
Talkspace and BetterHelp supply comparable flexibility in terms of connecting along with your therapist. Each platforms enable people to speak by means of personal messaging, dwell chat, audio calls, and video periods. The vary of choices enables you to select the format that matches your consolation degree and schedule.
Therapist choice
Each Talkspace and BetterHelp aid you discover a particular therapist that aligns along with your wants. Talkspace gives an in depth supplier listing, letting you search by therapist specialty, location, and insurance coverage protection.
You’ll be able to enroll with a therapist one in all two methods. The primary manner is when you’re prepared to start, Talkspace makes use of a proprietary matching algorithm to attach you with an appropriate supplier inside about 48 hours. You’ll have the choice to request a selected therapist on this course of. It’s not all the time assured, although the platform strives to honor these requests. The second technique to discover a Talkspace therapist is to seek for a selected therapist by state, concern, or insurance coverage protection. When you discover a therapist you’re concerned about working with that has availability, you possibly can then ebook a session with them instantly by means of the Talkspace enroll course of.
BetterHelp additionally has a listing, but it surely solely permits customers to look primarily based on location. The platform additionally makes use of an algorithm to match customers with therapists primarily based on preferences and desires.
In case your therapist just isn’t a superb match, Talkspace and BetterHelp each mean you can swap therapists if wanted.
Sources
Each platforms supply expert-developed and clinically-reviewed sources to help your psychological well being journey. Talkspace encompasses a complete psychological well being library, weblog, and free psychological well being assessments. BetterHelp additionally gives a weblog with worthwhile psychological well being insights, together with digital worksheets and journals for self-work.
Selecting Between Talkspace vs BetterHelp
By exploring the distinctive options and variations between Talkspace and BetterHelp, yow will discover the platform that finest aligns along with your wants, preferences, and targets. To assist make your choice simpler, discover critiques and key differentiators to grasp which platform is perhaps simpler for you.
Talkspace is perhaps for you if you’d like
Remedy coated by insurance coverage
Entry to psychiatrists for treatment administration
Flexibility in remedy modalities
BetterHelp is perhaps for you if you’d like
A flat-rate pricing mannequin
A wider collection of therapist choices upfront
Making the Proper Alternative for You
When assessing Talkspace vs BetterHelp, it’s necessary to do not forget that each platforms supply accessible on-line remedy. In the event you’re in search of a psychological well being supplier that accepts insurance coverage, gives treatment administration, and gives versatile remedy plans, Talkspace could also be a greater match. Finally, the correct selection is dependent upon your particular person wants, preferences, and circumstances.
Beginning on-line remedy by means of both of those platforms demonstrates a courageous dedication to higher psychological well being.
Able to take the following step? Get began in your journey towards higher psychological well being at the moment with on-line remedy.
Sources:
Lin T, Heckman TG, Anderson T. The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person remedy: A meta-analysis of randomized scientific trials. Scientific Psychology Science and Follow. 2021;29(2):167-178. doi:10.1037/cps0000056. https://psycnet.apa.org/file/2022-17335-001. Accessed March 23, 2025.
Talkspace. On-line remedy with a licensed therapist. https://www.talkspace.com/online-therapy/. Accessed Might 14, 2025.
Talkspace. Match with a supplier. https://assist.talkspace.com/hc/en-us/articles/24477925465371-Match-with-a-Supplier. Accessed Might 14, 2025.
BetterHelp. On-line remedy – Licensed therapist psychological well being counseling providers. https://www.betterhelp.com/online-therapy/. Accessed Might 14, 2025.
BetterHelp. Often requested questions. https://www.betterhelp.com/faq/. Accessed Might 14, 2025.
BetterHelp. How a lot does BetterHelp on-line remedy value? https://www.betterhelp.com/recommendation/normal/how-much-does-betterhelp-cost/. Accessed Might 14, 2025.
BetterHelp. About us. https://www.betterhelp.com/about/. Accessed Might 14, 2025.
Be taught in regards to the newest protein developments, how a lot protein you really want, and the healthiest plant-based sources which might be additionally good for the planet. Uncover skilled suggestions for every day consumption and ideas for enhancing protein on a plant-based weight loss program.
Protein is without doubt one of the most talked-about vitamins in fashionable diet. From health circles to plant-based communities, protein developments are evolving quick, and many individuals are questioning: How a lot protein do I actually need? On this weblog, I dive into the most recent analysis and skilled protein consumption suggestions, break down the position of protein in a balanced weight loss program, and spotlight one of the best wholesome plant-based protein sources you may add to your meals. Whether or not you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply attempting to eat extra plant-based meals, understanding methods to meet your protein wants is essential to feeling energized, robust, and well-nourished.
Protein has risen to the highest of the nutrient heap in recent times. Thanks to modern weight reduction diets, carnivore and caveman-style consuming patterns, and influential celebrities and athletes hashing over their diets on social media, getting extra protein appears to be a prime precedence for a lot of shoppers. Whereas carbs are perceived by many as “evil,” protein is carrying a veritable well being halo immediately. That is additionally on account of analysis that factors out protein’s advantages in selling satiety and preserving lean muscle mass, particularly as we age, based on McKenzie Corridor Jones, RDN, diet communications advisor. “I believe the message of incorporating protein all through the day, in each meals and snacks, resonates with many as an attainable technique for serving to to curb cravings and obtain a way of fullness after consuming,” she provides.
Do that traditional protein wealthy dish for Vegan Chana Masala right here.
Food plan and meals developments constantly record protein amongst their prime developments of the yr. EatingWell put excessive protein elements on their prime meals and diet developments for 2025. “Protein is de facto having a second, and I believe that’s as a result of there’s much more consciousness on the way it may also help promote satiety, muscle development, wholesome digestion and wholesome ageing,” reported Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, registered dietitian and diet editor at EatingWell within the journal. “Whereas most Individuals meet their protein wants simply of their consuming patterns, there was rising curiosity in consuming much less meat, whether or not it’s for private choice, well being advantages or environmental concern. That’s why I believe plant-based and vegetarian meals which might be excessive in protein can be front-of-mind for folks in 2025—all of us noticed what occurred with cottage cheese!”
This parallels with the Worldwide Meals and Info Council’s 2024 Meals and Well being Survey, which discovered that 71% of shoppers are attempting to extend their protein consumption, making it the highest nutrient shoppers are attempting to prioritize of their diets.
Tofu is rising in familiarity with extra shoppers. Do that simple intro recipe for Spicy Sesame Grilled Tofu right here.
How A lot Protein Do You Want?
The Nationwide Academy of Drugs recommends that adults get 0.8 grams of protein a day for each kilogram they weigh. That’s about 7 grams for each 20 kilos. To seek out your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in kilos by 2.2046. Then, multiply that quantity by 0.8 to determine what number of grams of protein you want as an grownup. Below the rules, a 150-pound grownup would want about 54 grams of protein per day. There are concerns to bear in mind. When you eat a largely plant-based weight loss program, the protein sources is probably not as obtainable to your physique, so consultants suggest growing into to about .9-1.0 grams of protein/kg physique weight to regulate for this. In case you are an athlete, or have specific wants on account of medical circumstances, chances are you’ll want extra protein. Talk about your protein wants together with your well being care skilled.
Flip to tempeh so as to add protein to your favourite recipes, like this simple Vegan BLTA Sandwich.
From Protein Quantity to Protein Sort
What’s of extra curiosity immediately within the quest for protein is the kinds of proteins dietitians really feel persons are in scorching pursuit of. Customers are taking extra of an curiosity in studying the place their meals comes from and selecting high quality over amount in the case of their protein sources. A current Analysis and Markets report notes that the demand for sustainable manufacturing strategies, like plant-based proteins is rising. That is particularly related with a rising inhabitants forecasted to hit 8.5 billion by 2030. The plant-based protein various market is projected to achieve 35.17 billion by 2030, an increase of just about 9%. This goes together with different micro developments that affect protein decisions highlighted in current survey, equivalent to an curiosity in together with extra wholesome seeds, equivalent to chia, hemp, and flax within the weight loss program, in addition to an total choice for extra healthful and “clear” consuming decisions. Why are folks extra interested by such protein options? Many causes consider, together with sustainability, animal welfare, dietary worth, and well being promotion.
As optimum well being weighs extra closely on shoppers’ minds, various protein decisions—which might make a huge impact on the general dietary worth and healthfulness of a weight loss program sample—rise to the highest. “The development in direction of high-quality protein sources, particularly plant proteins could be very well-liked now,” says Victoria Shanta Retelny, RDN, The Way of life Nutritionist, creator of Total Physique Food plan For Dummies and blogger at SimpleCravingsRealFood.com. “Persons are searching for various plant proteins to get extra dietary worth from fiber, wholesome fat, and different nutritional vitamins and minerals that crops supply, with much less saturated fats, sodium and ldl cholesterol.”
Virginia-based non-public observe dietitian, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, FAND, CHWC, creator of Diabetes Weight Loss-Week by Week, believes that persons are turning into extra conscious of the science about plant-based diets being useful for cardiovascular and mind well being, in addition to sort 2 diabetes prevention in contrast with animal-based diets.
Persons are additionally lured to options for animal proteins on account of sustainability and environmental considerations, based on Weisenberger, who provides, “Folks need meals from the earth, versus meals that feed off the earth and emit green-house gases, notably grain-fed livestock, equivalent to cows.”
Vandana Sheth, RD, CDE, says that the sustainability and well being advantages promoted by Meatless Monday—a easy marketing campaign from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg College of Public Well being that promotes avoiding meat sooner or later every week—has additionally fed into the assist of extra plant-based protein decisions, equivalent to pulses and tofu. This falls proper in step with the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation’s 2025 What’s Scorching Forecast, which incorporates sustainability because the primary development that influences the place shoppers select to eat, contemplating points like sourcing, meals waste, and sustainable elements.
And the clear consuming development, really helpful by a myriad of well-liked influencers, continues to have legs. It has pushed folks to decide on much less processed protein decisions, notes Weisenberger. Therefore the transfer from bacon, sausage and hamburgers to bean burgers, lentil loaves, and almond butter sandwiches.
The record of well-liked protein picks hitting development stories contains: pulses, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and meat options. Certainly, a spin down the grocery store aisle yields an astonishing array of progressive new merchandise centered on these elements, from frozen entrees and veggie-burgers to snacks and crackers.
Zagreb, Croatia, June 10, 2025 — eWyse, a inventive and solution-driven eLearning company, has been formally acknowledged as one of many eLearning Trade’s High Content material Suppliers for Customized eLearning in 2025. This recognition comes on account of years of devoted work throughout a variety of industries and international markets, providing personalized eLearning options that align with every shopper’s distinctive objectives and wishes.
From the USA to Europe and the Center East, eWyse has constructed a powerful presence throughout continents, working with shoppers starting from enterprises to nonprofits. Their tailor-made 3C Framework strategy to course growth has made them a go-to accomplice within the eLearning business.
“This recognition is a testomony to our staff’s creativity, ardour, and dedication,” stated Mario Buljan, CEO of eWyse. “Being named among the many high customized eLearning suppliers confirms we’re on the correct path, and we’re simply getting began.” He isn’t the one one praising their work. eWyse’s case research are full of optimistic suggestions from happy shoppers.
And it is true: a part of eWyse’s success could be attributed to its robust work tradition the place their values aren’t simply empty phrases however rules that information the staff’s on a regular basis actions. Their core values, Progress & Growth and Consciousness, form an atmosphere that empowers studying, accountability and steady enchancment, which translate instantly into the standard of their collaboration and repair for shoppers.
The effectiveness of those values is mirrored in eWyse’s spectacular Web Promoter Rating (NPS) of 9.13, primarily based on inside worker suggestions. The accountability tradition they nurture is what makes eWyse a trusted accomplice, not only a supplier, all through the eLearning growth journey.
Along with increasing its presence in new markets, eWyse has remained centered on steady enchancment, product high quality, and shopper satisfaction at each stage of the eLearning growth. As digital transformation continues to reshape how firms strategy Studying and Growth, eWyse is proud to prepared the ground with options and studying experiences which can be as impactful as they’re inventive.
About eWyse
eWyse is an award-winning eLearning company with a staff of specialists devoted to serving to firms develop eLearning methods, construction shoppers’ materials to create partaking content material, and develop interactive, impactful programs. With shoppers throughout your entire globe and a confirmed monitor file of innovation and outcomes, eWyse helps firms practice, educate, have interaction, and evolve.
A few of my wildlife journey is supported by means of partnerships. If you are going to buy by means of a hyperlink on my web site, I’ll earn fee which can go in direction of my wildlife work
As a wildlife artist and filmmaker, I usually journey the globe to look at and movie wildlife in its pure habitat. I all the time select my vacation spot by the species I might prefer to see and over time I’ve realized which areas are the very best for sightings. I’ve chosen my prime for seeing probably the most iconic of species.
1. Harpy Eagles & Sloths – Panama
You possibly can see harpy eagles by means of a lot of Central & South America, however for me Panama’s Darien area affords the very best alternative for sightings. One of many world’s strongest birds of prey, the elusive Harpy eagle happens right here in larger numbers than elsewhere and it’s in truth Panama’s nationwide hen. Steeped in legend and mythology, to see one within the wild is really magical, not least as a result of it includes some intrepid journey. After an extended automobile journey, adopted by a canoe journey, then a trek on horseback throughout a swamp in stifling warmth and eventually an extended stroll by means of a forest, seeing certainly one of these giants with its chick was price each second!
Panama is greatest identified for its incredible hen life and the huge record of different uncommon species right here contains double-toothed kites, golden-hooded tanagers,keel-billed toucan, and crimson-backed tanagers. Add to that tamanduas and three-toed sloths lounging within the rainforest cover, and you’ve got a wildlife watcher’s paradise. Watching wildlife in its pure habitat is so vital if you wish to perceive it is behaviour and it wasn’t till I noticed the kind of leaves sloths have been chewing as they swung by means of the tree tops thatI lastly realized why sloths are so sluggish.
When to go: Harpy eagles will be seen at any time, however January, February and March are the very best months to go to Panama for hen sightings on the whole. Mid-March to early Could you’ll end up in the midst of spring migration, Could-June is the wet season. I travelled in October, in time to identify a whole lot of hundreds of raptors fly on their method to their southern wintering grounds.
2. Jaguars – The Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is the world’s prime vacation spot for jaguar sightings and I used to be blown away by my very own encounteres there. This huge wetland ecosystem gives open terrain and excessive jaguar densities, making it one of many few locations you’ll be able to reliably spot these secretive cats by boat. From this vantage level I watched a feminine jaguar looking a false water cobra. It was fairly spectacular to see her dramatic leap into water. The water boiled as the 2 wrestled ferociously till the jaguar ultimately dragged the snake off for her cubs to eat. Even my Pantanal Safaris information had by no means seen a snake hunt prefer it!
And spectacular jaguar sightings should not all these wetlands have to supply. While there I got here nose to nose with the area’s most secretive animal, the endangered tapir, was deafened every day by lovable, noisy river otters and spent hours watching a household of capybaras.
When to go:July by means of November are the very best months to see Jaguars on the rivers.
3. Elephants & lions – Zimbabwe
I’ve travelled extensively by means of Africa however for dependable sightings of this continent’s iconic wildlife, you’ll be able to’t beat Zimbabwe’s Hwange Nationwide Park nationwide park and Mana Swimming pools. In Mana Swimming pools you’ll be able to take guided strolling excursions which makes the expertise extra intensive and at Hwange, close to the Zambesi, you’ll be able to spot a uncommon group of elephants with the distinctive means to face on their hind legs to succeed in large Albida bushes. The lion prides stalking dry riverbeds and water holes are additionally phenomenal. Throughout my go to I spent hours watching the best way the females labored collectively to care for his or her three cubs.
When to go:I travelled in October, however suggest any time between June – October when the dry season means wildlife congregates across the waterholes.
4. Penguins – South Georgia & Antarctica
Few sights examine to that of a colony of hundreds of King penguins set in opposition to a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and icebergs. It is an expertise that fills your each sense. Simply the sheer noise {that a} colony of half 1,000,000 penguins make is overwhelming!
And while South Georgia is an absolute should for penguin lovers, close by Antarctica additionally affords sightings of gentoo penguins porpoising by means of the icy waters, chinstrap, and Adelie penguins too. Personally, I’d be completely satisfied simply watching the penguins, particularly the hundreds that congregate in St Andrews Bay, however this pristine panorama additionally groups with elephant and fur seals, wandering albatross and even humpback whales.
Of all of the locations I have been, I might say this was my favorite.
When to go:Expedition cruises can be found between late October and March
For me the spotlight was watching an impressive male polar bear prowl throughout the ice and crusing previous a polar bear mum and her cubs as they sat calmly blinking within the arctic sunshine. However like its polar reverse, the arctic fills each sense, and at occasions, the icy silence is shattered by the collective grunting of huge colonies of walrus or the mocking laughter of little auks nesting in giant colonies within the rocks. A go to right here is once-in-a-lifetime expertise that, for me, lived as much as my each expectation.
When to go:I travelled in July, when the ocean ice across the archipelago is extra in depth, and polar bears are actively looking seals on the ice floes.
6. Grizzly Bears – Alaska, USA
If you wish to see grizzly bears, then you really want to go to Alaska. Yearly these giants collect for the annual salmon run, when pink salmon run upstream alongside the rivers and tributaries of the Katmai Nationwide Park heading to their breeding grounds. Watching the bears collect to fish is among the strongest wildlife encounters conceivable. The river are flush with salmon, actually operating pink with the abundance of fish and the bears lay in wait to gorge. However a go to to Alaska is each wildlife-watchers dream and alongside the grizzlies and I additionally suggest Katchamak Bay the place in simply 24 hours I used to be handled to spectacular sights of whales breaching otters and bald eagles.
When to go:July to early September in Katmai is taken into account peak viewing time, when bears congregate at Brooks Falls to feed on salmon.
The Galápagos Islands actually teem with distinctive wildlife species. From historic large tortoises to sunbathing marine iguanas and the spectacular courtship shows of waved albatross, it is a wildlife vacation spot like no different. Uncommon species are so ample you’ll be able to barely transfer with out virtually bumping right into a frigate hen or recognizing a Sally Lightfoot crab scurrying by. For me, one of the crucial memorable moments was snorkelling alongside sea lions, turtles and even the indigenous Galapagos penguins!
When to go:To see spectacular courtship shows I like to recommend visiting in Could and for the tortoise migration you’ll want to go to in November.
Comply with in my footsteps
If like me, wildlife is your final journey vacation spot, I like to recommend travelling with a good information – native information makes all of the distinction – and selecting excursions that contribute to defending species and habitats to make sure these species are right here for all to get pleasure from sooner or later. Additionally keep in mind to be respectful of the animals – hold your distance and by no means feed wildlife – and pack the best gear – binoculars, a great digital camera, and impartial clothes are important for watching wildlife.
I hope you have discovered the following tips helpful. Keep in mind, if you happen to guide a visit by means of certainly one of my journey companions I’ll obtain a small fee – which means you’ll be able to assist my work on the identical time.
We’re witnessing a shift in how we course of one in all humanity’s most common experiences: grief. A number of corporations have emerged lately to develop grief-related expertise, the place customers can work together with AI variations of deceased family members or flip to basic AI platforms for grief help.
This isn’t simply curiosity, it’s a response to a real lack of human connection and help. The rise of grief-focused AI reveals one thing uncomfortable about our society: individuals are turning to machines as a result of they’re not getting what they want from the people round them.
Why Individuals Are Selecting Digital Over Human Assist
The grief tech business is ramping up, with MIT Expertise Evaluate reporting that “at the least half a dozen corporations” in China are providing AI companies for interacting with deceased family members. Firms like Character.AI, Nomi, Replika, StoryFile, and HereAfter AI supply customers the power to create and interact with the “likeness” of deceased individuals, whereas many different customers use AI as a solution to shortly normalize and search solutions for his or her grief. This digital migration isn’t occurring in a vacuum. It’s a direct response to the failures of our present help programs:
Social Discomfort: Our grief-illiterate society struggles with how to reply to loss. Family and friends typically disappear inside weeks, leaving mourners remoted once they want help, particularly months later.
Skilled Limitations: Conventional grief counseling is pricey, with lengthy wait occasions. Many therapists lack correct grief coaching, with some reporting no grief-related schooling of their applications. This leaves individuals with out accessible, certified help once they want it most.
Concern of Judgment: Individuals typically really feel safer sharing intimate grief experiences with AI than with people who would possibly choose, supply undesirable recommendation, or develop uncomfortable with the depth of their grief.
The ELIZA Impact
To grasp why grief-focused AI is succeeding, we should look again to 1966, when the primary AI-companion program known as ELIZA was developed. Created by MIT’s Joseph Weizenbaum, ELIZA simulated dialog utilizing easy sample matching, particularly mimicking a Rogerian psychotherapist utilizing person-centered remedy.
Rogerian remedy was excellent for this experiment as a result of it depends closely on mirroring what the particular person says. The AI companion’s position was easy: mirror again what the particular person mentioned with questions like “How does that make you’re feeling?” or “Inform me extra about that.” Weizenbaum was stunned that folks fashioned deep emotional connections with this straightforward program, confiding their most intimate ideas and emotions. This phenomenon grew to become often known as the “ELIZA impact”.
ELIZA labored not as a result of it was subtle however as a result of it embodied the core rules of efficient emotional help, one thing we as a society can be taught from (or in some circumstances relearn).
What AI and Grief-bots Get Proper
Trendy grief-focused AI succeeds for a similar causes ELIZA did, however with enhanced capabilities. Right here’s what AI is doing proper:
Non-Judgmental Presence: AI doesn’t recoil from grief’s depth. It received’t let you know to “transfer on,” recommend you need to be “over it by now,” or change the topic when your ache turns into uncomfortable. It merely witnesses and displays.
Unconditional Availability: Grief doesn’t comply with enterprise hours. It strikes at 3 AM on a Tuesday, throughout household gatherings, when you’re at work, or on a grocery run. AI works 24/7, offering instantaneous help by shortly normalizing widespread grief experiences like “I simply noticed somebody who appeared like my mother within the grocery retailer, am I going mad?” AI’s response demonstrates efficient validation: “You’re not going mad in any respect. That is really a quite common expertise when grieving somebody near you. Your mind is wired to acknowledge acquainted patterns, particularly faces of people that have been vital to you… That is utterly regular. Your thoughts remains to be processing your loss, and these moments of recognition present simply how deeply your mother remains to be with you in your recollections and consciousness.” Easy, on-demand validation helps grievers immediately really feel regular and understood.
Pure Concentrate on the Griever: AI doesn’t hijack your story to share its personal experiences. It doesn’t supply unsolicited recommendation about what you “ought to” do or develop weary of listening to the identical story repeatedly. Its consideration is fully yours.
Validation With out Agenda: Not like people, who could rush to make you’re feeling higher (typically for their very own consolation), AI validates feelings with out making an attempt to repair or change them. It normalizes grief with out pathologizing it.
Privateness and Security: AI holds area for the “good, dangerous, and ugly” components of grief confidentially. There’s no worry of social judgment, no fear about burdening somebody, no concern about saying the “flawed” factor.
No Strings Hooked up: AI doesn’t want emotional reciprocity. It received’t ultimately want comforting, develop uninterested in your grief, or abandon you in case your therapeutic takes longer than anticipated.
AI Can Do It, However People Can Do It Higher. A lot Higher.
In line with a 2025 article in Harvard Enterprise Evaluate, the #1 use of AI up to now in 2025 is remedy and companionship.
This tells us that there’s an unlimited and widening hole in the case of how we present up for one another when life will get exhausting. Nonetheless, regardless of how exact and sensible a Grief-bot is, almost all of us would reasonably have care and understanding from our mates, household, colleagues, and neighborhood than chat with an AI.
So, what can we be taught from AI, what are the issues people are uniquely ready to do this AI by no means can?
AI can present up persistently, however people can present up with context: AI is offered 24/7 and may validate the dialog with on-the-spot data. However people can convey historic references. You may textual content “pondering of you” on their beloved one’s birthday, or examine in in the course of the holidays.
AI can comply with their lead, however people can learn between the traces: AI mirrors again what individuals share and asks open-ended questions. However people can sense when “I’m tremendous” doesn’t imply “I’m tremendous,” and extra help is required.
AI can encourage repetition, however people can weave tales collectively: AI can hearken to the identical story repeatedly with out grievance. However people can discover new particulars every time or recall modifications that may happen over time. You may genuinely say, “It’s been some time since we final talked about your dad. I’d love to listen to about how your dad has been crossing your thoughts these days.”
AI can supply digital presence, however people can supply sensible presence: AI gives instantaneous help by dialog. However people can present up virtually by saying, “I’m going to the grocery retailer Thursday, what can I decide up for you?”
AI can acknowledge loss, however people can honor the entire particular person: AI validates that somebody was vital. However people can preserve their reminiscence alive by sharing recollections and saying their identify naturally: “I keep in mind how a lot Sarah favored spicy meals. I wager she would have beloved this restaurant.”
AI can reply when known as upon, however people can anticipate heavy grief days: AI responds when somebody reaches out. However people can supply preemptive help: “I do know subsequent week is your first Mom’s Day with out your mother. I’m clearing my schedule simply in case.”
AI can present consolation by phrases, however people can supply bodily presence: AI validates emotions by responses. However people can sit in shared silence, supply hugs that final so long as wanted, or just say, “I don’t have phrases, however I’m right here.”
The Alternative
We’re so starved for empathetic responses and presence that now we’ll settle for them from instruments incapable of real empathy. However what if, as a substitute of surrendering to digital surrogates, we used this as a mirror to see what we’re failing to offer one another?
The lesson isn’t that AI is changing human connection, however reasonably that AI is exhibiting us (or reminding us) precisely what human connection ought to seem like. Each characteristic that makes grief-focused AI efficient is one thing people can do higher, with the additional benefit of real empathy, shared expertise, and genuine, in-person care.
We’re residing by a grief literacy disaster. Our discomfort with demise and loss has created a society the place grieving individuals really feel remoted and misunderstood. However these digital grief companions supply us a blueprint for change.
The query is: will we be open to studying from them? Melissa Lunardini, Ph.D.is the Chief Medical Officer at Assist Texts, the place she oversees the supply of clinically sound, multilingual grief help globally, through textual content message.
Over the weekend, activists clashed with native legislation enforcement throughout dramatic protests in opposition to immigration raids in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Labor chief David Huerta was detained whereas documenting and protesting a office raid in downtown LA’s garment district. Video of the arrest exhibits him being violently knocked to the bottom, his head resting on the curb.
Huerta was launched from custody on Monday on a $50,000 bond. His arrest — and the backlash that adopted — has turn into a flashpoint within the ongoing protests.
“I’m right here in solidarity with all immigrants in assist of their rights and our rights within the state of California,” Armon Kasmai, a San Francisco Unified Faculty District trainer, stated. “We had been watching the information and needed to return out and be sure that we’re out in full pressure and a part of the numbers making a stand.”
The ambiance was militant and tense. Marchers had been energized — as if this had been the second many had lengthy been ready for. Jackie Acquire stated it reminded her of the 2020 protests after George Floyd’s homicide.
“Everybody’s simply uniting to combat again. It’s what we want,” stated Acquire, who has lived within the metropolis for a decade. “Preventing for all of the individuals which were despatched away, individuals which might be, you already know, terrified of being despatched away. Preventing for human rights.”
San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder addresses protesters at rally within the Mission District in San Francisco on June 9, 2025. (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)
Supervisor Jackie Fielder, who was at Sunday night time’s protest, defended efforts to problem ICE. She famous that greater than a dozen individuals, together with a 3-year-old little one, had been arrested on the ICE workplace in San Francisco on June 4 after showing for check-in appointments.
“I wish to thank the entire individuals which might be protesting from LA to right here in SF, as a result of when the federal government turns by itself individuals, it’s as much as the individuals to place the federal government in test,” Fielder stated. “ICE will not be selling public security. It’s selling violence and racism. As a sanctuary metropolis, San Francisco is not going to stand for it.”
An academic program emphasizing the connection that local weather change has with well being and well being care environmental sustainability was well-received by physicians, in response to a latest survey-based research revealed in JAMA Community Open andconducted by investigators at Massachusetts Basic Hospital (MGH), a founding member of the Mass Basic Brigham healthcare system.
This system offered a basis about local weather change and the affect of fossil fuel-related air pollution on well being; the healthcare system’s contribution to carbon air pollution; and alternatives to deal with these challenges. To the crew’s data, MGH is the primary tutorial medical heart to supply incentivized instructional packages on local weather change and environmental sustainability in healthcare.
“Local weather change is a basic risk that’s acknowledged by many to be the best well being disaster people have ever confronted. Nonetheless, surveys present that almost all of physicians don’t really feel ready to deal with local weather change’s affect on well being or to take motion,” mentioned lead creator Wynne Armand, MD, an affiliate director of the Middle for the Setting and Well being at MGH and an assistant professor of drugs at Harvard Medical Faculty.
Of their research, Armand and her colleagues surveyed the response to local weather change-focused instructional modules provided at Massachusetts Basic Hospital, an instructional medical heart, by means of an current biannual doctor high quality incentive program.
Amongst a complete of two,559 eligible physicians and psychologists, 2,417 (94.5%) accomplished the academic modules. Of those individuals, 73.1% thought that the modules have been related or very related to their lives, and 65.4% discovered the modules related or very related to their medical practices.
Age didn’t affect the diploma to which physicians thought climate-related schooling was related to their particular person lives or practices. Clinicians figuring out as feminine have been extra more likely to take into account the schooling as related in contrast with male clinicians.
As anticipated, physicians in specialties that particularly deal with issues extra straight exacerbated by local weather change like emergency medication/pressing care, allergy and first care have been extra more likely to discover the trainings related to their practices.
“Our findings point out that instructional methods needs to be tailor-made by specialty to higher interact clinicians in studying about local weather change’s well being results and methods to mitigate well being sector contributions,” mentioned Armand.
Non-compulsory feedback have been offered by 446 (18.5%) of respondents — 56.1% have been constructive, 36.5% have been impartial, and seven.4% have been unfavourable. Many constructive feedback supported the significance of the subject and offered strategies for decreasing the carbon footprint of the hospital. Others requested for extra methods to become involved.
Damaging feedback said that high quality enchancment trainings ought to give attention to affected person care and that offering local weather data to clinicians is inappropriate given their restricted affect on hospital-wide insurance policies.
Total, the survey outcomes point out that almost all physicians imagine that schooling on the complicated relationships between local weather change and well being care is necessary, they usually welcome alternatives for motion. Importantly, individuals felt that their data on these matters elevated after finishing the modules. Related efforts throughout the well being care sector might assist all these concerned to acknowledge and tackle the well being dangers of local weather change and take steps to attenuate their contribution to the issue.
Basil is a 3½-month-old male Cross-Breed. At present residing in a personal shelter in Romania, this little man was rescued after being discovered along side the highway together with his siblings—no mum in sight.
Regardless of his tough begin, Basil is stuffed with potential and is on the lookout for a endlessly house via Meadow of Hope Canine Rescue.
He’s a candy and social pet who hasn’t proven any worry round individuals. Although he hasn’t skilled life inside a house but, he’s already used to carrying a lead, and with the best help and continued coaching, he’ll modify fantastically.
Like every younger pup, he’ll need assistance with home coaching, socialisation, and settling right into a every day routine.
Basil will get alongside properly with different canines within the shelter and could possibly be cat-tested upon request. He’s been vaccinated, microchipped, blood examined, and handled for fleas and worms. He’ll even be rehomed beneath a neutering contract when he’s sufficiently old.
He can reside with respectful, smart kids who perceive the significance of giving him house whereas he adjusts.
Basil will journey to his new UK house with all mandatory paperwork, together with a passport and well being information, and can be backed with rescue help to assist guarantee a easy transition.
Meadow of Hope Canine Rescue
For additional particulars about adopting a canine from Meadow of Hope Canine Rescue, please contact Lauren by emailing mohdogrescue@gmail.com
All canines rehomed through this rescue can be vaccinated, neutered/spayed and microchipped. House checks apply and full post-adoption help is obtainable.
