Phrasly outputs

Having podcasts as a primary news source can benefit society if listeners are discerning. We live in a media environment where headlines, clips, and outrage-machine algorithms are the norm. Long-form podcasts, by comparison, have one luxury that is increasingly rare: time. They can cover issues with context, depth, nuance, and care. There is value in that as long as people are skeptical of what they hear and willing to seek out different perspectives. Podcasts shine at providing depth. Headlines often summarize major events in just a couple minutes. Podcasts allow hours. News stories may briefly mention important background or competing takes at the ends of articles. Podcasts can interview witnesses and experts, providing multiple angles and explaining causes. These formats allow for a deeper understanding of complicated topics like war, elections, climate policy, public health, or financial conditions. When the public sees these topics through sound bites alone, they are often misled. But when people listen to hours of interviews rather than minutes, they become more familiar with nuance like uncertainty, disagreement, and complexity. Podcasts can also help more people keep up with the news. Not everyone has the time to read the news, but many people can listen while driving, working out, or doing chores. News podcasts are more accessible than most other formats. Podcasts often have a conversational tone, making complex topics more digestible. They feel less like being lectured and more like having a discussion. Sure, bad podcasts can easily amplify misinformation. But that’s not exclusive to podcasts, that applies to TV news, newspapers, social media—you name it. Podcasts just aren’t regulated the same way, so it’s on the consumer to fact-check and be skeptical. Good consumers of podcasts know the reputation of the host, use overlapping sources, listen to podcasts that fact-check, and don’t treat opposing beliefs as evil. Many long-form podcasts can produce journalism that holds up to high levels of scrutiny while still diving deep on a topic. Some may criticize podcasts for being echo chambers. People will often listen to podcasts that fit their interests and existing beliefs. But that’s no different than how people interact with other media. If anything, long-form interviews can help bring understanding to polarized issues. Arguments often become polarized because people don’t give guests enough time to explain their views. Long-form interviews allow guests to fully state their position. Podcasts are not the cure-all for society’s news consumption, but they aren’t the problem either. Reporters should not be replaced with podcast hosts. But as long as consumers approach podcasts critically, they can benefit from what long-form journalism has to offer.

Many complain about meetings being unproductive, but have you ever heard anyone praise a meeting? Meetings have become white noise. We roll our eyes and grumble, “This could have been an email” without asking why. It’s because businesses have weaponized communication. Meetings have ballooned in the digital era. They’ve become default holding pens for the undecided, corporate security blankets we pull over our heads whenever “collaboration” is mistaken for getting shit done. Zoom gangs and Outlook tyrants rule the modern workplace because anyone can steal someone’s time with a click of a button. Calendars have become public entities and knowledge workers are robbed of large blocks of time to do their jobs. Schedule fragmentation murders deep work, our ability to focus without interruption on complex problem-solving. The more meetings we’re shuffled between, the less actual work we produce. We end up stressed, staying late at the office to finish what we should be able to accomplish within regular business hours. And don’t get me started on meeting hygiene. agendas, objectives, facilitators? Optional! Meetings breed group performances of semi-interesting work we could have easily digested through a Slack update. They’re glorified brainstorming sessions with no objective to wrap up with, granting the most outspoken attendees free range to dominate the conversation. Meetings steal your time. There’s nothing wrong with communication. But in a society that praises efficiency above all else, wasted collaboration is ritualized boredom. We know time is money, but many companies still treat time like it’s expendable. Of course meetings will suck. Until businesses realize an empty calendar is a sign of trust in your employees, not laziness, we will all be humming “this meeting could have been an email” under our breath.

I want to study industrial design because it merges all of my favorite things: art, problem-solving, technology, and psychology. Ever since I was young I have been fascinated by how things are made and why some products are intuitive, useful, and meaningful while others lack those qualities. What drew me to industrial design was the idea that it does something useful for people. Design doesn’t just make things look pretty, it improves people’s lives at home, work, while they’re on the go, and everywhere in between. Whether it’s something as simple as a chair, phone, packaging, or kitchen appliance, or something more complex like medical technology or sustainable transportation design can change people’s lives. I love learning about how designers figure out a problem, research target users, sketch ideas, test prototypes, and refine their concepts to create a functional and thoughtful solution. I love both the creative and logical aspects of the design process. I want to be able to draw, make models, and use computer software to bring my ideas to life. Industrial design would allow me to explore drawing, model making, digital design, materials, ergonomics, and manufacturing all while learning how to create thoughtful products. Designing for a sustainable and socially conscious world are both aspects of design that interest me. With problems like waste, climate change, and privilege being prevalent in our world, it is important for designers to take into consideration how we can design things that will last longer, be easier to repair, cater to more bodies, and create less environmental impact. I hope to one day design products that are not only beautiful and function well but are also designed with impact, accessibility, and longevity in mind. By studying industrial design I can learn the technical skills and creative thinking necessary to solve problems and build prototypes of my ideas. I am excited to spend time in studios working with materials, collaborating with classmates, receiving constructive feedback, and learning from others. I know that designing meaningful products requires one to be curious, patient, and willing to both experiment and fail. I thrive when I am able to learn more about a problem and use that knowledge to improve my design. I want to study industrial design because I believe that it is a way I can use my creativity to make a practical difference. I hope one day to design products that people will find useful and appreciate using. I am inspired by the idea that something I design could make someone’s life just a little better.

Meetings have become a ubiquitous source of workplace grievance. Many who dislike meetings feel this way for rational reasons and their frustrations speak to deeper tensions around our collective relationship with structured collaboration. There are a few trends that have converged to create this point in meeting culture. Firstly, meeting schedules are easy. Digital calendars made it ridiculously frictionless to schedule a meeting and eliminated the natural law of scarcity that used to keep meetings in check. Booking a meeting became a mere handful of mouse clicks so the mental tax of actually initiating one dropped close to zero. Meetings quickly multiplied without any real growth to their output or value. Secondly, distributed work seems to have caused organizations to double down on meetings. There’s less hallway discussion or spontaneous desk-side drop-ins with teams that work remotely or in hyrbid environments. Instead, companies are defaulting to scheduling meetings to accommodate these conversations, intentionally filling up more time than necessary with synchronous interactions. Third, we often conflate busy with productive. Holding a meeting gives the illusion that something is getting done. Meetings look like work on calendars. Meetings generate action items. Meetings give managers something to walk around and supervise. This is why we accept holding a meeting as a solution to so many problems, even when most can be resolved async. Fourth, bad meetings have been normalized. Agendas are unclear or non-existent. It’s often ambiguous who has decision-making power or input. Too many people get invited. Nine times out of ten a meeting will be forced to fit into a 30-or-60-minute timeslot whether that’s actually how long it needs to be is irrelevant. Most companies don't teach you how to have an effective meeting so bad practices go unchecked. Last but not least, many knowledge workers have come to realize the value of deep, focused work. Meetings are the leading thief of this work. As people have become more familiar with concepts like flow, the cognitive load of meetings can't help but be felt - and complained about. As said before, the complaint is about more than meetings. It’s people reevaluating how they spend collective time.

Increasing Screen Time Raising Parental Alarm Over Teen Mental Health From smartphones and streaming services to social media, tech is woven into the fabric of today’s culture. As a result, parents, teachers and medical experts are placing growing emphasis on the impact screen time could have on teen mental health. Teens are spending more time online than ever before, whether it’s for school, social interactions, entertainment or video games. Technology allows adolescents to connect with friends, learn new things and find supportive communities. But too much screen time, or screen time that’s not well managed, can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and lack of exercise. It’s important to note that scientists and medical professionals do not consider screen time to be the direct cause of mental health problems. Not all screen time is created equal, say experts. The duration, frequency, type of use and individual needs of each child plays a role. Reading an educational blog during the day isn’t likely to have the same effects as your teen stays up late scrolling through Instagram posts. “What your kids are doing online matters just as much as how long they spend online,” say many mental health experts. Social media can expose kids to cyberbullying, negative influences, harmful content and exacerbated feelings of loneliness. However, some kids who struggle to fit in at school may find a sense of community online. That includes adolescents exploring their identity, kids with disabilities, and teens coping with mental health disorders. Many experts are concerned about the link between screen time and poor sleep quality. Using devices late into the night can make it harder for teens to fall asleep. Notifications can also disrupt sleep once a teen finally does go to bed. Sleep deprivation isn’t benign: it can cause depression, anxiety, low motivation and impulsive behavior. Education leaders are splitting on how to approach technology in schools. Some schools have started banning cell phone use during the school day. Others have incorporated lessons on digital health and well-being into their health classes. These classes teach students about privacy, online predators and how social media platforms are built to be addictive. Many parents want to know what they can do to put healthier boundaries around screen time. As with most things in parenting, banning technology is not recommended by pediatricians and mental health professionals. Instead, they recommend creating a family media plan. Tips include restricting devices from the bedroom, having device-free meals, setting screen-free times before bed, limiting your teen’s social media use and encouraging exercise. Parents can also help by listening to their kids about their online experiences. Signs that your teen’s mental health may be affected by screen time include: withdrawing from real-life friends, a drop in school grades, depression, decreased interest in sports or hobbies they used to enjoy, fighting about technology usage, sleeping or eating pattern changes, and your teen appearing troubled after using technology. Mental health concerns in teens isn’t caused by screen time—but it can contribute to worsening symptoms. As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, screen time will likely play a big role in the discussion. Parents, schools and teens should work together to find a healthy balance of technology that works for their family. Technology companies should also be held accountable for creating safe online experiences for young people.

Grow Fresh Herbs Year-Round With Our Indoor Herb Garden Kit Get Farm fresh flavors on your kitchen counter with our Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit! Includes everything you need to grow your own fragrant herbs year-round with no prior gardening experience needed. This kit comes with six stylish ceramic planters you can reuse season after season; non-GMO, certified organic seed packets (includes basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, thyme and chives); coconut coir growing puck; and a moisture-retentive capillary mat to wick water to the plants roots as needed between watering. Each step of the planting and growing process is clearly explained in the included instruction guide so you can enjoy watching your herbs sprout from seed and grow right before your eyes. Whether you have limited counter space or want to add some green to a shady kitchen; this kit fits anywhere there's sunlight. On your windowsill, kitchen counter or beneath a grow light. Your herbs will germinate within days of planting. And you'll be cutting fresh herbs to cook with in just a couple weeks! Who knows, you may never go back to those sad bags of pre-wilted greens at the grocery store. Kit Includes: Six ceramic planters; Moisture Retentive Capillary Mat; Coconut Coir Growing Puck; Non-GMO Certified Organic Herb Seed Packet (includes basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, thyme and chives); Growing Instructions. Gift Idea: Would make a great gift for cooks, foodies, beginner gardeners, apartment living, or anyone wanting to cut down on their grocery bill. Once planted, the planters also work great as kitchen decor.

Cover Letter for Policy Analyst Role Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to you because I am interested in applying for the Policy Analyst position available with the City of [City]. As a professional with experience in researching public policy issues, analyzing data, and engaging stakeholders, I would be an asset to your team and your city’s efforts to implement policies that make a positive impact on citizens. As a Policy Research Associate at [Current Organization], I have developed skills in taking large amounts of complex information and creating digestible reports with clear policy recommendations for city leaders. Most recently I completed an analysis project on affordable housing programs, which required me to understand current zoning laws, interview city stakeholders, and compare programs in similar cities. Based on my research I compiled three policy recommendations for the city to implement. Within one year of those implementations going into effect, there was a 15% rise in affordable housing units. Policy analysis is never black and white. In order to create meaningful and impactful policy change, one must have a desire to get to know the community you serve and work with decision-makers in a thoughtful way. I have experience working with city officials, nonprofits, small business owners, and other stakeholders to ensure my research and subsequent recommendations align with the community’s needs. My skills in facilitating community meetings and communicating policy research to non-data driven audiences has improved my capacity to connect with the public. What excites me about this role are [City]'s recent efforts in [insert reason city interests you. Something you learned from their website or news article]. I am impressed by [something specific you've read about the city]. With my background in [insert related skill or previous project], I am eager to work with your team to keep [City] moving forward. My expertise in statistical analysis programs such as R and Stata, along with my written and verbal communication skills, equip me to dive into data and produce thorough reports. I can present my findings to any level of staff member and have experience communicating with both officials and the public. I am also able to multitask and thrive in environments that may have shifting deadlines based on what the community needs are. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would love to further discuss how my background and public service-driven mindset would be valuable assets to your department. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Industrial Design Personal Statement Assemblages of plastic, metal, and wood surround us everywhere we look. They hold ideas about the designer that conceived them—what they know about people’s needs, what they value, and what they assume will go unquestioned. I became cognizant of this fact one day when I was fifteen years old and took apart a kitchen appliance that no longer functioned, not to repair it, but simply to see how it went together. Since that day I have found great joy in tearing apart objects to understand how they were made and why. This passion has only continued to grow with me, leading me toward industrial design. What interests me most about industrial design is how it uniquely balances creativity and utility. It is a practice that goes beyond making objects look attractive—it requires the designer to understand people so well that they can improve someone’s day without them realizing it. The chair you’re sitting in was designed to support your back and limbs at their optimal angles. The tool you’re using was made to feel so natural in your hand because someone once thought about its contours, heft, and motion. I am enamored by this hidden thoughtfulness, and I want to be the one doing the thinking. In the last couple years I have followed this fascination by independently designing and building objects. I redesigned a collapsible desk organizer for people living in small spaces, and I prototyped a measuring cup with easier access for individuals who have limited range of motion in their hands. What these projects have taught me is that design is just as much about empathy as it is about crafting. You need to understand your users, their goals, their struggles. What I love about designing is the cycle of iterating: sketching ideas out, building a prototype, testing it, watching it fail, and trying again. Each time my designs failed to work the way I wanted them to, I better understood what the object needed to become. Additionally, I am interested in industrial design because it allows me to explore art and engineering, psychology and sustainability. I want to learn about how materials can be manipulated, how the manufacturing process limits or broadens design, and how design can affect society and the planet. Industrial design will teach me the skills I need to make thoughtful products that serve both people and the world they live in. I want to learn how to design objects that help people live their lives with a little less friction. Objects that anticipate their needs and take care of them without asking for praise or acknowledgment. I believe that earning this degree will help me take the next step towards this goal.

Hey Team! At [Company Name], we pride ourselves on having the best team. We work to support you not only in your careers but in your lives outside of work and your biggest life events. With that said, I am excited to announce that we have decided to improve our parental benefits by offering... **Starting [Date], we will be offering all qualifying employees twenty (20) weeks of paid parental leave. ** Whether you give birth or don't, are adopting or fostering, welcome a child into your home- we want you to have that time to bond with your new family member(s) and settle into your new normal without the stress of being financially strained. Becoming a parent is a huge life change. We understand that and want to do our part in allowing you to enjoy every moment of it. We have increased our parental leave benefit from 12 weeks to **TWENTY (20) WEEKS OF FULL PAY**. HR will be hosting a Q&A regarding the new policy, who qualifies, and what it looks like for team members currently on leave or expecting on [Day of week, e. g., Thursday] at [Time]. You can find the policy on [Internal Portal/Shared Drive] in the meantime. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact [HR Contact Email]. We appreciate all that you do for [Company Name]. You are our biggest asset and we are happy to continue giving back to you and your family. Stay awesome! [Your Name] [Your Title] [Company Name]

Housing was once thought of as a simple need, but now it is recognized as one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Along with the rapid urbanization happening globally, cities around the world are facing an affordability crisis in which even middle-class populations are being priced out of the housing market. Urban areas are sources of economic prosperity, but the competition for space within these regions causes an increase in property values and disproportionately high housing prices compared to wages. Rapidly increasing real estate prices in relation to wage growth has created serious concerns for cities because it endangers the long-term viability of our cities, promotes socio-spatial segregation, and decreases quality of life for city-dwellers. It is extremely important for us to understand the current issues regarding the affordability of housing in order to help lower-income families and vulnerable populations. Housing affordability literature is extensive and ever-changing. The ways in which affordability is defined, calculated, and debated are hot topics among researchers. There has been recent push back against the use of ratios as indicator variables for affordability. For many years the 30 percent of income rule has been used to gauge affordability. Although this logic still permeates a lot of popular conversations on housing, researchers have been moving away from this ratio as a sufficient measure of affordability. There has been a shift to use “residual income” as a way to measure affordability while taking into consideration other necessary expenses a person may have. Researchers also began to look at housing and transport expenses together to better understand spatial affordability. In addition to changing ideas about how to measure affordability, there is also extensive research concerning the factors that cause housing to be unaffordable for so many. Some research has found that there is a lack of housing supply due to strict zoning laws, land use regulations, and natural geographic barriers. Other research points to the ways in which housing has been “financialized” as a commodity to be invested in rather than a public good. This research reviews the current literature on housing affordability. The review starts by discussing how affordability is defined and calculated, then goes into the arguments over housing supply and financialization, and lastly reviews the effectiveness of policies that have been tried to address the issue of affordability.

Meetings are such a ubiquitous workplace complaint because they reflect a cultural tension in our work lives. We all want to collaborate with others but no one feels like they have enough time to do their actual jobs. Meetings have exploded as organizations become more siloed, cross-functional, and distributed. Gathering is often the path of least resistance to coordinate, align, and demonstrate inclusion. The problem is that many meetings are designed terribly. They lack agendas, decision-makers, or actionable next steps. People walk away wondering where the time went and how anyone talked the whole time. Meetings also serve as proxy for trust or clarity in organizations. Leaders schedule them to keep tabs on work, reduce ambiguity, or seem like they’re working closely with their teams. Individual contributors may attend out of fear that saying no is too risky or disrespectful of their time. In this way, meetings can serve a role in the performance culture of organizations: showing up makes you seen, which can feel as valuable as doing your work. Remote and hybrid work has also amplified this tension as people’s calendars fill with video calls that are draining and don't offer the same social benefit of face-time. Lastly, the complaint about meetings is cultural because meetings reinforce power dynamics. Some employees feel comfortable (or demanded) to talk while others sit quietly, having no opportunity to share their ideas. Everyone is given the same amount of time, but it’s often someone else’s time that is lost. We don’t see the cost of meetings because they steal our focus, delay projects, and lengthen our workdays. When employees complain about meetings they’re often shouting about how their organizations treat their attention, authority, and accountability. Meetings aren’t inherently bad or unproductive. They suck when they are done excessively and without intention. The cultural complaint about meetings is a desire for organizations to treat people’s time, focus, and collaboration with respect.

Soundbite culture has degraded the news. Cable-news shouting matches and hyperlink-driven clickbait employ fearmongering and misdirection to grab headlines. The revolution’s counter-response has been gaining strength for years: long-form podcasts. Interviews and deep dives that routinely hit the two-to-three hour mark are becoming more than just hobbies; they’re becoming how millions of people get their news. Long-form podcasts aren’t just comforting podcasts; they’re required listening if we want to course-correct democracy. Here’s why. Long-form podcasts are, first and foremost, freed from the tyranny of the clock. Cable news is built upon a never-ending cycle of rigid seven-minute blocks hosted by newsreaders who jump from topic to topic, subject to studio-orchestrated applause breaks and commercials. Nuanced discussions about international war strategy, domestic economic policy, and humanitarian crises are oversimplified into easy talking points and partisan yelling. Podcasts give guests the space to really expand upon and lay out their thinking. Hosts can dive into the why with their guests, whether they’re experts in biology, history, or politics. Instead of telling you what to think, they’ll walk you through how they think. They’ll get you to think. Podcasts also remind us that, behind the headlines, news experts are human beings we can trust. Corporate teleprompter jesters have churned out such a high volume of propaganda that people are starting to tune out when they see those studio lights. Podcasts are different. For one, they sound different. Guests aren’t edited to remove awkward pauses or错 thinking. You hear them construct arguments, change their tone of voice to emphasize important points, and even correct themselves. Interviews dive deeper because hosts will “steel-man” their guest’s positions, taking down the strongest version of their arguments instead of oversimplifying their rhetoric into straw-men. These podcasts have the time and patience to let guests take you on whatever intellectual journey they need to in order to explain their point of view. Podcasts don’t have ombudsman or segmented airing times to explicitly prevent them from producing false content, you say? And Newsroom doesn’t have an op-ed section to spin hard truths into propaganda? Millions of people turn to podcasts as their primary source of news because they know that doesn’t matter. When someone puts out bad info on a podcast, knowledgeable listeners can call them out on it via Twitter or other platforms. The public isn’t deaf, blind, or stupid. But Newsroom will keep spelling Biden’s name wrong. We need long-form podcasts. Podcasts allow us to gather as adults and have the uncomfortable conversations society has been avoiding. Other forms of news media are designed to keep us divided. Podcasts can change that.

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Audiences moving away from network news and towards hours-long conversations about current events is one of the more positive media trends of recent years. Podcasts demand more time than most people want to give on a daily basis, but they’re worth it: Anyone who’s jumped from watching the news to listening to a long-form discussion of current events can attest to the richness of perspective that’s lost when we let news outlets condense stories into brief segments. Deep dives deserve more time than soundbites. Depth is the biggest argument in favor of long-form podcasts. Two-minute news stories don’t allow for anything beyond surface-level coverage. Arguments get reduced to forgettable soundbites. Complex topics are explained in frighteningly dull 30-second segments. Podcasts that stretch for two hours or more let journalists and guests expand on their thoughts. Ideas get explained with nuance and context. Listeners can witness the logical progression of thoughts, allow for callserv pushback and clarification, and arrive at well-informed opinions on topics that simply can’t be explained in under three minutes. Long-form podcasts also allow people to speak at length about complex topics without resorting to talking points. Someone who is comfortable with a subject won’t resort to platitudes or dogwhistles when given an hour to speak on a topic. When guests and podcast hosts have the chance to talk at length about a problem or topic, they often reveal how they approach problems, process new information, and yes, sometimes admit that they don’t have all the answers. Listeners can see how someone builds a conclusion, and when they can’t trust that logical progression—because of bias, ill-conceived premises, or poor reasoning—they’ll know not to trust the host or guest. Long-form podcasts aren’t immune to false information, echo chambers, or blindly accepting guests who reinforce the host’s biases. But that’s true of news networks as well. The journalistic standards vary wildly between podcasts and influencers will still talk to whomever drops, but at least listeners can judge the merits of arguments being made soundbite-free. Interview style podcasts also allow for more straight-up debate and cross examination than most news programs which tend to focus on anchor reads or orthodox discussions between around three people. Not only do podcasts allow experts to talk at length about their areas of expertise, they can explain complex topics without needing journalists to reword what they’re saying to make it more accessible. Someone who’s been in the machinery business for 30 years can explain that industry better than your average news reporter. Not only do podcasts trend toward topic experts as guests, they allow for those experts to explain things without needing to dumb things down for an outsider to understand. The deep dives continue long after the network news has signed off. While punditry and news programs will start prioritizing views and listeners over information, podcasts have the space and time to allow guests to express nuanced opinions and host to ask hard questions. News at 11 isn’t going anywhere, but if you’re looking for something to actually learn from, podcasts should be your go-to source.

Affordable housing has been identified as one of the defining challenges facing cities today. Although an adequate place to live is a fundamental human need and right, many low- and middle-income urban households cannot access adequate housing within their financial means. Across the world, people are struggling to keep up with rising rents and house prices, while wages remain stagnant. Ensuring affordable access to adequate housing is therefore increasingly understood not only as a matter of access to the private market but also as a broader question of social and spatial justice and urban sustainability. In this Research Topic, we invited researchers to share their studies of urban housing affordability. Specifically, we asked them to address how affordability is defined; what factors contribute to affordability problems; and which policies can best address affordability challenges. Here we provide a brief overview of existing literature on these questions. Conceptualizations of housing affordability Perhaps the most fundamental issue in research on affordable housing is how affordability is defined. Traditional affordability scholarship has been concerned with the relationship between housing expenses and income. To date, most studies operationalize affordability as a function of housing expenses; that is, whether or not a household pays more than x% of its income on housing (usually 30 percent is used as the benchmark). While this calculation is still widely used, researchers have highlighted how this definition of affordability is too narrow. Definitions of affordable housing have been expanded to include other important factors such as household size, transportation costs, location, and accessibility, housing quality, neighborhood characteristics, and access to services. Some have argued that affordable housing should be considered in the context of livelihood opportunities, commute times, housing conditions, and long-term residential stability. Drivers of affordable housing While there is no consensus on how to define affordable housing, researchers have drawn broad agreement on what factors have caused it to decline. Limited supply of land and restrictive land use regulations, along with speculation and financialization in the housing market have made housing unaffordable for low- and middle-income households. In many cities around the world, housing is increasingly viewed as an asset for investment rather than as a place to live, exacerbating housing affordability problems. Globalization and population growth have also been cited as drivers of housing unaffordability. In addition, the production of housing that is affordable to low- and middle-income households has not kept pace with increasing demand. In some places, public housing construction has dwindled. In other contexts, market-based housing development has occurred, but households that cannot afford to pay market rates have been left without options. Effects of unaffordable housing While a growing body of research is dedicated to understanding what drives affordable housing problems, other scholars have examined the effects of unaffordable housing on households and cities. High housing costs can lead to financial stress, housing insecurity, cut backs in spending on healthcare and education, overcrowding, and homelessness. Unaffordability can also cause people to live farther from employment centers and public transportation, which limits access to jobs and opportunity. Together, these consequences create distinct patterns of socio-economic segregation. Policies to address unaffordable housing While researchers tend to agree that unaffordability is a growing problem with severe consequences, there is less consensus on what can be done about it. Common solutions put forth in the academic literature and popular discussions include rent control, inclusionary zoning, housing vouchers, investments in public and social housing, land-use reforms, and transit-oriented development. However, there is disagreement about the effectiveness of each of these solutions. Some have even noted that certain policies, such as rent control, can have undesirable side effects.

Revamp Your Small Bathroom in a Weekend With these tips, you can refresh your small bathroom over a weekend without getting into the plumbing and electrical work that comes with larger projects. Save the bigger DIY projects for another weekend and focus on cosmetic changes that can be completed quickly. Just be sure to plan your project in advance, purchase everything you need before Friday, and choose updates that have big impact. Prep Work Before the Weekend Measure your bathroom and make a list of updates you want to make. Painting walls, replacing hardware, adding a new mirror, updating light fixtures, swapping out the faucet, adding shelving, re-caulking, and updating accessories are all great projects to complete over a weekend. Avoid relocating toilets, showers, and sinks if you don’t have a professional on hand to help. Purchase everything you need before Friday morning: paint and supplies, caulk, grout cleaner, new hardware/fixtures, pretty towels, shelving or storage baskets, and tools if you don’t already have them. Open boxes, confirm that screws and other parts are included, and double-check that your new faucet or light fixture has the same fittings as the old one. Clear the Bathroom Out on Friday Night Once you have removed everything you own from the bathroom (yes, everything — toilet paper included) remove anything you don’t plan to replace like rugs, wall hangings, curtain, etc. If you plan to replace towel bars, hooks, mirrors, or cabinet hardware, take those off as well. Clean everything you can. Give extra attention to the sink and counter, toilet base, shower stall, and trim/baseboards. You want to paint, caulk, and rehang things on clean surfaces. Patch holes where nails were with spackle. Let dry, then sand the area smooth and wipe away dust. Apply painter’‘s tape along trim, tile, the edge of the mirror (if you’re not replacing it), and around toilet and sink fixtures. Paint and Replace Hardware on Saturday Painting should be your first task on Saturday. Invest in quality bathroom paint, and paint your walls a light color that will help make the room feel larger. Apply paint to the corners and edges of the room first, then use a roller on the larger wall surfaces. One gallon of paint is usually enough for a small bathroom, but two thin coats will look better than one thick coat. Allow paint to dry according to directions before applying the second coat. While the paint is drying, replace cabinet hardware, towel bar/hooks, toilet paper holder, and install a frameless mirror or large decorative mirror. Replace the faucet if you are comfortable turning off the water lines. If you are changing your light fixture, turn off power to the room at your breaker box before removing the old fixture. If you are not comfortable doing this, hire an electrician to make the change for you. Refresh shower stall by cleaning grout lines with grout cleaner. Remove old, cracked caulk line with a utility knife, then clean and allow to dry. Apply a new bead of silicone caulk made for bathrooms. Style the Room and Clean on Sunday Add floating shelves, stack a basket on top of another, or add an over-toilet storage cabinet to increase your storage options. Try to avoid cluttering your countertops with storage. The more free space you have, the larger your bathroom will feel. Hang your new shower curtain, and match it with towels and a neutral bathmat. Touch up any spots on the walls, clean glass and mirrors, and organize toiletries. Purchase a few clear containers or add drawer dividers to help organize smaller items. By Sunday night you‘ll have a bathroom that feels cleaner, brighter, and more stylish without having to tear everything apart.

Imagine biting into a juicy tomato still warm from the sun, then closing your eyes and tasting homegrown cilantro brightening every bite. Now picture growing those herbs and veggies inside your own kitchen, year-round. Welcome to the joy of indoor gardening with the Root & Bloom Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit. Our simple, soil-less Indoor Herb Garden Kit is perfect for novice chefs and plant enthusiasts looking to grow their own kitchen staples. Forget guessing about what each plant needs to thrive. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Each Root & Bloom kit includes everything you need to grow: organic, non-GMO seeds (Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Cilantro, and Thyme); mineral-rich coco-coir soil discs; and high-quality pots you’ll love re-using. Our specially formulated soil provides maximum oxygenation and hydration so your seeds germinate quickly and roots grow strong and healthy. Never buy another bunch of basil or parsley again! Snip your own herbs as needed for the freshest meals every time. Our kit is small enough to sit on a windowsill, apartment balcony or kitchen counter so you can enjoy nature’s stress-relief wherever you live. Each kit comes ready to grow and is packaged beautifully, making it ideal for host gifts, birthdays, or treat yourself. Eat fresh with Root & Bloom.

Defining Affordable Housing: Annotated Bibliography Housing affordability is becoming an increasingly urgent issue in cities around the world regardless of their level of development or governing institutions. Urban areas continue to grow around the world at record rates, and for many residents of cities affordability has become a serious issue. The crisis of housing affordability being witnessed has significant impact on access to opportunity for many people around the world (Wetzstein, 2017). The purpose of this literature review is to explore what is currently known about the impact affordable housing has on society. One of the largest challenges that researchers have found when studying affordable housing is that it is difficult to have a consistent definition of what affordable housing is. Housing affordability is typically measured by how expensive housing costs are relative to income. The most common way to measure affordable housing is if households spend no more than 30% of their income on housing (Stone, 2006). However, this measure has been critiqued because although households may spend 30% or less of their income on housing they may not make enough money to enjoy an adequate standard of living (Hulchanski, 1995). There are other ways to measure affordability such as residual income or creating a composite index that would take other factors such as cost of transportation into effect. Another contested point is what has caused housing to become less affordable. Some argue that because there are regulations and barriers that prevent developers from building houses in many cities there is a limited supply causing prices to increase (Glaeser & Gyourko, 2018). Others argue that housing has become a commodity that many people have been investing in and causing housing prices to inflate. Others blame it on rising income inequality. This literature review will dive deeper into what is currently known about affordable housing and what needs to be addressed in order to have a better understanding of this topic. By looking at different ways researchers have measured affordable housing, different causes as to why it may not be affordable, and what policies can help with affordable housing we can start to analyze if researchers are in agreement or if there is still more to learn about the subject.

When I was younger, I didn’t play with toys. I took them apart. I needed to know how the gears on a wind-up car meshed together. I needed to understand how plastic could form a latch that clicked just so satisfyingly. I wanted to know how a subtly curved handle could feel just right in the palm of your hand. As I grew older, I realized that everything around us is designed with intention. Every object we interact with affects how we experience life. I want to study Industrial Design to learn how to connect human need with beauty and function. Industrial design is problem-solving. To me, there is no greater way to express empathy than through art. I first became interested in industrial design when I made a desk organizer in woodworking class my junior year of high school. It hit me that if an object was beautiful but unintuitive, it wasn’t truly helpful. But if it was useful and felt boring, it would be easily forgotten. I spent hours getting that design just right, tweaking angles to be as ergonomic as possible, and choosing woods that felt pleasing to the touch. The process of taking something scattered in my brain and creating a cohesive, functional object was incredible. I am especially excited by industrial design’s sustainable future. We are drowning in disposable products in a world with limited resources. I want to learn to design with intention for the planet as well as the user. I want to study how to implement circular design, examine biomaterials, and work towards creating products that will stand the test of time. I believe that your school’s workshop-style curriculum and emphasis on user-centered design will allow me to expand my knowledge and skill set. I can’t wait to learn your digital modeling software, get messy in the workshops, and collaborate with fellow students to learn all there is to know about designing life-changing products.

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[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile/Website/portfolio] [Date] [ hiring manager’s name or “Search Committee”] [Name of city government / department, i.e. Office of Policy and Management] [City Hall Address] [City, State Zip Code] Subject: Cover Letter for Policy Analyst Job – [insert job requisition number if there is one] Dear [ hiring manager’s name or “Members of the Selection Committee”], I am a public policy professional and resident of [City Name]. I am writing to you because I am very interested in working with you as a Policy Analyst for [Department/city government]. I have a Master’ s degree in Public Policy and [X] years of experience performing data analysis and policy research. I’m excited about the opportunity to use my background in data analytics and public policy to support equitable data-driven policies that have a tangible impact on people’s lives. I currently work as a Policy Associate at [current or previous employer] where I completed extensive research and analysis on social and economic policy issues. Most notably, I conducted analysis to determine the feasibility of [insert a policy area i.e. affordable housing / public transportation / etc.]. I compiled census data, reviewed public comments, and analyzed fiscal impacts to create a policy brief on my findings. As a result, there was a [Percentage]% increase in the efficiency of the pilot and my policy brief was utilized by county leadership. In my role, I have gained valuable experience communicating with members of the community to understand their needs. I am familiar with bureaucratic processes and enjoy working with others to find non-partisan solutions to challenges. Whether it be through drafting legislation or coordinating public forums, I understand the importance of meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects at once. I admire [City Name]’s work on [reference a city initiative i.e. Climate Action Plan or providing more affordable childcare] and believe city government should be grounded in evidence and equity. While numbers and data are my specialty, I also know how to break down policies and packages into layman terms for city councilors, department heads, and everyday citizens. I am also advanced in [name 1-2 tools i.e. SPSS, R, GIS maping, Excel]. I look forward to the possibility of working together and supporting [Department name] in efforts to create sustainable change. Thank you for your consideration and dedication to improving our city. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

Dear Hiring Manager/Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Policy Analyst position with City Government. I am attracted to city government because it allows me to blend research, data-driven analysis, and actual public service in ways that directly improve how our city operates. I care deeply about building a more effective, equitable, and responsive government. Through previous roles in policy research and analysis, I know that I have the skills to support the City’ work analyzing and improving programs to better serve residents. As a policy analyst, I have written policy briefs, compiled legislative and regulatory updates, conducted quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and translated complex topics into actionable recommendations for decision-makers. I enjoy diving into datasets, reading academic and government studies, conducting interviews, and summarizing my findings in written and verbal formats. Whether it’s evaluating a program’s impact, identifying ways the government can address unmet needs, or estimating the fiscal and social impact of potential policies, I approach my work with an attention to detail and a passion for accuracy. When I think about city government, I think of the policies that have the power to immediately impact people’s day-to-day lives. I am fascinated by issues like affordable housing, public transit, crime prevention, workforce development, environmental resilience, and more. I know how to break these issues down into their component parts. And I understand thatthoughtful policy analysis must balance hard data with comments from the community, budget limitations, feasibility of implementation, and long-term city priorities. Writing is one of my strengths, along with a detail-oriented mindset and the ability to tailor my communication style to different audiences. I have experience writing memos, briefing notes, slide decks, and documents that are intended for the public. I know how to make policy issues understandable and engaging, while avoiding false dichotomies and oversimplification. In all that I do, I value collaboration and have worked with program experts, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and community members. I care about serving residents where they are and approach every interaction with kindness and professional curiosity. I would be thrilled to put my passion for public service and analytical skills to work for the City Government. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to make our city a better place to live, work, play, and do business. I am ready to hit the ground running and can already think of ways my skills and experiences would be a perfect match for your team. Thank you for your consideration and time. I hope to have the chance to talk with you about how I can contribute to the important work your team does for the City. Sincerely, [Your Name]

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Screen Time Epidemic Contributing to Teen Mental Health Crisis **CHICAGO** — Mental health experts are shedding light on the hidden epidemic that’s causing soaring rates of anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation among American youth: screen time. On Tuesday, researchers at the children’s health advocacy organization Pediatrics Now shared data from a study monitoring more than 5,000 American teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. Results showed that teenagers now spend an average of more than seven hours per day engaged with electronic devices for non-school related purposes. Teenagers who reported using social media for more than four hours each day were also twice as likely to exhibit depressive behaviors than teenagers who spent less than two hours on screen per day. “Teenagers are socializing less than ever before and it’,” said Pediatrics Now Medical Director Dr. Joganand Palep. “It’s not necessarily *what* teenagers are doing on screens, it’s *what they’re not doing*. Screen time is replacing essential activities: meaningful human interaction, exercise, and sleep.” The Pediatrics Now study found that exposure to blue lights emitted by smartphones and late-night social media interactions were among the leading causes of reduced sleep in American teenagers. Approximately two-thirds of teenagers polled said they slept with their cellphone by their bedside, with nearly half acknowledging they checked social media as soon as they woke up. Lack of sleep can lead to depression and anxiety. And it’s not just late nights causing teens mental health problems. According to researchers, many social media platforms are designed to intentionally keep users scrolling as long as possible. Kids are especially susceptible to targeted algorithms encouraging unhealthy habits. “What they’re seeing when they’re using social media are edited versions of everyone’,” Dr. Palep said. “And that breeding ground can lead to depression.” Many parents have already vowed to take matters into their own hands. Since October, school districts across the nation have restricted students from using cellphones from “bell-to-bell” throughout the school day. Teachers report students are more engaged with their peers and coursework than ever before. Pediatricians are also advising parents to limit screen time by their children by creating screen-free zones at home. “I’m not asking you to throw your cellphone in the garbage,” Dr. Palep said. “I’m asking you to teach your kids how to use it responsibly.”

# How to Keep Houseplants Alive in Apartments With Low Light Don’t curse your dark apartment just yet. Many houseplants are perfectly happy in indirect sunlight and even shady corners. Rooms without hours of direct sunlight aren’t doomed—or leafless—to be barren and boring. Instead, they’re low-light environments, which means you just need to find the right plants and care for them accordingly. Follow these 10 simple tips, and you’ll have happy houseplants in even the shady corners of your low-light apartment. ## 1. Choose plants that thrive in low light While some houseplants crave direct sunlight, others prefer more indirect light. Some great options for low-light apartments include snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, peace lilies, philodendrons, and Chinese evergreens. These plants will forgive you if your apartment tends to skimp on the rays. ## 2. Low light doesn’t mean no light Even the hardiest of low-light houseplants requires light. Any room with a window should provide enough lighting for your plant to thrive (even if that window is north-facing!). Windows that don’t receive direct sunlight are great because they filter out some of the stronger rays. That said, if your “low-light” area is a windowless bathroom or hallway, you may need to supplement with a grow light. ## 3. Water your plants less than you think you should A plant that’s receiving indirect sunlight will dry out much slower than a houseplant on your sunny windowsill. As such, you should water your low-light plants much less frequently. In general, overwatering is the quickest way to kill any houseplant, but this rule is double true for those in darker spaces. Tip: Before watering your plant, stick your finger about an inch down into the soil. Is it still moist? Give it some more time. ## 4. Ensure pots have drainage holes Sure, that chubby little pot with teeny drainage hole looks adorable on your shelves. But do yourself a favor and get a houseplant pot with drainage holes. Water can get trapped in pots without drainage and cause root rot. If you’re attached to a cute pot without drainage holes, use it as a vase and place the plant inside a traditional plastic nursery pot. ## 5. Rotate your plants Low-light or not, your plant will start to grow towards the most abundant source of light. To avoid your plant getting leggy or leaning too far in one direction, rotate the pot every few weeks. ## 6. Clean the leaves Dust collects on your furniture and it collects on your plants. But just because you can’t see those pesky particles doesn’t mean they’re not there. Leaves collect dust which can prevent your plant from absorbing sunlight. Bonus: when you wipe down your plant’s leaves, it’ll instantly look healthier. ## 7. Keep them out of dark corners Sure, your plant may live in the darkest corner of your apartment, but will it thrive? Place your plant in spots that will get as much sunlight as possible. Windows, glass doors, and white or light-colored walls can help reflect more natural light onto your plants. ## 8. Consider getting a grow light If your apartment is truly lacking in sunlight (hello studio apartments! ), invest in a grow light. They’re wonderful for those dark months in winter and super helpful when your plant is looking a little lackluster. Bonus: small clip-on LED grow lights are perfect for helping little spots of your apartment brighten up. ## 9. Hold off on heavy fertilization No need to go all-out when fertilizing your low-light plants. Since they’re not receiving as much sunlight, they don’t require as much plant food. A couple times during the spring and summer should do it. Feel free to skip fertilizing your plants all together in fall and winter. ## 10. Have patience Lastly, don’t forget: low-light houseplants tend to grow slower than your typical houseplant. As long as the leaves look healthy and your plant isn’t dying back, take a deep breath and enjoy your new leafy friend.

Subject: Announcement: Paid Parental Leave Increased to 20 Weeks Hi team, I'm excited to announce a major enhancement to our benefits package. Effective immediately, we have increased paid parental leave to 20 weeks, for all parents. This increased leave entitlement applies to all eligible birthing and non-birthing parents, as well as employees who take leave for adoption, foster care or surrogacy. We understand that new parents need time to care for their child, balance family logistics and transition into their new routines. We hope this extra time allows parents to rest and bond with their child(ren) without worrying about being away from work too long. We know each family is unique and welcomes new children into their home in different ways. As part of our commitment to your well-being and equity, we increased parental leave to better support you and your families. If you are currently on parental leave, planning to take parental leave in the near future, or have questions about eligibility and timing, please reach out to HR. HR will also provide an updated parental leave policy with details on how to request leave, supporting documentation, pay during leave and how to coordinate this leave with any existing local, state or national leave programs you may be eligible for. Managers should work with employees and HR to plan for extended leaves and ensure employees can fully recharge and disconnect during their time away. Thank you for everything you do for our team and our customers. We are proud to make this change and will continue to seek ways to improve our benefits and resources. Best, [Your Name]

10 Tips for Houseplants in Low-Light Apartments Light peeking through your curtains? Walls that definitely do not say “Oregon”? Welcome to your new apartment. We’ve all lived in them: tiny boxes with north-facing windows that get about as much sun as the Antarctic. It’s hard not to feel parched with plant jealousy when you’re deep-creeking through Instagram. But before you rent somebody else’s Netflix account and move to Bali, don’t despair—we have good news. Your plant soulmate is out there. You just have to know where to look. Ready for the ultimate low-light hall of fame? These sturdy specsavers are like succulents, but actually enjoy being in the shade: snake plants, ZZ plants, cast-iron plants, and pothos. Easy-peasy! Here are 10 low-stress tips to help your leaf babies flourish in the shadowy wilds of your low-light abode. ## Choose The Right Plants Don’t leaf your succulents at the nursery! Pale plants are legends in their own low-light time. In fact, these four are basically bulletproof, and will ask so little of you that you’ll forget you even own them. ## Scale Back On Water Many of us are guilty of “feeding” our plants, rather than watering them. But because there’s less light, plants in shady rooms take longer to dry out. Before you water, stick your finger two inches down into the soil. If it feels damp, wait a few days. The number one cause of death for houseplants in low-light apartments? Overwatering. ## Clean Their Plates If your plants are starving for light, they’ll also desperate to take in every photon they can find. Dust can act as a blockade, so wipe the leaves of your plants with a damp cloth once every two weeks or so. ## Mirror ItSELF As Irish billionaire Colin Sheridan once said: “When life gives you mirrors, make sure they’re reflecting your plants.” Hang a mirror directly opposite your window to help bounce light around the room. Your neighbors will hate you—your plants will love you. ## Trim the Yellow Trim any brown or yellow leaves you see. These are signs of dead or dying foliage, and your plant is investing energy into these leaves that it can’t afford to lose. Cut them off and let your plant devote its attention to the green leaves. ## Rotate them regularly Plants will grow toward the direction of the light source (known in actor terms as “etiolation”). If you want your plant to grow up instead of lean, rotate your pots a quarter turn each week. ## Stay Neutral When it comes to paint colors and pots, stick to light colors. White, cream, and pale shades will reflect light rather than absorb it, giving your walls and pots an incidental boost. ## Fake Sunlight Hang on, you can still have grow-lights? You absolutely can. These days they come in cute LED bulbs that screw into your existing lamp shades. And you’d never guess your plants were being photosynthesized by electricity. ## Go Easy on the Nitrogen Plants also grow slower in low-light conditions, so they won’t need tons of fertilizer. Feed once or twice in the spring and summer, and don’t bother at all in fall and winter. ## Plant Communism “Commune” your plants together. When plants release moisture through their leaves, they create a sort of micro-climate with higher humidity. By grouping your plants together, they’ll help each other fight off dry, brown leaf edges.

The Indoor Herb-Garden Starter Kit lets you enjoy fresh-cut herbs anytime – without hassle or guesswork! All the tools and ingredients you need to grow an herb garden are conveniently packed in one tidy kit. Simply open it up and follow the easy instructions to get your herbs sprouting in just a few short days. Use what you grow in stir-fries, pastas, marinades and more. This lightweight container set fits comfortably on your windowsill or counter, so there's no mess – even in small apartments. Each kitchen-ready kit includes organic herb seeds, biodegradable pots, soil discs, plant markers and step-by-step growing instructions. Pick from several herb options including basil, parsley, cilantro, chives and thyme. Cut herbs right from your plant for extra-fresh flavor in soups, salads, sauces, beverages and as garnishes. Don't have a green thumb? No problem! Everyone can enjoy watching herbs grow with this simple indoor gardening kit. Gift it to yourself or a friend who enjoys cooking with fresh herbs, lives in an apartment, or loves practical DIY gifts.

10 Tips for Houseplants When You Live in a Dark Apartment You swore you’d become that cool “plant person,” but your studio apartment only gets about 14 minutes of direct sunlight a day. What do you do? Here are nine tips to help you stock your shelves with healthy, happy greenery, even when the sun refuses to cooperate. 1. Avoid “full sun” plants You’ve heard this one before but trash that pretty succulent from Trader Joe’s ASAP. No southwestern desert cacti yearn to be in your dimly lit apartment any more than you do, no matter how much you swear you’ll take it to college with you. Respect yourself and your future slightly thirsty plants by skipping any plant that asks for “full sun” or “bright, indirect light.” 2. Say hello to pothos If there was an emblem for easy-as-can-be low-light plants it would be pothos. Also known as devil’s ivy, this trailing vine can thrive in near darkness and will hate you back about as much as any plant possibly can. It doesn’t mind being neglected and looks beautiful draped off a bookshelf. Buy two: one for you, and one as a welcome gift for yourself. 3. Snake plants are the literal Einsteins of botany Don’t believe me? Try killing a snake plant. Dust them off, forgot to water them for months? They’ll be fine. Your plantyer-game isn’t gonna reach Einstein levels quite yet, but they’ll get you started. 4. Coax a ZZ plant into your home ZZ plants are snobs at heart, but they’ll succumb to your affections. With their glossy leaves and strong architectural presence, ZZ plants have earned every ounce of hype they’ve received. You can often find them near the brighter aisles of your local plant nursery. Don’t be afraid to ambush them into your home. 5. Let that soil dry out before watering This juicy tip is actually applicable to all houseplants, but low-light darlings drink less than you think. Watering is the number one way you’ll kill your otherwise low-light tolerant plant. Feel the soil about an inch down; if it’s dry to the touch, go ahead and water. When in doubt, don’t. 6. Rotate your plants weekly or biweekly Even if they’re content with the little sunlight they get, your plants will still reach towards their rays. Rotating your plants regularly will help ensure they grow upwards instead of taking a weird leaning turn. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can bounce your plants back and forth or rotate them all in the same direction each time. 7. Invest in a grow light Does your apartment resemble Harry Potter’s forbidden cave more often than not? Grab yourself a small LED grow light to supplement your non-existent sunlight. The technology has come a long way since those giant FINCH specimen growth lamps. Go low-key, or full-on embrace the look with LED grow light fixtures. 8. Clean your plants’ leaves This tip is just as helpful for your sun-loving plants. Dust doesn’t care how big or small your windows are and will gather on your plants’ leaves faster than you think. Gather your plants once a month to wipe down their leaves. You’ll be giving your apartment a much needed dusting too. 9. Place your plants together strategically This tip complements number six nicely. While your bathroom may be a darkroom, it’s probably your brightest room. Same thing for the corner spot near your kitchen window. Plant science fact: plants love each other. When you inevitably forget to rotate those plants on the shelf, your gang of greenery can help each other out. 10. Have patience, grasshopper Slow growth is part of the joy that comes with having low-light plants. Even with the proper plant care, they just take longer to grow than others. Don’t get discouraged if your plants aren’t flourishing like your friends’ backyard gardenias. You’ll know your hard work is paying off when you spot that first new leaf.

Renovating your bathroom can be accomplished in a weekend if your changes are cosmetic instead of structural. Make plans to work Saturday and Sunday from morning to night for best results. NIGHT BEFORE: Preparation and Demolition Completely empty your bathroom of everything including towels, rugs, décor, cosmetics and toiletries. Turn off your bathroom's water supply before attempting to replace any fixtures. Remove the old caulking around your bathtub or shower, sink and toilet base using either a caulk removal tool or an old butter knife or utility knife. If you plan on replacing your bathroom hardware, take this time to remove your old towel bars, cabinet hardware and light fixture. Wipe down the entire room, inside and out, with a damp rag. Paint and caulking will not adhere to dirty surfaces. SATURDAY: Paint Paint your bathroom using a paint formulated for bathrooms. These paints are usually semi-gloss or satin and repel moisture rather than absorbing it. Use painter's tape to cover your trim, outlets and fixtures. Primer and paint your bathroom. If you're painting over a dark paint color or wood stain, apply primer first. Apply 2 coats of paint, allowing paint to dry in between each coat. If your fixtures look outdated and you aren't replacing your plumbing, replace your faucet and/or light fixture with one from your local hardware store. Many of these fixtures can be spray painted to match your new color palette. Place your shower curtain back on once paint has dried. AFTERNOON: Flooring If you plan on installing peel-and-stick vinyl tiles or click-lock floating floor, take care of this step. These floors require no drying time and can change the overall look of a space. After your floors are in place, replace your toilet, reconnect your sink and replace your vanity if you bought a prefabricated vanity that fits your existing plumbing rough-in. EVENING: Hardware and Decor Replace your towel bars, toilet paper holder and cabinet hardware. Hang a new mirror or spruce up an old one with adhesive moldings painted to match your new color scheme. Caulk around your bathtub or shower, sink and toilet base. You can buy a caulking gun and caulk or grab both from your local hardware store. Use a finger dipped in water to smooth your caulk lines. SUNDAY: Wrap-up Turn your water supply back on and check each fixture for leaks. Clean your bathroom thoroughly with a damp rag, then go over the entire space with a hairdryer to remove any leftover painter's tape. Fill your tub with a new shower curtain and hang up a fresh bath rug and towels. Place your light fixture if you haven't already. Add some shelving or décor to the walls to make your space feel complete. Weekend Bathroom Remodel Tips • Don't move anything you have to hook up to plumbing or electrical work. • Have everything you need purchased and ready to go. • Painting should be done in a ventilated room.

Subject: Parental Leave Policy Updated Good news! Our parental leave policy has been updated to 20 weeks of fully paid leave **for all employees**. This began on [date] and applies to all genders, ways of building your family, and regardless of how long you've been with the company. We understand that life happens and we want to do our part to allow you to take care of what matters most. Whether you're planning on starting a family or expecting unexpectedly, you'll now have more time to spend with your newborn child(ren) without the stress of work or lost wages. This applies to childbirth, adoption, surrogacy, etc. The highlights are as follows: - 20 weeks paid leave for all parents -Allowable for full-time employees only (but begins on day one of eligibility)! See policy document for eligibility definition. -Can be taken within 12 months of child arrival. -Allow flexible schedules. You can take the 20 weeks all at once or split it up into chunks that work for you. Research shows that when companies offer adequate parental leave, employees have more successful experiences bringing new life into their families. Additionally, they are more likely to remain with a company that supports them both professionally and personally. We want to continue to set the standard for building a kick-ass team that has a workplace where you can enjoy spending your time both at the office and at home. You can find the full policy update at [link/located in policy handbook]. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact HR. We will be hosting an optional meeting with Q&A on [date] to go over the nitty gritty. Thank you for being a part of a company that values your family. I'm excited we can provide this for you. Best, [Your Name]

‘The Weekend Warrior’ Guide to Small Bathroom Remodel **Weekend warriors: we have a solution that will cure your cramped bath-ette without wrecking your whole weekend. In just 48 hours you can renovate your frustratingly tiny bathroom from drab to dazzling with a detailed game plan, a firm budget, and some serious DIY grit. Follow this battle plan for a weekend bathroom remodel. ** Plan of Attack: The Prep Work (Complete BEFORE Friday) You can’attack a remodel without a battle plan. Having everything you need picked out and on-order weeks ahead of time will ensure your project stays damage-free and on-budget. Schedule deliveries so that all of your materials will arrive by Thursday evening. (Paint, fixtures, vanity, hardware, etc.) You’ll also need to grab tools you already own (or pick up) a drill, adjustable wrench, caulk gun, painter’stape, and safety glasses. Saturday: Demo &/Base Layers 8:00AM – 12:00PM: Demolish! * Turn off the toilet and sink water valves. Remove the mirror, hardware, and vanity. If you’re installing a new toilet, empty the tank and bowl, unscrew the bolts attaching it to the floor, and lift it out (towel may help to grip the smooth porcelain). Plug the hole in your drain pipe with a rag (this keeps sewer gases from escaping) and bag all your trash. *Note* Before you rip everything out, consider taking photos for when you’come to style the bathroom later. You’ll need these for your mirror and electrical wiring locations. 1: 00PM – 5:00PM: Prep Time* Fill any drywall holes with quick drying spackle. Lightly sand and wipe away dust. Apply painter’stape to any trim you’like to avoid painting the edges. Paint! Washrooms are small. Just slap on one semi-gloss, moisture resistant coat of paint in a light color (we love cool whites and greige!) and watch your small space seem twice as big. Apply your first coat, wait two hours, then apply your second. 5:00PM – 9:00PM: Vanity Installation* Assemble your vanity. Dry fit it against the wall and make sure it is level. Secure it to your wall studs. Attach your new faucet to the vanity sink PORTABLE.BUILT-IN before securing it to the cabinet. Add your sink top and secure with silicone caulk to seal. Sunday: Plumbing and Finishing Touches 9:00AM – 1:00PM: Pipes and Thrones* Install your vanity water lines and drain trap. Install your new toilet (or reinstall your existing toilet) using a new wax ring. Tighten the toilet bolts carefully – you don’t want to crack your toilet! Turn the water main back on and check all connections for leaks. 2:00PM – 6:00PM: Everything else. * Hang that mirror up (get a big one to maximize light!) Replace outdated light fixtures (turn off your breaker first!) and install new hardware. Make sure your towel bars, toilet paper holders, and cabinet pulls all match and are modernized. We suggest matte black or brushed brass. 7: 00PM: Cleaning and Styling* Remove old tub/caulk and install new bead of silicone. Add a cushy bath mat, some fluffy towels, and don’t forget a plant. The Jungle Book ain’t got nothing on you. There you have it. You’ve learned how to remodel your bathroom in just one weekend. You’re welcome.

Teenagers and Screens: Mental Health Experts Weigh In On Connection Data The effects smartphones and social media have on teenagers’ mental health is a widely discussed topic among parents, caregivers, educators, and legislators. Recent research out of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has added new data to the discussion. While scree-time was not found to be the leading contributor to anxiety and depression in teenagers, high usage of certain platforms was shown to increase teen girls’ rates of anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. Dr. Elena Vasquez is a developmental psychologist and assistant research professor at the MaryPatrick Academy who has researched the impact of digital screen use on young people. She told Rectangle that while there is reason for concern, it’s more complicated than saying smartphones are harming kids’ mental health. “Screen time isn’t the problem. Yes, kids who spend more time passively browsing Instagram are more likely to experience negative effects than kids who use their phones to talk to friends or create content,” she began. “But we can’t pretend like depression and anxiety aren’t also caused by school stress, family problems, poverty, and a million other factors.” These studies follow an advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General earlier this year that warned about social media’s negative impact on youth mental health. The advisory highlighted the need for more research but pushed social media companies to do more to protect young users. In response, Utah, Arkansas, and Louisiana have passed laws making age verification and parental consent necessary for minors to have social media accounts. Other states have proposed bills that would ban students from using their phones at school. Last month, Florida outlawed social media usage for anyone under the age of 14. Dr. Vasquez says while she appreciates the concern many people have about teens and screens, she also doesn’t want the issue to be framed too simplistically. “I do think that social media companies need to be responsible for how their products affect young users. We also can’t let worrying about screen time distract us from the other very real things causing our kids to struggle,” she continued. Many schools are taking action to limit student phone use during class as well. Schools throughout California, New York, and Texas have restricted students from using their phones at school. “Parents should be teaching their kids how to use phones responsibly before they get to high school,” Vasquez added. “It’s about balance and modeling good behavior. We also need to address loneliness and give kids other ways to feel connected.”