All posts tagged: circles

How Song Circles Are Rebuilding Community

How Song Circles Are Rebuilding Community

Published by Sam Flores

“Throughout human history, creating social bonds across large groups has been one of our most persistent challenges. Emerging research suggests that group singing may be one of our most powerful tools for doing so.” — Kendra Hoffman, Founder of Ladybug Earthcare In 2016, I applied for and received a grant to do research in Nepal. I was 19 and went with two friends from the country, where we spent two months exploring different forms of education. When I say “research,” I say it lightly, because what I mostly found myself doing was leading song circles about moose and mangos. The grant allowed me to visit three schools: one public school in Kathmandu; one private school in rural Western Nepal founded by my friend Prakash, nowhere near Everest but on the opposite side of the country; and another school in the city founded on Buddhist principles. The original idea was that I would shadow classes and quietly observe. I imagined myself taking notes in the back of rooms, trying to understand the structure of things. That …

Manipulative people use both kindness and gossip as separate tools to control their social circles

Manipulative people use both kindness and gossip as separate tools to control their social circles

Published by José Betancourt

People who manipulate social circles through gossip or exclusion are largely driven by dark personality traits, and possessing positive traits generally fails to stop this behavior. Researchers found that while acting kindly toward others can slightly reduce the likelihood of engaging in social sabotage, it does not erase the influence of underlying malevolence. The findings were recently published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. Relational aggression involves intentionally harming someone’s relationships or social standing instead of using physical violence. Examples include spreading malicious rumors, giving the silent treatment, or organizing a group to purposely exclude a specific person. Because it is subtle, individuals seeking to avoid open conflict often prefer it over direct confrontation. This dynamic frequently plays out in adult environments like workplaces, community groups, and extended friend circles. Victims of this type of aggression frequently face serious mental health consequences. Being targeted can lead to increased depression, hopelessness, and extreme loneliness. The individuals who dish out this aggression also experience difficulties. Perpetrators frequently report their own struggles with anxiety, risky habits, and …

French activist’s death ignites Italy’s far-right circles

French activist’s death ignites Italy’s far-right circles

Published by Sam Flores

Fabio Rampelli, a member of Fratelli d’Italia, the far-right party led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, on December 28, 2025. ROBERTO MONALDO/LAPRESSE/SHUTTERSTOCK/SIPA Emmanuel Macron’s response was quick to spark debate in Italy. When questioned about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s reaction to the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon, the French president, who was concluding an official visit in India at the time, on Thursday, February 19, told Meloni to stop “commenting on what is happening in other people’s countries.” On Wednesday, the Italian prime minister had expressed outrage over Deranque’s death in Lyon on her X account, calling it “a wound for all of Europe.” In response to this, Macron retorted sharply: “I’m always struck by the fact that people who are nationalists – who don’t want anyone bothering them at home – are always the first to comment on what’s happening elsewhere.” Macron’s remarks were received “with astonishment” by sources at the Italian prime minister’s office, which, on Thursday, clarified that Meloni had merely …

People Who Walk In Circles When Talking On The Phone Usually Have These 11 Subconscious Reasons

People Who Walk In Circles When Talking On The Phone Usually Have These 11 Subconscious Reasons

Published by Jenni Sidey

Walking, whether it’s outside or pacing around your office, often boosts cognition and brain health, according to a study from Age & Ageing. So, if you’re talking on the phone, trying to naturally make connections, process information, and digest someone’s communication without clear visual cues, chances are walking is a behavior that assists you in having better conversations. People who walk in circles when talking on the phone usually have these subconscious reasons. Even if they’re not aware of it, their body and brain are inherently interconnected and often rely on each other in equally beneficial ways. Whether it’s helping them to process what someone is saying or boosting their creativity, walking in circles isn’t just keeping them entertained. People who walk in circles when talking on the phone usually have these 11 subconscious reasons 1. They’re processing stress or anxiety Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock Simply moving your body and getting out of your sedentary lifestyle can reduce anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns. So, if someone is dealing with a lot of emotional turmoil or …

Why you really have dark circles: An expert explains the 4 types and how to fix them

Why you really have dark circles: An expert explains the 4 types and how to fix them

Published by Daniella Wilson

When it comes to the beauty questions I’m asked most often, I’ve noticed how frequently the topic of dark circles arises. There are so many influencing factors beyond our control (genetics, for instance, play a significant part) but it is important to know that other variables are within your power if you are trying to reduce the appearance of under-eye shadows. Beyond sleep: Why lifestyle factors and genetics cause dark circles “Some people simply have dark circles because they’ve genetically inherited thinner skin under their eyes or a higher concentration of pigment in that area,” explains Gema Cabañero, founder of her eponymous Anti-Ageing and Advanced Aesthetic Clinic in Madrid, Spain. However, lifestyle is also a crucial factor in understanding why some people struggle with under-eye shadows while others do not. “Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a high-salt, nutrient-deficient diet can worsen skin health and make under-eye shadows more visible,” says the expert.  © GettyThere are multiple factors, from genetics to a high salt diet, that may cause dark under-eye circles, or make …

US spy jet circles Mexico coast as Trump threatens Venezuela-style attack | World | News

US spy jet circles Mexico coast as Trump threatens Venezuela-style attack | World | News

Published by Sam Flores

A US Navy plane has been spotted circling near a part of Mexico’s coast after President Donald Trump threatened military action against the country. The P-8 Poseidon was detected on flight tracking websites conductin surveillance and reconnaisance missions off Tijuana – just south of California. It launched from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington, flying over Oregon and California. It then looped several times off the coast of Mexico and Southern California before returning to base. The P-8 has been used to monitor suspicious ships and movements in the ocean as it’s equipped with with sensors that can detect targets on the surface and underwater. It flew off the Southern Californian coast towards Baja and Ensenada, over territorial waters and exclusive economic zones near San Diego and Tijuana, stretching roughly 352 miles west into the Pacific Ocean. It’s not yet known whether the flight is linked to Mr Trump’s recent comments on Mexico, warning them against drug trafficking. The US president suggested military action similar to that in Venezuela could be possible if the …

The best concealers: eight favourites for camouflaging blemishes and dark circles – tested | Beauty

The best concealers: eight favourites for camouflaging blemishes and dark circles – tested | Beauty

Published by Sam Flores

When life gets stressful, your face is often the first place to show telltale signs. Eye bags get darker after sleepless nights and pimples appear in protest at the first signs of stress. Whatever the cause, the best concealers can help to even out imperfections, so you look flawless regardless of what is going on behind the scenes. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. It might seem obvious, but not all concealers are the same. Some leave a cakey finish on the skin, while others settle quickly into fine lines or blend out and leave barely any coverage at all. Many modern concealers also include active skincare ingredients to combine the benefits of both products. I tested a huge variety of concealers for consideration here, including cult-favourite viral products and new formulas arriving to shake up the makeup game. Below, you’ll find the very best concealers from my testing, with options to suit every skin type, coverage preference and budget. Scroll further …