The Conversation

The Taliban militants of Afghanistan have grown richer and more powerful since their fundamentalist Islamic regime was toppled by U.S. forces in 2001. In the fiscal year that ended in March 2020, the Taliban reportedly brought in US$1.6 billion, according to Mullah Yaqoob, son of the late Taliban spiritual leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, who revealed the Talibans income sources in a confidential report commissioned by NATO and later obtained by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.In comparison, the Afghan government brought in $5.55 billion during the same period. The government is now in peace talks with the Taliban, seeking to end their 19-year insurgency.I study the Talibans finances as an economic policy analyst at the Center for Afghanistan Studies. Heres where their money comes from. 1. Drugs $416 millionAfghanistan accounted for approximately 84% of global opium production over the past five years, according to the United Nations World Drug Report 2020. Much of those illicit drug profits go to the Taliban, which manage opium in areas under their control. The group imposes a 10% tax on every link in the drug production chain, according to a 2008 report from the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, an independent research organization in Kabul. That includes the Afghan farmers who cultivate poppy, the main ingredient in opium, the labs that convert it into a drug and the traders who move the final product out of country. 2. Mining $400 million to $464 millionMining iron ore, marble, copper, gold, zinc and other metals and rare-earth minerals in mountainous Afghanistan is an increasingly lucrative business for the Taliban. Both small-scale mineral-extraction operations and big Afghan mining companies pay Taliban militants to allow them to keep their businesses running. Those who dont pay have faced death threats.According to the Talibans Stones and Mines Commission, or Da Dabaro Comisyoon, the group earns $400 million a year from mining. NATO estimates that figure higher, at $464 million up from just $35 million in 2016. 3. Extortion and taxes $160 millionLike a government, the Taliban tax people and industries in the growing swath of Afghanistan under their control. They even issue official receipts of tax payment.Taxed industries include mining operations, media, telecommunications and development projects funded by international aid. Drivers are also charged for using highways in Taliban-controlled regions, and shopkeepers pay the Taliban for the right to do business. The group also imposes a traditional Islamic form of taxation called ushr which is a 10% tax on a farmers harvest and zakat, a 2.5% wealth tax. According to Mullah Yaqoob, tax revenues which may also be considered extortion bring in around $160 million annually. Since some of those taxed are poppy growers, there could be some financial overlap between tax revenue and drug revenue. 4. Charitable donations $240 millionThe Taliban receive covert financial contributions from private donors and international institutions across the globe. Many Taliban donations are from charities and private trusts located in Persian Gulf countries, a region historically sympathetic to the groups religious insurgency. Those donations add up to about $150 million to $200 million each year, according to the Afghanistan Center for Research and Policy Studies. These charities are on the U.S. Treasurey Departments list of groups that finance terrorism. Private citizens from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran and some Persian Gulf nations also help finance the Taliban, contributing another $60 million annually to the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, according to American counterterrorism agencies. 5. Exports $240 millionIn part to launder illicit money, the Taliban import and export various everyday consumer goods, according to the United Nations Security Council. Known business affiliates include the multinational Noorzai Brothers Limited, which imports auto parts and sells reassembled vehicles and spare automobile parts.The Talibans net income from exports is thought to be around $240 million a year. This figure includes the export of poppy and looted minerals, so there may be financial overlap with drug revenue and mining revenue. 6. Real estate $80 millionThe Taliban own real estate in Afghanistan, Pakistan and potentially other countries, according to Mullah Yaqoob and the Pakistani TV Channel SAMAA. Yaqoob told NATO annual real estate revenue is around $80 million. 7. Specific countriesAccording to BBC reporting, a classified CIA report estimated in 2008 that the Taliban had received $106 million from foreign sources, in particular from the Gulf states.Today, the governments of Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are all believed to bankroll the Taliban, according to numerous U.S. and international sources. Experts say these funds could amount to as much as $500 million a year, but it is difficult to put an exact figure on this income stream. Building a peacetime budgetFor nearly 20 years, the Talibans great wealth has financed mayhem, destruction and death in Afghanistan. To battle its insurgency, the Afghan government also spends heavily on war, often at the expense of basic public services and economic development.[Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversations newsletter.]A peace agreement in Afghanistan would allow the government to redirect its scarce resources. The government might also see substantial new revenue flow in from legal sectors now dominated by the Taliban, such as mining. Stability is additionally expected to attract foreign investment in the country, helping the government end its dependence on donors like the United States and the European Union.There are many reasons to root for peace in war-scarred Afghanistan. Its financial health is one of them.This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Hanif Sufizada, University of Nebraska Omaha.Read more: * How a troop drawdown in Afghanistan signals American weakness and could send Afghan allies into the Talibansarms * After US and Taliban sign accord, Afghanistan must prepare forpeaceHanif Sufizada does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Absolute Beauty // Weight Loss Doesn't Have To Be Difficult! - Yahoo News

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Mike Scott is one of the more popular players on the teams roster. He is personable to the fans and he has an electric personality.

However, his performance on the floor was not up to their standards in the 2019-20 season. He then suffered a knee injury in the bubble and it was a tough time all around for him.

After shooting 41.2% from deep with the Sixers after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2019 deadline, the percentage dropped to 36.9% in 2020. After shedding some weight in the offseason, he is looking to bounce back in this upcoming season.

I worked on my body a lot, Scott said. I had some knee problems in the bubble and I think it came from, I think I was a little bit too heavy and trying to ramp it up and put so much pressure on my body. Im coming back 10 pounds lighter, still want to lose more weight. The older you get, the less you need to weigh, so that might help with the knee problems.

Scott will be playing under former coach Doc Rivers who also coached him with the Clippers. He shot 39.1% from deep in LA, but he only averaged 4.8 points and his play was sporadic.

When I was with the Clippers, I just didnt play well, Scott explained. I dont think I played well last year either, but when I was with Doc, I dont know, [maybe] it was the fit, system, you can say that, but also when its time to go out there and play, you have to do your job. I didnt feel like I did it and I came here. I definitely want to get back to being more consistent.

Having been in the league for eight seasons now, the goal for him is to find some consistency and really figure out his role on this new team.

Taking that next level and for me, at this point of my career, just being more consistent, he added. Easier said than done, just continue to put the work in. Big thing for me is keeping my body right and keeping that weight down. Yeah, I feel good.

The hope is now that the Sixers added other shooters to the roster, there wont be as much pressure on him to be the one shooter to step up and provide space for the team. They relied so much on him to space the floor for Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid so the less pressure he will have combined with the weight loss should help him a lot.

Kenny Atkinson used to always tell me, once your bodys feeling good, once your bodys right, everything else will come, he finished. Getting back to making sure the bodys right, making sure Im getting my shots, and just going out there doing your job. We have the personnel now with floor spacing and playing out on the perimeter, ball movement, same kind of offense I used to play in Atlanta, so getting back to that I feel like will be great for me.

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Sixers forward Mike Scott lost weight, hoping to perform better on the floor - Sixers Wire

OF COURSE Action Bronson brought a kettlebell to the pizza joint. In a video shared on his Instagram, the chef-turned-rapper cranks out squats at LIndustrie Pizzeria in Brooklyn while shouting the names of Italian delicacies. "Focaccia!" Squat. "Tiramisu!" Squat. And although the short clip is lighthearted and funthe best Action Bronson moments typically areit offers a glimpse into the dead-serious journey of a big man taking charge of his life.

At his heaviest, the MC also known as Mr. Baklava was pushing 400 pounds. Now, thanks to an ambitious fitness regimen and an overhaul of his diet, hes down 127 pounds since March. But becoming a healthier person has been a lifelong struggle.

"This journey started way long ago," he says. I was born heavy. I was a heavy child. This transformation was long overdue."

One reason its taken so long to reach this moment is Bronsons love affair with food. Before he was putting out songs with Chance the Rapper and A$AP Rocky, Bronson, born Ariyan Arslani, was a high school dropout from Flushing, Queens, who found purpose in the kitchen. Bronson attended culinary school, then worked as a chef around New York City. After breaking his leg in 2011 and being unable to work, he turned all his attention to making it as a rapper, releasing a series of well-received mixtapes and gaining props within the hip-hop community for his braggadocious delivery and proclivity for translating his impressive culinary vocabulary into bars. Rapping about food"Shiraz," "Brunch," and "Jerk Chicken" are three tracks from his 2011 debut albumbecame something of an Action Bronson signature.

He parlayed that notoriety into F*ck, Thats Delicious, a Vice TV show thats like a hip-hop-infused spin on Anthony Bourdains No Reservations. The combined lifestyle of a touring rap artist and stoner TV host focused on sharing decadent meals with his loyal viewers eventually caught up with Bronson.

"There was a lot of shit like prediabetes, eczema, asthma, all kinds of fucking dumb stuff that I had given myself," he says. He struggled with portion control. "If I made something that was a big, round dish, I would eat the big, round dish. I wouldnt just have one piece."

Matt WinkelmeyerGetty Images

But a major life event finally convinced Bronson he needed to turn things around: the birth of his son in 2019.

"You always want to be around for your family," he says. "It wasnt going to happen unless I made that decision myself, and, you know, it takes some soul-searching and some shit to really bother you. Like something that really gets under your skin to make that change. That happened to me."

The first step was completely reimagining his daily routine. Bronson wakes up at 4:00 a.m. and starts his day with a protein shake. His breakfast is consistent: two eggs, three egg whites, one piece of sprouted rye bread, and an avocado.

Then he drives a half hour to Impact Zone Fitness in Norwood, New Jersey. He boxes for 45 minutes, then gets into his sweat session with trainer Dave Paladino.

"Ive already got my work in while everyone else is snoozing," Bronson says, "putting in big gains, big protein, you know?"

Bronson is a fan of HIIT workouts, preferring athletic circuits that test his entire body. He rattles off his favorites like hes about to spit a verse. "Like 50-pound medicine-ball throws, you know, down a 50-yard track, throwing it as far as you can, all the way down the track and back." Slams. Carries. Presses. Sled pushes. He finishes with a hundred burpees "or some sort of ridiculous thing."

Mr. Baklava also needed to redefine his relationship with food in order to achieve his health goals. "Im kinda like a boring eater at this point," he says with a laugh, but he claims to be "more interested in food now than ever," because hes fascinated by nutrition. He says hes eating more filling foods, emphasizing protein and complex carbohydrates, and refraining from any carbs at night.

"Youre playing quarterback with your own body. Its all about decisions," he says.

Even though he has been able to pull off a staggering physical transformation in just a few months, hes clear-eyed about the obstacles ahead.

"Ive only managed to do it for six months, bro," Bronson says. "Im known to fall off the wagon."

Hes loath to talk too much about the future"this is a day-by-day play"but Bronson comes across as a man whos focused on continuing his progress.

"If youre blessed with abs and 5 percent body fat, youre gonna be grinding to make that happen your whole life. You just have to realize that thats what it is. You keep your eye on the prize and dont let yourself fall down."

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Here's How Action Bronson Dropped Over 125 Pounds in 2020 - menshealth.com

Obalon Therapeutics (NASDAQ:OBLN) stock is skyrocketing higher on Monday despite a lack of news from the company.

Source: Bukhta Yurii / Shutterstock.com

The boost of OBLN stock comes as it experiences heavy trading today. As of this writing, more than 116 million shares of the stock have changed hands. To put that in perspective, the companys daily average trading volume is just roughly 435,000 shares.

With all this trading, investors are surely taking an interest in OBLN stock and likely want to know more about the company. Fortunately, we have a quick primer on Obalon Therapeutics below.

OBLN stock was up 93.5% as of noon Monday.

On the date of publication, William White did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2020/12/obln-stock-what-to-know-about-obalon-therapeutics/.

2020 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

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OBLN Stock: 11 Things to Know About Weight Loss Balloon Play Obalon Therapeutics - InvestorPlace

Losing weight in a sustainable way means making lifestyle changes that you can stick to. Dramatic diet restrictions and changes to your exercise routine do not work for long, and usually leave you feeling even worse.

Instead, try incorporating simple lifestyle changes into your routine that you will actually be able to do on a regular basis.Here are 4 ways to get started:

100+ Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your Holiday List

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When it comes to weight loss, you might have heard that you should be skipping breakfast, but that couldn't be further from the truth. For tangible and sustainable weight loss, it's crucial that you start your day with a high-protein breakfast that will keep you full.

A good breakfast can help jumpstart your metabolism first thing in the morning and can keep your appetite satisfied until it's time to eat again.

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It might be hard to believe, but your sleep routine can have an impact on your weight.

According to Psychology Today, "When you sleep less than 6 hours a night, your body produces a 'hunger hormone' ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite and causes you to crave carbohydrate-rich and fatty foods...When you get enough sleep, your body produces a satiety hormone, leptin, which naturally curbs your appetite."

With that in mind, if you are hoping to lose weight, it's a good idea to start thinking about your sleep schedule and make the necessary adjustments.

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Getting in your steps everyday is a great way to keep your body moving, even if you are working on the computer all day. Taking breaks to go for a walk outside, pacing while on the phone, and staying active are all important aspects to breaking up a more sedentary lifestyle.

Plus, walking can help regulate your blood sugar. Dr. Robert Zembroski, DC, DACNB, MS tells Bustle, "Data out of Diabetes Care revealed that a 15 minute walk after eating a meal significantly improves blood sugar."

It can also help improve digestion and help keep your cardiovascular system running properly.

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Finding an accountability partner--whether at home or online--can be a huge component to successful weight loss.

First, decide what you want to be held accountable for: weekly workouts? cutting junk food? eating more whole foods? drinking the right amount of water? Then, find someone you trust who will help hold you to that; it's even better if have things they want you to be held accountable for too.

This can help you stay on track, but it can also help you make your goals more reasonable when you know someone will be supporting you through them.

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4 Simple Lifestyle Changes You Can Make To Lose Weight By The Holidays - SheFinds

Intermittent fasting is one of the more popular (and argument-provoking) diet trends of recent yearsit was even the most-searched diet term on Google last year. Its not hard to guess what it entails: abstaining from food, or at least most food, for specific intervals. It's been taken up by everyone from Silicon Valley biohackers to TikTok models. Diets based on it have been touted for a huge list of benefits: It might be good for weight loss. It might work to balance out ones blood sugar. Some even follow it for mental clarity, the idea being that by not eating a big lunch, youll avoid the grogginess that hits a couple hours later.

But what can anyone legitimately expect to gain from taking on an intermittent fasting diet? Those benefits are all related: The number one reason people do it is for weight loss, but when you lose weight, that helps lower blood pressure, which helps to prevent heart disease and diabetes, says Krista Varady, nutrition professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

As GQ has explored before, paying attention to when you eat is just as important as what youre eating, and intermittent fasting is one of the simplest ways to start experimenting with a diet.

The Fast Track

When it comes to the specifics of intermittent fasting, there are generally three different approaches to take. Some people opt for alternate-day fasting: Eat whatever you want on off days, but limit calories to around 500 on fasting days. Some try the 5:2 diet, which involves fasting during the week and making the weekend your off days.

But taking entire days off is on the extreme end of things. According to Varady, the most popular kind of intermittent fasting is time-restricted eating. In the most popular form, eating is limited to an eight-hour window each day. Depending on your schedule, you can put the window wherever you want, although Varady says making it from noon to 8 p.m. is generally easiest for most people.

The minute you take dinner out, people get upset about it, because then they cant socialize with friends or eat with family, she says.

The beauty of the diet is that it doesn't specify what you should be eating, only when. Pick a schedule that works for you and there isn't much more to it than that. Many people find that easier than cutting out certain foods or counting calories. And while this isn't explicitly the goal, Varady's research indicates that people end up cutting out anywhere from 300 to 500 calories each day without counting them. She also finds that about 80 percent of people who try a time-restricted eating fast say they plan on continuing it.

Why Eating Less Means More

Typical Western diets are heavy on simple carbohydrates. (Think of the sandwiches or slices of pizza you might eat for lunch or dinner.) These food items provide the glucose the body uses as fuel. But spiking glucose is accompanied by a rise in insulin, which the body uses to process blood sugars. Thats often what causes a sluggish feeling as the day goes on.

According to proponents of the diet, fasting for 16 hours evens these spikes out and recalibrates the body. A longer fast leads to lower blood pressure, and several studies show that time-restricted eating is associated with better cardiovascular health because of what the body ends up burning for fuel. In the absence of glucose, the body switches to burning fat, and as the body releases more fat into the bloodstream, the level of insulin drops accordingly. This, in turn, provides a needed break for cells to rest. In effect, fasting tricks the body into thinking its time to conserve its resources.

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Intermittent Fasting: The Beginners Guide to Time-Restricted Eating, 5:2 Diets, and Other Forms of Intermittent Fasting - GQ

There are many different microorganisms in and on the human body, mainly in the form of friendly bacteria. Some of these bacteria may play a role in weight loss and gain. In the gut, beneficial bacteria help break down and digest food. They also help create nutrients and vitamins for the body to use. The probiotic bacteria feed on fibres and turn them into helpful compounds.

Research in The British Journal of Nutrition studied the effects of Lactobacillus on people with obesity. Women who took the probiotic supplement lost more weight during the study than women who didnt. Additionally, the group taking a probiotic supplement continued to lose more weight in the weight-maintenance stage, after they finished dieting. The same effects did not occur in men, however.

Another 2013 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods looked at the effects of Lactobacillus on individuals who were overweight but otherwise healthy ate the yoghurt that contained these Lactobacillus strains for 6 weeks. At the end of this period, the participants had lost an average of 34% body fat.

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What are probiotic foods and how they help lose weight and belly fat - Times of India

TLC TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH THE RETURN OF THREE FAN-FAVORITE SERIES

-- UNPOLISHED Premieres on Tuesday, January 12 at 10pm ET/PT --

-- 1,000-LB SISTERS Premieres on Monday, January 4 at 10pm ET/PT --

-- MY 600-LB LIFE Premieres on Wednesday, December 30 at 8pm ET/PT --

(Los Angeles, CA) -- It may be cold outside, but things are heating up on TLC with the return of three fan-favorite series. MY 600-LB LIFE follows all-new patients as they embark upon their weight loss journey, 1,000-LB SISTERS debuts with a surprise pregnancy and the new season of UNPOLISHED has a wedding on the horizon. More information on each series is below:

UNPOLISHED - Premieres on TLC on Tuesday, January 12 at 10pm ET/PT

It's been a year of extreme highs and lows for the Martones and the glitziest family-owned and operated salon on Long Island. Always hard at work for their beauty business, Lexi, a cutting-edge nail artist, and her sister Bria, a hair colorist and makeup artist, saw their routines come crashing down as the pandemic arrived earlier this year. Then, in the thick of it all, the tragic and unexpected passing of their father and biggest supporter, Big Mike, left the family in shambles. Mother and administrative lead at the salon, Jennifer, is forced to step up to help make ends meet, taking control of the family's obligations. Despite all the personal and financial turmoil, and to Lexi's dismay, Bria and her fianc Matt are still planning to have their wedding as the extravagant affair she and her father dreamed of, but coronavirus restrictions get in the way of Bria's dream wedding. Meanwhile, once the green light is given to safely resume services while adhering to health and safety guidelines, Lexi must put the personal aside and continue to deliver for her special clients' extreme requests, from a "mer-mazing" set of nautical nails to an amusement park-themed look. But as Bria's big day approaches, Lexi starts to crack and reveal some long-suppressed emotions about her tight-knit family. Additionally, in the digital mid-form series Unpolished: Extensions, premiering on TLC Go on January 5, the Martone ladies dive into their beauty routings, wedding prep, and how to create the perfect blowout. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #Unpolished. UNPOLISHED is produced by Cakehouse Media for TLC.

1,000-LB SISTERS - Premieres on TLC on Monday, January 4 at 10pm ET/P

Last season, viewers were introduced to Amy and Tammy Slaton, spunky sisters from Kentucky who have built an online presence sharing their lives, weight struggles and larger-than-life personalities. Fans watched them attempt their biggest endeavor yet, losing enough weight to qualify for and undergo life-changing bariatric surgery. Amy, 33, qualified and went through with the surgery, while Tammy, 34, struggled to reach her goal weight. This season, a few months after her successful surgery, Amy learns more good news - that she and her husband Michael are expecting their first baby. Having a child of their own is everything Amy has always dreamed of, but Tammy is concerned that Amy is still recovering from her procedure, and that her doctor had warned her to wait at least two years to get pregnant. Meanwhile, Tammy has moved in next door to Amy and Michael and relies on them for her basic daily needs. Amy worries that with a baby on the way, she won't have time to care for Tammy, and hopes her sister can learn to become more independent. During quarantine, Tammy's weight has fluctuated, worrying Amy and her family that Tammy's recent weight gain means that she has fallen into old habits. The sisters' older brother Chris decides to join Tammy on her journey in the hopes of getting approved for weight loss surgery himself and to hold Tammy accountable. They hope they can motivate her to get back on track in order to qualify for weight loss surgery. Meanwhile, Tammy is head over heels for her boyfriend Jerry, who she met in person once last year in Atlanta. Now, he's agreed to visit her in Kentucky and Tammy hopes this means he's ready to take their relationship to the next level. However, when Tammy's siblings discover the details of how they met, they worry that Jerry could sabotage Tammy's weight loss goals and distract her from making her health a priority. Additionally, in a short-form series premiering December 11 exclusively on social, Tammy and Amy will give viewers a fun-filled experience cooking healthy foods, attempting the "Hot and Sour" challenge, and even giving Amy's husband, Michael, a makeover! Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #1000lbSisters. 1,000-LB SISTERS is produced by Crazy Legs Productions for TLC.

MY 600-LB LIFE - Premieres on TLC on Wednesday, December 30 at 8pm ET/P

MY 600-LB LIFE follows the journeys of morbidly obese people as they fight to save their own lives by making the courageous decision to undergo high-risk gastric bypass surgery. Chronicling lifelong hardships with addiction and the inevitable impact their condition has on their closest relationships, each episode gives an inside look at the extreme emotional and physical journeys each person must undergo to qualify for life-saving surgery with Dr. Nowzaradan. Join the conversation using #My600lbLife. MY 600-LB LIFE is produced for TLC by Megalomedia.

Follow TLC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest on these series and more.

ABOUT TLC

Offering remarkable real-life stories without judgment, TLC shares everyday heart, humor, hope, and human connection with programming genres that include fascinating families, heartwarming transformations and life's milestone moments. TLC is the #1 primetime ad-supported cable network across key female demos.TLC is a global brand available in more than 84 million homes in the US and 279 million households around the world. Viewers can enjoy their favorite shows anytime, anywhere through TLC GO - the network's TVE offering featuring live and on demand access to complete seasons. A destination online, TLC.com offers in-depth fan sites and exclusive original video content. Fans can also interact with TLC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Pinterest. TLC is part of Discovery (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), reaching 3 billion cumulative viewers in more than 220 countries and territories to satisfy curiosity and captivate superfans with a portfolio of premium nonfiction, lifestyle, sports and kids content brands.

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Breaking News - TLC to Celebrate the New Year with the Return of Three Fan-Favorite Series - The Futon Critic

With 2020coming to a close,the first line ofAuld LangSyne Shouldauld acquaintance beforgot?is on our minds.In this pandemic age,now-familiartermslike testing, mask, and work-from-homehaveearnedentirely new and deeper meanings.And newertermslike social distancingand COVID circlehavebecomedaily (hourly?) utterances.As a leader in your organization, you may bewondering:Shouldtheauldannual party beforgot?

Rather than lament that things are not the same,though,why notfind a silver lining? After all, COVID-19 wontstopthe holidays from coming.A remote or virtual celebration presents opportunities thatyour organization might not have with an in-person, traditional event.This is a leadership opportunity.Holding an engaging, rewarding eventwill requireout-of-the-box thinking,positivity,and strong leadership.This will be true from the highest level of management through all members ofthe party planning committee.

But we have confidence you can host a virtual celebration that could be used to recognize hard effort,support a charitable cause, or just simply add some levity to these otherwise dark times.And you can do so in a way that does not havecolleagues feelingleft outof the fun because oftheir age,gender, religious views, race, or health concerns.

A Holiday Party(At Home)Is Important,NowMore Than Ever

In arecent surveyof189 companies,only 23%reportedthat theyare planning a holiday partythis year;54% are not,and 23%are undecided or waiting for guidance.Of the 23%planning to celebrate,74% willdo so virtually.While it appears thata very small number of companiesstill anticipate holding in-person events, given the multitude of new,revived, or anticipatedCOVID-19mitigation orders, we wouldexpect many of those in-person plans to soon change.

Top 4 Suggestions For 2020 Holiday Celebrations

Withmany employeesathome,generally, and everyonemissingcoffee station camaraderie,organizations are looking for morale-boosting ideas. Here are our how-to tips for a virtual event.

1. Make events voluntary. From whether your employees show up at all to how much they participate, remember that while year-end company celebrations are professional, work-related events, they are optional. Dont put pressure on already stressed staff to add one more thing to their list. Everyone wont be interested, just like in any other year and thats okay.

2. Offer multiple options. Inclusivitycreates space for people to be their authentic selves. And some peoplewould rather watch hours of made-for-TV movies alone than hop on another video happy hour.Consider offering more than one way for yourteamto celebrateso everyone can feel special.

For example, virtual mixology classes and wine tastings are proving to be popular, but they can exclude those who dont drink alcoholbecause of their age, religious beliefs, or experience withsubstance or alcohol use disorders.Gather input from a diverse group of employeesto ensure your plans arent unintentionally excluding anyone.Perhaps your workforce could opt into one of several options:a mixology class, a cooking experience, a craft project, or a gift card toa food delivery service.

3. Remind everyone about company policies. Now is a good opportunity to remind everyone that, even in a remote celebration, company policiesapply.For example,any event, whether in person or on a screen, might be recorded, photographed, or turned into an unflattering screenshot. Harassmentcan bemore prevalent online than it is in person.

Andeven at home and behind a camera, employees should be appropriately dressed andtake it easy on the drinks. Send out your harassment, drug and alcohol, and social media policies(you do have a social media policy,yes?)in advance of your events.Before doing so, consider whether updates to your policies are warranted,to more specifically address the current nature of work in your organization.

4. Get creative. There are lots of great ideas out there to make youremployeesfeel special and often for far less than the cost of a traditional in-person event. Heres a list of what our clients (and we!) arebooking and looking into:

Inclosing, this has beena year of unprecedented pivots.From our perspective, organizations that pivot,once more,toward a virtual year-end or holiday event areon the mark. With strong leadership, some measure of creativity, and a determined purpose, your virtual eventcanbemore memorable than the auld parties of the past.

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Theres No Place But Home for the Holiday Party: How To Safely Celebrate Your Organization This Year - JD Supra