Test-taking Is A Skill

Danny StraussBy Danny Strauss
Founder of A Perfect Score
Test Prep Expert

What better skill to teach a young student than How To Take A Test?

Surprisingly, this is a skill not taught in school. Perhaps it is because we (teachers, students and parents) tend to look at a test score as a reflection of how well a student studied for a test, an indication of a student’s ability, or even as a measurement of how smart they are. But no matter what these tests are telling us about our kids, one thing these tests undoubtedly measure is how well the student takes a test.

There is a performance aspect to test-taking and perhaps it should be looked at the way we look at performance on stage or in a playoff game. Athletes, actors and musicians are certainly aware of having to perform under pressure, in front of an audience, and they factor that into their preparation. Students should, too. (more…)

Overnight Camps in the Time of Covid

Jill LevinBy Jill Levin
Are you looking to send your child to an overnight camp this summer but concerned about Covid? If so, you’re not alone. I think most parents are evaluating whether sending their children away during these times is a good idea.

You should know that the camps that I work with have learned what they need to do to keep campers and staff safe – and have done a great job accomplishing that! Some camps took on this responsibility in the summer of 2020. They followed CDC and state guidelines. For 2021, they shared these best practices with other camps and they remained aware of changes as they occurred. The result was a very successful 2021 camp season. I have every confidence that summer 2022 will be the same. (more…)

Valentine’s Day Cocktails

AmorMi Amor

  • 1 ½ oz. Inspiro Tequila
  • 2-3 strawberries, cut up
  • 2-3 dashes of chocolate bitters
  • Petal Sparkling Rose

Directions: Rim glass with strawberry and roll into coco powder. Add strawberries and chocolate bitters to the bottom of a shaker and muddle. Add Inspiro Tequila and ice to shaker and shake well. (more…)

PUL3E Fights Heart Failure with One Woman’s Crypto NFT Power

By Emilie Wright
The PUL3E NFT project just launched in support of my fiancé Andrew’s untimely diagnosis of severe heart failure earlier this year, 2021, at only 31. PUL3E is a collection of 7,676 beautifully-rendered 3D animated NFTs based on the human heart, showcasing a range of heart conditions and abnormalities, to raise money for the heart charities that have supported Andrew and many others during their journey. I have pledged to donate 5-10% of all proceeds raised from selling NFT art to heart charities.

A Perfectly Terrible Storm
PUL3E is the result of a perfectly terrible, unfortunate, and heartbreaking storm. Were it not for my lifetime of experience working in mental health services and advocating for social justice and equality and my passion for cryptocurrency and NFT (Non-Fungible Token) digital art project, I don’t know what I would have done when my partner Andrew and I discovered that his sudden shortness of breath and chronic fatigue and his generally extreme unwellness was the result of sudden heart failure. (more…)

Why You should Support City Council Candidate Dr. Sharona Nazarian

Dr. Nazarian promises public safety, economic development and improved quality of life.

Q: Why are you running for council?
A: I am running for Beverly Hills City Council because I have dedicated my career to public service and I have a deep commitment to giving back to the community that has given me so many opportunities. I am a proud immigrant, active in the community and a philanthropic advocate. I am a 30-year Beverly Hills resident with strong community ties and currently a Beverly Hills Public Works Commissioner and LA County Commissioner for Alcohol and Other Drugs. I have been actively involved in Beverly Hills for decades. I am a public servant, and our community means everything to me. I love living here with my family, and over the last few months, I realize that we need some fresh and innovative thinking. It is time to bring new energy and ideas to the city council, and together we can do this so our community has more of a voice. (more…)

How to Set Your Intentions for 2022

By Shirin Yadegar

Shirin Yadegar2021 was a year grounded in deep gratitude for having survived a pandemic both physically and emotionally. We locked ourselves in our homes, homeschooled our children and reevaluated our lives.

My family was lucky to have an abundance of food, emotional support and love. We had time to reflect on friendships and family dynamics. We made a pledge to get rid of what doesn’t serve us and fill our buckets with love, compassion and good energy.

Heading into 2022, I have set my intentions based on my discoveries the past year, meditation, and an abundance for readings and podcasts. Here’s what I think will be helpful if you’re willing to open your mind and your heart.

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GINGERBREAD TRIFLE WITH POACHED PEARS

By Pamela Saltzman

gingerbreadSERVES 8-10
For an 8 x 8 pan of gingerbread:

  • ¾ cup unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup melted unrefined coconut oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour*
  • 1 ½ teaspoons aluminum-free baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
  • 3 teaspoons (1 Tablespoon) ground ginger
  • 3 teaspoons (1 Tablespoon) ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup hot water

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